Although the role of psychologists has grown in importance over the years, the profession continues to call for improvements, mainly aimed at bringing these professionals closer to their patients. In the healthcare field, prevention also plays a crucial role. This was highlighted by María Pilar Marín, Dean of the Official Association of Psychology of the Region of Murcia who gave the opening lecture of the Psychology Congress  being held today and tomorrow at UCAM, under the theme of Clinical and Health Psychology.  

María Dolores García, UCAM president, inaugurated the event, accompanied by Ana López, UCAM vice-dean of the Degree in Psychology, and María Pilar Marín. Students and professionals attended this first day of the conference, which explored the work of this healthcare professional in cases of gender violence, catastrophes or emergency situations, addictions, eating disorders, panic, etc. The international nature of the conference is particularly noteworthy, in line with the university's strategic approach, especially considering that UCAM also offers its Degree in Psychology in a blended mode.

‘At UCAM, we understand that it is essential for students not to only receive knowledge in the classroom, but that their training goes beyond that; hence the importance of events such as this one, which allow for an exchange of opportunities, experiences, connection with the professional world and preparation for the future, reinforcing the commitment to the discipline and its impact on society,’ said María Dolores García.

Ana López reflected on the positive evolution of the role of the psychologist, attributing this normalisation to the last few decades, ‘where the effectiveness of psychologists has been demonstrated, which has generated a growing social demand.’ In this regard, she emphasised that this professional is no longer seen only in situations of illness or clinical disorder, but as ‘accompanying the person in their development, which is backed by scientific evidence.’

More accessible for everyone

The dean of the Official Association of Psychologists of the Region of Murcia has called for psychological care to be ‘universal, free and local’, pointing out that ‘psychologists need to be incorporated not only into specialised care, but also at more accessible levels, specifically in primary care’.  In addition, she stressed the vital importance of prevention: ‘For this reason, the role of the psychology professional is also essential in other contexts such as education and social services, which are key areas for addressing problems as they arise, as well as for prevention.’

Other speakers included, at regional level, Pilar Morales, president of the Federación Salud Mental Región de Murcia; at national level, Juan Francisco Navas, professor at the Department of Personality, Evaluation and Clinical Psychology of the Universidad Complutense de Madrid, and member of the Advisory Council for Responsible Gambling of the Directorate General for Gambling Regulation, in the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumption and 2030 Agenda  (Government of Spain); and the expert in clinical psychology Fergus Kane, at international level.