Celebrate with us.

Aaron T. Beck Day is an annual day of action that brings together individuals interested in improving mental health worldwide. Each year, on Dr. Beck’s birthday, people around the world participate in activities that will help promote mental health in their communities. Whether it’s hosting a free screening day, advocating for greater access to quality treatment, or increasing connection with individuals with mental health issues, every act brings us closer to a healthier world for all.

2023 Aaron T. Beck Day Announcement by Dr. Judith Beck

Join us with a pledge!


Why Aaron T. Beck Day Is So Important

Dr. Beck dedicated his life to improving mental health. Now, individuals around the world come together each year to continue Dr. Beck’s important work and make a positive impact on mental health in their communities. By participating in Aaron T. Beck Day, you are bringing attention to the need for improved services, support, and resources for those suffering from mental health conditions.

Help us spread the word about Aaron T. Beck Day! You can:


Send this sample email to your network

Hello!

I am writing to ask you to participate in Aaron T. Beck Day, a global day of action for mental health.

On July 18th, I’ll be celebrating the future of mental health by honoring the birthday of a scientist who The American Psychologist called “one of the five most influential psychotherapists of all time,” Dr. Aaron T. Beck. Dr. Beck is globally recognized as the father of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), after developing the revolutionary therapy at the University of Pennsylvania in the 1960s. He was also the co-founder, along with his daughter, Dr. Judith S. Beck, of the nonprofit Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy. CBT is one of the most commonly-practiced talk therapies today and has helped countless people improve their lives.

Will you join me? You can find more information and ways to get involved here.

And please help spread the word. You can forward this email, or share social media posts and other content on this web page.

Thank you,

[Your Name]


Share these social media posts

Please use these templates to share information about World ATB Day. Feel free to write these messages in your own words and make your posts your own!

  • Listservs:
    • July 18 is Dr. Aaron T. Beck’s birthday. Beck Institute has issued a call to join colleagues around the world in a day of action to celebrate his legacy and the future of CBT. I plan on [insert your pledge here]. Join me by committing to doing one thing to improve mental health in your community. You can share your plans here: https://beckinstitute.org/aaron-t-beck-day/
    • In addition, we are attempting to honor Dr. Beck by encouraging Google to do a Doodle illustration in his honor on July 18th! Please submit a request to Google by following the instructions below [add the section below about the Doodle to the listserv message]
  • Facebook/LinkedIn:
    • Join me in celebrating the birthday of Dr. Aaron T. Beck, widely regarded as the father of Cognitive Behavior Therapy, by participating in a global day of action! On July 18th, people around the world will come together to do one thing to improve mental health in their communities. Together, we are not only honoring Dr. Beck’s legacy, but building the future of CBT and mental health care and treatment. You can share your plans here: https://beckinstitute.org/aaron-t-beck-day/
  • Twitter:
    • Join me in celebrating the birthday of Dr. Aaron T. Beck, widely regarded as the father of Cognitive Behavior Therapy, by participating in a global day of action on 7/18! Learn more: https://beckinstitute.org/aaron-t-beck-day/
  • Hashtag: #AaronTBeckDay
Aaron T. Beck Day Graphics for Social Media

Share a custom Aaron T. Beck Day graphic to accompany your social media posts, or show your support for Aaron T. Beck Day by making this custom banner image your background photo on LinkedIn or your cover photo on Facebook.

For instructions on how to update your background photo or cover photo, please see below:


Request that Google create a Doodle for Dr. Beck

Please send an email to: doodleproposals@google.com  

And copy this template into the body of your email (feel free to personalize the language):

Hello Doodlers!

I am writing to submit an idea for a Google Doodle for July 18th, 2023.

On July 18th the scientific, medical, and mental health communities around the world will celebrate the anniversary of Dr. Aaron T. Beck’s birthday. Dr. Beck is globally recognized as the father of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), after developing the revolutionary therapy at the University of Pennsylvania in the 1960s. CBT has been found to be effective in treating a wide range of psychiatric disorders, psychological problems, and medical conditions with psychological components in over 2,000 clinical studies. In recognition of his work, The American Psychologist has called him “one of the five most influential psychotherapists of all time.”

A prolific and productive researcher with a career spanning more than 70 years, Dr. Beck has published over 600 articles and authored or co-authored 25 books. He is also the recipient of numerous awards, including the 2006 Albert Lasker Award for Clinical Medical Research and the Gustave O. Lienhard Award from the Institute of Medicine for “outstanding national achievement in improving personal health care services in the United States.”

Dr. Beck passed away in November, 2021. We think a Google Doodle this July would be a wonderful way to honor his legacy and could help bring attention to his recent work on the development of Recovery-Oriented Cognitive Therapy (CT-R), a revolutionary new practice that may change the future of psychotherapy. Originally developed to empower individuals given a diagnosis of schizophrenia, CT-R extends the principles of traditional CBT to help individuals suffering from extensive behavioral, social, and physical health challenges. Practitioners and researchers are now applying the underlying principles of CT-R to the treatment of depression, anxiety, substance use, self-injury, aggression and more.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to sfleming@beckinstitute.org if you agree that this occasion would be a great fit for Google Doodle.

Thank you for your consideration.


Pledge to participate in Aaron T. Beck Day

Please fill out the form below so we can hear what you are planning to do and check in on your project from time to time.

What Will You Do to Honor Dr. Aaron T. Beck's Legacy? 










Dr. Aaron T. Beck

1921 – 2021


If you have any questions about this virtual event, please email communications@beckinstitute.org and our staff will be happy to assist you.