Overview By Mayo Clinic Staff Print Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common type of talk therapy (psychotherapy). You work with a mental health counselor (psychotherapist or therapist) in a structured way, attending a limited number of sessions. CBT helps you become aware of inaccurate or negative thinking so you can view challenging situations more clearly and respond to them in a more effective way. CBT can be a very helpful tool in treating mental health disorders, such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or an eating disorder. But not everyone who benefits from CBT has a mental health condition. It can be an effective tool to help anyone learn how to better manage stressful life situations. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic Why it's done Feb. 23, 2016 Print Share on: Facebook Twitter References Lebow J. Overview of psychotherapies. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Jan. 11, 2016. Cognitive-behavioral therapy. National Association of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists. http://www.nacbt.org/whatiscbt.htm. Accessed Jan. 10, 2016. Psychotherapy. National Alliance on Mental Illness. https://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Treatment/Psychotherapy. Accessed Jan. 10, 2016. Understanding psychotherapy and how it works. American Psychological Association. http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/understanding-psychotherapy.aspx. Accessed Jan. 11, 2016. Ethical principles of psychologists and code of conduct: Including 2010 amendments. American Psychological Association. http://www.apa.org/ethics/code/index.aspx. Accessed Jan. 11, 2016. Psychotherapies. National Institute of Mental Health. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/psychotherapies/index.shtml. Accessed Jan. 11, 2016. PTSD: National Center for PTSD — Types of therapists. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/treatment/therapy-med/types_of_therapists.asp. Accessed Jan. 11, 2016. PTSD: National Center for PTSD — Choosing a therapist. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/treatment/therapy-med/choosing_a_therapist.asp. Accessed Jan. 11, 2016. HIPPA privacy rule and sharing information related to mental health. HHS.gov. http://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/special-topics/mental-health/index.html. Accessed Jan. 11, 2016. Hall-Flavin DK (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan. 21, 2016. RelatedMental health providers: Tips on finding oneSelf-esteem checkRebound headachesStutteringPost-concussion syndromeNarcissistic personality disorderCyclothymia (cyclothymic disorder)Child abuseCompulsive sexual behaviorGeneralized anxiety disorderPanic attacks and panic disorderDrug addictionSolitary rectal ulcer syndromeIntermittent explosive disorderSleep terrors (night terrors)NeurodermatitisSocial anxiety disorderCyclic vomiting syndromeAutism spectrum disorder Mayo Clinic in Minnesota has been recognized as one of the top Psychiatry hospitals in the nation for 2016-2017 by U.S. News & World Report. Learn more about this top honor Cognitive behavioral therapyOverviewProcedure detailsWhy it's doneRisksHow you prepareWhat you can expectResultsMore aboutIn-DepthExpert BlogResourcesNews from Mayo Clinic Advertisement Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices Mayo Clinic Store Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. The Mayo Clinic Diabetes DietThe Mayo Clinic Handbook for HappinessMayo Clinic A to Z Health GuideMayo Clinic on Digestive HealthThe Mayo Clinic Diet Online Procedure detailsRequest an Appointment PRC-20155297 Patient Care & Health Information Tests & Procedures Cognitive behavioral therapy