Certification by the American Board and Academy of Psychoanalytic and Psychodynamic Psychology (ABAPPP) is a voluntary process and represents the final step in postdoctoral professional credentialing. Its purpose is to ensure competence in the practice of psychoanalytic and psychodynamic psychology. ABAPPP certification is awarded to psychologist-psychoanalysts who successfully complete three stages of a rigorous peer-review process: (1) credentials review and vetting; (2) submission of a practice sample or equivalent to assess breadth of knowledge; and (3) an oral examination conducted by peer reviewers, typically held at the Division 39 Spring Meeting.
For details, click here: ABAPPP Requirements.
ABAPPP certification is analogous to board certification in medicine in that it applies to individuals who have completed both doctoral education and psychoanalytic training (or its equivalent) and is conferred by an independent certifying body. Board certification represents recognition by professional peers of competence in the specialty of psychoanalysis, as demonstrated through a comprehensive evaluation of knowledge and clinical abilities.
In psychology, the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) serves as the umbrella organization for 15 specialty boards, including ABAPPP. Certification through ABAPPP includes training requirements, credentials review, practice sample evaluation, and an oral examination.
ABAPPP is a combined Board and Academy and one of the specialty member boards of the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP). Founded by the American Psychological Association in 1947, ABPP is the oldest and most widely recognized board-certifying body in psychology.
The ABAPPP Board is responsible for conducting examinations to assess the qualifications of individuals seeking certification in psychoanalytic and psychodynamic psychology. The review process and examinations evaluate candidates’ ability to demonstrate competence across the core foundational and functional domains expected of psychologist-psychoanalyst specialists.
The American Board and Academy of Psychoanalytic and Psychodynamic Psychology is a membership organization composed exclusively of psychologist-psychoanalysts who have successfully completed ABAPPP certification. It operates under the oversight of the American Board of Professional Psychology Board of Trustees.
You can find this information in the American Board of Professional Psychology Directory by searching for ABAPPP-certified psychologists.
No. ABAPPP credential review and examination procedures are based solely on demonstrated competence. It is the mission of ABAPPP to ensure that all competent, practicing psychoanalysts are able to successfully complete the board certification process. Exceptions may be granted for individuals with nontraditional training backgrounds, recognizing that there is more than one valid pathway to achieving competence.
Peer support and mentorship opportunities are available. In general, every effort is made to support candidates throughout the process, and procedures are in place to allow for resubmission of materials or re-examination if difficulties arise.
ABAPPP certification assures the public and the profession that a specialist has successfully met the education, training, and experience requirements of the field, including completion of an examination designed to assess the competencies necessary to provide high-quality psychoanalytic services. It represents recognition of competence by professional peers, validated by an independent examining body.
Consumers of psychoanalytic services can be confident that individuals with ABAPPP certification have successfully completed a rigorous evaluation of their knowledge and clinical skills. Independent verification of competence is particularly important in an increasingly competitive mental health marketplace.
Click here to learn more about the advantages of board certification through the American Board of Professional Psychology.
Yes. The American Board of Professional Psychology and its specialty boards are recognized in many states as evidence supporting the transferability of licensure. In addition, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes ABPP board certification as a basis for salary increases for staff psychologists.
Yes. Reasonable flexibility is built into the credential review process, taking into account historical training contexts as well as regional differences in access to training opportunities.