With regard to the average number of psychiatrists in the general population, it is 6.7 for each 100.000 inhabitants, whereas for psychologists it is 2.2 for the same population. It is difficult to explain and analyze these differences, without resorting to guild hypotheses, together with the already mentioned relative ignorance about the function and training of the clinical psychologist which is still rampant. It is incomprehensible that, at this point in the health reform process, such indicators as we have noted have not been revised, in order to adapt them to the real needs of the population as well as to the professional qualification of the Clinical Psychologist. In 1977 there was an enactment of the Spanish Parliament in which Clinical Psychology was recognized as a health specialty, and that enabled the specialty PIR model to get under way. Furthermore, many Faculties have started Doctoral programs in Health Psychology, and in all of them specialty-related subjects, at graduate level, are taught.
Many Universities are overcrowded.
Therefore, it is essential for Clinical Psychology tenured professors to demand the right to exercise their profession in the public health area. Not only for themselves, of course. We have often pointed out the need to include Clinical Psychology as a health specialty, and, therefore, the clinical psychologist as a health professional. We have reasons to hope we will achieve this important goal in a very short time. Second, to clear ways for the continued upgrading in training of existing professionals.