AEI exists to help people reshape rigid, self-defeating beliefs into healthier, more flexible ways of thinking. Through REBT’s blend of evidence-based interventions and a compassionate, life-philosophy approach, we equip individuals with practical tools that build emotional resilience, broaden perspective, and create meaningful, lasting change.

For practitioners, AEI is committed to advance the practice of REBT by helping individuals reshape rigid and maladaptive beliefs into healthier, more flexible ways of thinking. Through REBT’s integration of evidence-based methods and a philosophical, compassion-driven framework, we equip practitioners with rigorous training and practical strategies that deepen emotional insight, strengthen therapeutic effectiveness, and support meaningful, lasting change in the lives of their clients.

Organizational History

Albert Ellis Institute was incorporated in New York City on April 2, 1959, under the name The Institute for Rational Living, Inc. The original Incorporators were Albert Ellis, Ph.D., Paul Ellis, Robert Harper, Ph.D., Michael Feinstein, and Martin Wallace.

On December 15, 1967, the University of the State of New York and the State Education Department granted a charter to the Center for Emotional Education, the successor corporation to the Institute for Rational Living. This charter has been amended several times most recently on June 14, 1996, on which date the name of the corporation was changed to the Albert Ellis Institute.

While the Institute and its predecessor companies had originally been incorporated under New York State’s Not-For-Profit Corporation law, it was on August 29, 1968 that the Internal Revenue Service issued a formal determination letter certifying the Institute’s exemption from tax under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code. On an annual basis, the Institute’s financial statements are audited and certified by an independent auditor and reports submitted to the Internal Revenue Service (990) (Audited Financials).