Volunteer Me

• To develop curricula and other resources for teaching, training and/or providing clinical supervision in cognitive-behavioral assessment and therapy
• To develop and promulgate 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
• To examine the extent to which cognitive-behavioral training has been disseminated and implemented in appropriate training programs
• To acknowledge academic excellence in teaching, mentorship, and supervision
• To develop 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

ABCT emphasizes the need to eliminate disparities in mental health care and positive outcomes among different populations, particularly marginalized or underserved groups. The BHE 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. The mandate of this committee is two-pronged, serving both internal and external constituents. BHEC will seek to:

• Identify health equity blind spots within existing ABCT Education and Programs
• Will make use of Member Demographic Data Collection and Analysis to mitigate inequities in the membership composition
• Will spearhead, facilitate or collaborate on behavioral health equity Program Development within ABCT
• Will work close with other ABCT groups to eliminate redundancies and silos in advancing the cause of health equity in the practice of cognitive behavioral therapy

Externally, BHEC will work to eliminate social determinants of health barriers by active Community Engagement with sister societies, community groups, patients, caregivers and families; and will take a leading role in working with like-minded organizations on Policy and Advocacy, as necessary.

The Continuing Education committee facilitates opportunities for continuing education throughout ABCT, including at the annual convention and in webinars throughout the year. A committee member must commit to organizing and moderating 2–3 webinars each calendar year.

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.

The History Council is dedicated to preserving, documenting, and promoting the historical heritage of the ABCT and its members.

The ABCT 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 by facilitating the collection, cataloging, and preservation of historical records, artifacts, and narratives related to the association's founding, evolution, and impact
• Education and Outreach by developing educational programs, workshops, and resources that highlight significant historical events, figures, and milestones, fostering a greater understanding of the evolution of the organization
• Exhibits and Events by organizing exhibitions, lectures, and commemorative events that celebrate ABCT history and engage members and the public in meaningful ways
• Collaboration by partnering with local historians, museums, and educational institutions to expand ABCT’s reach and enhance the organization’s historical initiatives
• Community Engagement by encouraging member participation in history-related projects and initiatives, fostering a sense of pride and connection to the association’s heritage

The ABCT Membership Committee is responsible for recruiting and retaining Full Members, Associate Members, and New Professional Members. The Membership Committee also sponsors a panel at the annual convention focused on a rotating professional topic.

The Public Education and Media Dissemination (PEMD) Committee is looking for contributors for our Briefing Book initiative. This project provides journalists and members of the public with accessible & evidence-based information.

• Our first Briefing Book on Suicide is available here.
• Our Gun Violence Briefing Book.
• Access more Briefing Books here.

Why does ABCT publish briefing books?

• Much of the cutting edge science in our field is locked behind a paywall, meaning journalists often don’t have access to the most up-to-date information.
• If you’ve been looking for a chance to contribute to public education and science communication, this is it!

We need contributors to help bring these books to fruition.

• Contributors write 1500-2000 words on a subtopic of their choosing
• One time contributors, as well as contributors interested in joining the committee long term are welcome.

If you have expertise in the areas of gun violence, peer victimization or bullying and would be interested in this project, or would like to learn more, please reach out to PEMD chair, Erin Kang ([email protected]) for more information.

• Develop resources for those who conduct research in behavioral and cognitive principles and practices
• Serve as a liaison between the ABCT and agencies that set the agenda and provide funding for activities relevant to mission and behavioral values
• Collecting and disseminating research resources
• Find a Researcher Directory
• Graduate Student Research Grant (GSRG)
  • Advertise and review the GSRG annually (applications are due in March)
  • Merit and need-based award that provides up to $1,000 to facilitate and support graduate student research
  • Provide funding for doctoral student research that demonstrates a clear financial need in order for the project to succeed
  • For more details and to apply, please visit the ABCT Awards page (go to the “Open Student Awards” tab). For a list of past award winners, click here.
• Spotlight on a Researcher
  • Select and interview researchers for our Spotlight on a Researcher feature 3 times per year (in addition to profiling the GSRG winner)
  • Research should fall into one of three categories: (1) early career researcher, (2) mid-career researcher, (3) researcher who does work focused on reducing health disparities and/or the mental health of marginalized groups
  • For a list of past featured researchers and to nominate yourself or another researcher, click here.

The Self-Help Book Recommendations Committee aims to provide the public with 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. Practically, that means each committee member agrees to review 2-3 self-help books per year. This entails undertaking a detailed reading of a selected book (that the author or publisher mails to you) to identify whether the book presents an evidence-based intervention based in CBT principles.

There is a standardized review form to help guide the kinds of things to look for within the book. At the end of their review, the reviewer recommends the book be accepted or rejected for inclusion in the Self-Help Book directory on the ABCT website. Recommendations for acceptance go to the ABCT Board of Directors for final approval. The book is added to the site once that approval is obtained.

Importantly, we do not accept books “by default” (e.g., from big names in the field). Instead, we strive to undertake thorough and detailed reviews, and that means rejecting titles that do not meet our review standards.

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.