Psychoanalysis is understanding the motivation that drives us forward.
Psychoanalysis is understanding the motivation that drives us forward.
Psychoanalysis is understanding the motivation that drives us forward.
Psychoanalysis is understanding the motivation that drives us forward.
Psychoanalysis is understanding the motivation that drives us forward.
Deepen your practice
Applications for the 2026-2027 Academic Year are Now Open
The Chicago Psychoanalytic Institute is pleased to announce that applications for the upcoming academic year are now live. We have launched a new application portal to streamline the process for all prospective students across our clinical and certificate programs.
Join a distinguished community of clinicians and scholars at the Chicago Psychoanalytic Institute. Whether you are seeking full psychoanalytic training or looking to deepen your practice through our psychotherapy programs, explore our offerings and start your application today.
in loving memory
Arnold “Arnie” Tobin
The Chicago Psychoanalytic Institute mourns the passing of Arnold “Arnie” Tobin at the age of 97. Arnie was a distinguished member of our faculty, a training and supervising analyst, and a deeply respected teacher who devoted many years to the life and mission of the Institute.
He belonged to a generation of psychoanalysts whose dedication helped form the foundation of CPI. Through his teaching, mentorship, and clinical work, Arnie made lasting contributions to the psychoanalytic community. He was especially known for his thoughtful engagement with Freud’s work and for demonstrating the contemporary clinical relevance of classical psychoanalytic theory.
Arnie’s intellectual passion, generosity of spirit, and unwavering belief in the value of psychoanalytic treatment influenced generations of students and colleagues. We are profoundly grateful for his presence in our community.
We extend our deepest condolences to his wife, Eva Lichtenberg, former Chair of the CPI Board of Trustees, and to his family and loved ones. His legacy will continue to shape the Institute and the field of psychoanalysis for years to come.
Community spotlight
Scholarship in Action: Faculty and Student Highlights
At CPI, education and inquiry extend far beyond the classroom. We are thrilled to highlight the remarkable presence of our students and faculty and how we are shaping the national conversation.
From top-tier honors like the JAPA Award to engaging faculty-led interviews, discover how our community is advancing the art and science of psychoanalysis.
honoring a legacy
In Memoriam: Jim Wilson (1938-2026)
In loving memory of Dr. James Edward Wilson (1938–2026). Jim was a valued member of our faculty for many decades and was especially known for his Technique course, where he thoughtfully summarized the major historical contributions to psychoanalytic technique for generations of students. We will deeply miss his quiet humor, steady presence, and exemplary dedication to clinical excellence and teaching. Our hearts are with his family during this time of loss.
Upcoming Events
Transform Lives Through Child and Adolescent Therapy
Are you ready to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and adolescents? The faculty at the Child and Adolescent Program at the CPI warmly invites you to apply to our transformative program.
Becoming a child therapist is a rewarding yet complex journey. It requires a deep understanding of play therapy, the ability to navigate separation and loss, and the skills to build trust with children who are often angry, fearful, and vulnerable. Our program equips you with the clinical skills and theoretical knowledge needed to help parents reconnect with their children and foster meaningful partnerships with teachers and other key adults in their lives.
As a student at CPI, you’ll benefit from exceptional clinical supervision, engaging theoretical and clinical courses, and ongoing case seminars that draw upon a wide variety of theoretical approaches, including self-psychology, object relations, relational theory, and drive theory. Our diverse faculty encourages you to explore multiple modalities of psychotherapy, enriching your understanding and skill set. Don’t wait to become the best version of yourself—join us today at CPI. Together, we can help children thrive and create lasting positive change in their lives. Your journey as a child and adolescent therapist starts here!
History and Foundation
The Chicago Psychoanalytic Institute is a premier center for psychoanalytic research, education, and clinical training, located on historic Michigan Avenue in Chicago, Illinois. We offer comprehensive professional education in psychoanalysis and psychotherapy, while also providing therapy services to individuals seeking support for a wide range of mental health concerns—including anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship challenges.
Rooted in contemporary psychoanalytic practice, the Institute blends rigorous academic training with hands-on clinical experience. This integrated approach ensures that both clients and clinicians benefit from the highest standards of care and expertise.
The Institute was founded in 1932 by Dr. Franz Alexander, a trailblazer in psychosomatic medicine and a leading figure at the Berlin Psychoanalytic Institute. Invited to Chicago by the president of the University of Chicago, Dr. Alexander established what would become one of the foremost institutions of psychoanalytic thought and practice in the United States.
Child & Adolescent Psychoanalytic Education
Learn more about our Institute’s Child & Adolescent Psychoanalytic Education training program, available alongside or after adult training.
Institute Symposiums
Our Institute Symposium series offers hour-long, virtual presentations that are open to the public and designed to deepen the understanding of psychoanalytic theory and practice.
These complimentary events allow professionals to earn Continuing Education (CE) credits (with CME credits available for select presentations) while engaging with distinguished faculty on topics ranging from clinical case studies and historical perspectives to complex developmental disorders.
Whether you are a seasoned analyst or new to the field, we welcome you to attend.
Institute Symposium – Children & Autistic Spectrum Disorders
Institute Symposium – Herbert Cibul MD & Barrie Richmond MD Memorial Lecture
Expand the Understanding of the Human Mind and Behavior
The Chicago Psychoanalytic Institute offers educational programs in psychoanalytic theory and practice and its applications to academic, social and cultural life.
The Chicago Psychoanalytic Institute Treatment Center offers psychotherapy and psychoanalytic services in the Chicago metropolitan area. The Treatment Center provides services to adults, children, adolescents and families in need of psychotherapeutic assistance. All services are available at affordable fees.
Human beings and being human are at the core of the Chicago Psychoanalytic Institute’s mission. The Institute is dedicated to advancing knowledge of human beings—their feelings, thoughts and behavior—and to improving people’s lives.
