The general objective of the Doctorate in Psychology and Mental Health at Universidad San Sebastián is to train autonomous researchers to generate new scientific knowledge in the field of psychology that contributes to the understanding of the main contemporary problems and challenges in mental health.
Faculty of Psychology and Humanities
PhD/Doctor in Psychology and Mental Health
Closed
8 semesters
March 2025
In-Person
Currently, one of the main health concerns worldwide corresponds to problems and disorders related to mental health due to their high prevalence, impact on quality of life, association with other health problems and personal, family and social economic costs. In Chile, mental health conditions contribute significantly to life expectancy with health problems, with our country occupying fourth place worldwide in the burden of disease attributable to mental disorders.
Mental health is understood as a process influenced by micro and macro-social aspects that are expressed, at a personal level, in a dynamic state of internal balance, which incorporates the ability to recognize and modulate one’s own emotions and cope with adverse life events, empathize with others and fulfill social roles, and maintain a harmonious relationship between body and mind.
It is now understood that mental health research and intervention from psychology requires an approach that considers social and cultural aspects, the design of policies and programs, as well as the implementation of intervention strategies and tools that take into account the complexity of contemporary societies.
Therefore, the Faculty of Psychology and Humanities of Universidad San Sebastián, through this PhD in Psychology and Mental Health, is committed to the production of original knowledge from psychology, which has a potential impact on improving mental health indicators in the country. For this reason, join us on this path towards a deeper understanding and the search for answers to the challenges that mental health presents in our society.
General Objective
The general objective of the Doctoral Program in Psychology and Mental Health at Universidad San Sebastián is to train autonomous researchers to generate new knowledge in the field of psychology that contributes to the understanding of the main contemporary problems and challenges in mental health.
The training provided will allow graduates to integrate research teams, formulate and solve complex scientific problems in a responsible and ethical manner for the generation of new knowledge and its communication.
Specific Objectives
To train PhD students capable of formulating specific questions and problems in psychology and mental health, which can be approached from research and academic reflection, contributing with the generation of new knowledge.
To enable doctoral students with the ability to integrate research teams oriented to the development of research with methodological rigor, autonomy and ethics that contribute to the understanding and resolution of complex problems in psychology and mental health, together with their teaching at undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as their communication to the specialized and general public.
The Doctoral Program in Psychology and Mental Health is framed in two lines of research:
Line of research that seeks to develop, implement and evaluate interventions that aim to contribute to the well-being and reduce the subjective discomfort of patients in various contexts, throughout the life course, from preventive to recovery in mental health. Process and outcome research is addressed to evaluate individual or group interventions, considering the different trajectories in mental health.
Faculty that are part of this line of research:
Alvaro Jimenez, PhD
Paula Dagnino, PhD
Alvaro Langer, PhD
Rodrigo Vergara, PhD
Ana Calderón, PhD
Karina Zuñiga, PhD
Alvaro Castillo, PhD
Jean Gajardo, PhD
Marian Bakermans-Kranenburg, PhD
Marinus van IJzendoorn, PhD
Mental health and well-being of people are part of complex processes, considering the diverse contexts in which people develop. This line of research addresses human development, considering psychosocial and cultural dimensions, and its relationship with relevant areas of the environment such as family, school, community, as well as public policies, services and mental health programs.
Faculty that are part of this line of research:
Alvaro Jimenez, PhD
Ximena Moreno, PhD
David Sirlopú, PhD
Rodrigo Cárcamo, PhD
Rodrigo Vergara, PhD
Mariavictoria Benavente, PhD
Consuelo Novoa, PhD
Diego Parra, PhD
Emilio Sagredo, PhD
Francisco Zamorano, PhD
Marian Bakermans-Kranenburg, PhD
Marinus van IJzendoorn, PhD
The Doctoral Program in Psychology and Mental Health of the Universidad San Sebastián, contemplates that its graduates achieve the following performances:
The Doctor in Psychology and Mental Health has the competencies to conduct research in the fields of prevention, promotion and/or intervention in mental health. Graduates are qualified to integrate research teams, formulate and solve complex problems in the field of psychology and mental health for the generation of new knowledge that contributes to the development and welfare of individuals and society.
They possess the necessary skills to work autonomously, responsibly and with a strong ethical commitment in academia and public and/or private research centers.
At the end of the program, the graduate acquires the following skills:
The application is made through the digital platform of Universidad San Sebastián available at the top of the page through the button “Apply Here”.
Applicants must attach the certificates of degree, grade, grades and academic history documents detailed below, in original or notarized copy. In the case of degrees or diplomas awarded by foreign universities, the accompanying documents must be endorsed and legalized in the manner provided for in Article 345 and 345 bis of the Code of Civil Procedure.
The requirements and background to apply for the Doctorate in Psychology and Mental Health are the following:
Values 2025
See application for tuition scholarships, fees and maintenance benefits.
