Child and Adolescent Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

The Child and Adolescent Psychodynamic Psychotherapy (CAPP) program, under the direction of Wendy Turchin, MD, is an intensive two-year, fully online 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 who is clinically licensed in the U.S. 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 classwork is the presentation and discussion of child case material by faculty and students.

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 are 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.

In addition to the professional growth, collegiality, and intellectual enrichment our program provides, it offers participants many of the benefits afforded to Columbia University students, including online access to the university’s libraries and the ability to enroll in Columbia Student Health Insurance. Graduates earn a Certification of Professional Achievement from Columbia University and may claim a maximum of 30 continuing education credits (see below). Attendance at no less than 75% of the program’s sessions is required to qualify for the Certification of Professional Achievement at the completion of the program.

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.

To Apply

Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy Program Application 

Our program admits a new cohort every other year. Applications to the Child and Adolescent Psychodynamic Psychotherapy program are now open for the class entering in September 2027. Applications are processed on a rolling basis and will close when all spots are filled or on April 15, 2027, whichever is sooner.

With your application, you will be expected to upload a copy of your CV and include documentation of your current licensure and adequate malpractice coverage. In addition, we require a letter of recommendation from the director of the residency training program or internship from which you graduated, and two additional letters from previous psychotherapy supervisors.

Recommenders should be able to offer an independent, professional evaluation of your clinical work. Letters from individuals with close personal relationships to the applicant (e.g., family members, partners) are not appropriate.

Please ask each of these references to send a letter supporting your application to the Psychoanalytic Center via email to psychoanalysis@cumc.columbia.edu. 

Those interested in learning more about CAPP should contact:

• Wendy Turchin, MD
  • 212-706-1957
  • wendyturchin@gmail.com

Program Fee

Tuition for the Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy Program for the 2026–2027 academic year is $5,016 per year for either program. Tuition is payable in two installments at the beginning of each term and is subject to annual increases.

In addition to tuition, Columbia University charges a one-time document fee of $105 and a per-term technology fee of $240.

All students are eligible to enroll in Columbia Student Health Insurance for an additional fee. For more information, please click here.

Tuition and fees listed here and elsewhere on this website are subject to change without prior notice.