Hello, I am an American Undergrad (studying English and Philosophy), and I'm thinking about pursuing Psychoanalysis in graduate school. My interest is primarily in gaining a deeper understanding of the field, and my introduction to it was through the context of literary and critical theory (hence my interest in Lacan). I have yet to undergo psychoanalysis myself, however, so my knowledge on the subject is strictly theoretical (though I would not mind to study its clinical aspects).

As far as my career goals, I am yet unsure, for, while I am surely fascinated with psychoanalysis as a field, and would like to work in something related to it, I feel that I lack the necessary experience to say for sure whether I want to be a clinician. The "safer" option, I feel, is to pursue a Masters degree in English or Philosophy and then study Psychoanalysis at the post-doctoral level while working as an academic, for I surely enjoy the theoretical study of Psychoanalysis.

Yet, I feel indecisive on the matter, for I feel more and more that my interest in theory supersedes my interest in literature.

Regarding different schools, I have heard conflicting accounts and would like some further insight. Is it better to study Psychoanalysis at an institute or a university? And, if the former, which institutes would be best for the study of Lacanian psychoanalysis ( I have heard that only few are accredited)? Is there a distinction between theoretical and clinical programs? What sort of career options are available for those who study Psychoanalysis at the Masters level opposed to the doctoral or post-doctoral levels?

Thanks.