Professional psychologist degree in Argentina: From the beginnings to nowadays

Abstract

Undergraduate programs in psychology in Argentina are analyzed, beginning for the first ones, during the ’50, in fact programs not in psychology but in psychotechnics and professional guidance. After 1955, undergraduate programs in psychology were created at six national universities. Training in such programs includes both different theoretical perspectives and different application’s fields. Then are pointed out the facts after the sixties, when those undergraduate programs turned towards clinical orientation under a psychoanalytical perspective. In such context, the practice of psychotherapy generated the first clash of interests with physicians. Under such conditions, are analyzed the first laws about professional practice in psychology and the first Resolutions about competencies on professional psychologist degree, which prohibited the practice on psychotherapy to psychologists. After democracy restoration, en 1983, psychologists obtained important recognition, both related to laws about professional practice and resolutions about competencies and qualifications, rules that are studied.