Aaron T. Beck

Dr. Aaron T. Beck is a scientist, clinician, educator and innovator in psychology and psychiatry while serving as a Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania since 1954. He is President Emeritus of the non-profit Beck Institute for Cognitive Therapy and Research, and Director of the Aaron T. Beck Psychopathology Research Center, University of Pennsylvania. He has developed the theory and practice of Cognitive Therapy, the world's fastest growing psychotherapy, and demonstrated its efficacy for the treatment of depression, suicidal intent, and a wide range of other mental illnesses. His current work focuses on disseminating empirically tested cognitive therapy treatments into community settings to investigate the efficacy and effectiveness of these therapies when implemented in real-world settings. Dr. Beck has been a member or consultant for several review panels of the National Institute of Mental Health, served on the editorial boards of many journals, and lectured throughout the world. He is the recipient of the Albert Lasker Clinical Medical Research Award, the Heinz Award for “The Human Condition” and The Sarnat Award “in recognition of the international scope and significance of his contributions to psychiatry and mental health, particularly his  development of cognitive therapy.” The Lienhard Award from The Institute of Medicine “for developing the theory and practice of cognitive therapy that benefited nearly five million people in the United States and millions worldwide,” The Prince Mahidol Award in Medicine for outstanding research in the field of medicine for the benefit of mankind, and the first Kennedy Community Health Award “as the father of cognitive therapy and one of the most influential people in community mental health,” among many others.