The American Balint Society

The American Balint Society is a thriving, vital force in American medical education and the Balint Group method is applied in other professional domains as well (veterinary medicine, psychotherapy, education, pastoral care, collaborative law). We are proud of the quality of our leadership training and outreach activities, and invite your inquiries into our many programs.  We are affiliated with the International Balint Federation and provide support to developing Balint Groups throughout the country.

Prior to the founding of the American Balint Society in 1990, medical educators at various programs throughout the United states offered Balint Groups based on their own understanding of the teachings of Michael and Enid Balint. With the guidance of clinicians who had worked directly with Michael and Enid Balint, the American Balint Society was created in order to define an overarching perspective on Balint Group structure and process. The Intensive Leadership Training program was established to support Balint Group leaders at all levels of participation. These range from an introductory overview to the possibility of becoming a credentialed leader through the ABS.

In addition to Intensive Leadership Trainings that occur twice a year in different locations across the country, the American Balint Society offers online Balint groups, onsite leadership trainings for institutions, the Balint Group Leader Education Fellowship, Credentialed Leader Training, ongoing support to Balint Group leaders, and a biennial national meeting to share studies and perspectives on Balint Groups.

Balint Group supports professionals in gaining insight and empathy for both the patient and themselves, which makes their practices less lonely, more satisfying and more effective.