Columbia University Center for Psychoanalytic Training and Research

Child and Adolescent Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

Faculty for the Child and Adolescent Psychodynamic Psychotherapy program discuss strategy during event.

The Child and Adolescent Psychodynamic Psychotherapy (CAPP) program, under the direction of Wendy Turchin, MD, is an intensive two-year clinical training in the theory and technique of psychodynamic interventions with children, adolescents, and emerging adults. Instructors are primarily drawn from child faculty at the Columbia Center for Psychoanalytic Training and Research; in addition, we benefit from guest presenters who bring expertise in specific topics.

CAPP provides each participant with weekly individual supervision (times to be arranged between student and supervisor). Classes take place on Monday nights, from 8-9:30PM; assigned readings draw from both traditional and contemporary papers on psychodynamically-oriented theories of development, psychopathology, and child practice. A foundational component of CAPP class work is the presentation of child case material, by faculty and students, and discussion.

In our first year, we focus on issues pertaining to the development, assessment, and treatment of young children whose therapy is conducted primarily through the medium of play; then, we advance chronologically to cover middle childhood and preadolescence. The developmental challenges and treatment of adolescents and emerging adults is examined in the second year. Special topics are woven into the curriculum, such as working with parents, current considerations in the treatment of gender-diverse youth, and newer models of psychodynamically-derived intervention.

CAPP welcomes child practitioners at all levels of their careers who wish to deepen their knowledge and skill via small seminars, individual supervision, and lively discussions with a community of dedicated child clinicians. Participants may include licensed psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and nurse practitioners with backgrounds in child work (e.g., child fellowship or internship). CAPP requires clinical training with children and U.S. licensure.

CAPP classes will be taught in person, except for joint PIP/CAPP classes taught over Zoom. A new policy may be arrived at for the September 2025 entering classes.

To Apply

Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy Program Application 

*CAPP will not be accepting new applicants for the 2024-25 academic year. Any applications submitted will be considered for the 2025-26 academic year.

Those interested in learning more about CAPP should contact:

Program Fee

Child Psychotherapy Training tuition for the 2024-25 academic year will be $4,120 per year for either program. Tuition is payable in two installments at the beginning of each term and increases at an incremental rate annually. This program does not qualify for the Columbia University Tuition Exemption Program.

Please review the Psychotherapy Division's Refund and Cancellation Policy.