Train at the Highest Level of Relational Practice.
The one-year Clinical Fellowship represents Ackerman’s most advanced and immersive training experience—designed for licensed and limited-permit clinicians ready to refine their work at the highest level of couple and family therapy.
This certificate-granting program integrates 125 hours of supervised clinical practice, a specialized Clinical Seminar, and deep immersion in the Ackerman Relational Approach. Fellows engage in sustained, rigorous training that transforms clinical skill into precision, presence, and relational authority.
At this level, the work shifts—from learning models to embodying them in practice.
Prerequisites:
- Graduate-level training (Master’s or higher) in a clinical or related field
- Prior exposure to couple and family therapy theories and systemic thinking
Course Details
Duration: 12 Months
Clinical Training: 125 hours of supervised clinical practice
Format: In-person / Hybrid (confirm as needed)
Date: September 2026–July 2027*
Tuition: $10,500
Credential: Certificate in Clinical Fellowship in Family Therapy
* The Clinical Fellowship is designed with flexibility in mind; as such, the completion timeline may vary depending on each fellow’s fulfillment of required supervision and clinical hours.
An Intensive, Practice-Driven Experience.
The Clinical Fellowship is built on the belief that mastery is developed through direct clinical engagement, expert mentorship, and sustained reflection.
Through close supervision and ongoing clinical work, fellows:
- Refine their ability to assess and intervene within complex relational systems
- Strengthen decision-making in high-stakes clinical moments
- Deepen their use of self as a central tool in therapeutic work
- Develop a more nuanced, responsive, and intentional clinical presence
This is not simulated training. It is direct engagement with clinical work at its most complex and immediate.
What Distinguishes the Fellowship
Advanced Supervised Clinical Practice
Engage in 125 hours of direct clinical work under expert supervision, receiving individualized feedback that sharpens your clinical precision and relational effectiveness.
Integration of Theory and Clinical Application
Participate in a rigorous Clinical Seminar that bridges systemic theory with real-time practice, strengthening your ability to think, respond, and intervene with clarity.
Immersion in the Ackerman Relational Approach
Train within a model that has defined the field, gaining a sophisticated framework for navigating the complexity of couple and family systems.
A Selective, High-Level Learning Environment
Join a cohort of committed clinicians engaged in advanced training, creating a space for challenge, growth, and professional evolution.
Attend an Information Session
-
Ackerman Core: Training Overview
July 7, 2026
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Online
Online events are held in Eastern Standard Time (ET). A link will be emailed 1 day before the event.
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Clinical Fellowship Information Session
July 15, 2026
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Online
Online events are held in Eastern Standard Time (ET). A link will be emailed 1 day before the event.
-
Live Clinical Information Session
July 23, 2026
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Online
Online events are held in Eastern Standard Time (ET). A link will be emailed 1 day before the event.
What You’ll Gain
- Advanced clinical acuity through sustained, supervised practice
- A refined ability to engage complex couple and family systems
- Greater confidence in high-stakes clinical decision-making
- Deepened use of self as a clinical instrument
- A strengthened, clearly defined relational approach to therapy
Who This Fellowship Is For
- Licensed or limited-permit clinicians
- Therapists actively working with individuals, couples, and families
- Social workers, psychologists, and counselors seeking advanced clinical training
- Clinicians ready to engage in rigorous, practice-driven learning
Our Teaching Faculty
Ackerman Institute’s faculty includes accomplished clinicians with in-depth knowledge of couples and family therapy. Many also participate in research projects at the Institute.
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A Selective Admissions Process
Admission to the Clinical Fellowship is selective and designed for clinicians prepared to engage in advanced, practice-driven training.
Applicants are Expected to Demonstrate:
- Completion of foundational coursework in couple and family therapy theories
- Prior clinical experience working with individuals, couples, and/or families
- Active licensure in New York State (e.g., LMFT, LMSW, LCSW, LMHC, Psychologist) with a valid NPI number by the start of the Fellowship
- A professional letter of recommendation reflecting clinical experience and readiness for advanced training
Application Requirements
As part of the application process, applicants will be asked to provide:
- Details of relevant coursework in couple and family therapy (including where and when completed)
- A summary of clinical experience, including populations served and scope of work
- Current licensure information (with the option to indicate “Other” where applicable)
- A professional letter of recommendation
Cohort sizes are intentionally limited to support a high level of clinical engagement and individualized mentorship.
A Defining Step in Your Clinical Career.
The Clinical Fellowship is more than advanced training-it is a professional inflection point.
Fellows are challenged to move beyond competence toward mastery, developing the depth, confidence, and clinical authority required to work at the forefront of relational practice.
This experience prepares clinicians not only to elevate their work-but to lead, influence, and contribute to the future of the field.
Take the Next Step.
Secure Your Spot
Getting started is simple:
1. Submit Your Application
Complete our online form to begin the process.
2. Receive Your Admissions Decision
Our team will review your credentials and notify you of your status.
3. Confirm Your Enrollment
Secure your placement with a deposit.
Deposit Amount: $1,000
(Note: This deposit is applied directly toward your tuition balance.)
Flexible payment options and institutional scholarships are available to support your enrollment.
Tuition Payment Schedule
| Payment Option | Amount | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Payment in Full | 100% of Tuition | August 15 |
| Payment Plan: First Payment | 10% of Tuition | August 15, then monthly |
| Payment Plan: Last Payment | Remaining Balance | April 15 |