Christian A. Webb, PhD, received the 2021 Anne Marie Albano Early Career Award for Excellence in the Integration of Science and Practice from the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT). Webb, who is the director of McLean’s Treatment and Etiology of Depression in Youth (TEDY) Laboratory, was recognized for his laboratory’s investigations into the mechanisms underlying treatment response in psychotherapies for depressed adolescents.
“I’m extremely honored for this recognition from ABCT,” Webb said. “Given my research interests, I count ABCT as one of my professional homes and have always admired their genuine commitment to translating sound clinical psychological science toward the goal of easing the burden of mental illness and improving the emotional and psychological well-being of individuals.”
Webb’s colleague, Diego A. Pizzagalli, PhD, said, “Christian and his talented team have developed an impactful and innovative research program that integrates multiple approaches toward the unified goal of developing better and more personalized treatments for adults and adolescents with depression. Christian’s commitment to a better understanding and treatment of depression has been inspiring.”
Dr. Christian Webb, left, studies depression in teens
Named for the clinician, scientist, and teacher Dr. Anne Marie Albano, the award honors early career professionals. Recipients receive a cash prize of $1,000 to support travel to the ABCT Annual Convention and to sponsor participation in a clinical treatment workshop.
Webb stated that the award reflects McLean Hospital’s mission. “McLean is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness through clinical care and research,” he asserted. “Through our treatment research, our lab strives to do research that can have a concrete and meaningful impact on the lives of adolescents struggling with depressive symptoms.”
On receiving the honor, Webb recognized the “passionate, dedicated, and brilliant students, mentors, and collaborators” who have supported his laboratory’s work.
“First and foremost, I have to thank all of the deeply dedicated research assistants, post-docs, student visitors, and practicum students in our lab,” he said. “Without them, none of our research would be possible.”
Webb also acknowledged his “fantastic mentors” Diego Pizzagalli, Robert DeRubeis, PhD, Scott L. Rauch, MD, Martin E.P. Seligman, PhD, Erika E. Forbes, PhD, and John R. Weisz, PhD, and his key collaborators, including Zachary Cohen, PhD, Daniel G. Dillon, PhD, Randy P. Auerbach, PhD, Lori M. Hilt, PhD, Courtney Beard, PhD, and Thröstur Björgvinsson, PhD, ABPP.
Webb also thanked the National Institutes of Health, Brain & Behavior Research Foundation, The Tommy Fuss Fund, and the Klingenstein Philanthropies for funding his laboratory’s work.
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