A Different Approach to Outpatient Behavioral Healthcare
Commonwealth Center for Behavioral Medicine
Commonwealth Center for Behavioral Medicine was founded to provide a more integrated approach to outpatient psychological care, bringing together evidence-based psychotherapy, behavioral medicine, health psychology, and performance psychology within a single clinical practice.
We work with adolescents, adults, and families navigating psychological, behavioral, health-related, and performance challenges. Our approach combines scientific evidence with clinical experience and a thoughtful understanding of the individual, with an emphasis on improving functioning and creating meaningful, sustainable change.
Our Core Philosophy
CENTERED. CLARITY. CHOICE. CHANGE.
Effective psychological care involves more than reducing symptoms. It involves developing the awareness, flexibility, and skills to respond more effectively to the challenges of everyday life. Our clinical philosophy is grounded in four interconnected principles:
Centered
Being present with ourselves and our circumstances, even when difficult thoughts, emotions, or experiences arise.
Clarity
Understanding the patterns that shape how we think, feel, and behave, and recognizing what may be getting in the way of meaningful progress.
Choice
Developing the flexibility to respond intentionally rather than automatically, making decisions that are consistent with our values and goals.
Change
Turning insight and intention into purposeful action, building new patterns and behaviors that improve functioning and support meaningful progress.
CLINICAL APPROACH
Our clinical approach at CCBM is grounded in cognitive-behavioral principles and informed by Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Treatment is collaborative, active, and individualized, with an emphasis on developing insight, psychological flexibility, and practical skills that translate into meaningful changes in daily life.
Where appropriate, treatment progress is evaluated through ongoing clinical assessment and feedback, allowing the approach to evolve as needs and goals change.
CLINICAL EXPERTISE
Founder & Director
DR. CHRISTOPHER RUTT, Ph.D.
Dr. Christopher Rutt is a Harvard-educated and trained, licensed clinical psychologist with more than 25 years of experience in psychological and behavioral healthcare. His work spans evidence-based psychotherapy, behavioral medicine, health psychology, and performance, with particular experience working with complex clinical presentations and individuals navigating challenges across multiple areas of functioning.
In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Rutt serves as an Associate Training Professional & Consultant with PracticeWise, providing training and consultation to mental health professionals on evidence-based psychological practice. His career has included clinical leadership, program development, teaching, research, and direct clinical care across academic, hospital, and community settings.
Dr. Rutt founded Commonwealth Center for Behavioral Medicine to bring this breadth of clinical experience together within an individualized outpatient practice grounded in evidence-based care.
CLINICAL LEADERSHIP & PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
Dr. Rutt has held clinical and program leadership positions across academic, hospital, residential, and community behavioral health settings. His experience includes clinical program development, multidisciplinary collaboration, behavioral sleep medicine, clinical innovation, teaching, and consultation.
Boston Child Study Center
Clinic Site Director | Head of Innovation & Program Development | Senior Expert in Behavioral Sleep Services & Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy
Dr. Rutt held clinical leadership and specialized clinical roles at Boston Child Study Center, including responsibility for clinical program development and innovation, behavioral sleep medicine, and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. His work included developing clinical programs, providing specialized care, and contributing to multidisciplinary clinical initiatives.
Additional Clinical, Academic, & Professional Experience
Dr. Rutt's clinical training and professional career have included experiences at Harvard University and Harvard Extension School, McLean Hospital, Geisinger Health System, Franciscans Hospital for Children, the Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders at Boston University, and Judge Baker Children's Center, among other academic, hospital, and community behavioral health settings. His subsequent career has included clinical leadership, program development, research, teaching, and specialized behavioral health practice.
He has published research on youth mental health in peer-reviewed journals and clinical handbooks and has taught psychopathology at the university level. He currently serves as an Associate Training Professional & Consultant with PracticeWise, providing training and consultation to mental health professionals in evidence-based psychological practice.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Education
PhD in Clinical Psychology, Harvard University
MA in Clinical Psychology, Harvard University
MA in Psychology, Boston University
BBA in Accountancy, University of Notre Dame
Selected Clinical & Professional Experience
PracticeWise, LLC | Associate Training Professional & Consultant
Boston Child Study Center
Harvard University & Harvard Extension School
McLean Hospital
Center for Anxiety & Related Disorders, Boston University
Geisinger Health System
Franciscans Hospital for Children
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CONTACT US
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