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Committee Charge

The Academic Training and Education Standards (ATES) Committee develops curricula and other resources for teaching, training and/or providing clinical supervision in cognitive-behavioral assessment and therapy. ATES also develops and promulgates training and educational standards (e. g., curricula, guidelines) in training programs in psychology, psychiatry and other medical specialties, social work, nursing, special education, and other relevant disciplines. ATES examines the extent to which cognitive-behavioral training has been disseminated and implemented in appropriate training programs. ATES seeks to acknowledge academic excellence in teaching, mentorship, and supervision. Last, ATES develops resources for those seeking training and mentorship in cognitive-behavioral theory and practice and those organizations that are developing or implementing training and competence standards. Key metrics of the success of the committee will be measured by the number of training resources developed and/or coordinated and the successful selection of annual mentor awards.

Committee Benchmarks 2026-2027: TBD

Committee Charge

The Advanced Methodology and Statistics Seminars (AMASS) Committee is dedicated to enhancing researchers’ methodological and statistical competencies by organizing and delivering high-quality, accessible training opportunities. The committee works closely with the ABCT Board of Directors, relevant special interest groups, and experts in quantitative and qualitative methodologies to curate seminar content that reflects the latest advancements in research methods, data analysis, and computational tools.

AMASS identifies leading scholars and practitioners in advanced methods to serve as instructors, ensuring that seminar topics remain cutting-edge and relevant to behavioral and clinical science. The committee is responsible for structuring and scheduling seminar series, promoting accessibility through virtual and in-person formats, and expanding outreach to researchers at all career stages, particularly early-career scholars and those from historically underrepresented backgrounds.

Additionally, AMASS seeks to develop funding mechanisms and partnerships to support the long-term sustainability of the seminar series, including securing sponsorships and external funding to subsidize attendance costs. Success will be measured through participant engagement, feedback, and the impact of training on members’ research productivity and methodological skills.

Committee Benchmarks 2026–2027: TBD

Committee Charge

The Awards and Recognition Committee develops and administers a cohesive awards and recognition program to highlight and support the achievements of educators and trainers, scientists, clinicians, and other individuals and organizations for their work in promoting cognitive behavioral assessment and treatment. The Awards and Recognition Committee solicits nominations for then nominates candidates for appropriate awards and recognition to the ABCT Board of Directors and CEO. New awards are approved only by vote of the Board of Directors. The Chair of this committee shall serve a three-year term.

Committee Benchmarks 2026–2027: TBD

Committee Charge

ABCT emphasizes the need to eliminate disparities in mental health care and positive outcomes among different populations, particularly marginalized or underserved groups. The BHEC committee carries out ABCT’s commitment to ensure fair and just opportunity for all individuals to access mental health and substance use services without discrimination or barriers.

Committee Benchmarks 2026-2027: TBD

Committee Charge:

The Clinical Directory & Referral Committee supports the clinical mission of ABCT and is responsible for several initiatives. First, the committee strives to increase awareness, promotion, utilization, participation, and accuracy of the Clinical Directory. The committee also promotes the clinical directory and resources on the ABCT website. We solicit and highlight monthly featured therapists and curate ABCT resources related to monthly mental health topics. We send out both monthly highlights to the ABCT community. Finally, we recognize and increase awareness of ABCT members who are Pioneers and Global Thought Leaders of the clinical field, by soliciting videos, which are housed on the ABCT website.

Committee Benchmarks 2026–2027:

Increase participation, awareness, promotion, utilization, and accuracy of the Clinical Directory for both members and the public

Increase the number of members who participate in the expanded listing of the Clinical Directory

Ensure BIPOC and other underrepresented populations are being included and reflected in all our work

Continue to interview and highlight Global Thought Leaders and Pioneers in the field

Continue to feature at least one “Featured Therapist” per month

Continue to disseminate ABCT mental health resources monthly via Monthly Mental Health Topics and update resources/fact sheets as needed

Recruit and onboard new committee members

Refine committee policies and procedures, including policies about membership cycles, transition plans, and roles.

