Mental Health Licensing & Regulation in Mexico: 2025 Guide
#Ethics, #Practice Matters, #Professional Issues, #Scope of Practice
Updated on Oct 14, 2025
In Mexico, state-licensed psychiatrists and nationally-licensed psychologists operate under entirely different rules, and knowing how to check their official registrations is the first step toward finding safe mental health care.
In Mexico, the regulation of mental health professionals is managed by the Ministry of Public Education (SEP) through a mandatory national license (Cédula Profesional). Psychiatrists are licensed as medical specialists, while psychologists must hold a specific professional license in their field.
This guide explains the requirements for each profession, how to verify a provider's Cédula Profesional in the official national registry, and what to look for to ensure you receive qualified and legally authorised care.
Table of Contents | Jump Ahead
Professional Categories and Scope of Practice
Verification Procedures for the Public
Protected Titles and Legal Framework
Current Professional Statistics
Recommendations for the Public
Official Legal Framework
Current Status: Mexico operates a dual-track system for mental health professional regulation, with the Cédula Profesional (Professional License) system administered by the Ministry of Public Education (SEP) providing mandatory licensing for all university-educated professionals, while psychology program accreditation is managed by the National Council for Teaching and Research in Psychology (CNEIP). The system requires university graduation and professional license registration for practice, with recent 2025 official recognition of CNEIP as an accreditation body.Primary Legislation:
- Ley General de Educación Superior (General Law of Higher Education): Establishes framework for professional licensing and education
- Reglamento de la Ley Reglamentaria del Artículo 5° Constitucional: Regulates professional practice and licensing
- SEP Professional License Regulations: Detailed requirements for Cédula Profesional
- CNEIP Accreditation Standards: Psychology program accreditation requirements
- Medical Professional Laws: Regulate psychiatrists and medical mental health professionals
Regulatory Authorities
1. MINISTRY OF PUBLIC EDUCATION (SEP - SECRETARÍA DE EDUCACIÓN PÚBLICA)
Role: Supreme authority for professional licensing through the Cédula Profesional system
Authority: Federal ministry with comprehensive professional licensing powers
Functions:
- Professional Licensing: Administration of the Cédula Profesional (Professional License) system
- Educational Oversight: Oversight of higher education institutions and programs
- Professional Standards: Setting national professional practice standards
- License Verification: Maintaining a national professional license registry
- International Recognition: International professional qualification recognition
- Regulatory Enforcement: Enforcement of professional licensing requirements
- Mandatory Licensing: Authority to require professional licenses for practice
- Educational Accreditation: Authority over higher education institution recognition
- Professional Standards: Setting comprehensive professional practice standards
- License Suspension: Authority to suspend or revoke professional licenses
- Regulatory Coordination: Coordination with professional accreditation bodies
- Website: https://www.gob.mx/sep
- Professional License Portal: https://www.gob.mx/cedulaprofesional
- License Registry: https://www.cedulaprofesional.sep.gob.mx/
- Address: Av. Universidad 1200, Xoco, Benito Juárez, Ciudad de México
- Phone: +52 (55) 3601-1000
- Online Registry: https://www.cedulaprofesional.sep.gob.mx/
- Search Function: Search by name, license number, or institution
- Public Access: Free public access to professional license verification
- Real-time Updates: Current license status and validity information
2. NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR TEACHING AND RESEARCH IN PSYCHOLOGY (CNEIP)
Role: Official accreditation body for psychology programs in Mexico
Authority: Non-profit organisation officially recognised by SEP as accreditation body (February 2025)
Functions:
- Program Accreditation: Accreditation of psychology education programs
- Quality Assurance: Ensuring quality standards in psychology education
- Professional Standards: Setting psychology professional practice standards
- Educational Innovation: Promoting innovation in psychology education
- International Cooperation: International psychology education cooperation
- Professional Development: Supporting psychology professional development
- SEP Recognition: Officially inscribed in SEP's Registry of External Evaluation and Accreditation Instances (February 24, 2025)
- Legal Authority: Formal recognition under the General Law of Higher Education
- Accreditation Powers: Official authority to accredit psychology programs
- Quality Standards: Authority to set and enforce psychology education standards
- Website: https://www.cneip.org/
- Founded: 1971 (54+ years of operation)
- Current President: Dra. Verónica Boeta Madera
- Member Institutions: Public and private universities across Mexico
- Accreditation Programs: Bachelor's and graduate psychology programs
- Program Evaluation: Comprehensive psychology program evaluation
- Quality Certification: Quality certification for psychology programs
- Standards Development: Development of psychology education standards
- Professional Preparation: Ensuring professional competency preparation
3. GENERAL DIRECTORATE OF PROFESSIONS (DGP - DIRECCIÓN GENERAL DE PROFESIONES)
Role: SEP division responsible for professional licensing administration
Authority: Federal Directorate with direct professional licensing authority
Functions:
