A total of 70 clinical psychologists from the Balearic Health Service have filed a formal complaint against the Ministry of Health for the Hiring professionals without a psychology specialization A mental health clinic has been established in several primary care centers in the Balearic Islands. The group is demanding the annulment of these appointments and insisting that the positions be filled exclusively by specialists. The professionals, represented by lawyer Pablo Alonso de Caso, consider these contracts null and void and contrary to current regulations. According to the complaint filed on January 13, 2026, the Health Service has hired 16 psychologists without clinical specialization in the last year. Specifically, these appointments have occurred in nine primary care centers in Mallorca—including those in Arquitecto Bennàssar, Son Cladera, Portocristo, and Son Servera—, in Menorca—Canal Salat, Virgen del Toro, Dalt Sant Joan, and Es Banyer—, and in four facilities in Misas. Trained Specialists

Clinical psychologists argue that state legislation clearly establishes that only professionals specializing in clinical psychology can provide the services included in the National Health System's portfolio. In this regard, they cite Royal Decree 2490/1998, the General Law on Public Health, and the Law on the Regulation of Health Professions, which reserve these functions for specialists trained through the residency system. The complaint emphasizes that general health psychologists have limited competencies and cannot assume diagnostic, treatment, and intervention tasks specific to clinical psychology within the public sector. According to the group, hiring professionals without this specialization not only violates legal procedures but can also compromise the quality and guarantees of the psychological care patients receive.

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Clinical psychologists—those with competitive examinations and specialized training—are on alert because, according to sources, the Ministry of Health will publish in the BOIB (Official Gazette of the Autonomous Community of Madrid) the provisions to allow the incorporation of general health psychologists: those who have a degree and then complete a master's degree (but have not taken the competitive examination). One of the clinical professionals, who has contacted the ARA Baleares (Balearic Association of the Balearic Islands), says that the decision could also impact the quality of care. "Clinical psychologists have taken the PIR (Resident Psychologist) exam and, upon completion, complete four years of residency, during which they cover all areas. Healthcare professionals, on the other hand, complete a two-year master's degree and can then practice in the private sector. The former have much more comprehensive training," he explains.

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