Discomfort among clinical psychologists over the possibility that the Health Department will hire professionals without opposition

PalmClinical 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.

The professionals are awaiting the Ministry's next moves. If the hiring of professionals without competitive examinations were to be brought to the BOIB (Official Gazette of the Autonomous Community of Madrid), the decision would be challenged. "Now, justice is slow, and they'll be in the loop." The protest isn't against the colleagues who didn't take the PIR, but rather against the fact that: "Health says there aren't enough clinical psychologists, but that's false. There are always more applicants than there are available positions," explains the same source. "Many of those left out have ended up working in educational centers, where they don't perform healthcare work, but rather educational work."

It should be remembered that this year the Regional Ministry of Education has incorporated 76 psychology professionals into schools and institutes that offer secondary education. These psychologists have worked in secondary education institutes (IES), integrated vocational training centres (CIFP), and comprehensive education centres, providing care to 5,700 people—including students, teachers, and families—through individual and group interventions tailored to the needs of each educational community.

More needs, fewer professionals.

The lack of mental health professionals in the public health system is a problem, especially considering the increase in people with psychological distress since the pandemic. Many health centers and primary care units lack psychologists and psychiatrists, and those that do require a referral from a primary care physician to access them. All of this impacts the care provided to patients with mental health problems. Waiting lists to see a doctor are long, and many people either give up or end up in private care, where they must pay for expensive services. "We have diagnosed patients who wait three months between appointments. There's a shortage of social educators, social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists," lamented Maria Amengual, coordinator of the des(Integrades) program of the 3 Salut Mental association, during the presentation of the "Let's Talk About Suicide" campaign.

For his part, Antonio Zamora, the Mental Health Care Coordinator for the Ministry of Health, lamented that waiting times "are always longer than we would like." "There is a shortage of professionals, and we are working to find them," he added. Zamora stated that the Ministry of Health is considering the possibility of adding a psychologist to each health center. "Primary Care management is looking into it, but there are many health centers and basic units. It's a project that needs to be shaped," he said.