SDPC FELLOWSHIP
SDPC began its one-year Fellowship program in 2010, as part of an initiative to provide introductory exposure to psychoanalytic concepts. The program is designed for individuals in the mental health field (e.g., psychiatry, psychology, social work) or in academia (e.g., philosophy, literature, sociology, anthropology, education, and the arts) at the masters level or above who have a strong interest in psychoanalysis.
Applicants are encouraged to complete Fundamentals I and II prior to applying, as these courses provide a developmental foundation that frames the Fellowship as a bridge between introductory coursework and more intensive clinical training. It is a recommendation in preparation for the Fellowship, not a requirement.
Program Structure
The 9-month Fellowship runs from September through May each year. The program is centered on monthly seminars with pre-circulated readings. These seminars typically meet on Friday evenings in-person at SDPC, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. This structure offers a consistent and collaborative learning environment grounded in psychoanalytic thinking and clinical discussion.
The format is intentionally interactive, collegial, and accessible. Experienced psychoanalysts present detailed clinical material to the group for discussion, creating a space where participants can ask questions, share perspectives, and engage collaboratively with both theoretical and clinical concepts. The atmosphere is designed to be thoughtful yet informal, encouraging open dialogue and curiosity.
Readings are often assigned to help frame the clinical and theoretical issues under consideration. Over the course of the year, Fellows are exposed to a range of clinical situations, which may include:
- The beginning phases of treatment
- Work with children and adolescents
- Treatment of trauma in adults
- Psychodynamic perspectives on the use of medication in treatment
Through this process, participants develop a deeper appreciation for psychoanalytic thinking as it applies to real clinical work, while building confidence in their ability to think and work psychodynamically. The Fellowship is designed as an introductory educational experience. It is not a postdoctoral fellowship and does not include clinical supervision or provide hours toward licensure.
What is the Cost?
The Fellowship Program is offered free of charge; however, participants who wish to receive CME credit are asked to pay $30 per seminar. There is a one-time non-refundable application fee of $125. Fellows receive free membership duirng there participation in the Fellowship program and are encouraged to attend all social events and programs. Fellows may attend all SDPC guest speaker events at the discounted student rate.
If you are unable to pay the application fee, please reach out to the Director, Paige Sutherland (fellowship@sdpsychoanalytic.org). Financial constraints should not prevent you from applying. We encourage all eligible applicants to apply regardless of their ability to pay.
Attendance
Fellows may also request an optional Fellowship Certificate of Attendance for their own use. To be eligible, participants must attend at least 7 Friday evening seminars. Consistent attendance is essential to fostering the sense of safety, trust, and mutual support that makes vulnerable sharing of countertransference possible during case discussions and allows valuable clinical learning to take place.
Additional Benefits
- Mentorship: The Fellowship includes individual mentorship with an SDPC graduate at no cost while partiipating in the program.
- Discounted access to SDPC Events: All Fellows may attend SDPC guest speakers at the student discounted rate.
- SDPC Membership: Fellows receive membership in SDPC at no cost for the duration of the program, with a 50% discounted membership available for the first year after completing the Fellowship.
- Continuing Education Credits (CE/CME): Two credits are available for each monthly seminar for only $30/seminar. Fellows must attend the seminar in its entirety to receive credit.
- Certificate of Completion: Fellows who attend at least seven of the nine monthly seminars will receive a certificate. (Note: full attendance is required for credit.)
- Early Decision Admittance to the Psychodynamic Psychoanalytic Training Program: Fellows may choose to apply to SDPC’s Psychoanalytic Training Program after completing the Fellowship, with an expedited online application and only requiring one of the two prerequisite interviews.
How to Apply
Applications to the Fellowship open on January 1, and close on May 31. Space is limited, so applicants are encouraged to apply early to secure a spot in the program.
Interviews are conducted on a rolling basis, with final acceptance decisions announced after the application closing date. To apply, please complete the Fellowship application form. If you have any questions, please contact our Fellowship Director at fellowship@sdpsychoanalytic.org.
Applications for the 2026-27 Academic Year are now open!
CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION ACCREDITATION
The San Diego Psychoanalytic Center (SDPC), is proud to offer CME credit to Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, Psychologists and Social Workers. These CME credits will usually satisfy requirements for Social Worker and Psychologist CEUs. However, clinicians should consult their state licensing boards for final approval. Please see the CE/CME credits page for more information.
Continuing Education certificates of attendance will be awarded electronically in exchange for a completed evaluation form. For refund policies or cancellations, please visit our policies page. Any other questions, contact the SDPC Continuing Education Manager.
CMA Accreditation Statement: The San Diego Psychoanalytic Center is accredited by the California Medical Association (CMA, provider #4001214) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
AMA Credit Designation Statement: The San Diego Psychoanalytic Center designates this Continuing Education activity for a maximum of 13.5 hours AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™️. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
CAMFT Accreditation: The San Diego Psychoanalytic Center (SDPC) is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) as a continuing education provider, (#050121), to offer Category 1 credit for LMFT’S, LCSW’S, LPCC’S and LEP’S. SDPC as required by the California Board of Behavior Sciences. SDPC maintains responsibility for this course program and all of its content.
Psychologists: SDPC is also approved as a Continuing Education Provider by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences, Provider number PCE#794, to offer Category 1 credit for LCSWs, MFTs, and Registered Nurses, Provider Numbers CEP#4940. The California Board of Psychology accepts the Category 1 CE credits from the CMA. Acceptance of the CE credits for this activity is at the discretion of the licensing board. Psychologists are responsible for reporting their individual attendance to the Board of Psychology. All attendees are responsible for keeping their certificate of attendance for personal records.
IMPORTANT DISCLOSURE INFORMATION FOR ALL LEARNERS: None of the planners and presenters of this CME program has any relevant financial relationships to disclose.
The San Diego Psychoanalytic Center (SDPC) CME Committee has reviewed the materials for accredited continuing education and has determined that none of the planners and presenters for this activity have relevant financial relationship(s)* to disclose with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients. This activity is not related to the product line of ineligible companies and therefore, the activity meets the exception outlined in Standard 3: ACCME's identification, mitigation, and disclosure of relevant financial relationships. This activity does not have any known commercial support.
*Financial relationships are relevant if the educational content that an individual can control is related to the business lines or products of the ineligible company.
Statement of Commitment: San Diego Psychoanalytic Center does not discriminate in employment and in its educational programs and activities, including admission or access thereto, on the basis of race, national origin, color, creed, religion, sex, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
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The San Diego Psychoanalytic Center is affiliated with the American Psychoanalytic Association (APsA), the International Psychoanalytic Association (IPA), and the organization of Southern California Psychoanalytic Institutes and Societies.
The San Diego Psychoanalytic Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.