ISIPT

The International Society for Interpersonal Psychotherapy (ISIPT)is an organization of clinicians and researchers interested in Interpersonal Psychotherapy

Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) is a time-limited, diagnosis-targeted, well studied, manualized treatment for major depression and other psychiatric disorders. Therapists help patients to solve an interpersonal crisis as a way of both improving their lives and relieving their symptoms. IPT helps patients to understand their emotions as social signals, to use this understanding to improve interpe

rsonal situations, and to mobilize social supports. Its success in a series of research studies has led to its inclusion in numerous national and international guidelines. Time-limited: IPT typically is scheduled as a 12-16 week, once weekly therapy for acute major depression. Diagnosis-targeted: IPT has demonstrated efficacy as an acute and as a maintenance treatment for major depression, and for patients from adolescence to old age; with adaptation, as an adjunct to medication for bipolar disorder; for bulimia and binge-eating disorders; and, with less research support, for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety disorders. Well studied: The late Gerald L. Klerman, M.D., Myrna M. Weissman, Ph.D. and colleagues published the first randomized IPT trial in 1974. They found in initial studies that IPT was more effective than a placebo; that in combination with medication it fared better than either treatment alone; and that on one-year follow-up, IPT helped patients to build social skills, which medication did not. Since 1974 there have been more than 250 randomized controlled studies of IPT published by research groups around the world. The International Society for Interpersonal Psychotherapy (ISIPT) is an organization of clinicians and researchers interested in Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT). The ISIPT has national chapters in several countries; a website and listserv; and holds biennial international scientific meetings. OFFICERS
Holly A. Swartz, M.D., President
Paula Ravitz, M.D., Vice President/President-Elect Sue Luty, B.M., B.S., FRANZCP, Ph.D., Secretary Heather Flynn, Ph.D. , Treasurer Scott Stuart, M.D., Past-President

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS
Marc Blom, M.D., Ph.D. Ellen Frank, Ph.D. Roslyn Law, M.A. (Hons), D. Clin. Psychol. John C. Markowitz, M.D. Hiroko Mizushima, M.D. Oguz Omay, M.D.

06/02/2026

We are 2 weeks away from our 11th biennial ISIPT conference! We are excited to host a great slate of keynote speakers and presentations at our 3-day conference, as well as amazing learning opportunities through the pre-conference workshops, facilitated by expert IPT trainers.

✅️ REGISTRATION is still open — sign up for in-person or virtual tickets (same link for both)!
🔗 https://www.isiptpittcon2026.com/registration--tickets.html

✅ ️REGISTRATION is still open for the Social Networking Dinner at Phipps Conservatory until 5 June — no registration at the door, so don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to socialize with colleagues on a June evening in a beautiful venue!
🔗 https://www.isiptpittcon2026.com/evening-social-event.html

Please feel free to reach out to [email protected] with any questions regarding the conference. Looking forward to welcoming you all to the 2026 ISIPT Conference and Pittsburgh, PA!

✅️ Follow our social media accounts and stay connected with us!
📲 IG: .official http://www.instagram.com/isipt.official

05/31/2026

🌟 New IPT paper in the American Journal of Psychotherapy
➡️ Interpersonal Psychotherapy in the Chinese Cultural Context: Exploring the Problem Areas With Cultural Specificity

💬 This study explored the culturally specific manifestations of interpersonal psychotherapy’s (IPT’s) four problem areas within the Chinese cultural context. Synthesizing qualitative feedback from IPT training and clinical supervision involving approximately 500 Chinese mental health professionals (2018–2025), the analysis aimed to highlight how traditional values—such as collectivism, filial piety (xiao), and face (mianzi, or social reputation and dignity)—profoundly shape interpersonal distress. The specific cultural nuances examined included how complicated grief is often masked by male stoicism or compounded by the shidu (loss of only child) stigma; how role transitions are intensified by rapid urbanization, affecting both migrants and left-behind elders; how role disputes are navigated through indirect communication; and how interpersonal deficits are linked to systemic pressures from exam-oriented education. The authors argue that successful implementation of IPT necessitates cultural contextualization rather than structural alteration. Therapists are encouraged to act as cultural navigators, cultivating sensitivity to these internal social norms. By validating somatic expressions and reconstructing culturally resonant support systems, IPT can achieve clinical efficacy and social relevance to foster interpersonal recovery in China.

📖 Chen, Xiaoyu & Wu, Yuting & Zhang, Chunyan & Tan, Peixuan & Li, Anqiao & Lin, Xuesong & Zhang, Yuexin & Lu, Chaochao & Al-Matary, Manal & Wu, Wenjian & li, Weihui. (2026). Interpersonal Psychotherapy in the Chinese Cultural Context: Exploring the Problem Areas With Cultural Specificity. American Journal of Psychotherapy. 10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.20250042.

05/17/2026

🌟 We are 1 month away from our 11th biennial ISIPT conference! We are excited to host a great slate of keynote speakers and presentations at our 3-day conference, as well as amazing learning opportunities through the pre-conference workshops, facilitated by expert IPT trainers.

✅️ REGISTRATION is still open — sign up for in-person or virtual tickets (same link for both)
🔗 https://www.isiptpittcon2026.com/registration--tickets.html

✅ ️REGISTRATION is still open for the Social Networking Dinner at Phipps Conservatory — no registration at the door, so don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to socialize with colleagues on a June evening in a beautiful venue
🔗 https://www.isiptpittcon2026.com/evening-social-event.html

🏨 HOTEL reservations are still available, but the deadline for discounted conference rates are fast approaching — book today!
🔗 https://www.isiptpittcon2026.com/hotel-info.html

Please feel free to reach out to [email protected] with any questions regarding the conference.

