What is general health psychology?
General health psychology is a regulated healthcare profession that legally qualifies psychologists to carry out psychological assessment, diagnosis, intervention and treatment within the private healthcare sector.
It is important to understand that this is not simply an academic specialisation, but a professional role with explicit legal backing. Without the relevant qualifying qualification, a graduate in Psychology cannot legally treat patients in Spain, regardless of the knowledge or experience they may have.
Before this role existed, the professional landscape in Spain was characterised by regulatory shortcomings. Many psychologists were practising in the healthcare sector without a clear legal framework to regulate such practice or to guarantee patient protection. The creation of the qualification of ‘general healthcare psychologist’ resolved this situation, establishing a common educational and legal standard for all professionals wishing to practise in this field.
The profile of the general health psychologist differs from that of the clinical psychologist —who gain entry via the PIR and practise within the public system—in that it is geared towards practice in the private sector: private practices, private mental health centres, psychological clinics or psychological support services in companies and institutions. It is, in short, the main route for those who wish to practise psychology independently and legally outside the national health service.
What is the Master’s in General Health Psychology for?
The Master’s in General Health Psychology is a 18-month qualifying postgraduate programme worth 90 ECTS credits, available as a face-to-face and online , which qualifies you to practise as a general health psychologist in the private sector.
Throughout the programme, you will develop the analytical skills needed to understand each patient’s situation, make decisions independently and intervene in a wide variety of clinical contexts. Key skills you will acquire include:
- Psychological assessment and intervention: planning and carrying out assessments of human behaviour and implementing different intervention models aimed at improving health.
- Diagnosis and treatment: preventing, diagnosing and treating psychopathological disorders and mental health problems.
- Emotional distress: anxiety attacks, bereavement, relationship breakdowns, traumatic events or workplace conflicts.
- Psychological disorders: depression, personality disorders , phobias, OCD or eating disorders.
- Conditions with psychological implications: obesity, epilepsy, diabetes, migraines or high blood pressure.
- Chronic conditions: chronic pain, dementia, cancer, infertility or those requiring extensive care.
- Couples and families: intervention in relationship conflicts and dysfunctional family dynamics.
- Children and young people: behavioural difficulties, learning difficulties, self-esteem issues or substance use.
- Vulnerable groups: immigrants, children of people with mental health conditions or those with addictions.
- Older people: cognitive decline, loneliness or delayed grief.
- Reports and referrals: preparing psychological reports and referring clients to the appropriate specialists.
- Research and public health: conducting research in the field of health and promoting healthy habits amongst the general population.
Is it compulsory to hold the qualifying qualification to practise as a psychologist?
To practise any of the above legally, it is essential to hold the qualifying qualification required by law. Law 33/2011 of 4 October, the General Public Health Act, marked a turning point for psychology in Spain: it formally recognised the discipline as a healthcare profession and established, through its seventh additional provision, that any graduate in Psychology wishing to practise in the healthcare sector must obtain a specific qualifying qualification. This resolved a legal loophole that had previously left both service users and the professionals themselves unprotected.
Practising without this qualification is not merely an academic shortcoming: it constitutes a breach of the regulations governing health professions, with serious consequences for both the professional and the patient. The qualifying qualification is, therefore, the legal foundation upon which all professional practice in mental health is built, and that is why it is essential to choose a programme that scrupulously complies with the requirements laid down by law, such as the UAX Master’s in General Health Psychology.
Entry requirements for the Master’s in General Health Psychology
The basic requirements are set out in national regulations, specifically Order CNU/1070/2013, although each university may establish additional admission criteria. Here is what you need to know:
Prior degree in psychology
The fundamental and essential requirement is to hold a degree in Psychology, or a degree from a foreign university that has been recognised by the Spanish Ministry of Education.
No other qualification permits entry to this Master’s programme. Entry is not permitted from related degree programmes, dual degrees with another subject, or health-related qualifications other than Psychology. If your qualification is from abroad, the recognition process is essential before submitting any application.
It is worth bearing in mind that not all undergraduate degree programmes cover the same range of subject matter. Those with a stronger focus on the clinical and healthcare fields may facilitate both admission to the Master’s programme and academic performance whilst studying. Students who have graduated with a degree in psychology from UAX have the advantage that the undergraduate curriculum is designed with a view to providing a smooth transition to this specialisation.
Possession of 90 ECTS credits in healthcare
To gain entry to the Master’s programme, the regulations require that your Bachelor’s degree in Psychology includes a minimum of 90 ECTS credits of specifically health-related content.
What is meant by health-related content? Modules relating to psychopathology, clinical psychological assessment, health intervention, neuropsychology, health psychology or similar subjects. Not all specialisations or degree programmes automatically include this.
Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology that offer a specialisation or pathway in Health Psychology, in line with Order ECD/1070/2013, usually meet this requirement. If your degree does not comply with this order or does not have a health-related pathway, you may not achieve the required 90 credits.
Before applying for a place on any master’s programme, check your academic record carefully and verify with the university whether you meet this criterion. Some institutions offer personalised guidance during the admissions process to help you assess this.
Student profile and skills
Beyond the academic profile, programmes place great value on candidates possessing a range of skills and attitudes that complement their training. Among the most relevant are:
- Clinical interest: a clear motivation towards the assessment and intervention in psychological problems, particularly in the field of clinical and health psychology.
- Scientific orientation: an interest in research and a commitment to the use of evidence-based procedures.
- Language skills: proficiency in Spanish at least at B2 level.
- Personal and professional skills: problem-solving ability, teamwork, empathy, ethical commitment and an honest and respectful attitude when dealing with others.
Admissions process and required documentation
The admission procedure includes a pre-admission interview to assess aspects not reflected in the written documentation.
To complete pre-enrolment, the following documents must be submitted:
- Bachelor’s degree in Psychology or proof of application for the degree.
- Valid national identity card, NIE or passport.
- An up-to-date CV.
Summary
General healthcare psychology is the regulated healthcare profession that qualifies psychologists to practise in the private healthcare sector. Without the official Master’s degree that accredits this qualification, it is not possible to treat patients legally in Spain.
The entry requirements for the Master’s in General Health Psychology are: holding a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, having completed at least 90 ECTS credits in health-related subjects during the Bachelor’s degree, and meeting the programme’s admission criteria. The admission process involves an assessment of the applicant’s academic record, a letter of motivation, a CV and, in some cases, a personal interview.
General health psychology is, in short, much more than an academic specialisation. It is the legal qualification that transforms a psychology graduate into a recognised healthcare professional, fully qualified to practise in the field of mental health with rigour, responsibility and regulatory backing. The UAX Master’s in General Health Psychology, available as both a face-to-face and online programme, offers a comprehensive 18-month course, tailored to the needs of the labour market and fully aligned with the requirements set out in current legislation.
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