This has been a year of growth, meaningful transitions, and deepening community at the Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy. To our graduating candidates, congratulations. We are so proud of your hard work, dedication, and growth, and we look forward to celebrating you at graduation this fall. I hope the summer offers opportunities for rest, renewal, and reflection for all who are part of our community.
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Introducing the Global Voices Scholarship
I am thrilled to announce a meaningful new scholarship opportunity at ICP, in addition to our ongoing Racial Equity Scholarships. Thanks to a generous private foundation grant, ICP is launching the Global Voices Scholarship, created to support bilingual and multilingual clinicians training in our FACTS and Trauma Studies divisions. We know that healing is deeply shaped by language, culture, and the ability to feel fully understood. In a city as diverse as New York, many individuals and families still struggle to access mental health care in their primary language, and this scholarship reflects our commitment to training clinicians who can help meet that need. Two recipients will each receive $3,500 in tuition support, distributed over two years.
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Welcoming a New Board Member
I'm delighted to welcome Ali Pulver to the ICP Board of Directors. Ali brings more than two decades of leadership experience in organizational transformation, operational strategy, executive coaching, and systems development. She is now pursuing an MSW with the goal of becoming a therapist, with a particular focus on trauma-informed and relational work -- the same territory that sits at the heart of ICP's training. That combination of strategic leadership and genuine clinical investment is the kind of perspective that will further strengthen our board.
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Staffing Updates, Hellos, and Goodbyes
It is with heartfelt congratulations, and some sadness, that I share that Shea Smith will be leaving ICP on May 15th to pursue an exciting new professional opportunity. Over the past six years, Shea has played an enormous role in ICP's growth and success, helping to build many of the systems, processes, and online platforms that keep our institute running smoothly each day. More than that, Shea has been a steady, calming, and deeply reliable presence for all of us. Whether troubleshooting a problem, managing a crisis, answering complex questions, or quietly making sure countless details did not fall through the cracks, Shea has been someone we could all count on. While she will be deeply missed, thankfully ICP will continue to benefit from her clinical contributions next year through supervision and patient care. For any matters you would normally bring to Shea, please reach out to me directly. Please join me in wishing Shea much success in this next step in her career.
Please also join me in warmly welcoming Melissa Dorado, our new Payroll Administrator and Billing Specialist. Melissa brings valuable experience in healthcare operations, billing, compliance, and administrative systems, and we are thrilled to have her join the ICP team.
We are also delighted to welcome Lucia Harrison as our new Receptionist and Administrative Assistant. Lucia is a recent graduate of the University of California, Berkeley and brings experience in mental health settings, front desk operations, and community-based support services. Her warmth and professionalism make her a wonderful addition to ICP.I also want to recognize Zoe Pappas and Oranda Barnes, two long-standing members of our administrative team, who are stepping into new roles at ICP. Congratulations to Oranda who is graduating with her Mental Health Counseling degree and will stay on through the summer to help support intake and transition her role. Zoe, having completed her first year of her MSW program, will step into an expanded role as Lead Intake Administrator and EHR Specialist, helping support our intake department and train incoming interns.
A Thank You to Faige Flakser
As Faige Flakser steps down from her role as Division Director of our Trauma Studies Program, I want to express my deep gratitude for her leadership. Faige did not take on this role lightly, and that thoughtfulness and seriousness of purpose defined everything that followed. She expanded and energized the training committee, building leadership for the future of the division, and worked continuously alongside the curriculum committee to ensure the program remained rigorous and evolving. Her partnership with the IFS Institute brought meaningful visibility to ICP and opened new learning opportunities for our candidates. Through it all, Faige led with a light touch -- collegial, thoughtful, and clear -- moving important work forward while bringing people genuinely along with her. I am deeply grateful for her partnership and care.
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Community Highlights
ICP Open House
On April 23, ICP hosted a combined open house for all five of our certificate training programs. The evening began with an inspiring panel featuring candidates and graduates of our programs — Orianna Webb, Lily Hetzler, E Gueron, Emma Tessler, and Clara Ceccanti -- who each shared how their training at ICP has shaped both their clinical identities and their professional lives. Across each unique story, two themes emerged: the depth of supervision at ICP, and the powerful sense of belonging that comes from being part of this community.
Following the panel, attendees had the opportunity to meet with program representatives, ask questions, and explore where they might find their professional home at ICP. We were thrilled by the response, including many new applications. Thank you to all who participated and helped make the evening such a success.
