Bridging the Gap: Austen Riggs Proves Psychodynamic Depth has a Place in Modern, Online Intensive Outpatient Care

In an era where behavioral health is increasingly dominated by brief, manualized interventions, the Austen Riggs Center is asserting the continued relevance of psychodynamic practice. The Center recently announced the graduation of its inaugural cohort from the Online IOP Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Training Certificate Program, a milestone that demonstrates how depth-oriented treatment can be successfully adapted for modern, online intensive outpatient (IOP) settings.

The graduation of Taline Aydinian, DO; Bobby Bui, PhD; and Geovanni Vazquez, PhD, LCSW, marks the successful completion of a nine-month program that challenges the industry trend toward "symptom-only" treatment. By integrating rigorous psychodynamic theory with the practicalities of a virtual IOP, the program offers a roadmap for seasoned clinicians seeking to enhance their therapeutic identity.

Designed for licensed, doctoral-level mental health professionals and masters-level clinical social workers in Massachusetts, the program—which provides a $3,900 stipend—bridges the divide between theory and practice through:

"We designed this training to reflect what we value most at Riggs: thoughtful, relationally informed clinical work," said Jacquelyn Harden, PsyD, Director of IOP Training. "Trainees don’t just learn concepts; they apply them in real-time to complex presentations that require more than a brief intervention."

"As a psychologist with over twenty years of clinical experience and a long history of engaging in rich continuing education at the Austen Riggs Center, I entered the Online IOP Training Program with high hopes and expectations. After eight months, I can confidently say the program has exceeded even those lofty expectations.

It is difficult to identify a single most valuable aspect of the experience, but several elements stand out: the cycle of five-week seminars led by seasoned clinicians sharing their areas of expertise; the opportunity to study systems psychodynamics while simultaneously working within a program that embodies and actively examines those very principles (does this happen anywhere other than Riggs?); the chance to provide individual psychodynamic psychotherapy under the guidance of both individual and group supervision; and the engagement with research scientists who demonstrate how treatment is tracked and studied to inform best practices.

All of this occurs within a supportive community of Riggs clinicians, administrative staff, and peer trainees. As my training concludes, I know I will miss the people and the weekly opportunities for learning that are truly unique to the Austen Riggs Center."

"The IOP Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Training Certificate Program at Austen Riggs has been one of the most transformative experiences of my professional life. Even with advanced training in psychology, clinical social work, and mental health counseling, this program gave me insights into the therapeutic process that no other training has.

The expertise of the faculty, the depth of the case conferences, and the chance to apply psychodynamic thinking to real clinical challenges immediately enhanced the way I work with patients. What impressed me most was the program’s focus on curiosity, reflection, and depth. It sharpened not only how I understand patient dynamics but also how I see my own role in the therapeutic relationship.

The training has allowed me to approach complex cases—especially individuals struggling with chronic emotional difficulties and substance use—with greater nuance, empathy, and humanity. For anyone dedicated to serious clinical work and to developing a more refined therapeutic voice, the IOP training at Austen Riggs is truly exceptional. It has strengthened my confidence, expanded my therapeutic toolkit, and profoundly enriched the way I show up for the people I serve."

Offered through the Erikson Institute for Education, Research, and Advocacy, the certificate program reflects Riggs’ commitment to fostering new avenues for clinician development.

As Austen Riggs continues to advocate for the necessity of psychodynamic formulations in the broader mental health landscape, it is actively looking for the next generation of "serious clinical voices." Cohort two begins training in February this year, and applications for the next cohort will open later this fall.