Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy (ICP)

The Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy (ICP) is a not-for-profit psychotherapy training and treatment organization in New York City, founded in 1971 and located at Columbus Circle in Manhattan ^[4][2][5]. The institute describes itself as one of New York’s oldest and largest training and treatment facilities, combining post-graduate certificate programs for mental health clinicians with a sliding-scale clinical service ^[3][4]. ICP operates multiple training divisions, each paired with a corresponding treatment service, including a four-year psychoanalytic program established in 1973 that qualifies candidates to sit for the New York State licensing examination in psychoanalysis ^[6]. The institute is recognized by the New York State Education Department as an approved provider of continuing education for several mental health professions ^[7].

History

Founded in 1971, ICP developed a series of specialized programs over the following decades ^[4]. According to the institute, these included:

• 1975 — low-cost therapy for financially struggling college students ^[4]
• 1976 — a multi-disciplinary child and adolescent therapy program ^[4]
• 1979 — the Center for the Study of Anorexia and Bulimia (CSAB), described by the institute as the first outpatient eating disorders program in the city and the oldest non-profit eating disorders clinic in New York City ^[4][8]
• 1982 — a family and couple treatment program, and one of the city’s first support groups for HIV patients ^[4]
• 1985 — a psychotherapy program addressing the needs of artists ^[4]
• 1997 — a program for affirmative psychotherapy for the LGBTQIA+ population ^[4]
• 2006 — a program for the treatment and study of trauma, following the institute’s post-9/11 counseling work ^[4]
• 2018 — a two-year sex therapy certificate program ^[4]
• 2020 — scholarships specifically for the BIPOC community ^[4]

The four-year Psychoanalytic Program was established in 1973 ^[6]. The Family and Couples Treatment Services (FACTS) division traces its origins to 1982, when, according to the institute, ICP was the first New York City psychoanalytic institute to open family and couples therapy training ^[9]. The Two-Year Program in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy admitted its first class in September 1996, having been developed at the initiative of a psychologist and psychoanalyst who was a graduate of ICP’s Psychoanalytic Program ^[10]. The Psychotherapy Center for Gender & Sexuality (PCGS), formerly known as GLAP, dates its LGBTQ clinical certificate program to 1993 ^[11]. The Trauma Studies Center program has been running since 2004 ^[12].

In the immediate aftermath of September 11, 2001, ICP states that it trained and supervised more than 75 therapists to provide crisis counseling, which led to the establishment of its trauma studies program ^[4]. The institute reports that it has treated over 35,000 patients over more than 40 years, and that it provides 650–700 hours of therapy with approximately 300 clinical team members including therapists, supervisors, trainees, and faculty ^[4].

Training programs

• Psychoanalytic Program — a four-year certificate program established in 1973, offered in both licensed and License Qualifying Program (LQP) tracks ^[13][6].
• Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Program — a two-year evening certificate program for working professionals ^[13][10].
• Trauma Studies Center — a two-year integrated trauma training program ^[13][12].
• Family and Couples Treatment Services (FACTS) — a two-year certificate program in family and couple therapy ^[13][9].
• Sex Therapy Program (STP) — a two-year certificate program in sex therapy ^[13][14].
• Psychotherapy Center for Gender & Sexuality (PCGS) — an LGBTQ+ certificate program; as of the institute’s training overview, this program does not currently offer training ^[13][11].
• Center for the Study of Anorexia and Bulimia (CSAB) — a treatment and training center for feeding and eating disorders; as of the institute’s training overview, this program does not currently offer training ^[13][8].

Psychoanalytic Program

The Psychoanalytic Program is a four-year course of study consisting of three ten-week trimesters each year, with classes meeting Wednesdays from 12:00 to 5:45 pm ^[6]. Coursework comprises theoretical courses, courses in clinical theory, and case seminars, covering Freudian theory, object relations, self psychology, and interpersonal and relational perspectives ^[6]. The program leads to a Certificate in Psychoanalysis and fulfills the LQP requirements to sit for the New York State License in Psychoanalysis examination ^[6]. Three caseload tracks are offered: a Standard Institute Track requiring a minimum of six ICP clinic patients per year; a combined institute and outside caseload track (the "4+2 track"), permitting up to two private or agency patients alongside at least four clinic patients; and the LQP track ^[6]. Candidates must complete 950 patient hours and see one control case three or more times weekly for two years, a minimum of 240 sessions ^[6]. Evaluation includes a fourth-year case presentation on the control case and satisfactory supervisor evaluations ^[6].

