Glossary
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured, time-limited talk therapy that helps people identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors that maintain emotional distress. CBT is the most-researched form of psychotherapy and has the strongest evidence base for anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, and insomnia.
CBT was developed by Dr. Aaron Beck in the 1960s and is now considered first-line treatment for most common mental health conditions. A typical course is 12 to 20 weekly sessions. Sessions are agenda-driven and include between-session homework. Newer 'third wave' variants — ACT, DBT, and CBASP — extend the model with mindfulness and acceptance components. CBT is delivered effectively in person and via telehealth.
Source: American Psychological Association — What Is CBT?