Moving Families Forward

Leaders for over 60 years in family therapy treatment and training.

Helping Families Thrive

Founded in 1960, the Ackerman Institute for the Family is one of the premier institutions for family therapy and one of the best-known and most highly regarded training facilities for couple and family therapists in the United States. The Institute serves families from all walks of life at all stages of family life.

We offer clinical services and professional training both online and in-person at our New York City office.

This 30-week introductory course prepares mental health professionals with the knowledge base for systemic thinking and practice in couple and family therapy. The Foundations of Family Therapy course is a precursor to more advanced training in couple and family therapy at Ackerman. Learn more…

This 30-week Live Clinical Supervision course consists of four weekly hours of group supervision, integrating the theoretical knowledge gained in the Foundations of Family Therapy course with direct face-to-face practice with couples and families. Learn more…

This program includes Foundations of Family Therapy and Live Clinical Supervision taken in the same year. The Dual Program is the fastest way to become eligible for our Clinical Externship. Learn more…

A rigorous 2-year clinical and supervisory experience for trainees interested in attaining broad-based expertise in relational family therapy as it applies to couples and families. We offer a day program and an evening program. Learn more…

Workshops

Workshops

Ackerman’s workshops provide top-tier training from innovative and diverse leaders in the field of couple and family therapy.

Agencies and Organizations

For Agencies and Organizations

We offer trainings for mental health professionals in agencies, clinics, private group practices, schools, hospitals, and community-based organizations.

  • Sibling Therapy: The How To's
    • April 19, 2024
      10:00 am - 1:00 pm

    Sibling Therapy is built on family system’s theory, but has its own specific elements. There is the awareness that brothers and/or sisters actually have two…

  • Sex Therapy Training Program Information Session | Apr. 25
    • April 25, 2024
      6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

    Join us for an information session with Ackerman Director of Training, Dr. Marlene F. Watson. This interactive online discussion will answer prospective trainee questions about the Ackerman Institute's Post Master's Certificate Program in Sex Therapy. We invite you to bring your questions about Ackerman's training program and the field of sex therapy.

  • I am because We are (Ubuntu): Ancestral Relationships in the Service of Healing
    • April 26, 2024
      10:00 am - 1:00 pm

    In this workshop we will explore the role of the ancestors in the service of promoting healing in various common presenting concerns such as multi-generational…

Created in 1992, Ackerman Institute’s Social Work & Diversity Program has trained more than 100 therapists of color. The program is partnered with with the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College, the NYU Silver School of Social Work and the Columbia School of Social Work.

Graduates of the program are working locally and nationally in community agencies, hospitals and academic institutions.