Psychoanalytic Program
Are You Considering a New Career as a Psychotherapist?
Our Program in Psychoanalysis is open to candidates who hold a Master’s degree or PhD in any field. Rooted in Gestalt theory, this experience-rich program prepares participants to become licensed to practice psychotherapy in New York State as a Licensed Psychoanalyst (LP).
Chartered by the New York State Education Department since 2006, the program combines immersive learning with rigorous academic training. Participants complete our Clinical Fellowship Program, fulfill additional state-mandated coursework in psychoanalysis, develop clinical skills through additional hours of supervised work in our clinic, and become eligible to sit for the New York State Psychoanalyst Licensing Exam.
Psychoanalytic Program Highlights
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Live demonstrations, seminars, and lectures grounded in Gestalt Therapy.
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Supervised clinical internship and practicum with real clients.
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Integration of experiential and theoretical learning.
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Supportive learning community and expert faculty.
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Hybrid format available*
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Personal exploration & growth.
*Hybrid Learning at Gestalt Associates for Psychotherapy:
For those unable to attend in person, we offer a hybrid option. On-site Friday evening classes are available for students who can participate in person. We will be offering the Hybrid Learning model through 2027.
For more information about licensure requirements, please visit the New York State Department of Education, Office of the Professions.
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Coursework
Trainees enrolled in the Psychoanalytic Program complete all coursework required in the Clinical Fellowship Program, along with three to four additional psychoanalytic courses (10–15 hours each) per semester.
These psychoanalytic courses are offered on a rotating basis every 2–3 years and may be scheduled on non-training Fridays, weekdays, or Monday and Thursday evenings, depending on faculty availability. All required coursework must be completed in order to graduate and qualify to sit for the New York State Psychoanalyst Licensing Exam.
While the program is designed for coursework to be completed in four to five years, we recognize that each trainee’s path is unique. The timeline for completion can be extended to accommodate individual scheduling needs.
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Clinical Hours & Licensure Requirements
To qualify for New York State licensure as a Licensed Psychoanalyst (LP), trainees must complete a total of 750 hours of supervised clinical work:
300 direct hours are required to apply for the NYS Limited Permit.
An additional 450 direct hours must be completed to fulfill the total requirement for licensure.
These hours may be accrued while enrolled in the program and/or while practicing under the Limited Permit.
Clinical training begins in Level II and continues through Levels III and IV, allowing trainees to progressively integrate theory and practice.
Please note: In accordance with NYS regulations, all clinical hours must be conducted within New York State, even if therapy sessions are delivered via Zoom or other telehealth platforms.
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Supervision Requirements
Trainees receive weekly clinical supervision during Levels II, III, and IV, with progress and readiness evaluated before advancing to each subsequent level.
New York State licensing requirements are fulfilled by the following:
Weekly supervision for all years while working in the GAP clinic.
50 additional hours, focusing on a single case.
This layered supervision model ensures that trainees receive comprehensive, real-time support as they develop clinical competence and prepare for professional licensure.
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Personal Therapy Requirements (Analysis)
Each trainee’s personal therapy provides a first-hand experience of Gestalt therapy and a forum for working through issues that may emerge as a part of an in-depth program that calls upon trainees to explore themselves on many levels.
To meet New York State licensure requirements, trainees must complete a total of 300 hours of psychotherapy.
At GAP, we require that these hours include:
A minimum of 150 hours of individual therapy over at least three years
A minimum of 50 hours of group therapy, completed during the program
Trainees typically complete these hours over the course of four years; however, the timeline may be extended to accommodate individual needs.
Please note:
Therapy fees are arranged directly with the provider and may vary.
Coursework
Current Courses
Click the link above to view currently scheduled Psychoanalytic Courses. Our Psychoanalytic Course schedule may extend beyond the current semester due to instructor availability.
Complete Course Listing
Click on a course to view more details. Go to the Continuing Eduction page to view the current semester courses.
Psychoanalytic Program Admission
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Admission is based on review your application and personal interview. A Master’s Degree or PhD in any field is a pre-requisite required by the New York State Department of Education, Office of the Professions.
Please note: all MA Degrees from a non-US university must be evaluated by NYS prior to program admission. For additional information, email us at info@gestaltassociates.com.
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To assure early consideration, please complete our application form by 8/31. Once received, we will contact you to arrange a personal interview.
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Click on the “Apply Today” button to view the application. You’ll be asked to upload:
Official Copies of Academic Transcripts and Professional Credentials
Updated Resume
Two Letters of Reference, Including One from a Current or Recent Therapist, if Applicable.
After you submit your application, you’ll be redirected to pay the $50 application fee.
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Upon Receipt of your application and fee, you will be contacted for a personal interview by our Director of Training, and a member of our Faculty.
Frequently Asked Questions
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You must have completed a Master’s degree, a JD, or a PhD before any coursework can be applied to the NYS requirements for licensing. If you have an international degree, the process of NYS evaluation must be completed prior to coursework.
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No, many of our psychoanalytic program candidates decide to train as therapists based on a wide variety of experiences. For example, many people who have had a vibrant relationship in their own therapy decide to train as therapists. Likewise, people with related movement and bodywork careers choose to train as Gestalt therapists, as do many artists.
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Yes! All of our trainees, from the start of training, participate in practicum groups and take turns as “the client.” These practicum groups are small groups during our Friday night trainings with a faculty supervisor present to support the trainee-therapist in the session. In levels II-IV, trainees are required to volunteer as “the therapist” as well as “the client” throughout the year. Some trainees also volunteer for demonstration sessions with experienced faculty members during our Friday night training.
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The coursework can be completed in four years at GAP. This should be understood as four full years (not academic years) because supervision and clinic work do not follow an academic calendar. After all coursework, supervision, personal therapy and 300 client hours are completed, a trainee applies for a Limited Permit from NYS to continue collecting hours towards licensing. A trainee would have to add significant hours to the recommended schedule to collect all of these hours (750 in total) before completing coursework; additional supervision would be required. The other licensing requirement is to pass two narrative exams. These can be taken any time after completing the same requirements listed for the Limited Permit in this answer.
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Our academic year runs from October through June. Classes take place on 20 Friday evenings from 6-9 p.m. and include a few additional seminars and workshops offered throughout the year.
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The clinically oriented, philosophically grounded training at GAP requires clinical work. Theory and practice are intricately woven together.
For those who are interested in studying the underlying theoretical approach to Gestalt Therapy, you may be interested in our one-year Introductory Program.
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Friday Night Courses & Practicum:
$3700 per year / no materials fee.Psychoanalytic Courses:
$300-$450 per each additional 10-hour or 15-hour required Psychoanalytic Course, for a total of 22 additional courses over the duration of training, as specified in the Program Outline.$8250 over the duration of training, for an average of $2062.50 per year.
Weekly Psychotherapy:
At least 250 hours of individual therapy, and at least 1 year of group therapy, to meet the NYS requirement of 300 hours. Fees for therapy are arranged privately with the individual or group therapist. Prior therapy may be applied to the 300 hour requirement, depending on the prior therapist’s licensure and other qualifications.Weekly Supervision:
Group Supervision sessions are $40/session. Single case supervision sessions range from $40-$80 per session.Group Supervision comes to $1920 and Single Case Supervision is $2000 or $4000 (depending on individual or group, one year only).
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During the current Academic year, we are offering a limited number of partial scholarships, with the goal of promoting diversity both in our training program, and in the larger profession of psychotherapy.