Most people will experience some form of contact with mental illness during their lives, either directly or through someone close to them. In the U.S., over 17 million adults suffer from mood disorders each year. Mental illness also represents over 15% of all disabilities nationwide, and globally, about 400 million people deal with mental or neurological disorders. In response to the widespread impact of these issues, Psychology Today presents its Second Annual Mental Health Awards, honoring eight individuals—both well-known and unsung—for their contributions to mental health in various fields.
Albert Ellis, Ph.D., created Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) after becoming dissatisfied with the limitations of traditional psychoanalysis. REBT helps people identify irrational beliefs and replace them with rational alternatives, emphasizing unconditional self-acceptance. Ellis has authored over 60 books, founded the Albert Ellis Institute, and continues to see clients and lecture well into his 80s.
Brian Baird, Ph.D., a Congressman from Washington and former psychology professor, has pushed for mental health policy reform. As a clinical psychologist, he’s worked in various mental health settings. In Congress, he has supported mental health parity legislation, the Patients’ Bill of Rights, and helped form the Congressional Caucus on Health and Behavior to promote behavioral science research.
Claudia Osborn, D.O., suffered a traumatic brain injury in a biking accident. Initially unaware of the extent of her injury, she eventually joined NYU’s brain trauma program. She chronicled her journey in her memoir Over My Head, which provides hope and insight for others facing brain injuries. Osborn now lectures on head trauma recovery and has embraced a fulfilling, if different, life.
Fred McFeely Rogers, widely known as “Mister Rogers,” created Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood to offer meaningful, emotionally supportive programming for children. Trained in both music and child development, Rogers emphasized self-worth and emotional intelligence. His work has earned numerous awards, and though he stopped producing new episodes, he continues advocating for children through his media company.
Philip Zimbardo, Ph.D., is renowned for the 1971 Stanford Prison Experiment, which highlighted how situational forces can dramatically influence behavior. He later founded the Shyness Clinic to help people with social difficulties and wrote the influential book Shyness. His textbook Psychology and Life remains a staple in psychology education, and he has received numerous accolades for his research.
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