The Department of Psychiatry at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois, was a pioneer in the combined use of cognitive therapy and pharmacologic treatment. Cognitive therapy continues to be a major treatment modality at Rush, both for inpatients and for outpatients. Cognitive therapy is incorporated into our Residency Training Program, and members of our faculty keep abreast of the latest developments in the field at a monthly conference. The Department of Psychiatry has participated in an important study of the use of cognitive behavioral therapy in the treatment of chronic depression, and is currently a site in a major research project which is studying the prevention of recurrence in depression with drugs and cognitive therapy.

Cognitive therapy is an active, structured and often short-term form of psychotherapy. It is based on the rationale that the way an individual views the world has a major influence on emotions and behavior. Dysfunctional cognitions (thoughts or mental pictures) often lead to unpleasant feelings and maladaptive behavior. A variety of cognitive and behavioral strategies are employed to help the individual recognize the connection between automatic thoughts, emotions and behavior and substitute more useful interpretations for negative beliefs.

Cognitive therapy at Rush is available from several sources, including Sheila Dowd, PhD, Ira S. Halper, MD, the Adult Outpatient Clinic, and the Child and Adolescent Outpatient Clinic.