Committee Charge

The Continuing Education (CE) Committee assists with the development of ABCT continuing education learning events. The committee’s efforts are largely centered on planning monthly CE-eligible webinars. The CE Committee identifies, recruits, and coordinates directly with webinar speakers. Committee members serve as moderators in live webinars to manage attendee questions and to facilitate guided and insightful discussion with the speaker at the end of the presentation. Moderators also assist with the organization of required CE documentation from the speaker, as outlined by the governing bodies that recognize ABCT as an approved continuing education provider. The CE Committee chair meets monthly with ABCT CE leadership members (e.g. several ABCT central office staff, board liaison, board coordinator, and CE outreach coordinator) to obtain guidance on webinar planning, promotion, and marketing strategies. Key metrics of the committee’s success include but are not limited to: 1) revenue generated from registration for live and recorded webinars, 2) review of ABCT member webinar evaluation/feedback, and 3) advancement of ABCT initiatives in the dissemination of research and clinical knowledge of evidence-based interventions.

Committee Benchmarks 2026–2027:

Work closely with membership services and marketing to improve webinar marketing strategies

Create an aggregated list of psychology CE licensure requirements by state to guide a revised “search” function on ABCT webinar catalog page, so that users can search for webinars in line with required CE content areas

Increase registrants for both live and recorded events

Ensure speaker/content compliance with CE approval providers in the promotion and delivery of webinars

Work with the Convention and Continuing Education Coordinator to ensure that CE and Convention offerings are complementary

Review feedback from webinar attendees and the annual Convention to inform future decisions about programming

Committee Charge

The DICEC is responsible for identifying goals and considering how best to coordinate activities, people, and resources to promote dissemination, implementation, and engagement. We take these actions to advance ABCT’s mission as a “multidisciplinary” organization promoting the “global application” of evidence-based behavioral health interventions. Responsibilities of the committee are broadly defined as promoting ABCT activities that (1) foster an inclusive environment for engagement with diverse communities, industries, and professional backgrounds to collaborate in the service of ABCT’s mission, and (2) foster members’ collective expertise in dissemination and implementation, scaling, technology, global health, public health, and other topics relevant to the social impact of cognitive behavioral science. These activities include coordinating and executing ABCT’s Champions Program to recognize community partners who further ABCT’s mission. In addition to developing standalone initiatives or activities, this committee will necessarily interact in an advisory capacity with the Board of Directors, Special Interest Groups, and many of the committees responsible for ABCT functions, including awards and recognition, convention (e.g., program, local arrangements), continuing education, and membership.

Committee Benchmarks 2026–2027

Recruit and onboard new committee members.

Develop advisory committee comprised of past DICEC members and Champions (i.e., recipients of the Champions Award).

Increase communication and collaboration with ABCT staff, board of directors, SIGs, and other committees.

Disseminate findings of analyses of 2024, 2025, and 2026 convention submissions related to endorsement of community engagement

Promote formalized inclusion of community engagement scoring into convention submissions.

Promote the development of opportunities for community partners to participate in the ABCT Convention (e.g., through the creation of a new registration category, a “community engagement” convention track)

Update and administer the Champions Award program; continue developing opportunities to honor and learn from Champions Award recipients (e.g., facilitate a “Champions Panel” at the Convention).

Committee Charge

This Committee is responsible for the development and administration of policies and procedures that govern the solicitation and evaluation of applications from ABCT members seeking Fellow status. The committee is comprised of a chair, who is nominated by the Membership Issues Coordinator, approved by the Board of Directors, and serves a three-year term (see Appendix F for full description of the duties and responsibilities of an ABCT committee chair). Committee members are recruited by the chair and shall be six additional ABCT members (excluding the chair) who represent diversity with regard to type of professional activities: (a) clinical practice, (b) education and training, (c) advocacy/policy/public education, (d) dissemination/implementation, (e) research, and (f) equity, inclusion, and diversity. All committee members must be Fellows at the time of appointment by the chair.

Committee Benchmarks 2026–2027:

We also seek diversity in membership of the committee along many dimensions. We consider the usual race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, etc. diversity, but also consider profession, area of expertise in relation to our paths to Fellow status, and career status. For example, we would like the committee to consist of mid-career as well as senior Fellows, and that there be representation from those practicing clinically, in traditional research/academic roles, and from those involved in advocacy and justice work; all of which are areas for which one can apply to become a Fellow with outstanding and sustained contributions in areas that have not traditionally been represented on the Committee. Furthermore, we seek both US and Canadian members on the committee and better representation from disciplines other than psychology.