SICP Weekend 2026
Our annual SICP Weekend at the Edith Macy Center once again reminded us what makes ICP such a special community.
This year's theme, Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll, invited us into bold clinical conversations, beginning with an outstanding presentation from Rebecca Sokoll on helping clinicians build greater comfort and fluency in talking about sexuality in treatment. The weekend continued with Camila Pastor and Nikki Fall, who led us through an immersive exploration of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, non-ordinary states of consciousness, and breathwork.
And as always, the weekend included much more beyond the formal presentations. Through shared meals, laughter, dancing, and karaoke, we were reminded that community, play, and connection are essential parts of sustaining ourselves as clinicians. A special moment came when our beloved community member Gary Jacobson took the classic song Let's Fall in Love and put his own psychoanalytic spin on the lyrics, creating a moment that was joyful and simply a lot of fun.
A very special thank you to our planning committee, Gary Jacobson, Mara Nellis, Charles Sommer, and Audrey Morse, for creating such a meaningful and memorable weekend.
Spring Community Happy Hour
On Monday, about 60 people attended ICP’s first Happy Hour at the Central Park Tavern. It was wonderful to see so many people genuinely enjoying each other’s company, reconnecting with those in their own cohorts, while also meeting new people from across the other divisions. There was such a strong sense of pride in ICP, connection, and community throughout the evening. It also served as a powerful reminder of what a strong and vibrant community ICP truly is, and how much our community is longing for even more opportunities to connect. The drinks and light bites were flowing, and by every measure, it was a great success.
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As the Year Draws to a Close
As one academic year ends and staff turns toward preparing for the next, our candidates, supervisors, and staff remain deeply engaged in the clinical work of caring for our patients over the summer and supporting one another as a professional community.
On behalf of the Board of Directors and myself, I want to express my deepest gratitude to our Division Directors, training committees, faculty, and supervisors. Your time, expertise, heart, and leadership sustain the integrity and spirit of our training programs.
To our candidates, thank you for your commitment to your training, to your own growth as clinicians, and to the patients you serve with such care and dedication.
And to our incredible staff -- you handle an enormous amount with professionalism, flexibility, and care, and ICP would simply not be what it is without each of you.
As we look ahead, we are grateful for the generosity of those who believe in ICP's mission. Your support makes it possible for us to sustain and grow our programs, provide treatment to those who need it most, and continue training the next generation of clinicians. If you feel moved to contribute, we welcome your support and thank you for being part of this community. Donate here.
Warmly,Andrea Green Lewis, LCSW-R (she/her/hers)
Executive Director
This October brings a meaningful mix of learning, celebration, and looking ahead. The academic year is now well underway, and ICP is buzzing with activity and change.
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A Milestone Fundraiser We are thrilled to share that ICP’s first large-scale fundraising breakfast, Rise for NYC, will take place November 13th at the Harvard Club. This is a significant moment for ICP as we take an important step toward securing our future and strengthening our capacity to sustain and grow our programs, and to be able to provide even more treatment to our community. At the event, we will honor two distinguished award recipients, with a special emphasis on the Phoenix Award, which will celebrate an individual’s extraordinary mental health journey. This award speaks to the transformative power of treatment and community, and we are honored to highlight their story. This inspiring morning will shine a light on ICP’s impact and the vital work we do every day.* * *
Community Events and Gatherings We will come together for a Farewell Gathering for Mary Labientoat ICP on Friday, October 24, from 3:00 to 6:00 PM. Mary has been at ICP for 23 years. She is a beloved member of our community whose warmth, generosity, and steady presence have touched generations of candidates, faculty, and staff. We look forward to celebrating her and wishing her well in this next chapter. ICP continues to offer a wide range of enriching workshops and trainings designed to deepen clinical knowledge and strengthen our community of learning. Registration is now open for our Ethics and Boundaries training, which fulfills the New York State requirement for three CE credits on professional boundaries. We also have an array of compelling programs throughout the fall, including our October 17 event from our SICP Lecture Series, along with other enriching and important ICP offerings. Explore these and more on our Events Page to see what might inspire your ongoing learning and growth.* * *
