Abstract

This paper examines the relationship between critical thinking and mental health in three ways. First, by pointing out how critical thinking plays a role in two current psychotherapies (Rational Emotive Behavior Theory and Cognitive Therapy) insofar as critical thinking deficiencies are an important source of client problems and so part of therapy should be directed at removing irrational thought processes. Second, by articulating the similarities and differences between what mental health professionals do when they employ critical thinking concepts to deal with problems of their clients and what philosophers do when they teach critical thinking in an academic context. Third, by arguing that critical thinking courses can be improved in certain ways to both promote the mental health of students and by highlighting the practical implication that studying critical thinking has on mental health.