Founded in 1989, the Baltimore Society for Psychoanalytic Studies (BSPS) is a non-profit, interdisciplinary organization dedicated to making knowledge of psychoanalysis and psychodynamic psychology available and useful to professionals and students in mental health, health care, and human services, regardless of academic discipline.

BSPS is a local chapter of Division 39 of the American Psychological Association (APA), the division which “represents, within the broad field of psychology, professionals who identify themselves as having a major commitment to the study, practice and development of psychoanalysis and psychoanalytic psychotherapy.” While closely related to APA, BSPS Membership including Board Membership is not limited to Psychologists. Graduate students in clinical or counseling psychology or in social work may join as student Members.

Each year BSPS sponsors five three-hour presentations in psychodynamic psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, and related fields, led by experienced clinicians. Initially our mission was to foster the development of the psychoanalytic community within the Baltimore -Washington area. Now, virtual technology allows us to extend our reach to a wider range of both presenters and attendees. BSPS has always sought to promote and expand discussion among those interested in psychoanalysis.

Each BSPS conference offers participants three Continuing Education credits, for which APA approves Division 39 sponsorship. The Division maintains responsibility for these programs and their content. Committed to accessibility and non-discrimination in its Continuing Education offerings, all BSPS programs comply with the APA’s Ethical Principles for Psychologists. Throughout BSPS programs participants are reminded of the need for privacy and confidentiality.

BSPS programs receive no commercial support; no relationships exist between the CE Sponsor, presenting organization, presenter, program content, research, grants, or other funding groups that could reasonably be construed as conflicts of interest.

The programs of BSPS are accepted by the Maryland Board of Examiners for Psychologists, the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners, and other licensing Boards. Participants are advised to contact their licensing Boards for questions about their acceptance of BSPS programs.

BSPS seeks to make psychoanalytic and psychodynamic education available to as wide a community as possible.