Starting in September 2024, parliamentary committees will examine two important bills that aim at introducing the free basic psychologist into the National Health Service (SSN). These proposals involve the establishment of a psychological service accessible to all citizens, integrated into primary care services, and the creation of a psychological emergency room to ensure immediate support in emergency situations
.
The Legislative Proposals for the Basic Psychologist
Among the various bills presented in Parliament, two stand out for the importance and scope of the reforms they intend to introduce:
- AC 814 bill: It provides for the establishment of the free basic psychologist, integrated into the NHS. This figure will be available at the ASL and will provide psychological support in the field of basic medicine
- AC 1140 bill: It proposes the establishment of a primary care psychology service, similar to a psychological first aid, to ensure rapid care for people with urgent psychological needs.
.
Both proposals aim to make psychological assistance more accessible and widespread, alongside the existing psychologist bonus and other regional services.
Who is the Basic Psychologist
The basic psychologist, according to the proposed laws, is a mental health professional integrated into the NHS, with the task of providing psychological support in primary care services. This figure will be included in the regional lists of primary care psychologists, managed by the ASL, and each health district must guarantee the presence of one psychologist for every five general practitioners and pediatricians
.
How to Become a Basic Psychologist
To become a basic psychologist, according to the AC 814 bill, the following requirements are necessary:
- Master’s degree in psychology (LM-51) or specialized degree (58/S).
- Registration in the register of psychologists.
- Absence of permanent employment relationships with NHS structures.
- Specific skills and qualifications that will be defined by a national agreement.
- Certificate of qualification issued by the Region, obtained after passing a regulated annual course.
In the first application phase, psychologists with at least two years of experience in public or private healthcare facilities will also be considered eligible.
What Does a Basic Psychologist Do
The basic psychologist performs a series of activities that are fundamental to the psychological well-being of patients, including:
- Promotion of psychological well-being in primary care.
- Support for general practitioners and pediatricians in identifying patients’ psychological needs.
- Offer of individual, group and community psychological interventions.
- Intervention in situations of temporary emotional distress or related to traumatic events.
- Participation in disease prevention and health promotion projects.
- Organization and management of psychological care at home.
How the Basic Psychologist Will Work in Health Districts
The bills provide for the basic psychologist to become an integral part of the professional equipment of health districts. Each Region must include this figure in its organizational structures, such as community homes and complex primary care units
.
The primary care psychology service will be coordinated by the corporate psychology function within the ASL, ensuring operational synergy with general practitioners and pediatricians.
How to Request the Assistance of a Basic Psychologist
Access to the basic psychologist service will take place through the NHS. Users can contact the local local health authority to obtain this type of assistance free of charge. The service will be organized so that each health district has a psychologist coordinator, responsible for organizing the activities of basic psychologists and integrating with other
territorial services.
Objectives of the Reform
The introduction of the free basic psychologist in the NHS has several key objectives:
- Respond to the care needs that emerged as a result of the Covid-19 emergency.
- Ensure psychological support accessible to all citizens, without economic barriers.
- Integrate the primary care psychologist into the network of local professionals, improving synergy with general practitioners and pediatricians.
Current State of the Reform and Next Steps
The bills will be discussed and evaluated by parliamentary committees starting in September 2024. If approved, these measures will represent a significant breakthrough in mental health management in Italy, making psychological support a right accessible to everyone through the
NHS.