Looking forward to welcoming you all to the 2026 ISIPT Conference and Pittsburgh, PA!

💙💛

✅️ Follow our social media accounts and stay connected with us!

📲 IG: .official http://www.instagram.com/isipt.official

05/13/2026

🌟 A new pilot study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders (May 2026) has explored how Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy can be adapted specifically for individuals with perinatal bipolar disorder.

📊 The Key Results:
• Highly Acceptable: Participants reported an incredible satisfaction score of 31.25 out of 32.
• Feasible for New Parents: Despite the chaos of a newborn, the average attendance was 14 out of 20 sessions, with a 71% completion rate.
• Significant Mood Improvement: Researchers found a marked decrease in depressive symptoms at both the end of treatment (4 months postpartum) and the 6-month follow-up.

💡 The Big Takeaway:
IPSRT offers a promising way to help manage mood stability during perinatal periods by protecting sleep-wake cycles and social rhythms.

📖 Read the full study here:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165032726007743

05/04/2026

🌟Upcoming ISIPT SIG meeting🌟
IPT for depressed adolescents (IPT-A) Special Interest Group

Topic: Interpersonal Counseling (IPC) for College Students
Presenter: Dr. Alexandra Klein Rafaeli

📅 May 7, 2026
⏰ 9AM Eastern Time
💻 Meeting by Google Meet

All ISIPT members are invited to attend! Please refer to the listserv email for details. Not a member yet? Join our global community of IPT practitioners and researchers!

✨ Membership benefits include:
- ISIPT Conference discounts
- Access to exclusive IPT training materials and webinars
- Global ISIPT listserv connection
- Interaction with IPT experts worldwide
✨ Visit our website (https://interpersonalpsychotherapy.org/) for more information!

05/03/2026

🌟Upcoming ISIPT SIG meeting🌟
ISIPT Eating Disorder Special Interest Group

Topic: Relational Aspects and Applications of Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Eating Disorders with Co-morbid Depression
Presenter: Dr. Malin Bäck

📅 May 4, 2026
⏰ 9:30 AM Eastern Time
💻 Meeting by Zoom

The work explores how interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) can be applied in the treatment of eating disorders, particularly when depressive symptoms are present.

Drawing on both qualitative and quantitative studies conducted in Swedish clinical settings, the research examines patients’ lived experiences of eating disorders, treatment outcomes of IPT, and the therapeutic processes through which change may occur. Special attention is given to the relationship between depressive symptoms and eating disorder symptoms during treatment. The findings suggest that improvements in depression may precede and facilitate reductions in eating disorder symptoms, challenging the common assumption that depression primarily hinders eating disorder treatment.

The lecture will also discuss how the central IPT strategy of linking mood and life events is collaboratively constructed in therapy sessions, and how relational processes within therapy may support recovery. Implications for clinical practice and future research in eating disorder treatment will be highlighted.

All ISIPT members are welcome to attend! Please refer to the listserv email for the Zoom link. Not a member yet? Join our global community of IPT practitioners and researchers!

✨ Membership benefits include:
- ISIPT Conference discounts
- Access to exclusive IPT training materials and webinars
- Global ISIPT listserv connection
- Interaction with IPT experts worldwide
✨ Visit our website (https://interpersonalpsychotherapy.org/) for more information!

05/02/2026

Wondering whether to join the 2026 Conference in person or virtually?

Here’s one more reason to book that ticket to Pittsburgh: its incredible local art scene. 🎨 From the 59th to installations and performances across the city, Pittsburgh will be a global arts hotspot while we’re in town. Organized once every four years by Carnegie Museum of Art, the Carnegie International is the longest-running exhibition of international art in North America.

Come for the IPT workshops and networking, stay to explore world-class museums, riverside sculptures, and evenings in the Cultural District. 🌉

📅 June 16–18, 2026 (pre-conference: June 14–15)
📍 University Club, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
🔗 isiptpittcon2026.com

04/23/2026

There’s still time to register! 🌍

Join us at the 11th Biennial Conference – Building Bridges to Improve Global Mental Health in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
📅 June 16–18, 2026
🧠 Pre-conference workshops: June 14–15, 2026
📍 University Club, University of Pittsburgh
🔗 Learn more & register: https://www.isiptpittcon2026.com/

Clinicians, researchers, educators, and trainees from around the world will come together to explore advances in Interpersonal Psychotherapy ( ), join skills-focused workshops, and connect with colleagues committed to improving global mental health.

Questions about registration or need assistance? Contact [email protected].

04/22/2026

The International Society of Interpersonal Psychotherapy ( ) is a multidisciplinary, non-commercial, international organization committed to the advancement of interpersonal psychotherapy ( ) by scientific research, training and dissemination.

✅️ Follow our social media accounts and stay connected with us!

📲 IG: .official http://www.instagram.com/isipt.official
🎥 YouTube: .official https://youtube.com/.official
📘 Facebook: .Psychotherapy https://www.facebook.com/interpersonal.psychotherapy

If you are a healthcare practitioner interested in IPT (and haven't yet done so), please consider joining ISIPT to connect with a global network of professionals dedicated to advancing IPT. As a member, you’ll gain exclusive access to resources, opportunities, and a vibrant community of IPT practitioners and researchers.

09/28/2021

It's time to register, folks!

Address

Pittsburgh, PA

Website

https://www.interpersonalpsychotherapy.org/

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