How to Apply to the Post-Graduate Training Program

Please read the following information to help you decide whether to apply to the Post-Graduate Training Program.

TPI will have a pilot pregraduate program starting in Fall 2023.


Who Should Apply?

  • Post-graduate professionals in mental health who are obtaining hours toward licensure as social workers, marriage-family therapists, and psychologists
  • Pregraduate students in practicum can apply. Complete the Pregraduate Training Program Application by clicking here. Email completed applications to K. Sue Duncan at ksduncan@tpi-berkeley.org
  • Licensed mental health professionals who want to expand their knowledge of open-ended, psychodynamic psychotherapy.

Prerequisite Experience

By the starting date of the program you must have:

  • Completed a two-year or longer graduate program and received a master's or doctoral degree in a mental health field.
  • Preference is given to applicants who have completed a minimum of 18 months (two full academic years) of relevant clinical experience, including 375 face-to-face clinical hours; for example, by doing psychotherapy, counseling, specialized treatment, crisis intervention, or case work. Preference is given to applicants who have acquired this experience post-degree and within the past five years.

Additional Criteria

You must be willing to commit 25 hours weekly to the program, including blocks of time for seeing clients—such as a morning, afternoon, or evening—on at least three days a week.

We’ve found that applicants best suited to the program are self-reflective and value self-awareness for psychotherapy practitioners. Most have undertaken their own psychotherapy. Personal therapy during the training program is highly recommended.


How Do I Apply?

At this point, we are not accepting applications. The next round of applications will open in late December for entry in Fall 2024.  

  1. Download the application packet. Complete all the requested application materials and email them to K. Sue Duncan, ksduncan@tpi-berkeley.org at The Psychotherapy Institute. To pay the $50, nonrefundable application fee, click here.  

Each year, the Institute accepts approximately eight staff therapists. We schedule interviews for as many applicants as possible. Depending upon the number of applications we receive, we may not be able to offer a personal interview to all candidates meeting the minimum requirements. The Selection Committee makes all decisions about personal interviews and the selection of trainees; its decisions are final.

All written materials you submit as part or in support of your application become the property of the Institute. If you are not selected, we’ll destroy all application materials.


Financial Aid

Prospective staff therapists for the 2024-2025 academic year can apply for financial awards. Please see the link below for instructions and procedures for the application process. 

Financial aid application submissions are currently closed. For questions, email ksduncan@tpi-berkeley.org.