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 July 18, individuals around the world mark the late Dr. Beck’s birthday by coming together to celebrate his legacy, raise awareness of his life and work, and make a positive impact on mental health in their communities.
Watch as Dr. Judith Beck explains what Aaron T. Beck Day means, and how CBT has continued to evolve since Dr. Beck developed it in the 1960s and 1970s.
Why Aaron T. Beck Day Is So Important
Dr. Beck dedicated his life to studying, understanding, and improving mental health. Now individuals around the world come together each year to continue Dr. Beck’s important work. By participating in Aaron T. Beck Day, you are bringing attention to the need for improved services, support, and resources for those diagnosed with mental health conditions.
To participate, you can:
- download our Aaron T. Beck Day toolkit,
- share posts or graphics on social media,
- email your network,
- pledge to do something to help advance mental health in your community, or
- make a tax deductible donation to the Aaron T. Beck Fund.
Aaron T. Beck Day Toolkit
This toolkit contains several ways that you can help spread the word about Dr. Beck’s work and ensure that CBT continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of our global population.
Social Media Materials
Follow Beck Institute on social media:
- Facebook: facebook.com/beckinstitute
- Twitter / X: twitter.com/beckinstitute
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/beck-institute-for-cognitive-behavior-therapy/
- YouTube: youtube.com/beckinstitute
Sample Social Media Posts
Please use these templates to share information about Aaron T. Beck Day. Feel free to write these messages in your own words and make the posts your own!
- Listservs:
- July 18 would have been Dr. Aaron T. Beck’s 103rd birthday. Join me in celebrating his legacy and the future of CBT by sharing information about his life and work, making a donation to the nonprofit Beck Institute, or doing one thing to improve mental health in your community. Learn more here: https://beckinstitute.org/aaron-t-beck-day/
- Facebook/LinkedIn:
- Join me in celebrating the birthday of Dr. Aaron T. Beck, widely regarded as the father of Cognitive Behavior Therapy. On July 18, people worldwide will come together to raise awareness of Dr. Beck’s work, and help move the field of mental health forward. Together, we are not only honoring Dr. Beck’s legacy – we’re building the future of CBT and mental health care and treatment. Learn more 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 one of these graphics your profile photo on LinkedIn or Facebook.
Facebook Posts
Instagram Posts / Profile Pictures
Instagram Stories / Facebook Reels
Email Template
Send this email, or a personalized version of it, to your friends and colleagues:
Hello!
I am writing to ask you to participate in Aaron T. Beck Day, a global day of action for mental health.
On July 18, I’ll be celebrating the past, present, and future of mental health by honoring the birthday of a scientist whom 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.
In the last 15 years before his passing in 2021, he and colleagues developed Recovery-Oriented Cognitive Therapy, a transformational approach to the treatment of serious mental health conditions like schizophrenia.
Can I count on you to join me? You can find more information and ways to get involved here: beckinstitute.org/aaron-t-beck-day/.
You can also help spread the word about this important day by forwarding this email to others in your network.
Thank you,
[Your Name]
Complete a Project in Honor of Dr. Beck
Each year on Aaron T. Beck Day, individuals pledge to participate in activities that will help promote mental health in their communities. Whether it’s hosting a free depression 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.
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.
Donate to Beck Institute
Beck Institute established the Aaron T. Beck Fund to provide annual support for the organization’s ongoing work. This fund provides support where it is needed most, from program development and research to training scholarships, and everything in between. The impact of your gift is exponential. As more professionals gain access to quality CBT training, more people and communities benefit from the care they receive.
Help Beck Institute continue Dr. Beck’s important work by making a gift in any amount today.
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.