Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
At Mount Behavioral Health, our Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) offers children, teens, and young adults in New York City a proven, evidence-based path to growth and healing. Whether you're searching for “cognitive behavioral therapy near me,” “cognitive behavior therapy,” or simply “CBT therapy,” you'll find compassionate, expert care tailored to your needs at our offices across Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island—with flexible telehealth options too.
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)—also known as cognitive behavior therapy—is a widely used, evidence-based form of talk therapy or psychotherapy.
During CBT therapy, you engage in a structured process with a licensed mental health professional, such as a psychologist or counselor, over a limited series of sessions.
The goal? To help you understand how your thought patterns, feelings, and behaviors interconnect, and to guide you toward clearer perspectives and more effective responses in challenging situations.
You don’t need a formal mental health diagnosis to benefit from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Whether you're grappling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, or an eating disorder—or simply navigating a stressful life event—CBT can offer practical tools to manage emotions, build resilience, and thrive.
During CBT therapy, you engage in a structured process with a licensed mental health professional, such as a psychologist or counselor, over a limited series of sessions.
The goal? To help you understand how your thought patterns, feelings, and behaviors interconnect, and to guide you toward clearer perspectives and more effective responses in challenging situations.
You don’t need a formal mental health diagnosis to benefit from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Whether you're grappling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, or an eating disorder—or simply navigating a stressful life event—CBT can offer practical tools to manage emotions, build resilience, and thrive.
Why Choose CBT?
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Efficient & Focused
One of the strengths of CBT is its time-limited structure—typically 5 to 20 sessions—delivering meaningful change more quickly than many other therapies. It’s goal-oriented, with clear plans and actionable strategies. Clients practice these skills between sessions through "homework" tasks like thought journals, relaxation exercises, or real-life experiments.
Versatile & Evidence-Based
CBT is among the most heavily researched therapies, showing efficacy for a wide range of concerns: depression, anxiety, PTSD, phobias, eating disorders, and more.
For instance, meta-analyses indicate it can outperform antidepressants in treating social anxiety—with lasting benefits and lower relapse rates. Guidelines like those from NICE (UK) also recommend CBT as a first-line treatment for PTSD, OCD, and depression.
For instance, meta-analyses indicate it can outperform antidepressants in treating social anxiety—with lasting benefits and lower relapse rates. Guidelines like those from NICE (UK) also recommend CBT as a first-line treatment for PTSD, OCD, and depression.
Empowering & Practical
CBT equips clients with real-world tools—cognitive restructuring, goal-setting, problem-solving, self-monitoring—to handle current and future stressors. It empowers individuals to reframe negative self-talk, enhance self-awareness, improve emotional regulation, and strengthen relationships.
What Conditions Can CBT Help With?
Cognitive behavioral therapy is proven effective across various mental health conditions:
Anxiety, depression, PTSD, phobias, eating disorders, OCD
Behavioral challenges
such as substance use or sleep problems
Emotional difficulties
like grief, trauma, or stress management
Potential Drawbacks & Considerations
Limited Depth & Context
CBT focuses squarely on present cognition and behavior—not the deeper roots, past traumas, or unconscious dynamics behind them
Homework Burden & Commitment
Its structured nature demands active engagement—including homework. Clients who struggle with organization or motivation, or who have learning difficulties, may find this challenging.
Variability in Effectiveness & Sustainability
Some studies suggest declining effect sizes for depression over time, possibly due to therapist training or protocol adherence issues. High dropout rates and relapse after ending therapy are also notable concerns.
Cultural & Contextual Sensitivity
CBT originated in Western, individualistic contexts. Its emphasis on rational self-change may clash with collectivist or holistic worldviews. Without adaptation, it risks overlooking cultural beliefs, systemic issues, or societal stress.
Criticisms of Oversimplification
Critics argue that reducing complex human experiences to thoughts and behaviors can be reductive. CBT may miss emotional depth, the unconscious mind, or body-based trauma. In extreme cases, clients note it may unintentionally reinforce societal expectations rather than fostering genuine.
Common Questions About CBT
How does CBT work?
What are the five steps of CBT?
Can I do CBT on my own?
Who Can Benefit from CBT?
CBT is highly effective for a wide variety of conditions. At Mount BH, we frequently support young people dealing with:
Emotional Challenges
including general, social, or separation anxiety; depression or low mood; mood swings; low self-esteem; anger management; and OCD.
Behavioral Concerns
such as ADHD and impulsivity; defiant or oppositional behavior; aggression; risky choices or poor judgment; school refusal or avoidance; and sleep or eating disruptions.
Social & Cognitive Issues
including difficulties making or keeping friends; rigid thinking; executive functioning struggles; school-related stress; screen or tech overuse; and social withdrawal.
Trauma, Grief, and Low Self‑Esteem
We also offer trauma-informed care, including Trauma-Focused CBT (TF‑CBT), that helps young people process adverse experiences, rebuild trust, and strengthen emotional regulation.
Ready to Start CBT Therapy in NYC?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) offers a structured, evidence-based approach to change—focusing on how your thoughts and actions shape emotions. For those ready to actively build better coping habits and address immediate challenges, it's a powerful tool. But it's not one-size-fits-all. Aligning your therapy with your cultural values, emotional depth, and support needs maximizes long-term success.
Suppose you’ve been searching for “cognitive behavioral therapy near me,” or want to explore CBT therapy options that offer both practical skills and compassionate care. In that case, this approach might be the right fit—or a solid starting point on your journey toward emotional well-being.
