Dr. Aaron "Tim" Beck: "Father of CBT" Dies at Age 100

It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of Dr. Aaron “Tim” Beck’s passing on November 1st, 2021. Dr. Beck revolutionized our field, beginning with the conceptual genesis of the cognitive model on an individual struggling with paranoid and guilt delusions. Since that time, the cognitive model has transformed mental health treatment and research for nearly every mental health condition and numerous problems in living. In the last two decades of his life, Dr. Beck focused on the aspirations, strengths, and potential of those who have been most unheard, misunderstood, and underserved for far too long.

Dr. Beck was an incredible scholar, teacher, and mentor who affected the careers of so many in our CBTp community. Dr. Beck’s greatest legacy may be his curiosity, which was both a defining personal characteristic and the bedrock of CBT. In his memory, we commit ourselves to the endless pursuit of curiosity.

We welcome any stories or reflections you wish to share on our listserv, as a comment on this blog post, or bulletin board. Please feel free to send input to Co-Communications Officer Sarah Kopelovich (skopelov@uw.edu).

Signed,

The North American CBT for psychosis Network Steering Committee