John Watkins, PhD, ABPP

As President of the American Board and Academy of Psychoanalysis (ABAPsa), I would like to offer a warm welcome to all psychologists interested in the specialty of Psychoanalysis.

As a merged board and academy, our mission is twofold:  First, to establish educational and training standards necessary for board certification in the practice of psychoanalysis for psychologists in North America. These standards are inclusive and pluralistic, expressing our board’s commitment to recognizing the diversity of orientations and interests that constitute the psychoanalytic perspective.  Education and training must meet the generic standards required of all psychological specialties as set forth by ABPP in addition to those required specifically for board certification in psychoanalysis. Appointed Board Directors review each candidate’s credentials and practice samples as well as conduct oral examinations to establish competency in Psychoanalysis.  ABPP is the only multi-board organization recognized by the American Psychological Association's Commission for the Recognition of Specialties and Proficiencies in Professional Psychology (CRSPPP).  It is the highest level of certification within the field of psychology.  

The second focus of our efforts has been the development of our academy.  The functions of our academy are to promote psychoanalysis within the public arena as well as to offer benefits to our fellows.  In January 2018, we launched a new website (www.ABAPsa.org) which not only contains a searchable directory of our fellows and other information of interest to the general public, but a members-only section that offers book discounts for those engaged in scholarly work and opportunities to earn continuing educations credits online at no cost.  In addition to our very successful annual book award program, we will be launching two new initiatives this year.  The first is an annual eBook series that will permit fellows to reprint materials previously published by Routledge.  The eBook will have worldwide distribution.  The second project is an online scholarly journal sponsored by our academy entitled Psychoanalytic Paradigms, whose scholarly contributions will reflect our commitment to diversity and pluralism.  

Do not hesitate to contact me if you wish to learn more about board certification Psychoanalysis, Once again, I urge you to visit our website at www.ABAPsa.org

Thank you.
John Watkins, PhD, ABPP
Board Certified in Psychoanalysis
President, American Board and Academy of Psychoanalysis
johnwatkinsphd@gmail.com

Click HERE to be directed to the Specialty Board Officer page.