Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

In what ways is NPAP unique or distinctive?

NPAP is one of the oldest and largest non-Medical psychoanalytic training institutes in the United States. From its founding by Theodor Reik in 1948, NPAP has dedicated itself to training qualified candidates from all disciplines, including medicine, mental health, the arts and the humanities. Additionally, NPAP allows candidates to complete the program at their own pace, making it easier to integrate their training into their existing professional and personal lives.

What are the requirements for enrollment at NPAP, and how can I apply?

An applicant must:

  1. be at least 25 years of age;
  2. complete the form called Application for Enrollment Interview (CLICK HERE) and submit it along with a non-refundable $50 fee;
  3. submit an official transcript of completed undergraduate work from an accredited college or university;
  4. submit an official transcript showing completion of a program of graduate study which, when reviewed by the Training Committee, shows evidence of appropriate background and ability to undertake psychoanalytic training (We accept people from a very wide range of academic backgrounds.);
  5. complete successfully a minimum of two enrollment interviews evaluating suitability for psychoanalytic training.

Applicants with previous psychoanalytic training may wish to apply for advanced standing. Application for Advanced Standing can be found here: http://npap.org/new-student-application/.

Is NPAP training suitable for someone with no clinical license or previous clinical work experience?

Absolutely. In fact, NPAP was founded on the principle that qualified candidates can be found in all disciplines and professions. Candidates have entered NPAP from the fields of religion, law, literature, the arts, education, philosophy and other branches of the humanities as well as the fields of nursing, social work, psychology and psychiatry. All NPAP candidates, regardless of previous background, will have the opportunity to gain the necessary clinical experience during the course of training.

What are the main components of the NPAP training?

Training at NPAP consists of three primary components: personal analysis, curriculum/course work, and supervised clinical experience.

Personal analysis provides the candidate with in-depth, direct personal experience in the psychoanalytic treatment process. NPAP requires a minimum of 450 hours of personal analysis at a minimum of three times per work in order to complete the program.

The curriculum is structured as three levels:

  • Enrollment (600 level courses)
  • Matriculation (700 level courses)
  • Readiness-for-Control (800 level courses)

After each level’s requirements have been completed, candidates advance upon the recommendation of an evaluation committee. Courses on each level offer a thorough grounding in traditional and contemporary psychoanalytic concepts and practice. For a full description of the curriculum go to: the-npap-training-program/curriculum/.

Given the requirement for personal analysis, will NPAP help me find a psychoanalyst?  Or give me credit for being in analysis or therapy in the past?

Candidates have access to a list of NPAP members who offer personal analysis to candidates, many at reduced rates. Any member of the NPAP Training Institute can serve as a personal analyst.

Those entering the program already engaged in a personal analysis may apply to the Training Committee to consider credit for personal analysis hours preceding enrollment in the program. In addition, those entering the program already engaged in a personal analysis with a therapist who is not an NPAP member MUST apply to the Training Committee to have their outside analyst approved before any personal analysis hours will be counted towards NPAP’s requirements. Outside analysts must meet NPAP’s standards.

I have previous clinical training and/or work experience in psychotherapy or psychoanalysis.  Can I get credit for this in the NPAP program?

It depends on how closely the training and experience match NPAP’s standards.  Credit may be possible for specific courses taken elsewhere, which is determined on a case-by-case basis by the Training Committee. In general, graduate level course work is not sufficient to receive advanced credit at NPAP. Previous clinical work, as a general rule, will not count towards required clinical hours under NPAP supervision.

Does the NPAP program have a separate track for people who are already qualified and licensed to work as a psychotherapist, for example clinical social workers or pastoral counselors?

Not as such, in that all candidates take the same courses together, choose from the same pool of supervisors and, once eligible, may affiliate with the Theodor Reik Clinical Center for Psychotherapy, the clinical arm of NPAP. However, there are important differences in how the clinical aspects of training are handled depending on your background prior to entering NPAP. Any candidate with a license that does not include psychoanalysis within the scope of practice (Creative Arts Therapist, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, or Licensed Master of Social Work, for example) must enter on a License Qualifying track. Anyone who wishes to receive the New York State License in Psychoanalysis must complete the LP track, regardless of other license(s). Candidates on the LP track must:

  • See patients onsite at NPAP
  • Turn over fees collected from patients in exchange for an hourly stipend (currently $20 per patient hour)
  • Pay $50 per supervisory hour to NPAP

How much time will the NPAP program take to complete?

Because NPAP allows candidates to go through at their own pace (within certain parameters) the amount of time can vary widely from candidate to candidate. For those candidates who choose to go through training more slowly, taking fewer courses per semester and completing the supervised clinical experience at a more leisurely pace, it may take 8-10 years or longer to complete the training. For candidates wanting to move through the program at an accelerated pace, taking more courses per semester and completing the supervised clinical experience at a faster pace, the licensing portion of the program may be completed in little more than 4 years, with the remainder of the program towards graduation and full membership in the NPAP Association taking another year or two.

While NPAP’s training program is very flexible in terms of timing and pace, potential candidates are urged to realistically consider the total time commitment while undertaking psychoanalytic training. Taking courses and engaging in a personal analysis while working clinically with patients can require a substantial total weekly time commitment.  For example, if a candidate has one course during a term while engaged in a three-time-per week personal analysis, works clinically for five patient hours per week, and has one hour of supervision, such a commitment would involve more than a dozen hours’ time, not including reading and other preparation time plus transportation to and from classes and appointments.

How much does training at NPAP cost?

Tuition for a twelve-week course is $400; and for six-week courses $200. There is also a yearly registration fee of $250. The cost of Personal Analysis is a private arrangement between the candidate and the analyst, and costs will vary. A list of members who offer candidates reduced fee analysis is available.

For License in Psychoanalysis (LP) candidates, supervision is fixed at $50 per supervisory session.  For candidates already possessing a license with psychoanalysis within the scope of practice, supervisory fees are negotiated privately between the candidate and the supervisor(s), and will vary, depending on your choice of supervisor. A list of members who offer reduced fee supervision is available to candidates.

Individuals considering training at NPAP are encouraged to be realistic about the financial commitment to training. Although the courses at NPAP are very reasonably priced, the additional costs of personal analysis, supervision, other expenses such as books and other reading materials, the total cost of psychoanalytic training is not negligible.  Although candidates seeking the License in Psychoanalysis are offered a stipend for their clinical work, the stipend is not intended to support the candidate through the training.  Those already-licensed candidates who already have or will soon begin their own private practices will sustain their own practice expenses and may or may not earn a living through their work.  Many NPAP candidates continue to hold jobs throughout their training.

At this time, NPAP’s training does not qualify for educational loans.

What is the end result of NPAP training? When I complete the course of study, what will I have?

Graduating from NPAP entitles you to full membership of the Association, with all privileges and benefits. In practical terms, it means you will be a part of a vibrant psychoanalytic community. If you choose, you will be able to teach, run for offices, serve on evaluation committees, attend special, members-only continuing education offerings, and serve as a training analyst and supervisor. It also earns you the right to use the title “psychoanalyst,” and apply for national certification through the National Association for the Advancement of Psychoanalysis, and, if you opted for the NYS license, to be licensed as a psychoanalyst.  (Note: the New York State License in Psychoanalysis can be obtained in advance of graduation from NPAP. For more information, go to: http://npap.org/training-details/under the heading “The Certificate of Completion of NPAP’s New York State License Qualifying Program in Psychoanalysis.”)

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