Importance: The tools and insights of behavioral neuroscience grow apace, yet their clinical application is lagging.
Observations: This article suggests that associative learning theory may be the algorithmic bridge to connect a burgeoning understanding of the brain with the challenges to the mind with which all clinicians and researchers are concerned.
Conclusions and relevance: Instead of giving up, talking past one another, or resting on the laurels of face validity, a consilient and collaborative approach is suggested: visiting laboratory meetings and clinical rounds and attempting to converse in the language of behavior and cognition to better understand and ultimately treat patients.