The Fellows Committee has reached out to SIG leaders who have asked for some form of mentoring for those who would like to become Fellows. While a formal mentoring program is not yet on the radar for the Committee, the Committee is working with SIG leaders to develop a panel question-and-answer session for the ABCT Convention in Baltimore in November 2026.

Finally, there are several new members of the Committee whose terms began in 2025. Almost half the committee was replaced, which leads to the challenge of building community, collaboration, and integration. While it is allowed and encouraged for current members to seek a second term, the committee is currently seeking to replace two members of the Fellows Committee and to identify a vice chair for the coming year.

Committee Charge

The Finance Committee is responsible for overseeing the Association’s financial health and integrity. It assists the Board by reviewing budgets, monitoring financial performance, overseeing financial policies and controls, and supporting financial planning to ensure resources are used responsibly and in alignment with the Association’s mission.

Committee Benchmarks 2026-2027: TBD

Committee Charge

The Fundraising and Development Committee assists the ABCT Board of Directors, CEO, and Senior Development Manager in fundraising efforts by ensuring that fundraising goals are met through their active participation in identifying and soliciting private support (individuals, foundations, and corporations), cultivating new donors, and current donor stewardship.

The Fundraising and Development Committee identifies and solicits donor financial support from individuals, corporations, and foundations, while also seeking support opportunities from the health care industry – including sponsorships and promotions, and grant funding or co-funding. The FDC raises unrestricted funds for the ABCT research program to offer early or mid-career Bridge Grants or Seed Grants to fund research proposals that address behavioral health care, public health policy, and workforce development in cognitive behavioral therapy

The FDC also raises unrestricted funds for mentored research training awards to support early-career investigators and clinical and postdoctoral fellows. Key metrics of the success of the committee will be measuring funds raised, establishing and growing a robust donor list, ABCT membership and community impact, and advancing ABCT programs and initiatives on equity in behavioral health.

Committee Benchmarks 2026–2027:

Work closely with CEO and senior staff to operationalize fundraising strategies for 2026-2027

Identify the landscape of potential donors to include ABCT membership, private donors, corporate donors, private foundations and government

Identify and invite members to sit on a new Corporate Advisory Board (CAB). The CAB will be comprised of members of the behavioral health and CBT business community who are able to inform the ABCT Board as to health industry trends in Behavioral health and CBT

Explore the possibility of setting up a Corporate Member category for ABCT membership

Help to fundraise for and plan the ABCT fundraising event to be held at the annual convention

In collaboration with ABCT Conventions staff team and relevant committees, help to identify expanded corporate sponsorship opportunities and revenue drivers for the annual convention (e.g., coffee breaks, inserts, bags, keycards, column wraps, dinners, special events or other sponsorable activities).

Committee Charge

The ABCT History Council is dedicated to preserving, documenting, and promoting the historical heritage of the ABCT and its members. The History Council will serve to preserve the history of the organization and create a bridge between past, current and future members. Key activities of the Council may include: Research and Documentation; Education and Outreach; Exhibits and Events Collaboration; and Community Engagement by encouraging member participation in history-related projects and initiatives, fostering a sense of pride and connection to the association’s heritage.

Committee Benchmarks 2026-2027:

Plan and organize 60th anniversary activities at the 2026 Annual Convention, Baltimore

Develop a historical timeline of key points, markers and events in the organization’s history to create an ABCT History Storyboard, to be displayed virtually online and/or physically at the 2026 Annual Convention, Baltimore

Identify the landscape of known historical artifacts, ephemera, documents, or digital archives that may be suitable for preservation or display at ABCT events.

Oversee the Mary Cover Jones Award program and lecture series

Oversee the Wall of President’s project

Committee Charge

The Institutes Committee is chaired by an individual who serves a three-year term. The Chair oversees the review of Institute submissions for the annual ABCT convention. In addition to reviewing submissions, the Chair also undertakes duties related to Institutes programming and conference planning throughout the year. The success of the committee is defined by its ability to review submissions, solicit additional submissions when necessary to ensure a diverse representation of clinical areas, make final decisions on acceptance, and analyze post-conference feedback to guide future programming. These objectives, along with other performance benchmarks, are outlined in greater detail below.

