Curious about what it’s really like to train at Ackerman?
Join us for an online, dynamic, behind-the-scenes look at our Core Curriculum.
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.
Foundations of Family Therapy
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.
Live Clinical Supervision
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.
Dual Program
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.
Clinical Externship in Family Therapy
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.
Workshops
Ackerman’s workshops provide top-tier training from innovative and diverse leaders in the field of couple and family therapy.
For Agencies and Organizations
We offer trainings for mental health professionals in agencies, clinics, private group practices, schools, hospitals, and community-based organizations.
Upcoming Workshops: Earn CE Credits
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Senior and Single: Dating and Sex in a Changing World
June 20, 2025
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Marjorie Nightingale, PhD, JD, LMFT
3 CE Contact Hours
Online
Online events are held in Eastern Standard Time (ET). A link will be emailed 1 day before the event.
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Working with Consensual Non-Monogamy in Therapy
July 9, 2025
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Alexis Diaz, LCSW
1.5 CE Contact Hours
Online
Online events are held in Eastern Standard Time (ET). A link will be emailed 1 day before the event.
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Mindful Parenting: Challenges and Possibilities
July 16, 2025
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Sabina Fila, MSW, MTS
1.5 CE Contact Hours
Online
Online events are held in Eastern Standard Time (ET). A link will be emailed 1 day before the event.
Moving Families Forward Gala 2024 Photo Gallery
Introducing a New Program on Faith-Based Couple and Family Therapy
Moving Families Forward 2024 Gala Honorees
Yearly Impact at Ackerman Institute for the Family:
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.
