We seek candidates who have a demonstrated commitment to psychoanalysis, a capacity for academic rigor, and clinical capability, including the ability to learn through self-reflection.

PINC believes that psychoanalysis and the Institute is enriched by contributions from a diverse group of candidates and thus invites applications from licensed members of all five mental health professions: psychology, social work, psychiatry, marriage and family therapy, and psychiatric nursing. All applicants must have at least a master’s degree.

We seek candidates who have a demonstrated commitment to psychoanalysis, a capacity for academic rigor, and clinical capability, including the ability to learn through self-reflection.

Applications are accepted year round, however, only completed applications received by March 31st will be considered for the Fall 2024 class. Applications are considered in the order in which they are received and on a space available basis. If more candidates are accepted than can be accommodated in a given class, they will be admitted to the next class.

The IPA provides an interest free loan program for candidate training. For information visit: https://www.ipa.world/en/IPA1/grant_and_loans/candidate_loans/candidateloans.aspx

Applicants will be considered without regard for race, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, or disability.

How to apply

Applicants are required to submit the following materials:

  1. Complete the Online Admissions Application Form
  2. Copy of California professional license
  3. Copy of professional liability coverage
  4. Letters of reference from three clinicians other than your therapist or analyst
  5. Curriculum Vitae
  6. Statement of Interest
  7. Check for $220 application fee sent to:

Psychoanalytic Institute of Northern California
530 Bush St #700, San Francisco, CA 94108

Click to open the Application Form

Admission Process

The admissions process is a gateway to our professional community and as such reflects the philosophy of our Institute.

It is the intention of the Admissions Committee to make the admissions process clear, fair, and informative. We believe the process should be a learning and an evaluative opportunity. Whatever the outcome, substantial feedback is given to and requested back from all applicants. We expect that the interactions applicants have with the committee to be educational and to inspire their professional aspirations.

1.

  • Admission to PINC begins with the receipt of a completed application form, a statement of the applicant’s interest in undertaking analytic training, and the application fee.
  • The chairperson of the Admissions Committee or her/his designee speaks with all applicants. The purpose of this initial conversation is to get a fuller sense of the applicant, to review the admissions and progressions requirements for the entire training program, to clarify PINC’s requirements for an analysis concurrent with training, and to answer any questions the applicant may have.
  • A personal analyst must be credentialed and a current member of PINC. If an applicant has recently completed an analysis the circumstances are reviewed to consider if PINC’s requirements are fulfilled.
  • Applicants are then contacted about their readiness for admissions interviews.
  • Applicants not offered interviews are given clear feedback meant to encourage their re-application in the future.

2.

  • Applicants meet twice with each clinical interviewer (there is a single interview fee).
  • Admissions Committee members along with members of the interviewer panel conduct all clinical interviews. Every effort is made to provide an interviewer with no prior relationship with the applicant. During the interview, an applicant is asked to discuss his or her professional development and to present examples of clinical work. An ability to articulate clinical and theoretical reasoning as well to receive and implement supervision is evaluated.
  • PINC’s admission process does not include “personal interviews,” which delve into the private rather than professional lives of applicants. If the initial two clinical interviews are not sufficient for the committee to reach a decision, the applicant is asked to meet with a third interviewer.
  • All admission decisions are made by the Admissions Committee, not by any individual or interviewer alone.
  • Applicants are informed of the Committee’s decisions as quickly as possible by phone and soon after by letter.

Admissions Questions? Please call PINC at 415.288.4050