Welcoming New Leadership Last quarter, we were delighted to introduce Hallie Boas, LMHC, MA, MA as a new member of ICP’s Board of Directors in our quarterly update. We are delighted to welcome Elizabeth Amador, MBA, MA to ICP’s Board of Directors. Elizabeth is a transformational organizational development leader with deep expertise in strategy, integration, and leadership, as well as a strong interest in mental health and ICP’s mission. Her experience spans Mastercard, Citibank, and higher education, where she has consistently led initiatives that enhance systems, culture, and engagement. As President of the Tufts University Alumni Association, she advanced mentorship and mental health initiatives that connect students and alumni. Elizabeth’s expertise and leadership will be invaluable as ICP strengthens its organizational strategy and broadens its partnerships. Board Chair Ben Maddox and I thank these recent additions, our entire board and advisory members for their support and creativity and belief in ICP’s work. To view our full Board of Directors and Advisory Committee: https://icpnyc.org/about-icp/* * *
Division Transitions ICP’s training divisions are led by clinicians who give their wisdom and expertise, commitment, and generosity of time and talent, to nurture their programs and ensure their continued excellence. This year brings several important leadership transitions.* * *
Expanding Access to IFS Training Through ICP We are proud to share that ICP was recently featured in the Internal Family Systems (IFS) Institute’s community newsletter, recognizing our participation in their Community Access Program (CAP). This recognition follows the success of our first year working together, and we endeavor to continue offering this partnership into the future. Through this initiative, 36 clinicians from our community gained priority access to an evidence-based trauma treatment model, expanding the availability of this highly effective treatment modality to those we serve. Much of the credit for this achievement goes to our Trauma Program’s Division Director, Faige Flakser, LCSW, whose persistence and determination to bring this to ICP were pivotal. We are deeply proud of this recognition. Read the IFS Spotlight on ICP: Spotlight: Community Access Programs (CAP) | IFS Institute* * *
Looking Ahead We are living in a moment when the need for accessible and inclusive mental health care is more urgent than ever. We are continuously looking for new ways to support all those in need of our services; And especially in these most difficult times, those most vulnerable, including our immigrant population, those who have Medicaid insurance, our LGBTQIA+ patients and colleagues, and others who for many reasons feel real fear at this time. We share these fears and concerns, and they strengthen our resolve to uphold ICP’s mission and we remain steadfast in our commitment to the community. We know the power of being seen, heard, and understood. We hope our continued fundraising efforts will go a long way toward providing treatment services and training to even more people in need and reaching those who do not yet know about us. Our upcoming fundraising breakfast is an important part of sustaining this mission and ensuring that we can continue to build on our legacy while looking toward the future. With deep gratitude for your ongoing support,Andrea Green Lewis, LCSW-R
Executive Director
Happy Summer, All!
I hope this message finds you well and enjoying the season. Summer is a time of both reflection and rest, and I hope you’ve been able to find a bit of both. Here at ICP, even as the pace slows slightly, we’re actively preparing for the academic year ahead. While formal training takes a brief pause, clinical work continues across our community, as so many of you remain committed to your patients throughout the summer months. That ongoing dedication speaks to the depth of care and professionalism that defines our institute. As always, there’s a great deal happening at ICP, and I’m glad to share a few important updates and ways to stay connected.
Board News
We’re delighted to welcome Hallie Boas, LMHC, MA, MA, to ICP’s Board of Directors. Hallie is a seasoned clinician and lifelong activist with over two decades of experience in psychotherapy, anthropology, and community organizing. Her clinical work is grounded in psychodynamic thinking and enriched by advanced training in IFS, EMDR, and somatic trauma treatment. She brings a deeply intersectional lens to healing, informed by her work in social justice and integrative wellness.
Hallie’s dedication to addressing suffering at both the individual and systemic level aligns powerfully with ICP’s mission to provide accessible, inclusive care and training. We’re thrilled to have her voice and vision on the board. Learn more about Hallie at hallieboas.com.
Celebrating Our Graduates
A heartfelt congratulations to our graduating class. We are proud of all they’ve accomplished and excited to see the meaningful impact they’ll continue to have as clinicians working with New Yorkers across diverse communities. We look forward to honoring them at our graduation celebration on October 26th.
Support ICP’s Mission
Your continued support is much appreciated as it ensures access to high-quality, affordable care for New York’s diverse communities and sustains high-quality, affordable care for our diverse community in New York and advanced, clinically intensive training for the next generation of clinicians. ICP operates through tuition, patient fees, and private donations with no government funding. Please give generously.
In alignment with our mission, we’re pleased to announce that many of our workshops will offer greater financial flexibility for those in need. Your donations make that possible. To contribute, please click here.
We are excited to announce our next major fundraising event: Rise for NYC, a benefit breakfast to be held at the Harvard Club on November 13th. Under the leadership of board development chair Anna Suh, the planning committee is creating an inspiring event that we look forward to sharing with you soon.