Eligibility extends to physicians with at least two years of psychiatric residency, psychologists with a PhD or PsyD, licensed or license-eligible social workers, licensed nurses with a master’s degree in psychiatric nursing, licensed mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, creative arts therapists, and LQP applicants holding a master’s degree recognized by the State of New York ^[6].

Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Program

Classes meet Tuesday evenings from 6:00 to 9:20 pm, with each evening comprising a theoretical course, a clinical course, and a group supervision ^[10]. The academic year is divided into two semesters of 14 or 15 weeks ^[10]. First-year theory is delivered as four seven-week modules introducing Freudian theory, object relations, self psychology, and interpersonal and relational theories; second-year courses cover development, clinical assessment, and unconscious processes, dreams and termination ^[10]. Requirements include two patients weekly for a minimum of 80 hours per year, at least 40 individual supervision sessions per year with a different supervisor each year, and once-weekly psychoanalytic psychotherapy with an approved analyst for at least 80 continuous hours over the two years ^[10]. Individual supervision fees are set by the institute at $60 per session ^[10]. Graduates receive a Certificate of Completion and are eligible to apply to enter the second year of the Psychoanalytic Program ^[10].

Trauma Studies Center

The Trauma Studies Center offers a four-semester sequence over two years moving from theory to treatment, covering trauma neurobiology, the impact of systemic racism, stabilization methods, and techniques for processing traumatic memories ^[12]. The curriculum introduces Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and Internal Family Systems (IFS) as processing modalities ^[12]. For the 2026–2027 academic year, the didactic portion meets Wednesdays from 9:00 to 11:20 am, with in-person and virtual tracks for group case consultation ^[12]. Requirements include 60 patient contact hours and 30 supervision hours by the end of year one, and 120 patient contact hours and 60 supervision hours by graduation ^[12]. Applicants must hold a graduate degree in a mental health field and a New York State license or limited permit, and are usually required to have at least two years of post-degree clinical experience ^[12]. Participation requires candidates to be engaged in ongoing individual therapy ^[12]. An optional advanced third year offers training in EMDR and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy for alumni ^[12].

Family and Couples Treatment Services

FACTS training runs for 32 weeks each year from mid-September through mid-June, with classes on Thursdays from 9:00 am to 12:45 pm divided between group supervision and academic presentations ^[9]. Class size is limited to 12 trainees, and trainees are required to carry a minimum of two clinical cases ^[9]. The curriculum integrates theory and technique from approaches including Emotionally Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Gottman, narrative therapy, trauma-informed treatment, harm reduction, and motivational interviewing ^[9]. A graduate degree in a mental health or related discipline is required, and a certificate in Family and Couples Treatment is awarded on completion ^[9].

Sex Therapy Program

Most STP coursework meets on Fridays between 9:30 am and 4:30 pm, supplemented by three to four Speaker Series events per year and an annual Summer Sexuality Series in June ^[14]. Candidates are required to carry a minimum of three sex therapy cases from ICP’s clinic and to continue seeing clinic patients over the summer ^[14]. Eligibility requires a graduate degree in a licensable mental health field ^[14]. The institute states that completion of the two-year program fulfills the 150-hour education requirement for certification by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT), and that client hours can count toward AASECT clinical hours where the candidate is also seeing an AASECT-certified supervisor or supervisor-in-training ^[14]. Participation in STP group supervision does not meet AASECT supervision requirements ^[14]. As described on the program page, the program is currently offered entirely via Zoom ^[14].

