Mental Health Licensing & Regulation in Brazil: 2025 Guide

In Brazil, the regulation of mental health professionals is managed by separate, mandatory federal councils. Psychiatrists are licensed by the Federal Medical Council, while all practising psychologists must be registered with their Regional Psychology Council (CRP).

This guide explains the requirements for each profession, how to verify a provider's credentials through these official councils, and what to look for to ensure you receive qualified care.

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OFFICIAL LEGAL FRAMEWORK

REGULATORY AUTHORITIES

PROFESSIONAL CATEGORIES AND SCOPE OF PRACTICE

VERIFICATION PROCEDURES FOR THE PUBLIC

COMPLAINT PROCEDURES

PROTECTED TITLES AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK

CURRENT PROFESSIONAL STATISTICS

INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION AND MOBILITY

LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE PUBLIC

SOURCES AND VERIFICATION

OFFICIAL LEGAL FRAMEWORK

Current Status: Brazil has a comprehensive federal council system for mental health professional regulation, with the Federal Psychology Council (CFP) and Regional Psychology Councils (CRP) providing mandatory licensing for all psychology professionals since 1972. The system requires university graduation and council registration for professional practice, with strict enforcement and disciplinary authority.

Primary Legislation:

• Law 5.766/1971: Creates the Federal Psychology Council (CFP) and Regional Psychology Councils (CRP)

• Law 4.119/1962: Regulates the psychology profession in Brazil

• CFP Resolutions: Detailed professional practice standards and ethical requirements

• Medical Council Laws: Regulate psychiatrists and medical mental health professionals

• Social Work Council Laws: Regulate social workers in mental health settings

Legal Authority: Federal Psychology Council (CFP) with Regional Psychology Councils (CRP) providing state-level regulation

REGULATORY AUTHORITIES

1. FEDERAL PSYCHOLOGY COUNCIL (CFP - CONSELHO FEDERAL DE PSICOLOGIA)

Role: Supreme regulatory authority for psychology profession in Brazil

Authority: Federal autarchy with comprehensive regulatory and disciplinary powers

Functions:

• National Standards: Setting national professional standards and ethical requirements

• Regional Coordination: Coordinating and supervising Regional Psychology Councils (CRP)

• Professional Regulation: Comprehensive regulation of psychology profession nationwide

• Disciplinary Authority: Supreme disciplinary authority for professional misconduct

• Educational Standards: Setting educational and training standards for psychology programs

• International Relations: International professional cooperation and recognition

Legal Powers:

• Professional Licensing: Authority over national psychology licensing standards

• Disciplinary Actions: Supreme disciplinary authority, including license suspension/revocation

• Educational Oversight: Authority over psychology education and training standards

• Professional Standards: Setting comprehensive professional practice standards

• Regulatory Coordination: Coordination of regional council activities and standards

Contact Information:

• Website: https://site.cfp.org.br/

• Address: SRTVN 702, Conjunto P, Edifício Brasília Rádio Center, Brasília-DF

• Phone: +55 (61) 2109-0100

• Email: cfp@cfp.org.br
  

2. REGIONAL PSYCHOLOGY COUNCILS (CRP - CONSELHOS REGIONAIS DE PSICOLOGIA)

Role: State-level regulatory authorities for psychology profession

Authority: Regional autarchies with direct licensing and disciplinary powers

Functions:

• Professional Licensing: Direct licensing and registration of psychology professionals

• Professional Supervision: Ongoing supervision and monitoring of professional practice

• Disciplinary Actions: Regional disciplinary authority for professional misconduct

• Professional Support: Professional development and support services

• Public Protection: Ensuring professional competency and public safety

• Local Enforcement: Local enforcement of professional standards and requirements

Regional Structure:

• CRP-01: Distrito Federal

• CRP-02: Pernambuco

• CRP-03: Bahia

• CRP-04: Minas Gerais

• CRP-05: Rio de Janeiro

• CRP-06: São Paulo

• CRP-07: Rio Grande do Sul

• CRP-08: Paraná

• CRP-09: Goiás

• CRP-10: Pará e Amapá

• CRP-11: Ceará

• CRP-12: Santa Catarina

• CRP-13: Paraíba

• CRP-14: Mato Grosso do Sul

• CRP-15: Alagoas

• CRP-16: Espírito Santo

• CRP-17: Rio Grande do Norte

• CRP-18: Mato Grosso

• CRP-19: Sergipe

• CRP-20: Amazonas, Acre, Rondônia e Roraima

• CRP-21: Piauí

• CRP-22: Maranhão

• CRP-23: Tocantins

• CRP-24: Região Campos dos Goytacazes/Noroeste Fluminense (a sub-region of Rio de Janeiro state with its own council)

Registration Requirements:

