Programs of Study

Psychoanalytic Education Program

The Psychoanalytic Education Program trains mental health clinicians interested in deep immersion in psychoanalytic thought and practice. This intensive, in-depth course of study follows the traditional three-part model of psychoanalytic education including didactic coursework, supervised psychoanalytic cases and a personal analysis.

The didactic component of the training program consists of four years of course work with an optional 5th year dedicated to electives that leads each candidate through a deepening understanding of psychoanalytic theory, clinical practice and technique, human development and a range of essential topics.

Students in the psychoanalytic education program, traditionally called “candidates” undergo a personal analysis with an experienced psychoanalysis. This personal immersion in a psychoanalytic experience is integral to understanding the process with patients, as well as a means for the analyst in training to understand, in depth, individual issues that will affect their psychoanalytic work.

Candidates in the program treat three patients in psychoanalysis. Intensive one-on-one case supervision is provided by experienced psychoanalysts on the faculty. Supervision initially is provided one hour per week per case, and later every two weeks or monthly. One of the candidate’s cases must be seen through to a completed termination, or a minimum of five years.

The Institute provides training in Child and Adolescent Psychoanalysis which can be pursued simultaneously with adult training or subsequently. Candidates in this Child and Adolescent Program treat two adult cases and three cases with children, ranging in age from early childhood to adolescence, under supervision. Additional courses in theory, development and technique are offered to Child and Adolescent candidates.

  • Who is this program for?

    This program is open to licensed mental health clinicians with a strong foundation in psychotherapy.

  • Curriculum

    • Theory
    • Clinical process and technique
    • Analyst development
    • Development and derailment
    • Social and cultural issues including diversity, race and gender and sexuality
    • Ethics
    • Analytic writing
    • Foundational conceptual approaches
    • Optional electives—5th year
    • Four Year Curriculum
  • Schedule

    Classes meet Wednesdays from 4:45PM-9:00PM CST and Fridays from 8:30AM-12:45PM CST
    Fall, Winter, Spring quarters
    8 South Michigan Avenue, Floor 7
    Chicago, IL  60603
    View Academic Calendar
    View Teaching Calendar

  • Available for Distance Learning

    This program is available to local and distance students.

    View our Distance Learning Program

  • Tuition and Fees

    View


Continuing Education Units will be granted to Physicians, Psychologists, Social Workers, Professional Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists based on attendance.

Student Stories

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Application Procedures

The following items will be required with your application:

  • Curriculum vitae/resume
  • Official academic transcripts
  • (2) Letters of reference (Reference guidelines can be found here)
  • Copy of your license
  • Personal statement (no more than 600 words)
  • $200 Application fee (non-refundable)

You will be able to start, save and return to the application to complete it, before submitting.

Please address questions or concerns about the program to our Director of Education education@chicagoanalysis.org

Admissions Deadline:

May 1, 2024

Admissions Criteria

  • Continuing Education Accreditation

    This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of American Psychoanalytic Association and The Chicago Psychoanalytic Institute. The American Psychoanalytic Association is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.”

    The American Psychoanalytic Association designates this Live Activity for a maximum of 15 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of  their participation in the activity.

    IMPORTANT DISCLOSURE INFORMATION FOR ALL LEARNERS: None of the planners and presenters for this educational activity have relevant financial relationship(s)* to disclose with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.

    *Financial relationships are relevant if the educational content an individual can control is related to the business lines or products of the ineligible company.

    – Updated July 2021 –

  • Commitment to Diversity

    The Institute is committed to serving faculty, students, consumers of therapy, and community members with respect and dignity. The Chicago Psychoanalytic Institute does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, marital or familial status, sex, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or gender identity.