The requirements for membership in the Academy are as follows:

(a) A doctoral or professional degree in one of the following mental health fields: psychiatry, clinical or counseling psychology, social work, pastoral counseling, marriage and family therapy, counseling, or nursing, and the fulfillment of those requirements deemed necessary by the applicant’s academic discipline for the independent practice of psychotherapy.
(b) Specific training in psychotherapy with a minimum of 100 hours of supervision.
(c) At least one year of full-time post graduate clinical experience (or the equivalent in part-time experience) for doctoral level applicants, at least two years for others. In neither case may more than two of these years be in student or training status.
(d) A minimum of 100 hours of personal psychotherapy.
(e) Exceptions to these standards may be made for full membership at the discretion of the Executive Council for the following:

1. A distinguished contributor to the field of psychotherapy, as defined herein, or a person who has achieved a reputation as an outstanding psychotherapist.
2. A person who does not fulfill the above requirements but who is able to document a reasonable claim for eligibility. Such applications will be reviewed by a special committee appointed by the Membership Chair. This committee shall be empowered to request additional information from the candidate and/or reference before formulation its recommendations for the Membership Chair.

Minimum standards for Student affiliate:

• Ongoing enrollment in a graduate degree program in one of the professional fields listed in Section (a);
• Acceptable recommendations from at least two faculty members, supervisors, or Academy Members;
• Agreement to work with an Academy Member mentor. Post Graduate Affiliate (maximum four years): Completion of a doctoral or professional degree in one of the professional fields listed in Section (a);
• Engaging in the practice of psychotherapy under appropriate supervision;
• Acceptable recommendations from at least three faculty members, supervisors, or Academy Members; Agreement to work with an Academy Member mentor. Associate Member (maximum two years): Meets all of the requirements for full membership, with the exception of either 100 hours of supervision and/or 100 hours of personal psychotherapy; Agreement to work with an Academy Member mentor.