Being a psychologist without being registered: is it possible?

We have finished the Degree in Psychology. And now that? Are we considering doing a master's degree, are we presenting ourselves for the PIR or for oppositions in another branch of psychology? Do we practice directly in any field?

We can take any of these options, but before we get to practice we have to take into account if we intend to practice as such we will be asked to join. But one wonders Is it possible to practice as a psychologist without being a collegiate?

• Related article: "Psychologists: what they do and how they help people"

What does college mean?

The Official College of Psychologists (COP) is an institution in charge of regulating the professional practice of psychology in Spain.

Its tasks are extensive, since it is the institution that is in charge of looking after the interests of both professionals and their clients, establishing regulations (such as the code deontological) that suppose the recognition of a series of rights and guarantees, contributing to advise and train its members and promoting the development of the psychology. It also fights against the existence of professional intrusion from other occupational sectors.

The fact of joining a collegiate implies being part of a group that brings together the majority of professionals in the sector, so that contact with the professional and the formation of groups and committees are facilitated dedicated or specialized in different areas. Likewise, to be a member of the association, it is necessary to have formal training in psychology (specifically a degree or degree in psychology), which implies a higher level of security for its clients in relation to the knowledge and qualification of the subject within the scope of the psychology.

Despite the fact that it implies an economic cost (membership involves the payment of a semester fee), membership also has a series of benefits beyond those mentioned above. Some of the most relevant include the aforementioned legal advice in case of need and the possibility of consulting the ethics commission in the event of ethical conflicts, inclusion in a job bank, the obtaining accreditations, the possibility of training in different courses that allow them to maintain continuous training (some training is while other courses have discounts) or the possibility of benefiting from the agreements and relations of the school with different institutions and companies.

• Related article: "Clinical psychology: definition and functions of the clinical psychologist"

historical obligation

The need to register has been an aspect that has been linked to psychology in Spain since its inception.

In 1974, Law 2/1974 on Professional Associations was drawn up, which indicated that any activity that was regulated by a professional association required registration in said school to be able to be carried out. This would include psychology from 1979, when Law 43/1979 on the creation of the Official College of Psychologists was established.

Since then, said provision has been ratified throughout history in various laws, including Law 7/1997, in which it was considered an essential requirement for the exercise of collegiate professions must be incorporated into the corresponding college, it is sufficient to enroll in one of them in case of having different territorial colleges in the State, or Law 25/2009, which also includes the obligation to register with the Professional Association in its articles 3 and 5, modifying some aspects of the provisions established in 1974.

As we can see, throughout history it has been necessary to be a collegiate to be able to practice. However, in recent years there has been controversy regarding whether or not it is necessary to register as a psychologist to practice as a psychologist. During 2013, the Draft Law on Services and Professional Colleges was drawn up, which delimited and reduced the type of professions that required membership to be able to practice the legal, technical and health fields. In the latter case, various branches linked to medicine and other disciplines were included, but clinical psychologists were nevertheless excluded.

This meant that the psychologist's performance would not require registration with the Official College of Psychologists. However, it was argued that the professional performance of the psychologist requires guarantees regarding having the necessary training for it, since It supposes an intervention that, if carried out negligently and without sufficient preparation, could put the integrity of their patients at risk or customers. That is why the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness has determined in its latest draft the reinclusion of psychology within the professions that do require registration.

College: is it essential?

In conclusion, for the legal practice of psychology in Spain, membership in the Official College of Psychologists is currently required. This obligation is given for those who carry out their work in both public and private clinical practice. Failure to do so will be committing an act punishable by law, considered a punishable administrative offense.

On the other hand, those professionals who are not linked to clinical-health practice are not legally obliged to join a college unless they its activity is aimed directly at citizens, due to the consideration that the constitution establishes the imperative of freedom of association. Despite this, it is recommended, since even without being a legal imperative It is required in many jobs and can offer attractive benefits to its members.