The Div. 39 bylaws permit the establishment of local chapters in various areas around the country. Section IV is that section of the division that enables local chapters to come together in a forum to discuss local chapter development; share programs and plans; sponsor programs for the division's annual meeting and APA convention; assist the development of new local chapters; and foster the development of educational programs and psychoanalytic training programs around the country. Currently, there are 26 local chapters across North America.
Although local chapters are formed by Div. 39 members and are part of Div. 39, psychoanalytic clinicians from other disciplines and other psychologists who are not members of the division may join a local chapter depending on the bylaws of the local chapter.