IFS Institute’s Community Access Programs (CAP) expand access to high-quality IFS training for culturally diverse, underserved, and underrepresented communities. By partnering with mission-aligned organizations, CAP reduces barriers to mental health equity and creates inclusive, affirming learning environments.
Community Access Programs (CAP)
At IFS Institute, we believe healing and growth belong to everyone. The IFS model teaches us that true inclusion begins within - when we welcome all parts of ourselves, we become more open to welcoming others.
Our Community Access Programs (CAP) carry this spirit outward by expanding access to high-quality IFS training for culturally diverse, underserved, and underrepresented communities. Through partnerships with mission-aligned organizations, CAP reduces barriers to mental health equity and creates learning environments that are inclusive, affirming, and deeply rooted in belonging.
Our Approach
CAP provides trainings for groups led by or serving historically excluded communities, and other organizations to support staff development, to co-create programming that:
- Identifies and removes barriers that keep people from accessing mental health training
- Develops inclusive, culturally responsive learning experiences
- Extends the reach of IFS principles to a broader and more diverse range of practitioners and communities
Every program is a collaboration - shaped by listening to the needs, values, and strengths of the communities we serve.
Program Growth
What began as a single partnership has grown into a vibrant network of organizations bringing IFS to communities that might otherwise have been left out.
- 2018: 1 partner organization
- 2023: 3 CAP Level 1 trainings, plus our first Introductory Workshop in American Sign Language
- 2024: 5 CAP Level 1 & 2 trainings, including workshops for the Muslim and Neurodivergent communities
- 2025: 9+ CAP Level 1, 2, and 3 trainings, plus multiple community-specific workshops (Latin-American, Indigenous, Black Women’s, Charlie Health, and more)
Each year, CAP also hosts Introductory Workshops - a welcoming entry point for communities to explore IFS and imagine what deeper engagement might look like.
Partner Spotlight
We are honored to walk alongside mission-driven organizations who are reshaping mental health access, including:
- Black Therapists Rock
- Clinicians of Color
- Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy (ICP) – One ICP leader shared: “IFS is a powerful modality; as a clinician and as a person, I feel it is a gift to the world.”
We share this view: IFS is a gift. CAP is the pathway that helps ensure this gift reaches more people, in more communities, every year.
Who We Serve
Current CAP programs are created for and with individuals and organizations connected to:
- Global Majority and underrepresented racial groups
- LGBTQIA+ communities
- Neurodivergent individuals
- People impacted by substance use
- Those affected by eating disorders or disordered eating
- Survivors of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and trafficking
Each of these communities holds unique strengths and wisdom. CAP exists to create space where those strengths are seen, uplifted, and woven into the IFS learning experience.
Interested in Partnering?
We welcome organizations and companies who share our vision of mental health equity and inclusive growth. To explore becoming a CAP Partner, please submit the questionnaire for the programming you are interested in for your organization.
Intro to IFS Workshops are typically one-day virtual programs designed to provide a broad introduction to the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model. They offer participants a general understanding of IFS but do not prepare them to use the model with clients.
IFS Level 1 Training is approximately 90 hours of intensive training, you'll be guided by a select group of experienced IFS trainers. The program is structured so that there is plenty of time for supervised small practice groups, with a participant-to-staff ratio of about 3:1. This setup allows you to practice IFS in both therapist and client roles within small breakout groups, providing you with the opportunity to hone your skills in a safe, supportive environment.
Learn more about Level 1 Training on our website here.
For general inquiries, please email CAP@ifs-institute.com
Download the CAP brochure - PDF File