Variability in the practice of ambulatory Clinical Psychology in the Health Service of Madrid

Variabilidad en la práctica de la Psicología Clínica ambulatoria

Abstract

Variations in clinical practice in clinical psychology may involve, among other aspects, the type of treatment, the waiting time to receive it, and its duration. There have been few studies that have examined the variability in mental health care in Spain. The objective of this study has been to describe the variability in the assistance responses of Clinical Psychologist in Mental Health Center and hospital outpatient consultations in the Community of Madrid, through a survey reported by clinical psychologists, and to analyze factors that may be related to this variability. 120 responses were obtained, 36% of SERMAS clinical psychologists. The risk of poor mental health in the health area was related to a longer waiting list for clinical psychology and with the completion of therapy groups. The mean income of the health area and the professional's years of experience were also associated with a greater probability of carrying out groups of psychotherapy. The private management of the public devices was associated with a shorter time for first consultation and subsequent appointments and a longer time delay between appointments. The factors related to the organizational offer are the ones that most influence the healthcare variables examined. The implications of these results are discussed.