We’re preparing the next generation of clinical social workers and counselors for the depth and diversity that contemporary therapy demands.
Founded in 1981 by a group of visionary social workers, the Institute for Clinical Social Work provides students with a psychodynamic graduate education that values social justice, diversity, and compassionate practice.
How do you want to make a difference?
Now more than ever, people need access to quality mental health care. As the only independent graduate school in the country to focus primarily on psychodynamic graduate education, we cultivate informed professionals who value diversity, compassion, and have the knowledge and skills to empower people to lead meaningful lives. Get started on your path today.
FIND YOUR PROGRAM
MASTERS / DOCTORAL / CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS / PATHWAYS PROGRAM
Explore a career as a psychodynamic therapist.
A graduate level course for college students, practicing clinicians, and career changers. Starting January 2025.
“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.”
Michael Whiteside, 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.
Marissa Keep, MA Student
Our Students
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.
Advanced-standing PhD student, De’Asia Thompson, is founder of Rise Counseling Group, a private practice that focuses on mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders in Black women and women of color.
Megan Reedy is a practicing psychotherapist and third year PhD student. A mother of four, her research focuses on the identity of vulnerable young mothers and education accessibility for economic resiliency.
A Jamaican immigrant who works as a psychotherapist in a skilled nursing home, PhD student Tamika Hall’s passion is to ensure that people of color have access to quality mental health services.
#1
The only independent accredited clinical social work Ph.D. program in the U.S.
97%
Percentage of graduates working in degree-related employment
73%
Surveyed alumni who say their degree prepared them well for employment
50+
Expert faculty members
Your journey awaits
With a psychodynamic foundation you won’t find anywhere else, you’ll be prepared for the depth and diversity that contemporary clinical practice demands.
Get social…
WHAT’S IMPORTANT TO YOU
Resources for future and present graduate social work students at ICSW.
Receive a Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling and Psychotherapy Online
Our distance Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work online offers an accredited master’s degree in clinical counseling 100% online.
Should I Become a Clinical Social Worker?
Sign up for the Pathways Program, a graduate education course online that can be applied to your degree, credits included.
Can you Get a Degree in Social Work Online or In Person?
With the option of distance graduate school learning or in person, you can complete doctorate coursework in social work in three years.
Chicago CEU Programs for Licensed Clinical Social Workers
Continuing Education Courses for Social Work
If you require CEUs, ICSW’s professional enrichment program is available to all practicing clinicians, regardless of experience level.
Integrative Psychoanalytic Couple Therapy Course
For clinical social workers of all levels, this specialized couple therapy focuses on the key components of psychoanalytic couple therapy.