Regulation of Psychoanalysis in the United States and Brazil

Psychoanalysis is a widely recognized and practiced discipline in both the United States and Brazil, but its regulation varies from country to country.

Regulation in the United States

In the U.S., the practice of psychoanalysis is not regulated at the national level; that is, there is no specific federal license for psychoanalysts. However, the ability to practice professionally depends on state laws. Some states allow psychoanalysts to practice without requiring a degree in psychology or medicine, provided they have adequate training in psychoanalysis. Others require clinical licensure in mental health fields for professional practice.

Psychoanalytic training in the U.S. traditionally takes place through accredited institutions and psychoanalytic societies.

Regulation in Brazil

In Brazil, psychoanalysis is not regulated as an exclusive profession by any professional council, but its practice is legal and widely recognized. Psychoanalytic training occurs through open enrollment courses, as provided for in the Federal Constitution and in laws that guarantee the right to free professional practice, such as:

✔ Article 5, Section XIII of the Federal Constitution – Ensures that “the exercise of any work, trade, or profession is free, provided that the professional qualifications established by law are met.” ✔ Brazilian Civil Code (Law No. 10,406/2002) – Permits the provision of psychoanalytic services on a self-employed basis, without the need for affiliation with professional councils.
✔ Brazilian Classification of Occupations (CBO – 2515-50) – Recognizes psychoanalysis as a legitimate clinical and educational activity.

Validity of the Psychoanalysis Training Course

The American Society of Freudian Psychoanalysis Training Course in Psychoanalysis follows international standards for psychoanalytic education and is valid in Brazil, as training in psychoanalysis falls under the category of open courses, in accordance with current legislation.

Therefore, in both the U.S. and Brazil, the practice of psychoanalysis depends on training and recognition by the psychoanalytic community, and is a well-established and widely accepted practice within the field of mental health and the study of the unconscious.