Committee Benchmarks 2026–2027: TBD

Committee Charge

The International Associates Committee works with the ABCT Board of Directors, CEO and central office staff in building, maintaining, and supporting global relations and initiatives with international professionals. The International Associates Committee identifies new international associates, maintains communication with international associates, and serves as an ABCT ambassador by hosting IAs at the ABCT convention. Additionally, the IAC also recognizes international associates through initiatives such as the Global Thought Leader program.

Committee Benchmarks 2026–2027: TBD

Committee Charge

The primary charge of the Leadership and Elections Committee is to develop the Association’s future leadership, broadly speaking. This is operationally defined by several committee goals: (1) To identify strong leaders for the Board of Directors* through a democratic election process. (2) To inform the membership about the elected officers’ responsibilities, encourage nominations from the membership, and invite all qualified members to participate in voting.

Committee Benchmarks 2026-2027: TBD

Committee Charge

The Local Arrangements Committee Chair is charged with the planning and execution of local logistics for the ABCT annual convention. The primary responsibility of the Local Arrangements Committee Chair is to create a welcoming and informative experience for all attendees by highlighting the best of the local area. Additionally, the Local Arrangements Committee Chair is tasked with publicizing the convention to non-ABCT members, including local educational institutions, hospitals, and mental health centers. To assist with these endeavors, the Local Arrangements Committee Chair is responsible for recruiting and managing a team of dedicated volunteers.

Other responsibilities include organizing and staffing the local arrangements table at the annual convention, assisting with the Saturday night party at the annual convention, creating content for the Behavior Therapist (tBT) newsletter and ABCT website, developing a local restaurant and attraction guide, and coordinating kosher meals. Finally, the Local Arrangements Committee Chair is responsible for assisting with ABCT’s day of service, a volunteer opportunity during the annual convention allowing attendees to contribute to the local community. The Local Arrangements Committee chair serves a 3-year term and is expected to comply with ABCT’s policies and procedures, including the conflict-of-interest policy.

Committee Benchmarks 2026–2027:

Recruit and mange a team of dedicated volunteers to assist with planning and execution of local arrangement logistics

Assist with publicizing the convention to non-ABCT members including local educational institutions, hospitals, and mental health centers

Collaborate with the Social Networking Media Committee to develop and post engaging content on ABCT social media platforms

Develop a local attraction and restaurant guide to include kosher establishments.

Write an article for tBT highlighting local attractions, transportation, weather, and food

Ensure content from tBT is available on ABCT website.

Organize and staff the local arrangements table at the annual convention.

Assist with planning special events (e.g., the Saturday night party) at the annual convention.

Committee Charge

The role of the Master Clinician Seminar (MCS) Chair is to cultivate, solicit, screen, and select offerings in institutes for the Annual Convention. Master Clinician Seminars feature highly experienced clinicians sharing their expertise and advanced clinical techniques with other practitioners, typically through case presentations, in-depth discussions, and practical demonstrations, allowing attendees to learn from the best practices and insights of recognized leaders in their field, often focusing on complex cases or specialized areas of practice. Thus, the Chair will work closely with the entire convention planning group, including the ABCT President, Central Office, and other session Chairs, to help shape the convention.

Committee Benchmarks 2026–2027: TBD

Committee Charge

The Membership Committee is responsible for recruiting and retaining Full Members, Associate Members, and New Professional Members. It collaborates with other ABCT committees that serve membership needs (e.g., SIGs). The Membership Committee sponsors a panel at the annual convention focused on a professional topic of interest to members. The Ambassador Program is a subcommittee that helps members stay connected by disseminating information about upcoming events, the convention, and resources available on the ABCT website.

Committee Benchmarks 2026–2027:

Plan a panel for the annual convention

Write an article summarizing the 2025 membership committee panel on science advocacy

Form a subcommittee to support mentorship programs already active within ABCT (e.g., SIGs)

Collaborate with Central Office on conducting interviews of lapsed members to identify ways to improve retention

Collaborate with Central Office on updating member application forms.

