Why Aaron T. Beck Day Is So Important

Dr. Aaron T. Beck is globally recognized as the father of Cognitive Behavior Therapy and one of the world’s leading researchers in psychopathology. He is credited with shaping the field of mental health, and The American Psychologist has called him “one of the five most influential psychotherapists of all time.” His contributions to the field of mental health and the tangible impact he had on the lives of so many people are astonishing. A prolific theorist, scientist, researcher, and writer, he authored or co-authored 25 books and published over 600 articles in his lifetime. He was an Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania, where he worked on developing and testing his theories for almost 70 years. He also served as President Emeritus of the Beck Institute, where he inspired a generation of CBT practitioners and trainees with his wisdom, humor, and grace.

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.

How to Participate

This year, as we mark Dr. Beck’s 105th birthday, we are raising awareness of our free CBT resources. Over the past year, we have greatly expanded our offerings for both health and mental health practitioners and the general public. Here are just some of our exciting new resources:

  • Thinking Well, a free monthly newsletter that contains news and information about CBT for the general public.
  • Our brand-new Instagram account where we share exclusive videos featuring Dr. Judith Beck and other Beck Institute clinicians, clinical tips, blogs, new research, and more!
  • A completely overhauled, user-friendly certified clinician directory that enables potential clients to find highly skilled CBT clinicians in their locale.

Every share of Beck Institute’s website, newsletters, social media accounts, or free resources helps us advance our nonprofit mission and keep Dr. Beck’s legacy alive!

You could:

Download our Aaron T. Beck Day toolkit for a complete set of resources, including a wealth of information about Dr. Beck and CBT, sample social media posts, and email templates you can use to spread the word. Get inspired to join us today!

Download the 2026 Aaron T. Beck Day Toolkit

Shareable Social Media Graphics

Demonstrate to your social networks that CBT is a continuously evolving practice and that Dr. Beck’s work lives on in the hearts and minds of mental health practitioners and their clients around the world.

Square (1080 x 1080)
Portrait (1080 x 1350)
Stories/Reels (1080 x 1920)
Shareable QR Code

Follow Beck Institute on Social Media

Over the coming months, we’ll be sharing personal stories about Dr. Beck, reflections from BI leadership and staff, and ways our community can get involved. Make sure you don’t miss a post!

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.