Aaron Beck, MD Related seminars and products: 39

Dr. Beck is a doctor. He is a professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania and the director of the Beck Psychopathology Research Center. Cognitive Therapy is the most widely used form of psychotherapy in the world because of his research on the psychological processes involved in depression and other disorders. He helped to form centers for Cognitive Therapy throughout the world and trained large numbers of professionals in this specialized approach. He directed the Beck Initiative partnership with Arthur Evans, the former Commissioner of Mental Health of Philadelphia, to serve the Medicaid patients in the city. The most disadvantaged individuals in the city and state are the severely mentally ill who are confined to hospitals and jails.

Beck has conducted research on the psychological and social factors involved in schizophrenia for several decades and has helped to restore large numbers to meaningful lives. His approach has been applied to other states such as Georgia, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Utah. He and his Center collaborated with the National Association of State Commissioners of Mental Health to spread his approach throughout the country. He and his team are working with Gary Gottlieb, Chief Executive Officer of Partners in Health to adapt cognitive therapy to the needs of individuals in 27 developing countries.

Beck has described his work in over 600 publications. Medscape named him one of the 50 most influential physicians in history, and he was the 1st among the living. He received several awards, including the Albert Lasker Award for Clinical Medical Research, the National Academy of Medicine: Lienhard Award for the advancement of health services, and the Kennedy Community Health Award.

• Aaron Beck Profile at Aaron Beck Center