Rationale Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) effectively reduces symptoms across a range of psychiatric conditions (Butler et al., 2006; Wykes et al., 2008); however, its benefit to functioning remains less well understood. Some studies have evidenced a positive influence of CBT on functional outcomes, whereas others have not. One possible explanation for these inconsistencies across studies is that CBT interventions are most often focused on symptoms rather than community functioning. The few CBT interventions that have been specifically designed to address functioning have shown promising results. One functional area of critical importance is work-a central goal of most Veterans with (and without) mental illness. However, work functioning has received little empirical attention in the CBT domain. Despite research evidence suggesting that maladaptive thoughts about oneself and expectations about the ability to work interfere with work success (e.g., Hoffman et al., 2000), no CBT programs have been developed specifically targeting vocational themes with the goal of improving competitive work outcomes. Further, a recent paper outlined needed avenues of future study in the supported employment domain; Drake and Bond (2011) state that cognitive strategies may be a fruitful area to develop to help "nonresponder" consumers with mental illness who struggle with vocational dysfunction despite high quality vocational assistance. The goal of the current project is to address this gap and the serious problem of unemployment in Veterans with mental illness by testing a CBT program designed to enhance competitive work functioning in this population.