- License Processing: Direct processing of Cédula Profesional applications
- Professional Registration: Registration and maintenance of professional records
- License Verification: Professional license verification and validation
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring compliance with professional licensing requirements
- International Recognition: Processing international professional recognition
- Professional Standards: Implementing professional practice standards
- University Degree: Licenciatura (Bachelor's degree) from SEP-recognised institution
- Social Service: Completion of required social service (servicio social)
- Professional Thesis: Completion of professional thesis or equivalent
- Documentation: Complete application with required documentation
- Fee Payment: Payment of professional license fees
- CURP Registration: Valid CURP (Unique Population Registry Code)
- Professional License Portal: https://www.gob.mx/cedulaprofesional
- Registry System: https://www.cedulaprofesional.sep.gob.mx/
- Application Process: Online application through government portal
- Fee Payment: Credit/debit card or payment line (línea de captura)
4. MEXICAN MEDICAL COLLEGE (CMM - COLEGIO MÉDICO DE MÉXICO)
Role: Professional organisation for medical professionals, including psychiatrists
Authority: Professional association with medical practice oversight
Functions:
- Medical Standards: Setting medical professional standards
- Psychiatric Specialisation: Oversight of psychiatric specialisation
- Professional Development: Medical professional development and education
- Ethics Oversight: Medical ethics and professional conduct oversight
- Healthcare Integration: Integration with the national healthcare system
- International Cooperation: International medical professional cooperation
- Medical License: Required Cédula Profesional for medical practice
- Psychiatric Specialisation: Specialised psychiatric training and certification
- Medical Standards: Compliance with medical professional standards
- Healthcare Integration: Integration with the national healthcare system (IMSS, ISSSTE)
- Continuing Education: Ongoing medical education and professional development
Professional Categories and Scope of Practice
1. PSYCHOLOGIST (PSICÓLOGO)
Regulatory Authority: Ministry of Public Education (SEP) through Cédula Profesional system
License Required: Mandatory Cédula Profesional for professional practice
Scope: Comprehensive psychology practice across all specialisations
Education Requirements:
- Licenciatura in Psychology: 4-5 year Bachelor's degree from a SEP-recognised institution
- CNEIP Accreditation: Preferably from a CNEIP-accredited psychology program
- Social Service: Completion of required social service (servicio social)
- Professional Thesis: Completion of professional thesis or equivalent project
- Professional Competencies: Comprehensive training in psychological theory, research, and practice
- Continuing Education: Ongoing professional development requirements
- University Graduation: Complete Licenciatura in Psychology from recognised institution
- Social Service: Complete required social service period
- Thesis Completion: Complete professional thesis or equivalent
- Document Preparation: Gather required documentation (degree, transcripts, CURP)
- Online Application: Submit the application through SEP professional license portal
- Fee Payment: Pay professional license fees
- License Issuance: Receive Cédula Profesional with unique registration number
- Professional Registration: Registration in national professional registry
- 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
- 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
- Cédula Profesional: Mandatory professional license from SEP
- Professional Registration: Registration in national professional registry
- Professional Ethics: Compliance with professional ethics and standards
- Continuing Education: Ongoing professional development requirements
- Professional Standards: Adherence to CNEIP and SEP professional practice standards
- SEP Registry: https://www.cedulaprofesional.sep.gob.mx/
- License Search: Search by name, license number, or institution
- Professional Status: Current license status and validity verification
- Public Access: Free public access to professional verification
2. PSYCHIATRIST (PSIQUIATRA)
Regulatory Authority: Ministry of Public Education (SEP) and medical professional organisations
License Required: Medical Cédula Profesional plus psychiatric specialisation
Scope: Full psychiatric medical practice
Education Requirements:
- Medical Education: 6-year medical degree (Licenciatura en Medicina) from recognised institution
- Medical Internship: Required medical internship and social service
- Psychiatric Residency: 4-year psychiatric residency specialisation
- Medical License: Cédula Profesional for medical practice
- Speciality Registration: Registration of psychiatric specialisation with SEP
- Continuing Education: Ongoing medical education requirements
- 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
- Healthcare Integration: Full integration with the national healthcare system (IMSS, ISSSTE)
- Medical Cédula Profesional: Mandatory medical professional license
- Speciality Registration: Registration of psychiatric specialisation
- Medical Standards: Compliance with medical professional standards
- Healthcare Integration: Integration with national healthcare system
- Continuing Education: Ongoing medical education and professional development
3. CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER (TRABAJADOR SOCIAL CLÍNICO)
Regulatory Authority: Ministry of Public Education (SEP) through professional licensing
License Required: Cédula Profesional for social work practice