Clinic Referrals Welcomed
Our treatment clinic is now accepting referrals across all divisions. This is an ideal time to refer, as candidates’ caseloads are beginning to build. We offer sliding scale treatment and accept some insurance plans, including certain Medicaid plans. We’ve also introduced a new self-scheduler for intake calls, which simplifies the process for prospective patients. You can access it here.
Office Space Available
As more clinicians shift to hybrid models, we currently have office space available for rent at our office on West 60th Street near Columbus Circle.Whether you’re part of our community or know someone seeking space, we welcome your referrals. Our rates are competitive, and the location and office environment is ideal for clinicians looking for a professional and welcoming space. Please help spread the word.
Upcoming Events and Workshops
We are pleased to offer several important workshops this fall. Here’s what’s coming up:
All provide New York State Education Department CE credits. Our Sex Therapy Program’s offerings also provide AASECT credits. Additional CE opportunities will be announced soon. Please check our website for updates.
Highlighting Your Accomplishments
We’re always excited to celebrate the professional work of our community. If you’ve published, presented, received an award, or achieved another milestone, please share it with us. Submission instructions can be found on our website. We look forward to featuring your accomplishments in our “Recaps and Accomplishments” section.
Looking Ahead
While we may wish for summer to linger, the academic season is quickly approaching. Keep an eye out for information about orientations, class calendars, and scheduling.
As we step into fall, our administrative team will also be increasing our in-person presence. We’re eager to reconnect and hope you’ll stop by—whether to ask a question, say hello, or simply catch up. Whether by email, phone, or in person, we’re here to support you and make your experience at ICP as strong and connected as possible.
Thank you, as always, for being part of this thoughtful, committed, and caring community. Enjoy the rest of your summer—we look forward to all that’s ahead.
Warmly,
Andrea Green Lewis, LCSW-R
Executive Director
Happy Spring, All!
Please mark your calendars for this Thursday, April 10—we’ll be gathering for Notes of Hope: Expanding Mental Health Care, a special ICP fundraiser hosted by graduating candidate and board advisory committee member Charles Sommer. This promises to be a joyful evening of live music (featuring The Kennedy Administration), bites and beverages, and community connection—all in support of expanding access to mental health care
We hope you'll join us for this uplifting event!
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As the flowers begin to bloom and longer, warmer days return, we are reminded of the resilience and beauty that exists even in difficult times. While the challenges in our country and communities remain heavy, coming together—as colleagues, learners, and helpers—remains one of the most meaningful ways we find strength and healing.
That sense of connection was on full display at two powerful recent events:
We welcomed nearly one hundred attendees to the New York Society for Ethical Culture for a deeply inspiring day of learning, community, and reflection. We were honored to hear a keynote from Tiq Milan (tiqmilan.com), a message of support from Council Member Gale Brewer (District 6), and to offer a selection of 11 different talks, from which participants could attend up to four. Each session focused on lifespan work with Trans and Gender Diverse (TGD) communities.
The energy in the room was palpable — and the collective passion, curiosity, and compassion made the day a true success. Deep thanks to everyone on the PCGS executive team who helped plan, present, and attend this important gathering.
This first-ever collaborative event between ICP and NIP brought together clinicians and legal advocates to explore how we can better support those most at risk in today’s changing landscape. With a strong turnout and engaged audience, this event affirmed the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and the importance of responsive, inclusive programming. We are excited to continue developing events like this, and we welcome your ideas for future topics. Gratitude to our committee from ICP and NIP for their efforts, which went above and beyond, to make this event such a success.
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Institute News & Initiatives
Thank you, as always, for being part of this vibrant, thoughtful, and compassionate community. Together, we continue to build a space that heals, teaches, and supports—especially when the world around us feels uncertain.
As an organization, we remain committed to growing, learning, and improving—in service of our mission and the people we serve. Your presence and participation matter deeply, and I look forward to seeing many of you at our fundraiser on Thursday and at future events.
To share general feedback with ICP leadership, please email: feedback@icpnyc.org
Warmly,
Andrea Green Lewis, LCSW-R
Executive Director
As we reflect on over 50 years of providing exceptional mental health care and advanced training, the Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy (ICP) remains committed to ensuring accessible, high-quality mental health services for all.
This year, we invite you to join us in shaping the future of ICP through our fundraising campaign:
Your donation is critical to sustaining ICP’s transformative work. It enables us to:
Hello and Happy Fall to All:
We’re excited to kick off the academic year with more in-person classes. Orientations are complete, classes are underway, patients are being assigned, supervision sessions have started, and our hallways are livelier than last year. It’s a great start to what promises to be a fantastic year of learning, collaboration, and support for one another as we pursue our mission.
