Find a CBT Therapist

At its core, CBT is based on the principle that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected. When negative or distorted thoughts dominate, they can trigger emotional distress and lead to unhelpful behaviors. CBT therapists work collaboratively with clients to identify these negative thinking patterns (often called “cognitive distortions”) and replace them with more realistic, balanced thoughts.

Unlike some forms of therapy that focus heavily on exploring the past, CBT emphasizes present challenges and problem-solving. CBT treatment is typically highly structured, measurable, and time-limited, making it an efficient approach that provides clients with actionable skills to navigate daily life. Clients engage in CBT exercises both during sessions and between sessions (homework) to reinforce the tools they learn.

A CBT psychologist or CBT counselor acts as a coach and teacher, guiding clients through specific skills such as cognitive restructuring, behavioral experiments, relaxation techniques, and mindfulness practices.

CBT therapy is widely recognized for its effectiveness in treating a broad range of mental health conditions and behavioral challenges. A skilled CBT therapist can tailor CBT exercises to address:

• Anxiety Disorders: Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety, specific phobias.
• Depression and Mood Disorders: Helping individuals reframe negative thinking and improve mood.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Including specialized CBT techniques like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP).
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Using Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT) to reduce trauma symptoms.
• Insomnia: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) targets sleep-related challenges.
• Chronic Pain Management: Helping clients modify pain-related thoughts and behaviors.
• Eating Disorders: Enhanced CBT (CBT-E) is effective for disordered eating patterns.
• Health Anxiety: Addressing excessive health-related fears and compulsive reassurance seeking.
• ADHD and Executive Functioning Issues: Teaching time management, organization, and focus strategies.
• Anger Management: Helping clients regulate strong emotions and respond more effectively.
• Substance Use Issues: Identifying triggers and teaching coping strategies to support recovery.

Whether you're searching to find a CBT therapist for anxiety, depression, or another concern, CBT offers flexible and practical tools for a wide range of challenges.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy may be an excellent option if you or a loved one experiences:

• Ongoing worry, sadness, or avoidance that interferes with daily life.
• Difficulty managing overwhelming emotions or stress.
• Intrusive or obsessive thoughts that feel uncontrollable.
• Problems with work, school, or relationships due to emotional or behavioral issues.
• Cycles of procrastination, perfectionism, or negative self-talk.
• A desire for practical tools and skills to manage challenges in real time.

Many people turn to CBT when they feel stuck in negative patterns and want clear, actionable strategies for making positive changes.

CBT therapy sessions are highly structured and goal-oriented. While every client’s experience is unique, sessions often include:

• Initial Assessment: The CBT therapist helps identify problematic thought patterns, cognitive distortions, and behavioral triggers.
• Goal Setting: Clients and therapists work together to set specific, measurable treatment goals.
• Cognitive Restructuring: Clients learn to challenge unhelpful thoughts and replace them with more realistic, adaptive beliefs.
• Behavioral Experiments: Clients test out new behaviors or perspectives to gather real-world evidence and break negative cycles.
• Skills Training: Including mindfulness, relaxation, emotion regulation, problem-solving, and distress tolerance.
• Homework Assignments: CBT exercises are assigned between sessions to practice skills and reinforce progress.
• Regular Progress Reviews: The CBT counselor monitors progress and adjusts the treatment plan as needed.

By actively participating in these exercises, clients build confidence in their ability to manage emotions and behaviors independently.

CBT offers several unique features that set it apart from more traditional or insight-oriented therapies:

• Present-Focused: CBT concentrates on current issues and skill-building rather than deeply exploring early life experiences.
• Action-Oriented: Therapy sessions involve actively learning and practicing new techniques rather than primarily discussing emotions.
• Skill-Based: Clients develop specific coping strategies they can apply outside of therapy sessions.
• Time-Limited: Many CBT programs are completed in 12–20 sessions, though duration may vary based on individual needs.
• Collaborative: The therapist works as a coach, providing guidance while empowering clients to take ownership of their progress.

These qualities make CBT one of the most widely recommended and researched forms of therapy today.

One of the benefits of CBT is its structured, time-limited format. For many conditions:

• Typical Duration: CBT often lasts between 12 to 20 sessions.
• Extended Treatment: More complex challenges, such as OCD, PTSD, or severe anxiety, may require longer treatment.
• Rapid Results: Many clients report significant improvements after just a few months of consistent CBT therapy.

Of course, each case is unique, and CBT therapists tailor treatment timelines based on the client’s needs, progress, and goals.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is typically delivered by licensed, highly trained mental health professionals, such as:

• Psychologists (PhD, PsyD)
• Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC)
• Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW)
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT)
• Psychiatrists (MD) with CBT training

When searching to find a CBT therapist, it’s important to ensure your provider has specialized training and experience in CBT techniques. Some CBT psychologists and CBT counselors also pursue additional certifications from organizations like the Academy of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies.

There are also specialized CBT providers for:

• Children and Adolescents
• OCD Treatment
• Trauma Recovery
• Insomnia (CBT-I)
• Eating Disorders (CBT-E)

Yes — CBT has been adapted very successfully for children, teens, and families. A trained CBT therapist can modify CBT exercises to match the child’s developmental level, using:

• Concrete Examples: Breaking down abstract ideas into child-friendly language.
• Visual Aids: Using worksheets, drawings, or charts to teach cognitive restructuring.
• Parent Involvement: Parents often participate in sessions to support skill practice at home.
• Play-Based Elements: Games, role-playing, and activities can help younger children engage with therapy.

Common youth concerns addressed by CBT include anxiety, school refusal, ADHD, depression, peer conflicts, and family stress. Many pediatric CBT therapists also include parent coaching to ensure strategies are reinforced outside of therapy sessions.