Psychoanalytic Training

The White Institute's Certificate Program in Psychoanalysis is an intensive four-to-six-year program that provides rigorous training in the theoretical concepts and methods of the psychoanalytic treatment of adults. The program was founded in 1943 by internationally renowned scholars and clinicians including Erich Fromm, Ph.D., Frieda Fromm-Reichmann, M.D., Harry Stack Sullivan, M.D., David Rioch, M.D., Janet M. Rioch, M. D., and Clara Thompson, M.D. The current faculty of the adult psychoanalytic training program includes many highly regarded clinicians and scholars who are recognized as leaders of the international psychoanalytic community. As a consequence, the program attracts talented postdoctoral psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and other professionals who seek to develop a comprehensive understanding of contemporary interpersonal and relational psychoanalysis.

 

The Institute's Licensure-Qualifying Program in Psychoanalysis builds on the core of the Certificate Program in Psychoanalysis, but also provides educational experiences that are designed to prepare candidates who complete this program to apply for New York State licensure as a "Licensed Psychoanalyst" ("L.P."). This program is registered by the New York State Education Department as providing licensure-eligible training to meet state educational requirements for obtaining the L.P.

 

Both psychoanalytic training programs foster study of the depths of human experience, focusing on the person as a social being, and on human behavior as interpersonal communication. To that end, candidates are trained according to a tripartite model that includes a comprehensive didactic curriculum, supervised clinical work, and a personal psychoanalysis. A description of each of the three components of the training program is available by clicking on those links. In addition, estimates of training expenses, and potential ways to finance training are listed. The features of the highly regarded optional clinical fellowship are outlined. Candidates have participated in this program for decades as a means to both develop a private practice and defray expenses. The requirements for matriculation and application procedures are shown. We invite you to view a podcast in which some of our faculty present their impressions of psychoanalytic training at the White Institute.