Peer Review

Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy

Material Detail page

Reviewed:: Mar 6, 2020 by Psychology

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Ratings

Overall Rating:

Content Quality:

Effectiveness:

Ease of Use:

Overview:

The website of the Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) hosts numerous beneficial resources for mental health professionals as well as for individuals who want to learn more about CBT. The site features an active and up-to-date blog, tools and resources (including printable worksheets and a downloadable manual for the Cognitive Therapy Rating Scale), and information about training, certification, and treatment.

An excerpt from the website homepage provides important information about the mission and work of the Beck Institute.

"Beck Institute is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that provides exceptional training in CBT to health and mental health professionals worldwide. We offer online resources, unmatched training opportunities both for individual professionals and for organizations, and provide clinical services to clients at our Philadelphia headquarters."

Type of Material:

Reference

Recommended Uses:

The website may be linked to a course website where it can serve as a beneficial reference.
For students generally learning about different fields of psychology, the background information (e.g., "Get Informed") and blog may provide particularly useful surfing and learning opportunities. More advanced students might be directed to examine downloadable materials such as the Cognitive Therapy Rating Scale (CTRS) and Patient Worksheets. Overall, those interested in CBT will be able to see the relevant training considerations for therapists in this field.

Technical Requirements:

A web browser and a software program capable of opening documents in .pdf are needed to review the website and its resources. Downloadable files can be saved as .pdf files or read online.

Identify Major Learning Goals:

The website and tools may be used to learn (more) about cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), including from both the patient's and the therapist's perspectives.

Target Student Population:

Undergraduate, Graduate School, Professional

Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:

Consumers of this learning content will benefit most from a generalized knowledge of psychology, as well as some basic knowledge of CBT.

Content Quality

Rating:

Strengths:

All information is provided by the Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy. Aaron Beck, the founder of CBT, and this Institute are a leading source for all things CBT.
The website is comprehensive and meets an educative purpose for both individuals and professionals. Resources that might be incorporated in CBT-related class exercises or discussions range from general CBT links "for anyone in need" to the Cognitive Therapy Rating Scale (CTRS) and manual.

Concerns:

None.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating:

Strengths:

The free resources available on the website may be immediately useful for learners exploring the techniques and best practices for therapists using the CBT methodology.
The Cognitive Therapy Rating Scale (CTRS) allows both therapists and those in training to focus on their strengths and weaknesses (as related to CBT).

Concerns:

Instructors who use the website (and/or tools) to support class activities will need to develop assignments/instructions and learning objectives.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating:

Strengths:

The website is easy to navigate, and all links appear functional. All downloadable items open correctly and quickly.
The Cognitive Therapy Rating Scale (CTRS) is linked on the website and can be downloaded to save or print.
Additional items are available for purchase, and these are clearly noted.

Concerns:

None.

Other Issues and Comments:: Instructors presenting CBT in their courses will want to introduce their students to the website for the Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy.
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