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Optum Wellbeing
Optum Wellbeing
Optum Behavioral Care
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Cognitive behavioral therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that teaches practical skills. It helps people understand how their thoughts, feelings and behaviors are connected. CBT helps you learn skills to notice and change patterns that may be getting in your way.


CBT is one of the most studied types of therapies used in mental health care. Many people use CBT to feel better and manage everyday challenges more easily. Over time, CBT can also help build skills to cope with stress and challenges.


CBT can be helpful for many mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), eating disorders and certain fears.

What to expect in CBT

CBT usually starts with a conversation about your goals and what feels challenging right now. This helps you and your therapist make a plan that fits your needs. Sessions are often held weekly and focus on skills that matter most to you.

  • Structured sessions: Your therapist may may use worksheets or guided exercises to help you practice new ways of thinking and acting and see your progress over time.
  • Practice between sessions: Short activities between visits help you use skills in everyday life. Practice is an important part of making lasting changes.
  • Length of care: The length depends on your goals, challenges and progress. Your care plan can change over time to meet your needs.

How CBT can help

CBT may help people manage many mental health concerns, including:

  • Anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety, panic, social anxiety and phobias
  • Depression and mood changes
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and challenges related to trauma
  • Obsessive‑compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Eating disorders
  • Stress, grief and life changes

Because CBT focuses on practical skills and clear goals, it can help many people.


Benefits of CBT

CBT can help you:

  • Notice and understand patterns in your thoughts, feelings and behaviors
  • Learn skills that can help reduce anxiety and depression symptoms
  • Build skills to manage stress, triggers and difficult experiences
  • Feel more confident managing daily life at work, school or in relationships
  • Build lasting coping skills through practice and problem‑solving

Find the right care for you

Caring, personalized support for your mental health. Connect with a mental health professional and get started today.

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Footnotes

American Psychological Association (APA). What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

Cuijpers, P., et al. Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Mental Disorders in Adults: A Unified Series of Meta Analyses. JAMA Psychiatry (2025).

Fordham, B., et al. The evidence for cognitive behavioral therapy in any condition, population or context: a metareview and panoramic meta-analysis. Psychological Medicine (2021).

Mayo Clinic. Cognitive behavioral therapy: Overview and indications.