Wishing you a fulfilling and enriching year ahead. May it be filled with peace and hope for our world.
Warmly,
Andrea
Happy Summer to all in the ICP Community:
I hope this message finds everyone well and enjoying the start of the summer. It is a busy time at ICP as we ensure our patients are taken care of during the summer and prepare for another academic year. We are excited to welcome our new and returning candidates to their respective training programs and prepare for an incredible array of continuing education opportunities. Below are updates on all that is happening at ICP:
Employee Updates:
Mary Labiento: Our beloved Mary has decided to transition from full-time to part-time work, stepping down from her position as Associate Director of Operations to take on a part-time administrative role. We are thrilled that Mary will have more time to enjoy traveling, sports and cultural events with her husband, and we are equally delighted she will remain with ICP in a more manageable capacity.
Shea Smith, LMSW: Please join me in congratulating Shea on her promotion to Assistant Director of Clinical Operations. Shea began with us in 2020 as a social work intern. Shea’s extensive experience and expertise pre-dates her social work degree and she has quickly become an indispensable part of our administrative team. In her new role, she will continue many of her current responsibilities while taking on additional managerial and supervisory roles with a focus on clinical operations.
Maeve (Hanley) Turk: Congratulations to Maeve on her marriage! Maeve, our wonderful program manager for the Two-Year Psychodynamic Program, will be moving to London with her husband, Preston, to pursue a social work degree at [University]. Maeve will be with us until the end of July. We will miss her dedication and kindness. More information about our new program coordinator will follow soon.
Haleema Hashmi: Haleema joined ICP two months ago as our new Manager of Administrative Operations, overseeing financial and administrative services. She holds a master’s degree in business management and leadership and brings a wealth of experience as a healthcare administrator. As this is a new role for ICP, Haleema's responsibilities will evolve over time. Please join me in welcoming Haleema to our team.
Website Updates:
Stay tuned for new sections on our website highlighting our community members’ professional accomplishments and publications, as well as recaps of ICP’s workshops and events. We continuously strive to maintain and up to date website that is informative and engaging. Instructions for submitting requests for inclusion will be provided soon.
DEI Updates:
Grievance Process and Code of Ethics:
Our committee is nearing completion on drafts of these important documents. We will seek feedback from our board, management team, and community before finalizing them.
SICP (The Society for the Institute of Contemporary Psychotherapy):
SICP recently held a Friday night lecture with Johanna Dobrich, a new member of ICP’s board of directors. A recap of her enriching talk was posted in our last newsletter and will be available on our website shortly. We are seeking individuals interested in growing our membership and creating additional professional and social events for our alumni. If interested, please reach out—no amount of help is too little!
Development Committee:
Our board has appointed two board members, Rosemary Masters and Anna Suh, as co-chairs of the Development Committee. They are developing a strategic plan, creating a donor list, meeting with influential individuals who are eager to lend their expertise, crafting a pitch deck, and forming an advisory committee. We look forward to sharing more soon. Development is at the forefront of our board’s goals so that ICP can make sound financial decisions for future growth, inclusivity and accessibility, and to ensure our institute’s viability to many years to come.
Reminders:
Please consider donating to ICP. Donations to ICP are accepted year-round on our website at https://icpnyc.org/donate/. We accept general donations, specific donations, memorial, and honorary donations, and will happily send acknowledgment cards as requested.
If you have patient referrals, we are scheduling initial intake appointments in July and August for assignment to therapists in the Fall. Now is the time to refer interested individuals, couples, and families to our services.
Please feel free to reach out with any comments, feedback, or questions to feedback@icpnyc.org. Use this same email if you’d like to volunteer for SICP or other activities at ICP. This is a wonderful time to get involved and experience the energy and excitement as we continuously work to improve our institute and move forward into the next 50 years of providing exceptional training and treatment.
Before I sign off for this quarter, another reminder: ICP actively posts on social media. Please follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Like, interact with, and share our posts. This greatly helps in spreading the word about our programs and services. You can find us at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InstituteForContemporaryPsychotherapy/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/icp.nyc/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/735057/admin/feed/posts/
Additionally, please consider rating ICP on Google. This helps elevate our services in search results, allowing more people to learn about the wonderful services we provide and enabling us to serve more individuals in need.
Thank you all for your continued support and involvement.
Warm regards,
Andrea
