Research & Prof. Develop. 3 - CBT Careers Beyond the Ivory Tower: Industry Based Roles That Promote the Transfer of Evidence-based Principles into the Real World

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased the demand for behavioral health services, particularly teletherapy and digital interventions. As the market for remotely delivered behavioral health services continues to expand, so does the number of companies in this space. This rapid transformation has opened doors to new career paths for mental health professionals trained in academic settings, including roles in patient care, program development and evaluation, and business and operational leadership. The demands of the business environment present unique opportunities for individuals in these roles to apply their knowledge of evidence-based interventions and clinical science to ensure the delivery of quality care during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. In this panel, mental health professionals who pursued industry roles will discuss their career trajectories and describe: 1) strategies they have used to identify companies that offer high quality, evidence-based digital mental health products and services; 2) their roles in promoting ethical and responsible cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in industry settings; 3) synergies and challenges associated with working on cross-functional teams (e.g., product management, design); and 4) how they balance business objectives while promoting evidence based practice, both in response to the pandemic and more broadly. Panelists will reflect on their own career paths, including their transition from traditional academic positions to industry and the adaptations and opportunities associated with this transition. Ample time will be allotted for audience questions related to their own career development and objectives. The audience will leave the session with new knowledge about the application of evidence-based principles in an industry setting and unique job types for mental health professionals positioned to elevate the quality of care being delivered in new settings.