Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an empirically supported treatment for a wide range of mental health conditions in both children and adults. CBT is a time-limited, problem-focused therapy that directly targets maladaptive thoughts and behaviors by teaching and applying various skills and coping strategies. Although CBT does not directly address intellectual and learning disabilities, it can be used to alleviate symptoms related to comorbid psychiatric disorders (e.g., anxiety disorders, depression) or to manage difficult emotions such as increased frustration, emotional distress, or anger. CBT may also be used to target specific developmental issues such as social skills deficits or cognitive rigidity and organizational issues. To tailor treatment and enhance efficacy, it is important to modify CBT approaches to address the specific needs of individuals with ...