Medical psychology in Brazil

In 1962, Psychology was officially accorded professional status in Brazil. Since then the profession has been undergoing continuous development, but t he training of psychologists still suffers from flaws that are reflected in the public heath service, SUS (Sistema Unico de Saude). However, SUS itsel f is also open to criticism: the service is badly distributed, the number o f posts for psychologists is limited, and working conditions are poor. Neve rtheless, many positive changes are occurring. These include plans to alter academic training to better meet the needs of the Brazilian population, an expansion of the roles played by psychologists in the health service, and increasing research activity. These and many other changes suggest that the progressive evolution of the profession in Brazil will continue.