Training FAQs

Where does Beck Institute hold its workshops?

Beck Institute holds regularly scheduled workshops onsite at its state-of-the-art training facility in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, just outside the Philadelphia city limits.

Does Beck Institute hold workshops outside the Philadelphia area?

For hospitals, physician groups, and other organizations, Beck Institute faculty will travel around the world to offer workshops and trainings on a variety of topics in cognitive therapy.

Most recent international workshops and seminars >>

Who is eligible to apply for a Beck Institute workshop?

Applicants must hold at least a master’s degree in a mental health, medical, or related field (students are eligible to attend our annual student and faculty Level I in August). Level I is not a prerequisite for Level II, however it is strongly recommended.

What is the difference between the Level I and Level II workshops?

Level I focuses on the fundamentals of CBT: case conceptualization, treatment planning, goal setting, session structure, identifying and responding to automatic thoughts, behavioral experiments, etc. Level II focuses on challenges: personality disorders, problems in the therapeutic relationship, problems with homework completion and therapy engagement, difficulties with identifying cognitions, and other seeming obstacles to therapy.

Both Level I and Level II are highly experiential, with demonstrations and opportunities to practice.

I would like my staff to be trained in CBT. Do you ever provide on-site training for organizations?

To meet your organizations unique training needs, Beck Institute faculty will travel around the world to deliver workshops, presentations and staff training on the topic and at the location of your choice. This customized solution is ideal for hospitals, professional associations, physician groups and other organizations.

Who conducts your workshops?

Dr. Judith Beck directs all workshops and teaches at many of them. Beck Institute faculty, who have specific expertise in specialty areas, also present. Dr. Aaron Beck conducts a case conference or question and answer session at most workshops.

Do you offer workshops in specialty areas?

Yes. Throughout the year, Beck Institute offers a changing menu of specialty workshops on a variety of topics. Specialty workshop topics are determined based on feedback from Level I and Level II workshop participants, and reflect current interests and issues.

When is the deadline for submitting workshop applications?

Beck Institute accepts applications on a rolling basis. Your tuition guarantees your space.

How do I know whether a workshop is full?

We post the status of each workshop as it changes, so please check our Home page. If you have questions about availability, please email us or call 610-664-3020.

Can I earn CEs/CMEs through your workshops?

Yes. Attendance at our three-day workshops earns 18 CE/CME credits.

Travel to Beck Institute

Can you help me plan my trip to Philadelphia?

If you need help with any of your travel arrangements (including hotel), please contact:

Ms. Kelly Barnett
Meetings 2000, Inc.
Office Telephone: 610-458-1103
Email

Kelly, or another member of her team, will ensure that you receive the special Beck Institute room rates and all other amenities accorded to Beck Institute workshop participants (at the local hotels).  We encourage you to contact Kelly with any of your Beck Institute-related travel needs and questions.

Are there hotels near Beck Institute?

The Crowne Plaza Philadelphia West and the Hilton Philadelphia City Avenue are both within walking distance of Beck Institute.

When I travel to Beck Institute for training, what airport should I fly into?

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is located about 30 minutes from Beck Institute.

I am scheduling my return flight. What time does the workshop end on the last day?

The workshop ends at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time (ET).

Beck Institute Supervision

Who are the Beck Institute supervisors?

Beck Institute supervisors are highly skilled cognitive therapists who have trained with Dr. Aaron Beck and/or Dr. Judith Beck.

Can I request a specific supervisor?

Although you cannot request a specific supervisor, we match you to an available supervisor whose training and experience match your needs and interests.

Do you have supervisors who specialize in various disorders or populations?

Yes. Beck Institute supervisors represent a wide variety of expertise in using cognitive therapy with a range of disorders and specific populations.

What device do you recommend for recording patient sessions for supervision?

We do not recommend a specific device or technology for recording patient sessions. Many of our supervisees find it convenient to use a digital voice recorder that converts to MP3 files.

How many patients do I need to see to be eligible to participate in your supervision program?

There is no minimum number of patients that you must see to participate, as long as you can submit recordings of live patient sessions for supervision.

Am I responsible for securing patients, or does Beck Institute provide them?

For supervision sessions, you will record patients from your own practice.

I do not have a license. Am I eligible to participate in your supervision program?

You may participate in the supervision program if you are legally allowed to practice psychotherapy in the jurisdiction where you see patients. We ask you to provide the appropriate documentation.

How is supervision conducted?

Supervision is conducted via telephone, Skype or similar means.

Must I pay tuition in full before beginning supervision?

You can pay tuition for supervision in installments. 

I do not have English-speaking patients. Can I still participate in your supervision program?

Yes. You can fully participate by providing your supervisor with a transcript of sessions in English.

What are the requirements for successful completion of your supervision program?

Periodically, your supervisor rates your progress on the Cognitive Therapy Rating Scale. In order to receive a Certificate of Completion, you must obtain a score of 40 three times and receive a letter of recommendation from your supervisor. Trainees who do not reach competency during the term receive a Letter of Participation.

What kind of credential will I receive upon successful completion of your supervision program?

When you successfully complete the supervision program, you will receive a Certificate of Completion. You are encouraged to obtain certification in cognitive therapy through the Academy of Cognitive Therapy.

What happens if I do not meet the requirements for successful completion of your supervision program?

You will receive a Letter of Participation documenting your participation in the supervision program.

Does Beck Institute offer supervision of supervision?

Yes. If you are interested in learning to supervise other cognitive therapists, you must first successfully complete our 46-session supervision program (either full-time for 12 months, or part-time for 24 months). You must also receive a recommendation from your supervisor to begin supervision of supervision.

Does Beck Institute offer group supervision?

Yes. Up to four people from the same organization can participate together in the group supervision program. Group supervision sessions are longer than individual supervision sessions, and two participants submit recordings for review.

How do I become a Beck Institute supervisor?

Dr. Judith Beck, in consultation with Dr. Aaron Beck and others, invites expert clinicians to become Beck Institute supervisors. If you have further questions, please email us.

General training questions

Do you offer scholarships or financial aid for Beck Institute training programs?

In some cases, yes. The Level I workshop in August is offered at a discount for graduate students and trainees. We also offer training scholarships to therapists working with active-duty or veteran military personnel. Other financial aid may be available. For more information, please email us or call 610-664-3020.

What payment options does Beck Institute accept?

You may pay tuition by check drawn on a U.S. bank or by credit card (VISA or MasterCard).

Does Beck Institute offer certification in cognitive therapy?

Beck Institute trains, but does not certify, cognitive behavior therapists. The Academy of Cognitive Therapy is the certifying body for cognitive behavior therapists.

What are the requirements for practicing as a cognitive therapist?

All professionals who practice psychotherapy must do so within the legal requirements of their own locales. No legal body regulates the practice of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT); however, competent cognitive behavior therapists 1) have received training and supervision specific to CBT and 2) undertake ongoing efforts to develop and maintain their competence. Beck Institute strongly supports certification by the Academy of Cognitive Therapy as a way to promote standards of practice and care.

Does Beck Institute offer internships or post-doctoral fellowships?

Beck Institute does not offer internships or post-doctoral fellowships at this time.