Scope: Social work services in mental health settings
Education Requirements:
- Licenciatura in Social Work: Bachelor's degree in Social Work from recognised institution
- Clinical Training: Specialised training in clinical social work practice
- Social Service: Completion of required social service
- Professional License: Cédula Profesional for social work practice
- Continuing Education: Ongoing professional development requirements
- Mental Health Support: Social support services in mental health settings
- Case Management: Mental health case management and coordination
- Family Intervention: 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. COUNSELOR (CONSEJERO/ORIENTADOR)
Regulatory Authority: Ministry of Public Education (SEP) - varies by specialisation
License Required: Cédula Profesional - requirements vary by background
Scope: Counselling services - scope varies by educational background
Education Requirements:
- University Degree: Bachelor's degree in psychology, education, or related field
- Counselling Training: Specialised training in counselling techniques
- Professional License: Cédula Profesional appropriate to educational background
- Continuing Education: Ongoing professional development requirements
- Educational Counselling: Academic and career counselling services
- Personal Counselling: Personal development and adjustment counselling
- Family Counselling: Family counselling and support services
- Community Services: Community counselling and support services
- Professional Coordination: Coordination with mental health and educational professionals
Verification Procedures for the Public
Verifying Professional License (Cédula Profesional):
SEP National Registry: Ministry of Public Education maintains a comprehensive professional license database
Verification Process:
- SEP Website: Access the SEP professional license registry at https://www.cedulaprofesional.sep.gob.mx/
- Professional Search: Search professional database by name, license number, or institution
- License Status: Verify current license status and validity
- Professional Category: Check professional category and specialisations
- Institution Verification: Verify educational institution and graduation date
- SEP Registry: https://www.cedulaprofesional.sep.gob.mx/
- Government Portal: https://www.gob.mx/cedulaprofesional
- Search Options: Name, license number, institution, or professional category
- Public Access: Free public access to professional verification
Professional Information Available:
- License Status: Current professional license status and validity
- License Number: Unique Cédula Profesional number
- Professional Category: Type of professional license and specialisations
- Educational Institution: University or institution where degree was obtained
- Graduation Date: Date of degree completion and license issuance
- Professional Standing: Professional standing and any restrictions
CNEIP Program Verification:
CNEIP Accreditation: Verify psychology program accreditation status
Verification Process:
- CNEIP Website: Access CNEIP website at https://www.cneip.org/
- Accredited Programs: Check list of CNEIP-accredited psychology programs
- Institution Status: Verify institution's CNEIP membership and accreditation
- Program Quality: Confirm program meets CNEIP quality standards
Red Flags - Warning Signs:
- No Cédula Profesional: Cannot provide valid professional license number
- Unverified License: License not found in SEP national registry
- Expired License: License not current or expired
- Scope Violations: Practising outside authorised scope or making inappropriate claims
- Unaccredited Programs: Graduated from non-recognised or unaccredited programs
Complaint Procedures
For Licensed Professionals:
Authority: Ministry of Public Education (SEP) - General Directorate of Professions
Process:
- Formal Complaint: Submit a written complaint to SEP General Directorate of Professions
- Investigation: SEP investigation of professional conduct and licensing compliance
- Standards Review: Review against professional licensing standards and requirements
- Disciplinary Action: SEP disciplinary measures if violations found
- Appeal Process: Appeal procedures within SEP administrative system
SEP Complaint Contacts:
- General Directorate of Professions: Professional licensing violations and misconduct
- SEP Citizen Attention: General SEP citizen attention and complaint services
- Professional License Portal: Online complaint submission through government portal
- Phone: +52 (55) 3601-1000 (SEP main number)
For Psychology Program Issues:
Authority: National Council for Teaching and Research in Psychology (CNEIP)
Process:
- Program Complaint: Submit complaint to CNEIP regarding psychology program quality
- CNEIP Investigation: Investigation of program standards and accreditation compliance
- Quality Review: Review against CNEIP accreditation standards
- Corrective Action: CNEIP corrective measures if violations found
- Accreditation Review: Review of program accreditation status if necessary
CNEIP Complaint Contacts:
- Website: https://www.cneip.org/
- President: Dra. Verónica Boeta Madera
- Accreditation Issues: Program quality and accreditation concerns
- Professional Standards: Psychology professional practice standards
Complaint Categories:
- Unlicensed Practice: Practising without valid Cédula Profesional
- License Fraud: Fraudulent claims about professional licensing
- Scope Violations: Practising outside the authorised scope or making inappropriate claims
- Educational Misrepresentation: Misrepresenting educational qualifications or accreditation
- Professional Misconduct: Violations of professional ethics and standards
Disciplinary Measures Available:
- License Suspension: Temporary suspension of professional license
