The Institute of the Psychoanalytic Center of Philadelphia invites applications from individuals in the mental health and related fields as well as from scholars and others interested in psychoanalysis. Requirements for admission at both the local and national levels are undergoing changes. Inquiries and consultation with the Chair of the Admissions Committee are welcome. The Committee adheres to an anti-discrimination policy in its consideration of all candidates. Applications may be submitted at any time during the year, but the process will be facilitated if all materials are received prior to March.
All applicants must possess personality characteristics essential to a psychoanalyst. These include the capacity for empathy and introspection, a sensitivity to psychological issues, and the requisite emotional maturity to conduct analytic treatment. The Admissions Committee will consider the applicant’s previous academic performance, previous clinical experience, and the current clinical activity and level of clinical competence.
Individuals who have demonstrated outstanding research or equivalent achievement in a related discipline may apply for psychoanalytic training. The evaluation will include an assessment of the applicant’s capacity to develop the necessary skills to do psychoanalytic work. Research or equivalent activities or achievements will be evaluated in place of clinical qualifications. The Institute requires non clinical applicants to undergo a personal analysis.
Upon acceptance of the applicant, the Institute will apply to the Board on Professional Standards of the American Psychoanalytic Association for waivers for full training. Appropriate arrangements must be made in consultation with the Director of the Division of Adult Psychoanalysis for such candidates to have an adequate clinical experience in conjunction with other educational requirements.
Applications are welcome from individuals who desire only the didactic portion of the psychoanalytic training. In these cases no waiver from the Board on Professional Standards of the American Psychoanalytic Association will be required.
Candidates enrolled in any Institute affiliated with the American Psychoanalytic Association may apply for transfer to the Center’s Institute. The applicant shall give satisfactory evidence of training and understanding suitable to the status for which he or she is applying.
Applicants will be asked to complete an application form and to supply three copies each of the application, an autobiography, a case report, their license and malpractice insurance, and to sign a code of ethics. All information acquired during the course of the application process will be held in confidence. An application fee of $300 shall be submitted with the application. Upon receipt, the Admissions Committee Chair will be notified and requests will be sent out for recommendations and transcripts as noted in the application form. Application forms may be obtained from:
Administrative Director
Psychoanalytic Center of Philadelphia
Rockland– East Fairmount Park
3810 Mt. Pleasant Drive
Philadelphia, PA 19121Phone: 215-235-2345
Fax: 215-235-2388
Email: pcop@philanalysis.org
After all application materials have been received, the Admissions Committee Chair will notify three committee members who will interview the applicant. The application form, autobiography and case write-up will be sent to them in advance of the interview. Once the interviews have been completed, reports are sent to the Chair, who will then present them at the next Admissions Committee meeting. The recommendation of the Admissions Committee will be presented to the Education Committee for approval.
The Admissions Committee Chair is available to answer questions about the application process. An applicant may also request the opportunity to speak informally and confidentially with a recent graduate or an advanced candidate about any aspect of the application process or psychoanalytic training.
Click the links below for pdf application forms.