Committee Charge:

The PMED focuses on translational science, turning high-quality research into clear, accessible, and clinically meaningful resources for the public, media, and mental-health professionals. Our goal is to promote evidence-based information that supports public understanding and strengthens clinical practice.

Key Projects

1. Briefing Books (BB)
Briefing Books are concise, evidence-based resources designed for journalists and the general public. They clarify common mental-health topics and support accurate media reporting. The BB planned for 2026, Body and Mind, explores how physical health and mental wellbeing interact, both as preventive tools and as pathways to recovery. Past Briefing Books can be found here.

2. Clinical Compass (CC) – New for 2026
Clinical Compass is a new clinician-focused series that provides succinct, evidence-informed summaries across a wide range of therapeutic modalities, from CBT and DBT to emerging integrative approaches. This initiative is modelled on the successful Briefing Book framework and aims to serve ABCT members by supporting evidence-based, contemporary clinical practice.

Committee Benchmarks 2026–2027:

• Supporting calls for contributors: Encouraging colleagues or networks to contribute to Briefing Books or Clinical Compass chapters

• Contributing content (optional but welcome): Contributors typically write 1,500–2,000 words on a subtopic of their choosing

• Providing feedback on drafts, structure, or proposed topics (based on expertise and availability)

• Helping explore new dissemination formats, such as videos, podcasts, or partnerships that extend public impact

Committee Charge

The Publications Committee is responsible for coordinating and directing the content of all ABCT publications (print, electronic, video, including journals, newsletters, edited books, website, and fact sheets); the resolution of publication-related questions that concern content, editorial procedures, and management; and ensuring that publications are consistent with the aims, missions, and values of the organization.

Committee Benchmarks 2026-2027:

Behavior Therapy – Provide a vehicle for scientist-practitioners and clinical scientists to report the results of their original empirical research (6 journal issues per year).

Cognitive and Behavioral Practice – Provide a vehicle or the dissemination of science that bridges the gap between clinical research and practice of cognitive and behavioral therapies (4 journal issues per year).

the Behavior Therapist - Provide a vehicle for the rapid dissemination and thoughtful discussion of recent clinical and scientific advances, innovative applications of cognitive and behavioral therapies, and news of the field (8 issues per year).

Website – Serve as a resource and information source for members, nonmember professionals, and consumers.

Fact Sheets – Provide a wide selection of fact sheets that are accessible, evidence based, and useful to the help-seeking public and clinicians.

Public Education & Media Dissemination – Increase public awareness of CBT and evidence-based practice and improve access to cognitive and behavioral interventions.

Committee Charge

The Research Facilitation Committee aims to develop and disseminate resources for ABCT members and the broader community conducting research in behavioral and cognitive principles and practices. The Committee oversees the annual graduate student research grant and honorable mention process, as well as the Spotlight on a Research award. The RFC committee also serves as a liaison between the ABCT and agencies that set the agenda and provide funding for activities relevant to our mission and behavioral values.

Committee Benchmarks 2026–2027:

Administer the Graduate Student Research Grant (GSRG). The GSRG is a merit- and need-based award that provides up to $1,000 to support a graduate student research project

Advertise and review the GSRG annually (applications due in March).

Administer Spotlight on a Researcher Award: Solicit nominations and select annual Spotlight winners in the following categories: (1) early career researcher, (2) mid-career researcher, (3) health disparities researcher. Interview and publicize information about Spotlight winners.

Continue the Spotlight on a Research Method series:

Twice-yearly create a Resource Guide on a research method of interest to the ABCT community for dissemination through the Behavior Therapist and on ABCT’s webpage. Refine and publicize the Find-a-Researcher

Directory to enable ABCT members to more easily connect with other researchers with shared interests.

Update and refine the Research Resources pages on ABCT’s website

Committee Charge

The Research and Professional Development (RPD) Committee is chaired by an individual who serves a three-year term. The Chair oversees the review of RPD submissions for the annual ABCT convention. In addition, the Chair completes duties relevant to RPD programming specifically, and conference planning generally, throughout the year. The success of the committee is defined by its ability to review submissions, solicit additional submissions when necessary to ensure a diverse representation of clinical areas, make final decisions on acceptance, and analyze post-conference feedback to guide future programming. These objectives, along with other performance benchmarks, are outlined in greater detail below.