- License Revocation: Permanent revocation of professional license
- Practice Restrictions: Restrictions on professional practice and scope
- Professional Warning: Formal professional warning and counselling
- Educational Requirements: Required additional education or training
Protected Titles and Legal Framework
Protected Professional Titles:
- "Psicólogo" (Psychologist): Protected under professional licensing laws and SEP regulation
- "Médico" (Doctor/Physician): Protected under medical licensing legislation
- "Psiquiatra" (Psychiatrist): Protected under medical licensing and psychiatric specialisation
- "Licenciado en Psicología" (Licensed in Psychology): Protected professional degree title
Legal Requirements for Protected Titles:
- Professional License: Valid Cédula Profesional from SEP
- Educational Compliance: Appropriate university education from a recognised institution
- Professional Standards: Adherence to professional standards and ethics
- License Maintenance: Current license status and compliance with requirements
- Scope Compliance: Practice within authorised professional scope
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
- License Revocation: Permanent revocation of professional licensing privileges
Legal Enforcement:
- SEP Authority: SEP has legal authority to enforce professional 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 the public from unqualified practitioners
Current Professional Statistics
Psychology Professionals:- Licensed Psychologists: Significant number of licensed psychologists with Cédula Profesional
- CNEIP Programs: Over 200 psychology programs across Mexico, many CNEIP-accredited
- Professional Growth: Continued growth in psychology profession and licensing
- Regional Distribution: Psychology professionals distributed across all Mexican states
- CNEIP Members: Public and private universities across Mexico
- Accredited Programs: Growing number of CNEIP-accredited psychology programs
- Quality Standards: Enhanced quality standards through CNEIP accreditation
- International Recognition: Growing international recognition of Mexican psychology education
- Educational Quality: Strong emphasis on quality psychology education through CNEIP
- Professional Development: Active continuing education and professional development
- Healthcare Integration: Integration with national healthcare systems (IMSS, ISSSTE)
- International Cooperation: Growing international professional cooperation
Language Requirements
For Professional Practice:
- Spanish Proficiency: High-level Spanish proficiency required for professional practice
- Professional Communication: Spanish language skills for patient and professional communication
- Documentation: Professional documentation in the Spanish language
- Cultural Competency: Understanding of Mexican cultural and social context
For Foreign Professionals:
- Language Assessment: Formal Spanish language proficiency assessment may be required
- Cultural Preparation: Understanding of Mexican healthcare and cultural context
- Professional Integration: Integration with Mexican professional community
- Continuing Education: Spanish language continuing education opportunities
Recommendations for the Public
When Seeking Mental Health Services:
- Verify Cédula Profesional: Check professional license through SEP registry
- Licensed Professionals: Seek services from professionals with valid Cédula Profesional
- CNEIP Accreditation: Consider professionals from CNEIP-accredited programs
- Professional Specialisation: Consider professional specialisations and experience
- Cultural Competency: Ensure cultural and language competency for effective services
When Seeking Psychology Services:
- SEP Verification: Verify psychologist license through SEP professional registry
- Professional Experience: Check professional experience and specialisations
- Scope of Practice: Understand authorised scope of practice and services
- Professional Standards: Ensure compliance with SEP and CNEIP professional standards
- Healthcare Integration: Consider integration with healthcare system if needed
For International Practitioners:
- Degree Revalidation: Complete Mexican university degree revalidation process
- Spanish Proficiency: Develop adequate Spanish language proficiency
- Cultural Preparation: Understand Mexican healthcare and cultural context
- Professional Integration: Engage with Mexican professional community
- Legal Compliance: Ensure compliance with Mexican professional licensing requirements
Red Flags to Avoid:
- No Cédula Profesional: Cannot provide valid professional license number
- Unverified License: License not found in SEP registry or expired
- False Claims: False claims about professional qualifications or accreditation
- Scope Violations: Practising outside the authorised scope or making inappropriate claims
- Unaccredited Education: Cannot demonstrate education from recognised institutions
Sources and Verification
SEP: Ministry of Public Education
This guide reflects Mexico's dual-track system with mandatory Cédula Profesional licensing through SEP and psychology program accreditation through CNEIP. The system requires university graduation and professional license registration for practice, with enhanced quality assurance through CNEIP accreditation. Verify current requirements with SEP and CNEIP for the most up-to-date information.
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Important:
TherapyRoute does not provide medical advice. All content is for informational purposes and cannot replace consulting a healthcare professional. If you face an emergency, please contact a local emergency service. For immediate emotional support, consider contacting a local helpline.
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