Ackerman Institute for the Family

Contact Information

About

The Ackerman Institute for the Family is a clinical center providing couple and family therapy services to families from all walks of life at all stages of family development. Founded in 1960, the Institute serves as both a treatment facility and one of the most highly regarded training institutions for couple and family therapists in the United States. They work with families experiencing emotional problems and personal crises through a family systems approach rather than treating individuals in isolation.

The Institute operates on the principle that families benefit from understanding and addressing emotional challenges collectively. They serve diverse populations and accept multiple insurance plans, including Medicaid for low-income families. Beyond direct clinical care, the organization is committed to training mental health professionals and expanding access to family therapy knowledge through workshops, lectures, and specialized programs for both practitioners and parents.

Services offered include:

• Individual and group couple and family therapy sessions
• Sex therapy certificate program and training for post-master's level practitioners
• Couples therapy certificate program providing theoretical foundation and treatment roadmap
• Faith-based couple and family therapy training for clergy and religious leaders
• Core curriculum training programs in couple and family therapy
• Practicum training for MFT graduate students seeking advanced systemic training
• Live online, in-person, and on-demand continuing education workshops
• Short courses and multi-day intensive trainings for mental health professionals
• Customized community trainings for agencies, schools, and organizations
• Parent workshops led by family therapy experts
• Specialized clinical services through projects and centers addressing specific community needs
• Free public lectures on family-related topics