
SJD Barcelona Children’s Hospital is a private, non-profit institution that is dedicated to public service. It is a member of the Brothers Hospitallers of Saint John of God, which manages more than 300 healthcare centres in 50 countries around the world and serves the most vulnerable groups in hospitals, health centres, social services and religious communities.
The Psychiatry and Psychology Department at SJD Barcelona Children’s Hospital offers comprehensive, multidisciplinary, innovative, specialised and leading care in mental health to patients under the age of 18 and their families. This is provided in a committed, respectful and efficient manner by integrating all levels of care.
We have more than 40 years of experience and our professionals are highly trained and capable of meeting the needs of children and adolescents.

City: Hospital Sant Joan de Deu. Esplugues de Llobregat (Barcelona)
Hospital:
Hospital Sant Joan de Deu
Address:
Passeig de Sant Joan de Déu, 2, 08950 Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona
Website: https://www.sjdhospitalbarcelona.org
- NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
We treat serious cases in which these conditions co-occur with other diseases. We use different therapeutic, pharmacological, psychotherapeutic and complementary options.
Autism Spectrum Disorders
We are experts in diagnosing this group of neurodevelopmental disorders. We handle complex cases in which these disorders co-occur with other psychiatric or organic diseases.
- TOXIC ADDICTIVE BEHAVIOURS AND BEHAVIOURAL DISORDERS
Substances Addiction
We are specialists in evaluating and treating complex cases, which involve substances’ use coupled with another psychiatric disorder.
Addiction to new technologies
We treat addiction to video games, Internet and other technologies. We work with the family and the patient’s environment to address the difficulties associated.
- EATING DISORDERS
Anorexia and Bulimia nervosa
It’s a comprehensive, multidisciplinary treatment ranging from an outpatient approach to the complete or partial hospitalisation, depending on the particular case and on the patient’s clinical condition.
- OTHER DEPARTMENTS
Unit for children 0-5 years of age
Evaluation and intervention in the signs and symptoms of disorders relating to emotional regulation, mood, psychological function and development, behaviour and parenting.
Early onset psychotic and affective disorders
Diagnosis and specialised treatment of these disorders, including early signs of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder during childhood and adolescence.
Sexual abuse
A pioneering unit in Spain specialised in evaluating suspected sexual abuse from a multidisciplinary, paediatric, psychological and social perspective.
Gender identity
Care for children and adolescents who have a conflict between their gender identity and their biological sex. We offer early detection, counselling and comprehensive treatment.
Psychological and psychiatric support in maternity
Care and psychological support for mothers who suffer from postpartum depression or have lost their baby at birth.
Child psychiatric emergencies
Our child psychiatric emergency department is open 24 hours a day, every day, all the year.
Self – injurious behaviour and suicide
We offer a specific programme to care for these problems, which includes a personalised care plan.
FACILITIES – DEPARTMENTS
Psychiatric hospitalisation unit
This unit, created more than 15 years ago, has been increasing its capacity as demand for admission has been increasing. Since late 2009, it has occupied a hospital annex called ITAKA, which has four floors each covering nearly 500 m2. Its facilities were designed according to a care model that seeks to become a leader in the field of child mental health and minimise the impact of hospitalisation on children
Outpatient services
The outpatient services of the Psychiatry and Psychology Department are organised as specific programmes implemented within the department or in collaboration with other hospital departments. They constitute what are called clinical specialisation units (CSUs).
These units, which belong to the Mental Health and Addictions Network, offer a portfolio of services complementary to community care resources and provide support in complex diseases and emerging problems.
Outpatient services are located on the ground floor of the ITAKA building. They consist of 12 consulting rooms, a secretary’s office, a multi-purpose room and a classroom
Emergencies
Psychiatric emergencies are treated in the general hospital emergency department. It has a consulting room adapted for psychiatric patients. Since 1999, SJD Barcelona Children’s Hospital has been the leading centre in Catalonia for psychiatric emergencies in children and adolescents (0-18 years of age). A child psychiatrist is available 24 hours a day.
Crisis Unit
We treat patients who have arrived via the Emergency Department and need quick monitoring of diagnostic matters, therapeutic regimens and changes in risk factors or protection. Patients without a therapeutic link to the healthcare network are treated and this link is developed. After 1-3 visits, the patient is referred to the appropriate healthcare resources depending on the situation.
Length:
Please note we have a minimum rotation of 3 months.
Start of the rotation: May 2023
Requirements:
- Medium level of Spanish is required for the communication with most of the patients. Please note Catalan language is also very widely spoken with patients and the members of the staff.
- A Motivation letter detailing which departments you are more interested in and the main objectives of your rotation in our hospital is mandatory.
When applying for the exchange program in our hospital we understand you are aware and also agree with the requirements written above.
Travel information:
- VISA: Not for EU citizens.
- Travel and health insurance:
- It is advisable. Emergency treatment is always given to any citizens worldwide. Nevertheless, European citizens should ask for the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
Accommodation:
- With host: Maybe.
- Hospital residencies available: No.
- Hostels and Youth hostels: Yes.
- Affordable hotels: Yes.
- Other (flats…): Please ask the local coordinator for further information.
Moving through the city: public transport is available across the city in Barcelona (bus, metro, bike lane, train, tram).
National coordinator:
Local coordinator:
National Trainee association
Sociedad Española de Médicos Residentes de Psiquiatría (SERP)
