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One of the first announcements and discussions in our July meeting was an update on the building renovation. The contractors revised the schedule, and we are now looking toward the end of October that the building will be ready for occupancy. We have added pictures below of our new HVAC system, as well as new wiring for the lighting and cables for the IT system. It looks pretty torn up, but we can see progress. The garden got an update, we ordered a new refrigerator, dishwasher and furniture, and the outside walls are beginning to get cleaned for painting later this month. A lot is happening and I look forward to letting everyone know when our big get together will happen.

Considering the delay in opening and the uncertainty over the Delta variant, the board voted to continue all classes on Zoom through the end of the year. We will make a determination in a few months as to whether Zoom will continue for the entire year or we begin to hold classes in person beginning in January. If the COVID situation is more under control in a few months, we look forward to being able to hold some meetings and special events at the New Center.

Each year, the board conducts a survey assessing the board’s work, both individually and as a group. This year’s self-evaluation survey results were reviewed and discussed at the July meeting. This process helps the board explore its strengths, weaknesses, and goals for the future. We will continue these discussions in our August meeting.

NCP joined in partnership with PsiAN (Psychotherapy Action Network), an organization that promotes long-term treatment for patients.

The BPPE update is that because of COVID, the Bureau is going to suspend for another year decisions about exemptions. We are currently in the process of reapplying for an exemption and hopefully that will go smoothly. Cecilia and Paulene have been working with the department chairs and training directors to create budgets for the upcoming year and those budgets will be formalized next month. I’m very excited to have the support and cooperation of our leaders in working to establish a systematic approach to our expenses. In addition to budgets, we will complete the employee handbook and a board handbook by the end of the summer.

This year, the EC has piloted a program to accept international students into the Psychoanalytic Training Program. These students would attend classes virtually from their home countries. Jill reported on the progress of gaining approval from the ACPEinc and processing applications from hopeful international candidates. We will be able to give a more up-to-date account of the number of international and California candidates we will have next month. And speaking of new members, our new Director of Membership Services, Luis Nagy, announced the names of our newest psychotherapy affiliate members: Michael Cheng, MD, Gregory Gabrellas, MD, and Elaine Nabel, PsyD.