This article is adapted from "Peru National Tour" prepared by L. B. Ames, D. J. Camasca & C.Arenas, 2008, which appeared in Wedding, D., & Stevens, M. J. (Eds). (2009). Psychology: IUPsyS Global Resource (Edition 2009) [CD-ROM]. International Journal of Psychology, 44 (Suppl. 1).

Academic and professional psychology began around 1955 in Peru, in the Section of Psychology in the Faculty of Literature and Human Sciences at the Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima. Some years later it also began at Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Peru and was progressively incorporated into the programs of other universities in Peru. In 1992 the Universidad de Lima received its first students in psychology. The Colegio de Psicologos del Peru was established in 1980 by law.

For some years, psychology in Peru had mainly a clinical orientation. At present, it has also developed in other areas such as the educational, health, organizational social, community and sport. This fact can be observed in the academic arena as well as in the professional levels.

Training

Professional studies in psychology take six years, the last year is devoted to intensive pre-professional practice in one of the areas of specialization: clinical, social, organizational or educational psychology. Psychologists in Peru may continue at the master's level, which demands two years of study plus a thesis. Master's studies are split up into four semesters, which are: clinical and health psychology, organizational psychology, psychoanalytical psychotherapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. At the end of these studies, the student must defend a thesis and prove competence in a foreign language. This, in turn, is a condition for engaging in doctoral studies, which include two academic years plus a doctoral dissertation. Doctoral studies are also split up into four academic semesters, and have a prerequisite of a Master's degree. At the end of doctoral studies, the student must defend a dissertation and prove competency in foreign languages.

Professional training is available through several professional associations linked either to educational psychology, social, organizational, clinical and/or health, psychotherapeutic and community psychology.

Peruvian psychologists do have a formal code of ethics. The title and work of psychologists is regulated by law. The license in psychology must be renewed periodically and requires continuing education credits as well as a fee.

Publications

Revista de Psicologia, "Paradigmas" (Regional Counsel Directive 1 Lima)
Revista Peruana de Psicologia, (National Counsel Directive)
Cuadernos de Psicologia
Psychological Review
Research in Psychology Review