A mental health diagnosis doesn’t mean your light has to darken. Those living with a mental health condition can find light with treatment and support.
There are many treatment options available, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This form of psychotherapy is available to those who are uninsured or underinsured at Valley Oaks Health.
The definition
Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, is a type of talk therapy structured to help patients become aware of inaccurate or unhelpful thinking and develop skills to more clearly and constructively respond to challenging situations.
The uses
CBT can be helpful for people living with the following conditions:
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Eating disorders
- Substance use disorder
- Post traumatic stress disorder
It helps patients address emotional challenges like:
- Managing symptoms of mental illness
- Preventing relapses
- Coping with stressful situations
- Resolving relationship conflict
- Working through grief or loss
- Overcoming trauma related to abuse or violence
The impact
In multiple studies, CBT has been proven to be as effective if not more effective at treating mental health disorders than other psychological therapies or psychiatric medications.
Patients work to change their thinking patterns, allowing them to recognize unhelpful thoughts, gain better understanding of their behaviors and motivations, use problem-solving skills to address difficult situations, and develop greater confidence in themselves.
