The Department of Psychiatry at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago was a pioneer in the combined use of cognitive therapy and pharmacologic treatment. Cognitive therapy and other cognitive-behavioral therapies continue to be major treatment modalities at Rush, both for inpatients and for outpatients. 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 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 form of psychotherapy based on the idea that the way an individual views the world has a major influence on emotions and behavior. Dysfunctional cognitions (thoughts or mental pictures) 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 negative thoughts, emotions, and behavior and substitute more rational interpretations for dysfunctional beliefs.

Cognitive therapy and other cognitive-behavioral therapies offered by the Department of Psychiatry at Rush are effective evidence-based treatments. The effectiveness of these treatments in depression, anxiety disorders and other disorders is supported by the results of scientific research.

Cognitive therapy at Rush is available from several sources, including Sheila Dowd, PhD, Ira S. Halper, MD, Amer Smajkic, MD, the Adult Outpatient Clinic and the Child and Adolescent Outpatient Clinic, the Cognitive Therapy Center and the Mood Disorders Inpatient Unit.