• University Degree: Bachelor's degree in Psychology from recognised institution

• Document Submission: Complete registration documentation and fees

• Professional Registration: Registration with appropriate Regional Psychology Council

• Annual Renewal: Annual registration renewal and fee payment

• Professional Standards: Compliance with CFP/CRP professional standards

3. FEDERAL MEDICAL COUNCIL (CFM - CONSELHO FEDERAL DE MEDICINA)

Role: Regulatory authority for medical professionals including psychiatrists

Authority: Federal autarchy with comprehensive medical professional regulation

Functions:

• Medical Licensing: Licensing and regulation of all medical professionals

• Psychiatric Specialisation: Oversight of psychiatric specialisation and training

• Medical Standards: Setting medical professional standards and requirements

• Disciplinary Authority: Medical professional disciplinary authority

• Healthcare Integration: Integration with the national healthcare system

• Professional Development: Medical professional development and education

Psychiatric Regulation:

• Medical License: Required medical license for psychiatric practice

• Psychiatric Specialisation: Specialised psychiatric training and certification

• Medical Standards: Compliance with medical professional standards

• Healthcare Integration: Integration with the national healthcare system

• Continuing Education: Ongoing medical education and professional development

4. FEDERAL SOCIAL WORK COUNCIL (CFESS - CONSELHO FEDERAL DE SERVIÇO SOCIAL)

Role: Regulatory authority for social work professionals in mental health

Authority: Federal autarchy with social work professional regulation

Functions:

• Social Work Licensing: Licensing and regulation of social work professionals

• Mental Health Specialisation: Oversight of mental health social work practice

• Professional Standards: Setting social work professional standards

• Disciplinary Authority: Social work professional disciplinary authority

• Professional Development: Social work professional development and education

PROFESSIONAL CATEGORIES AND SCOPE OF PRACTICE

1. PSYCHOLOGIST (PSICÓLOGO)

Regulatory Authority: Federal Psychology Council (CFP) and Regional Psychology Councils (CRP)

License Required: Mandatory CRP registration

Scope: Comprehensive psychology practice across all specialisations

Education Requirements:

• University Degree: 5-year Bachelor's degree in Psychology from recognised institution

• Curriculum Requirements: Comprehensive psychology curriculum including theory, research, and practice

• Supervised Practice: Required supervised practical training during university program

• Professional Training: Comprehensive training in psychological assessment, intervention, and research

• Continuing Education: Ongoing professional development and education requirements

Registration Process:

• University Graduation: Complete a 5-year psychology degree from recognised institution

• Document Preparation: Gather required documentation (diploma, transcripts, personal documents)

• CRP Application: Submit application to appropriate Regional Psychology Council

• Fee Payment: Pay registration and annual fees

• Professional Registration: Receive CRP registration number and professional authorisation

• Annual Renewal: Annual registration renewal and fee payment

Scope of Practice:

• Clinical Psychology: Individual, group, and family psychotherapy and counselling

• Psychological Assessment: Comprehensive psychological testing and evaluation

• Educational Psychology: School psychology and educational assessment services

• Organisational Psychology: Workplace psychology and organisational development

• Social Psychology: Community psychology and social intervention programs

• Health Psychology: Health psychology and medical psychology services

• Research: Psychological research and academic activities

• Consultation: Professional consultation services to individuals and organisations

Professional Specialisations:

• Clinical Psychology: Mental health treatment and psychotherapy

• Educational Psychology: School and educational psychology services

• Organisational Psychology: Workplace and organisational psychology

• Social Psychology: Community and social psychology interventions

• Health Psychology: Medical and health psychology services

• Neuropsychology: Neuropsychological assessment and intervention

• Forensic Psychology: Legal and forensic psychology services

• Sports Psychology: Sports and performance psychology

Professional Requirements:

• CRP Registration: Mandatory registration with Regional Psychology Council

• Annual Renewal: Annual registration renewal and fee payment

• Professional Ethics: Compliance with CFP Code of Professional Ethics

• Continuing Education: Ongoing professional development requirements

• Professional Standards: Adherence to CFP/CRP professional practice standards
  

2. PSYCHIATRIST (PSIQUIATRA)

Regulatory Authority: Federal Medical Council (CFM) and Regional Medical Councils (CRM)

License Required: Medical license plus psychiatric specialisation

Scope: Full psychiatric medical practice

Education Requirements:

• Medical Education: 6-year medical degree from recognised institution

• Medical Residency: General medical residency training

• Psychiatric Residency: 3-year psychiatric residency specialisation

• Medical License: CRM medical license registration

• Continuing Education: Ongoing medical education requirements

Scope of Practice:

• Medical Authority: Full medical authority, including prescription and procedures

