The Institute for Psychoanalytic Training and Research (IPTAR) was founded in 1958 as a membership society for non-medical analysts sharing an interest in Freud’s theory and technique. It provided a congenial setting for the exchange of ideas and the discussion of cases and theory. In 1960, the Membership Society established the IPTAR Training Institute to offer what was as yet unavailable in this
country: rigorous and thorough training in psychoanalytic theory and technique for serious, qualified students from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds. Although IPTAR still maintains a contemporary Freudian emphasis, the Institute offers a wide range of courses from several different theoretical perspectives. In 1989, IPTAR became a provisional component society of the International Psychoanalytical Association (IPA) and a full component society in 1991. IPTAR has the distinction of being one of the first non-medical societies in the United States to become affiliated with the IPA, which is the oldest and largest international psychoanalytic organization and the world's primary accrediting and regulatory body for psychoanalysis. The IPA was formally established in 1910 by Sigmund Freud and his associates to serve as the professional association for the field of psychoanalysis. IPTAR is also a component society of the Confederation of Independent Psychoanalytic Societies (CIPS), founded in 1992. CIPS is the professional association of the independent psychoanalytic societies of the International Psychoanalytic Association in the United States. In 2006, IPTAR was registered as a program leading to Licensure in Psychoanalysis by the New York State Department of Education (Office of the Professions). This is of particular importance to people from other than mental health disciplines who wish to become psychoanalysts. Upon completion of specific requirements of IPTAR's Adult Psychoanalytic Training Program, candidates will be eligible to sit for the Psychoanalysis Licensing Exam and become Licensed Psychoanalysts (LP) in New York State. IPTAR is both a Membership Society and a Training Institute. It is a community committed to the lifelong study of psychoanalysis. IPTAR offers its membership a rich variety of programs and opportunities for study, discussion, and the continuing interchange of ideas. As a Training Institute, it offers a carefully planned curriculum governed by a contemporary Freudian perspective. Rooted in the original Freudian text, it also includes important elaboration and transformations of the original concepts that have led to today’s expanded understanding of psychopathology, development, technique, and application. Teaching is done in the context of clinical illustration, making theoretical learning relevant to actual practice. There are three separate Boards at IPTAR. The Board of Directors bears the ultimate responsibility for all activities at IPTAR and appoints the other two Boards. The Board of Administrators of the Institute carries out all training functions for candidates in adult psychoanalysis. This is the main training function that our Society provides. The IPTAR Clinical Center (ICC) Board is responsible for insuring that the ICC reaches its mission: to provide the community affordable mental health services. Both candidates and members work in the Clinical Center. Other educational groups report directly to the Board of Directors but often work in cooperation with the Institute and the Clinical Center. Each Board has representatives on the other Boards to facilitate communication between them. IPTAR has offices on the Upper West Side and the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Our East Side location has private offices for rent and also provides space for the IPTAR Clinical Center. Our West Side location is IPTAR’s administrative center, housing the Edward Frankel Memorial Library, a conference room used for a variety of IPTAR events and programs, and private offices available for rent. Offices at both locations may be rented by people from outside or within the IPTAR community. For more information on our clinic, please visit: iptar.org/iptar-clinical-center/mental-health-counseling