Admissions

• Application fee — $85 for the Psychoanalytic, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Trauma, FACTS, and Sex Therapy programs ^{[15][10][12][9][14]}
• Psychoanalytic Program — completed application, current resume, a one- to two-page personal statement, three letters of reference, official graduate transcript, and a form completed by the applicant’s current therapist; applicants are interviewed by two Training Committee members, with a third interview occasionally required ^[15]
• Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Program — application, resume, three letters of reference, official graduate transcript, and a therapist credentials form where applicable, followed by two individual interviews; the deadline for the 2026–2027 academic year is June 5, 2026 ^[10]
• Trauma Studies Center — application, resume, copy of professional license, and two letters of recommendation sent directly by referees; the deadline for the 2026–2027 academic year is June 30, 2026 ^[12]
• FACTS — resume, three letters of recommendation, copy of graduate diploma, and license or limited permit, on a rolling basis with applications for 2026–2027 accepted from March 2026 ^[9]
• Sex Therapy Program — CV, completed questionnaire, personal statement, and two letters of recommendation, followed by a faculty interview; the deadline for the 2026–2027 academic year is May 1, 2026, with admission decisions made each spring ^[14]

The institute holds information sessions and open houses for prospective candidates, including an ICP-wide open house covering all five actively recruiting certificate programs ^[16][13].

Tuition and fees

• Psychoanalytic Program — tuition for the 2025–2026 academic year was $3,995 ^[6]
• Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Program — tuition for the 2026–2027 academic year is $3,650 ^[10]
• Trauma Studies Center — tuition for the 2026–2027 academic year is $3,650 ^[12]
• FACTS — tuition for the 2026–2027 academic year is $3,650 for incoming candidates ^[9]
• Sex Therapy Program — tuition for the 2026–2027 academic year is $3,650 ^[14]

Tuition covers coursework and group supervision; candidates are responsible for their own personal therapy and individual supervision fees, and tuition is reviewed annually ^[10][12][9]. Trauma Studies candidates must also hold malpractice insurance and list ICP as a certificate holder ^[12].

Scholarships and tuition assistance

• Dr. Margaret Lawrence Scholarship — Psychoanalytic Training Program; covers full tuition and supervision for four years for scholars in good standing ^[17]
• Dr. Annie Lee Jones Scholarship — Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Program; full tuition for the two-year program ^[17]
• Drs. Kenneth and Mamie Clark Scholarship — Trauma Studies Center; two years of tuition ^[17]
• E. Kitch Childs Scholarship — FACTS; two years of tuition ^[17]
• Joycelyn Elders Honorary Scholarship — Sex Therapy Program; full tuition for the two-year program ^[17]
• Global Voices Scholarship — FACTS and Trauma Studies Center; $1,750 per year for two years ($3,500 total), for bilingual and multilingual clinicians, with one recipient selected each year in each division ^[17]

The Equity Scholarships are full-tuition awards in five training programs, named in honor of psychoanalysts, psychologists, educators and other figures in the healthcare and mental health fields ^[17]. Application criteria include a graduate degree in a licensable mental health field with a New York State license or ability to apply for a limited permit, a resume or CV, two letters of recommendation, and a personal statement; selection considers credentials, references, statement content, demonstrated commitment to racial equity, and financial need ^[17]. The Global Voices Scholarship, announced by the executive director in May 2026, was funded by a private foundation grant and gives preference to applicants proficient in New York City’s designated citywide languages ^[18][17]. Separate tuition assistance is available to applicants demonstrating financial need ^[17].

Clinical services

• Adult Treatment Service — individual psychotherapy one to two times weekly, or intensive psychoanalytic treatment three to five times weekly ^[19]
• Trauma Studies Center — trauma treatment delivered through the Adult Treatment Clinic ^[19]
• Family and Couples Treatment Services (FACTS) — short- and long-term couple and family treatment ^[19]
• Sex Therapy — individual and couple sex therapy, often short-term and sometimes adjunctive to existing treatment ^[19]
• Psychotherapy Center for Gender & Sexuality (PCGS) — affirmative psychotherapy for LGBTQIA+ individuals, including a transgender program ^[19]
• Center for the Study of Anorexia and Bulimia (CSAB) — individual, group and family treatment for feeding and eating disorders, plus free online support groups for individuals and for friends and family ^[19]

Treatment begins with a preliminary telephone call followed by an intake consultation with an intake therapist; a patient assignment team then assigns a therapist ^[19][20]. The institute states that the intake consultation is an assessment rather than a guarantee of placement, that the fee is non-refundable, and that referrals to outside providers are offered where ICP’s services are not a fit ^[20]. ICP does not offer psychiatry and is not equipped for walk-in or crisis services ^[19][20]. The majority of ICP therapists are in training and all are assigned a weekly clinical supervisor ^[19]. Fees are set on a sliding scale based on income for patients without insurance coverage ^[19]. According to the institute, in-network insurance plans include UnitedHealthcare and United Behavioral Health, Optum Behavioral Health, Oxford, UMR, NYCE-PPO, Healthfirst and Healthfirst Medicaid, EmblemHealth, GHI/EmblemHealth, EmblemHealth Medicaid, and Oscar; Medicare is not accepted, and only Emblem and Healthfirst Medicaid plans are accepted ^[19]. Office hours are Monday to Thursday 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, Friday 8:00 am to 6:30 pm, and Saturday 8:00 am to 3:00 pm, with virtual sessions available outside these hours ^[2].

