About the American Psychotherapy Institute
Building the future of psychotherapy education through clinical wisdom, evidence-based training, and a commitment to real-world impact.
Our Origin
A Lineage of Clinical Wisdom
The American Psychotherapy Institute began not in a boardroom, but in the clinical trenches—where the gap between academic theory and therapeutic reality is felt most acutely. It grew from the mentorship of Dr. Abbasi, whose decades of clinical practice and teaching established a tradition of rigorous, culturally informed psychotherapy rooted in both Western evidence-based methods and the rich philosophical traditions of Persian psychology.
Under his guidance, Dr. Dean Aslinia carried that tradition forward. What began as a mentorship between clinician and student evolved into something larger: a conviction that psychotherapy education in America needed to be rebuilt from the ground up—not with more theory, but with more truth. More clinical honesty. More direct translation from research to the therapy room.
“Every great clinician was once a student who had the courage to question what they were taught—and the discipline to replace it with what actually works.”
From that founding vision, API grew into a national education institution—one that bridges clinical practice, academic publishing, and professional standards. Today, API serves as the education and publishing arm of a broader mental health ecosystem, training the next generation of clinicians who refuse to settle for the gap between what we know and what we do.
Our Mission
To train the next generation of clinicians with evidence-based, practically grounded education that closes the gap between research and real-world therapeutic practice. Every course, publication, and standard we produce is designed to make clinicians more effective in session—not just more credentialed on paper.
Our Vision
To become the defining educational authority in psychotherapy.
We envision a future where every practicing clinician has access to training that is clinically rigorous, culturally informed, and directly applicable. A future where the standard of care in psychotherapy is shaped not by bureaucratic inertia, but by the institutions willing to lead.
Leadership
Led by Clinicians, for Clinicians
API is led by practicing professionals who understand the demands of clinical work and the gaps in current education.
Dr. Dean Aslinia
PhD, MBA, LPC-S
Founder & Executive Director
Dr. Tannaz Moein
PsyD, LPC-S
Clinical Director
The Ecosystem
One Mission. Three Organizations.
API operates within a national mental health ecosystem that connects clinical practice, community health, and professional education.
National Health Foundation (NHF)
The nonprofit parent organization providing governance, mission alignment, and community health initiatives across the ecosystem.
National Health Counseling & Holistics (NHCH)
The clinical practice arm delivering direct therapeutic services, integrating holistic and evidence-based approaches for individuals and families.
American Psychotherapy Institute (API)
The education, publishing, and standards arm. API translates clinical wisdom into training, certification, and published works that advance the profession.
NHFNHCH + API—Practice informs education. Education elevates practice.
Partner With API
Universities, clinical practices, and organizations partner with API to bring nationally recognized training and certification to their teams and students.
Explore Our Courses
Browse our catalog of continuing education courses, certification programs, and clinical training designed for immediate application in practice.
Stay Connected With API
Get early access to new courses, clinical tools, publishing releases, and national training opportunities. Designed for clinicians, educators, and leaders who want practical, real-world insight — not just theory.
Join clinicians and educators who are shaping the future of psychotherapy.
- New CE courses
- Clinical tools
- Early book access
- Partner opportunities