CBT Treatment for Depression

Major depression is a condition that can impair school work and lead to performance problems at a person's job and other areas of life. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a treatment option for major depression.

Time Frame

CBT typically involves 16 weekly sessions, which is significantly shorter than many other types of therapy, such as psychoanalysis, which lasts for years.

Features

The three main features of CBT are cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation and improving problem-solving skills. Cognitive restructuring is the process of helping a depressed person identify and correct thoughts that are contributing to depression. Behavioral activation is the process of helping a depressed person find activities to become involved with that provide enjoyment.

Types

CBT is a term for classifying different forms of therapy that focus on cognitive restructuring and problem solving. Examples include rational emotive behavioral therapy, cognitive therapy and dialectic behavior therapy. All of these examples can be used to treat major depression.

Homework

CBT often requires that the depressed person complete homework assignments between weekly sessions. These homework assignments typically include workbooks, reading and daily practice of material learned during the session.

Locating a Therapist

Online resources, such as find-a-therapist.com, provide assistance with locating a CBT therapist. Contacting a local mental health clinic and asking whether CBT therapy is offered is another option.

References

• National Association of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists
• University of Michigan Depression Center
• Education Resources Information Center

Resources

• National Association of Cognitive Behavioral Therapists
• Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies
• National Alliance for Mental Illness