• Psychiatric Diagnosis: Comprehensive psychiatric assessment and diagnosis

• Medical Treatment: Psychiatric medications and medical interventions

• Hospitalisation: Authority for psychiatric hospitalisation and treatment

• Emergency Care: Psychiatric emergency care and crisis intervention

• Medical Integration: Full integration with medical healthcare system

3. SOCIAL WORKER (ASSISTENTE SOCIAL)

Regulatory Authority: Federal Social Work Council (CFESS) and Regional Social Work Councils (CRESS)

License Required: CRESS registration for social work practice

Scope: Social work services in mental health settings

Education Requirements:

• University Degree: Bachelor's degree in Social Work from recognised institution

• Social Work Training: Comprehensive social work education and training

• Supervised Practice: Required supervised practical training

• Professional Registration: CRESS registration and licensing

• Continuing Education: Ongoing professional development requirements
  

Scope of Practice:

• Mental Health Support: Social support services in mental health settings

• Case Management: Mental health case management and coordination

• Family Support: Family intervention and support services

• Community Services: Community mental health support and services

• Social Integration: Social integration and rehabilitation services

• Professional Coordination: Coordination with healthcare and mental health professionals
  

4. OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST (TERAPEUTA OCUPACIONAL)

Regulatory Authority: Federal Occupational Therapy Council (COFFITO) and Regional Councils (CREFITO)

License Required: CREFITO registration for occupational therapy practice

Scope: Occupational therapy services in mental health settings

Education Requirements:

• University Degree: Bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy from recognised institution

• Professional Training: Comprehensive occupational therapy education and training

• Supervised Practice: Required supervised practical training

• Professional Registration: CREFITO registration and licensing

• Continuing Education: Ongoing professional development requirements

Scope of Practice:

• Occupational Assessment: Assessment of functional and occupational abilities

• Rehabilitation Services: Occupational rehabilitation and intervention services

• Mental Health Support: Occupational therapy in mental health settings

• Community Integration: Community integration and support services

• Professional Coordination: Coordination with mental health and healthcare professionals
  

VERIFICATION PROCEDURES FOR THE PUBLIC

Verifying Psychology Professional Registration:

CRP Database: Regional Psychology Councils maintain public professional databases

Verification Process:

• CRP Website: https://cadastro.cfp.org.br/

• Professional Search: Search professional database by name or registration number

• Registration Status: Verify current registration status and validity

• Professional Standing: Check professional standing and any restrictions

• Specialisation Verification: Verify professional specialisations and qualifications

Online Verification Available:

• CRP-04 (Minas Gerais): https://crp04.org.br/

• Other Regional Councils: Each CRP maintains an online verification system

Professional Information Available:

• Registration Status: Current professional registration status and validity

• Registration Number: CRP registration number and region

• Professional Category: Type of professional registration and specialisations

• Professional Standing: Professional standing and any disciplinary actions

• Practice Authorisation: Authorised scope of practice and any restrictions

COMPLAINT PROCEDURES

For Psychology Professionals:

Authority: Regional Psychology Council (CRP) where professional is registered

Process:

• Formal Complaint: Submit a written complaint to appropriate CRP

• Investigation: CRP investigation of professional conduct

• Ethics Review: Review against CFP Code of Professional Ethics

• Disciplinary Action: CRP disciplinary measures if violations found

• Appeal Process: Appeal procedures within CFP/CRP system

CRP Complaint Contacts:

• CRP-06 (São Paulo): ouvidoria@crpsp.org.br

• CRP-05 (Rio de Janeiro): ouvidoria@crprj.org.br

• CRP-04 (Minas Gerais): ouvidoria@crp04.org.br

• Other Regional Councils: Each CRP maintains complaint procedures

For Medical Professionals:

Authority: Regional Medical Council (CRM) where professional is registered

Process:

• Medical Complaint: Submit complaint to appropriate CRM

• Medical Investigation: CRM investigation of medical conduct

• Medical Ethics Review: Review against medical ethics and standards

• Medical Sanctions: CRM disciplinary measures if violations found

• Appeal Process: Appeal procedures within CFM/CRM system

Complaint Categories:

• Professional Misconduct: Violations of professional ethics and standards

• Scope Violations: Practising outside authorised scope or making inappropriate claims

• Educational Misrepresentation: Misrepresenting educational qualifications or training

• Registration Fraud: Fraudulent claims about professional registration

• Ethical Violations: Violations of professional ethics and conduct standards

Disciplinary Measures Available:

• Professional Warning: Formal professional warning and counselling

• Professional Censure: Public professional censure and reprimand

• Practice Restrictions: Restrictions on professional practice and scope

• License Suspension: Temporary suspension of professional registration

• License Revocation: Permanent revocation of professional registration
  

PROTECTED TITLES AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK

Protected Professional Titles:

