The inclusion of psychologists in public health systems is important for analyzing the contributions that Health Psychology makes to the comprehensive approach to health problems that afflict the population and affect their quality of life, as well as for promoting well-being. In the Latin American region, there are various experiences of integrating these professionals into health services, mediated by socioeconomic conditions, contextual policies in different countries, and the development of a theoretical conception of health and psychological science itself. This chapter discusses, as examples, three countries with different histories regarding the participation and development of Psychology in the health field: Cuba, Mexico, and Brazil. The insufficient presence of psychologists in health institutions is highlighted, with a growing demand at all levels of care, as well as the need for specialized training in this field that allows for theoretical updating and the development of competencies inherent to the practice of Psychology in health services.

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The Integration of Health Psychology into Health Services in Latin America

  • Olga Esther Infante Pedreira,
  • Irma Aída Torres Fernán,
  • Eulalia María Chaves Maia

摘要

The inclusion of psychologists in public health systems is important for analyzing the contributions that Health Psychology makes to the comprehensive approach to health problems that afflict the population and affect their quality of life, as well as for promoting well-being. In the Latin American region, there are various experiences of integrating these professionals into health services, mediated by socioeconomic conditions, contextual policies in different countries, and the development of a theoretical conception of health and psychological science itself. This chapter discusses, as examples, three countries with different histories regarding the participation and development of Psychology in the health field: Cuba, Mexico, and Brazil. The insufficient presence of psychologists in health institutions is highlighted, with a growing demand at all levels of care, as well as the need for specialized training in this field that allows for theoretical updating and the development of competencies inherent to the practice of Psychology in health services.