Committee Benchmarks 2026–2027: TBD

Committee Charge

The Self-Help Book Recommendations Committee assists the public by providing a resource for quality self-help books, while also supporting and facilitating ABCT’s strategic planning objectives of disseminating information to professionals and educating the public. The Self-Help Book Recommendations Committee accepts nominations via an online portal. Books are then reviewed by two ABCT members on the committee, and recommendations are forwarded to the board for final approval.

Committee Benchmarks 2026–2027:

Continue to rotate membership in order to increase opportunities for more ABCT members to participate

Continue to review newly submitted books.

Plan an in-person meeting/event in 2026, likely at ABCT

Explore the possibility of reaching out to various authors and publishers to increase the diversity of those who submit books for review

Explore development of Associate Chair to organize reviews of a subset topic of books and spearhead additional topics to be discussed.

Committee Charge

The Networking Social Media Committee is responsible for strengthening the organization’s digital presence and community engagement through strategic, inclusive, and mission-driven social media communications. The Committee supports the organization’s goals by promoting programs, events, advocacy efforts, member engagement, and public education across social media platforms.

Committee Benchmarks 2026-2027: TBD

Committee Charge

The ABCT Student Membership Committee (SMC) advocates for the interests of ABCT student members and prospective members at all levels of training, including undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, graduate, and postdoctoral. Our committee aims to provide valuable information about training and professional development, from building a competitive graduate application portfolio to maintaining work-life balance and achieving success throughout training. We also identify and promote opportunities for students to engage more deeply with ABCT, helping them establish it as their professional home as they enter the mental health field.

Committee Benchmarks 2026–2027:

Recruit new committee members and get them involved in our initiatives, with a particular focus on undergraduate and graduate student members.

Highlight the work of productive ABCT members and their labs, with new feature articles being published on the ABCT website approximately every two months. These showcase the diverse foci and contributions of members across the organization.

Sponsor two panel discussions at the annual convention, one focused on getting into graduate programs and the other focused on a topic of current interest to students

Disseminate information about professional development topics via webisodes, articles, and other resources targeted to ABCT student members and potential members

Collaborate with ABCT Student SIG to develop tools and facilitate programming of interest to student members at the undergraduate training level and beyond.

Committee Charge

The ABCT Technology Committee brings together expertise in digital technologies to share knowledge with ABCT members more broadly about developments in these technologies that impact mental health research and practice. These include but are not limited to artificial intelligence, digital therapeutics, digital interventions, telehealth, and other digital mental health technologies. We aim to center equity and consider how these technologies can be developed and used in ways that are equitable and inclusive. We also advise the Board of Directors on policies related to technology.

Committee Benchmarks 2026–2027: TBD

Committee Charge

The Web Committee manages all aspects of the website, from receiving and reviewing content and feedback submitted by members to determining structural, design, or formatting changes. Our goal is to create and maintain a website that is timely, easily accessible, and full of helpful resources for ABCT members, the research and clinical community at large, and the public. We work closely with the special interests' groups to highlight important announcements and upcoming events, and we also have regular contact with ABCT leadership to ensure that ABCT’s mission and goals are expressed throughout the site.

Committee Benchmarks 2026 - 2027: TBD

Committee Charge

The Workshops Committee consists of a Chair and a group of 3 to 5 Reviewers, each of whom sits on the Committee for a three-year term. The Chair and Reviewers work together to review Workshop and Mini Workshop submissions to the annual ABCT convention. The Chair completes additional duties relevant to Workshop programming specifically, and conference planning generally, throughout the year. Key metrics of the success of the committee will be establishing and maintaining a committee of reviewers for Workshop and Mini Workshop conference submissions; assigning and reviewing submissions based on areas of expertise; determining final dispositions; and reviewing post-conference feedback to inform future (Mini) Workshop programming decisions. These and other benchmarks are described in more detail below.

Committee Benchmarks 2026–2027: TBD