• "Psicólogo" (Psychologist): Protected under Law 4.119/1962 and CFP/CRP regulation

• "Médico" (Doctor/Physician): Protected under medical legislation

• "Psiquiatra" (Psychiatrist): Protected under medical legislation and psychiatric specialisation

• "Assistente Social" (Social Worker): Protected under social work legislation

Legal Requirements for Protected Titles:

• Professional Registration: Valid registration with appropriate professional council

• Educational Compliance: Appropriate university education and training

• Professional Standards: Adherence to professional standards and ethics

• Annual Renewal: Current registration renewal and fee payment

• Continuing Education: Ongoing professional development requirements

Penalties for Unlicensed Use of Protected Titles:

• Criminal Sanctions: Criminal penalties for fraudulent use of protected titles

• Professional Sanctions: Professional disciplinary actions and penalties

• Civil Liability: Civil liability for professional misconduct and damages

• Practice Prohibition: Legal prohibition from using protected professional titles

Legal Enforcement:

• Council Authority: Professional councils have legal authority to enforce title protection

• Criminal Prosecution: Criminal prosecution for illegal practice and title misuse

• Civil Actions: Civil legal actions for professional misconduct and damages

• Public Protection: Legal framework designed to protect public from unqualified practitioners
  

CURRENT PROFESSIONAL STATISTICS

Psychology Professionals:

• Total Psychologists: Over 440,000 registered psychologists (one of the world's largest psychology communities)

• Regional Distribution: Concentrated in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and major urban centres

• Professional Growth: Continued growth in psychology profession and registration

• Specialisation Diversity: Wide range of professional specialisations and practice areas

Professional Distribution by Region:

• CRP-06 (São Paulo): Largest regional council with over 100,000 registered psychologists

• CRP-05 (Rio de Janeiro): Second largest with significant professional population

• Other Regions: Growing professional populations across all Brazilian states

Professional Characteristics:

• Gender Distribution: Predominantly female profession (approximately 85% female)

• Educational Background: Strong university education and training requirements

• Professional Development: Active continuing education and professional development

• International Recognition: Growing international recognition and cooperation

LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

For Professional Practice:

• Portuguese Proficiency: High-level Portuguese proficiency required for professional practice

• Professional Communication: Portuguese language skills for patient and professional communication

• Documentation: Professional documentation in Portuguese language

• Cultural Competency: Understanding of Brazilian cultural and social context

For Foreign Professionals:

• Language Assessment: Formal Portuguese language proficiency assessment required

• Cultural Preparation: Understanding of Brazilian healthcare and cultural context

• Professional Integration: Integration with Brazilian professional community

• Continuing Education: Portuguese language continuing education opportunities
  

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE PUBLIC

When Seeking Mental Health Services:

• Verify CRP Registration: Check professional CRP registration and validity

• Licensed Professionals: Seek services from CRP-registered psychologists

• Professional Specialisation: Consider professional specialisations and experience

• Professional Standing: Check professional standing and any restrictions

• Cultural Competency: Ensure cultural and language competency for effective services

When Seeking Psychology Services:

• CRP Verification: Verify psychologist registration with appropriate Regional Psychology Council

• Professional Experience: Check professional experience and specialisations

• Scope of Practice: Understand authorised scope of practice and services

• Professional Standards: Ensure compliance with CFP professional standards

• Healthcare Integration: Consider integration with healthcare system if needed

For International Practitioners:

• Diploma Revalidation: Complete Brazilian university diploma revalidation process

• Portuguese Proficiency: Develop adequate Portuguese language proficiency

• Cultural Preparation: Understand Brazilian healthcare and cultural context

• Professional Integration: Engage with Brazilian professional community

• Legal Compliance: Ensure compliance with Brazilian professional requirements

Red Flags to Avoid:

• No CRP Registration: Cannot provide a valid CRP registration number

• Expired Registration: Registration not current or expired

• False Claims: False claims about professional qualifications or specialisations

• Scope Violations: Practising outside authorised scope or making inappropriate claims

• Unverified Credentials: Cannot demonstrate appropriate educational background
  

SOURCES AND VERIFICATION

Law 4.119/1962

Law 5.766/1971

Federal Psychology Council (CFP)

Federal Medical Council (CFM)

Federal Social Work Council (CFESS)

Federal Council of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy (COFFITO)

National Registry of Psychologists (Cadastro Nacional de Psicólogas(os)

This guide reflects Brazil's comprehensive federal council system for mental health professional regulation, with mandatory CRP registration for all psychology professionals since 1972. The system requires university graduation and council registration for professional practice, with strict enforcement and disciplinary authority. Verify current requirements with CFP and appropriate Regional Psychology Council for the most up-to-date information.