Continuing education and alumni activities

ICP is recognized by the New York State Education Department as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychoanalysts, social workers, mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, psychologists, and creative arts therapists, and is also an AASECT continuing education provider ^[7][13]. Continuing education offerings include seminars on eating disorder diagnosis and treatment carrying 4.5 and 6 New York State CE credits respectively, and a Trauma Book Group offering two CE credits per two-session reading group at $30 per group ^[21][22][7].

The Society for the Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy (SICP) functions as the institute’s alumni association, hosting a Friday night lecture series and an annual weekend retreat ^[23][24]. Past programming has included a March 2024 weekend conference with Adam Phillips and a March 2025 PCGS "Across the Lifespan" conference attended by over 100 people ^[25][24]. PCGS has also held biannual transgender mental health symposia, with editions in 2016, 2019, 2021 and 2025, and selections from the 2019 conference were published as a special issue of Studies in Gender and Sexuality in 2022 ^[11].

Affiliations and accreditation

• New York State Education Department Office of the Professions — approved continuing education provider; ICP’s Psychoanalytic Program is a New York State approved training program for psychoanalytic licensure ^[7][26]
• American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) — continuing education provider ^[13]
• IFS Institute — participant in the Internal Family Systems Institute’s Community Access Program ^[18]

The institute states that, in 2025, 36 clinicians from its community gained priority access to Internal Family Systems training through the IFS Institute’s Community Access Program, and that ICP was featured in the IFS Institute’s community newsletter ^[18]. The institute also reports collaborations with CUNY’s Hunter College beginning in 2010 and with Columbia University on pervasive grief disorders beginning in 2018 ^[4].

Governance and organization

ICP is governed by a Board of Directors with an advisory committee, and day-to-day operations are led by an Executive Director ^[18][4]. As of the May 2026 quarterly update, Andrea Green Lewis, LCSW-R, was Executive Director ^[18]. As of the October 2025 update, Ben Maddox was Board Chair ^[18].

Each training division is led by a division director or co-directors together with a training or executive committee ^[18]. Leadership transitions reported in the October 2025 update included Michael Nott, LCSW, becoming Director of the FACTS division; the Two-Year Psychodynamic Psychotherapy division moving to committee governance with Elisa Messore, LCSW-R, as Division Liaison; and Bruce Berman, PhD, joining Samantha Lutz, PhD, as Co-Director of the Sex Therapy Program ^[18]. Laura Levitt, LCSW, was announced as Associate Director of the Trauma Studies division in the same update, and the May 2026 update recorded that Faige Flakser, LCSW, was stepping down as its Division Director ^[18]. Board members joining in 2025 and 2026 included Hallie Boas, LMHC, Elizabeth Amador, MBA, MA, and Ali Pulver ^[18].

Following the adoption of a diversity, equity and inclusion statement, ICP developed a Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct and Grievance Procedures, with a stated commitment to launch a new grievance process and committee by the end of 2024 ^[4].

Finances

ICP is a not-for-profit organization ^[3][4]. A business-information profile lists annual revenue of approximately $5.1 million and 128 employees, with a founding year of 1971 ^[5]. The institute states that for its first 25 years it operated without endowments or outside contributions, and that it subsequently sought outside funding; named funders include the New York Community Trust, Henry van Ameringen, the Rapoport Foundation, New York State, United Way, Marsh & McLennan Companies, and the Stonewall Foundation ^[4]. Institutional and individual sponsors listed by ICP include the Joan N. and Norman Bluestone Foundation, Acrisure Cyber Services, and Northwell/Lenox Hill Hospital ^[27]. The institute held its first large-scale fundraising breakfast, Rise for NYC, on November 13, 2025 at the Harvard Club ^[18][24].