Program in Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy

The NYSPP Child and Adolescent Program is specifically designed for clinical social workers, psychiatrists, psychologists, guidance counselors, and psychiatric nurses to sensibly augment therapeutic work with children and adolescents.

At NYSPP, we understand that many children and families feel overwhelmed by issues ranging from divorce, sexual abuse, domestic violence, bereavement, foster care issues, and other traumas. Parents are often concerned about managing matters such as attention deficit behaviors, school bullying, aggressive behavior, teen substance abuse, or suicidality. New technology and a rapidly changing society yield issues never experienced by previous generations and further complicate concerns such as attention deficit, school bullying, or teen substance abuse. The clinician working with children and adolescents requires an astute understanding of developmental dynamics and the interplay of social and intrapsychic stressors. Without these tools, therapists may find themselves feeling as overwhelmed as their young clients.

The NYSPP Child and Adolescent Program blends contemporary psychoanalytic theories with practical interventions to support families and children facing difficult realities. Students study infant development research and ego psychology, with contributions of object relations and other modern psychodynamic theory. We recognize the importance of knowledge within a multicultural environment such as New York City and emphasize the role of culture and ethnicity throughout our training. Practice courses offer the opportunity to discuss clinical case material in a supportive and confidential learning environment.

Program Logistics

Two year program

Three 10-week trimesters

Wednesday evening classes 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. (some may be earlier)

Small class size- 4 to 7 students

Classes held in office of the instructor

Financial scholarships available

Program High Lights

Study contemporary psychoanalytic theory and practice

Learn application of practical intervention techniques

Recognition of clinical multicultural dynamics

Classroom focus on the child or adolescent facing multiple stressors

Supportive learning environment

Small class size allows for flexible course focus according to students' interests/needs

Low cost child and adolescent supervision (optional)

Founder and Program Coordinator

Miriam Pierce, MSW, BCD

Program Directors

Rose Latino, LCSW

Yvonne Young, LCSW

Consultants and Advisory Board

Anni Bergman, Ph.D.

Amy Cox-Martins, MS, CSW

Barbara Eisold, Ph.D.

Peggy Frank, LICSW, BCD

Stanley C. Goldklang, Ph.D.

Ruth Lax, Ph.D.

Diana Siskind, MSW

Toni Thompson, MSW

Patsy Turrini, MSW

Kirkland C. Vaughans, Ph.D.