Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a highly effective, evidence-based treatment and is considered the first-line psychotherapeutic treatment for anxiety, OCD, depression and related conditions. CBT helps individuals identify unhelpful thoughts, reduce maladaptive coping strategies or “safety behaviors,” and build tolerance for difficult emotions and physical sensations.
CBT is action-oriented and tailored to each person’s treatment goals. It is structured, collaborative and requires active engagement from the individual and, when appropriate, family members. Designed as a short-term intervention, CBT equips individuals with adaptive coping skills and strategies to manage symptoms more effectively on their own.
Lean more about CBT:
APA – What is CBT?
NAMI – CBT for Anxiety
Exposure with Response Prevention (ERP)
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the gold-standard treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), as well as separation anxiety disorder, specific phobias, and other anxiety-related disorders. ERP involves gradually and systematically facing feared situations while resisting the urge to engage in avoidance or compulsive behaviors.
Through ERP, individuals learn they can tolerate discomfort, uncertainty, and distressing thoughts – building resilience and freedom from the cycle of fear and avoidance.
Learn more about ERP:
NAMI – CBT for Anxiety
International OCD Foundation – Treatment for OCD
International OCD Foundation – ERP
Behavioral Activation
Behavioral Activation (BA) is the leading treatment for major depressive disorder. Depression often reduces motivation and pleasure, leading individuals to withdraw from previously enjoyable activities – reinforcing a cycle of isolation and worsening symptoms.
BA focuses on reintroducing structure, rewarding activities, and social interactions, while reducing avoidance. By increasing engagement in meaningful activities, individuals often experience improved mood and functioning.
Behavior Modification
Behavior Modification is commonly used to help children and adolescents replace negative or disruptive behaviors with more adaptive ones. Caregivers learn how to use reinforcement strategies to increase positive, prosocial behaviors. Incentives are discussed and agreed upon, encouraging children to practice and repeat desired behaviors until they become more consistent.
Comprehensive Behavior (ComB) Model
The Comprehensive Behavioral (ComB) Model is a highly effective treatment for body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs), such as trichotillomania (hair pulling) and excoriation disorder (skin picking). This approach emphasizes self-monitoring to identify triggers, targeting specific modalities, selecting strategies tailored to the individual, and regularly evaluating progress.
Learn more about treatment for BRFBs:
The TLC Foundation
Additional Approaches
Other interventions may be incorporated as needed, including:
- Assertiveness Training
- Interpersonal Effectiveness
- Mindfulness
- Parent Training