In  2023, the International Council of Psychologists, Inc.(ICP) celebrates its 82nd year as a pioneering professional association.

Short History

ICP was founded in 1941. Since then, ICP’s three names reflect the inclusive, innovative, and collaborative nature envisioned by those who established the National Council of Women Psychologists in the USA. In 1946, the name was changed to International Council of Women Psychologists, as female psychologists from all nations were invited to share in furthering the advancement of scientific psychology and its applications throughout the world.

​In 1959, membership was opened to all psychologists, and the name became The International Council of Psychologists. This expansion enabled ICP to broaden its mission, range of activities, and membership.

In 1962, ICP became incorporated in Connecticut in the United States as a 501C3 non-profit educational organization.

In 1981, ICP was granted Non-Governmental Consultative Status to The United Nations Economic and Social Council. ICP’s Main UN Representatives have held leadership positions, including on the CoNGO (Conference of UN NGOs) board, and in many NGO Committees.

In 1995, ICP instituted a pilot period for a new journal World Psychology (Uwe Gielen, Editor, R. Wesner, Publisher).

In 2000 ICP co-founded (with the Human Rights Board EFPA) the  Global Network of Psychologists for Human Rights

ICP’s many activities provide professional opportunities for members to collaborate with each other, with colleagues around the world, and with other associations on matters of professional interest.


International Council of Psychologists, Inc: The First Quarter Century
1942-1967

By Lillian G. Portenier

Link to ICP History 1942 – 1967

 

ICP Presidents

List of ICP Presidents 1942 – present

Articles about the ICP

  • Unfamiliar Feminisms: Revisiting the National Council of Women Psychologists. Psychology of Women Quarterly, 34 (2010), 311–327. Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Printed in the USA. Copyright ⃝C 2010 Division 35, American Psychological Association. 0361-6843/10
  • Cautley, P. W. (1992). Fifty years of the International Council of Psychologists.
  • Davis, J. M. (2004). The International Council of Psychologists. In A. E. Kazdin (Ed.), Encyclopedia of psychology. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association and Oxford University Press.
  • Gielen, U. P., Adler, L. L., & Milgram, N. A. (Eds.). (1992). Psychology in international perspective: 50 years of the International Council of Psychologists. Lisse, Netherlands: Swets & Zeitlinger, pp. i-xii, 1-340.