Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has generated many repercussions in the mental health of the population, especially in those working in the front line of care. Objective: To characterize front-line health care personnel according to the level of depression, anxiety, and stress in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study. Health professionals involved in the first-line care of COVID-19 patients in critical areas were surveyed between October and December 2020. The Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale was used to measure the dependent variables; in addition, epidemiological variables were collected: sex, age and type of profession. A descriptive analysis of the data was performed using frequency/percentage tables and cross tables. Results: Of the 86 physicians and nurses surveyed, 36.05 % presented depression, predominantly at the moderate level, 55.81 % presented anxiety, predominantly at the mild level, and 53.49 % presented stress, predominantly at the mild level. Higher levels of depression (71 %), anxiety (75 %) and stress were found in female personnel (73.91 %), in the 41-60 age group higher levels of stress (64.52 %), anxiety (64.58 %) and stress (30.43 %) were found, and in the professional group of nurses higher levels of depression (67.71 %), anxiety (72.92 %) and stress (67.39 %) were found. Conclusion: Of the 3 psychopathological disorders studied in the health professionals, the one with the highest percentage is anxiety, followed by stress and depression. Female participants, the 41-60 years age group, and nurses have higher levels of depression, anxiety and stress.