The Ackerman Institute for the Family celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. We honor the contributions AAPI people have made towards social justice throughout history and we remember and celebrate AAPI members of the family therapy community who have worked and continue to work tirelessly to provide just and culturally sensitive care.
Ackerman therapists have given voice in the media to the many challenges that couples and families are facing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Check back for the latest Ackerman therapist interviews.
You and your families are in our daily thoughts, as we join with families and communities around the world in a collective effort to slow, and stop, the spread of the COVID-19 virus. As work, school, and community life are transformed in the face of this pandemic, remaining connected is more important than ever. We are not alone.
While the Ackerman Institute offices are closed, our programming and services continue to operate. We are working and learning from home and actively building virtual community. Our therapy services have transitioned to teletherapy. Our clinicians are available via the telephone and online tools to support families. Our Core Curriculum Training Program has moved to a virtual learning model. Our spring workshops for mental health professionals will be presented live, online. For Ackerman alumni working on the front-line of this crisis, we have multiple formats for community connection and sharing resources.
The Ackerman Institute for the Family stands alongside Asian and Asian American communities enduring discrimination during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As an institute that keeps social justice at the center, we are heartbroken over the narrative that is being perpetuated by some leaders of our country, media outlets, and individuals. Ackerman condemns in the strongest of terms the false discourse, xenophobia, and racism perpetuated towards those from Asian descent. In keeping with the tradition of social justice in family therapy, we ask that everyone continue to commit to addressing power disparities, injustice, and respect in every way possible.
This statement was published on March 16, 2020. For the latest updates, visit our COVID-19 Response Page.
Dear Ackerman Community,
In response to the unfolding COVID-19 healthcare crisis, the Ackerman Institute has decided to suspend on-site training and clinical services until further notice. This has been a challenging decision and we have been working diligently to implement a plan to safeguard health, while maintaining our training programs and clinical services.
As of Friday, March 13th, the Ackerman Institute’s family therapy services have transitioned to teletherapy. Our clinicians will continue to provide the highest standard of care via the telephone and online tools.
Ackerman’s administrative offices are closed and we are operating remotely.
Core Curriculum trainings have moved to a virtual learning model. Supervisors and trainees are using video conferencing and other online tools to continue their family therapy training.
Ackerman workshops have implemented a revised cancellation policy. For updates about rescheduled workshops and to remain in touch, subscribe to our mailing list.
We stand in solidarity with our community and the families around the globe who have been impacted by this crisis. We wish you and your family good health.
This March, we celebrate Women’s History Month. The Ackerman Institute recognizes the vast contributions that women have made to the field of family therapy and mental health since the beginning of the profession. In 2019, women made up an impressive 76% of therapy professionals, and 68% of the social service occupation.
We recognize the commitment of women to the care and well-being of families and communities around the world.
Ackerman’s Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Kiran Arora, PhD was interviewed by The Cut on couples therapy for beginners. Read the article.
Martha Fling, former Board Chair committed to family wellbeing and mental health, has been selected as the next President and CEO of the Ackerman Institute for the Family, effective February 1, 2020. Ackerman Board Member Ira Sallen will succeed Ms. Fling as Chair of the Board of Directors.
As Ackerman’s sixth President and CEO, Ms. Fling will lead the Institute to further its mission to improve the mental health of families through the dynamic interaction of innovative treatment, training, and research. Ms. Fling succeeds Gisselle Acevedo, who served as the President & CEO since 2018.