Barcelona hospital incorporates dogs into therapy sessions for adolescents

The pediatric care unit at the Vall d’Hebron hospital has introduced dog therapy for adolescents admitted for mental health disorders. Since April, five dogs have been incorporated into sessions, helping patients regulate emotions, improve self-esteem and alleviate anxiety.  

Self-harm related admissions in Vall d’Hebron’s pediatric psychiatric emergency department have risen exponentially in the past eight years. From 2015 to 2017, these cases made up 20.4% of admissions, but now range from 50% to 70% percent.  

Clinical psychologist Bàrbara Citoler, the unit’s direct therapy supervisor, told the Catalan News Agency (ACN) that the therapy helps strengthen patients’ social skills, which are often significantly impacted “due to the critical stage they’re in.”  

She added that these children and teens may see human relationships as “aggressive,” and spending time with dogs can help counter this perception. 

Sessions are held with two specialized handlers, two golden retrievers, three Jack Russell Terriers and a nurse who collects clinical information. Citoler highlighted the patients’ excitement for the dogs’ visits and said that sessions also help relax the hospital staff.  

Study of Effectiveness 

To assess the therapy’s actual impact, a study led by Dr. Marc Ferrer and Professor Núria Máximo is underway, involving professionals in nursing, clinical psychology, psychiatry, and the Chair of Animals and Society at Rey Juan Carlos University in Madrid. Patients fill out questionnaires before and after each session to evaluate indicators such as anxiety and mood. While the study is scheduled for publication next year, the first results are already tangible. 

“The animal team immediately breaks the hospital’s daily routine because dogs do not judge. They do not care about your appearance, race, size, or color. They treat you honestly,” Máximo, head of the study, told ACN. She emphasized that when the dogs enter the session, “motivation rises, which is key for achieving therapeutic goals.”