Clinical Mastery Starts Here

Nation's Premier Psychodynamic Destination

For over 40 years, ICSW has set the standard for applied psychodynamic graduate education. Join the 2026 cohort and discover clinical mastery at the highest level.

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Our Programs

Mastery through Mentorship and Clinical Rigor

Choose a pathway that aligns with your professional aspirations and clinical depth.

1. Master's in Clinical Social Work

Advance your clinical skills with a rigorous, applied psychodynamic curriculum. Prepare for a career helping individuals, families, and communities thrive.

2. PhD in Clinical Social Work

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3. Pathways Program

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4. Couple Therapy Training

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5. Continuing Education (CEU)

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STUDENT EXPERIENCE

Where clinical growth happens

The Institute for Clinical Social Work is home to a diverse and talented student body. With a solid training in psychodynamic practice, our graduates are prepared for a variety of clinical, mental health, and social work occupations.

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Your Journey

Pathways to Professional Mastery

Explore Your Path

Personalized consultation with enrollment specialists about your goals and ICSW's approach.

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Submit Your Application

Join a selective cohort designed for practitioners committed to rigorous training and professional excellence at the highest level.

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Join the Community

Join the Community Connect with faculty and peers in collaborative learning environment.

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Achieve Clinical Mastery

Graduate as field-leading practitioner with profound depth and skills.

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Duration

The only independent accredited clinical social work Ph.D. program in the U.S.

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Expert Faculty

Over 50 faculty members bringing deep clinical and academic expertise.

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Employment Rate

Graduates working in degree-related employment shortly after graduation.

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Preparedness

Alumni who report their degree prepared them exceptionally for employment.

Faculty & research

Faculty Bringing Depth, Research, & Clinical Mastery

Our faculty are internationally recognized psychoanalytic practitioners, researchers, and educators who bring deep clinical experience and academic expertise, mentoring students through rigorous psychodynamic training while advancing depth-oriented clinical practice.

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Karen Bloomberg, PhD

Dean Of Students

Karen Bloomberg, LCSW, PhD, is Dean of Students at the Institute for Clinical Social Work and, as facu...

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Merari Fernandez

Core Faculty

Dr. Carla Leone is a faculty member at the Institute for Clinical Social Work and CPI, and serves as Secret...

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Lou Pansulla

Core Faculty

Dr. Carla Leone is a faculty member at the Institute for Clinical Social Work and CPI, and serves as Secret...

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Upcoming Events

Engage with the ICSW Community

Academic

The Palombo Center: Annual Research Day

March 5, 2026 9:00 am

4:00 pm

Main Auditorium

Register Now

Admissions

Clinical Social Work Information Session

February 22, 2026 12:00 am

1:30 pm

Online via Zoom

Register Now

Symposium

Psychodynamic Perspectives on Modern Trauma

February 15, 2026 6:00 pm

8:00 pm

Chicago Campus & Virtual

Register Now

Community Voices

Impact Stories from Our Students

Michael Whiteside

“ICSW doesn't just invest in students' lives. It invests in generations, whole cultures, and especially in communities of color that don't have accesss to quality mental health care.”

Ph.D Student

Marissa Keep

“Marissa Keep is an enthusiastic advocate for mental health wellness in children, adolescents, adults and is grateful to have a solid psychodynamic education to build on going forward. Marissa will be joining a group practice in Michigan this summer and is excited to continue her clinical work.”

MA Student

“ICSW doesn't just invest in students' lives. It invests in generations, whole cultures, and especially in communities of color that don't have accesss to quality mental health care.”

PhD Student

Marissa Keep is an enthusiastic advocate for mental health wellness in children, adolescents, adults and is grateful to have a solid psychodynamic education to build on going forward. Marissa will be joining a group practice in Michigan this summer and is excited to continue her clinical work.