Cognitive behavior therapy is an evidence-based form of psychotherapy used to treat mental and behavioral health conditions in San Diego. Cognitive behavior therapy in San Diego is designed to help people recognize the connections between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This form of therapy effectively treats conditions such as anxiety, depression, substance abuse disorders, and more.
At Alter Mental Health’s San Diego Mental Health Center, we specialize in treating mental health disorders. We rely on evidence-based treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy because the medical and scientific communities back these therapies. Medical professionals have rigorously studied evidence-based therapy, which is effective and safe.
Cognitive behavioral therapy helps patients identify problematic thoughts that can negatively impact their emotions and behaviors. After identifying these thoughts, they can develop strategies for managing them. At Alter Mental Health, our therapists in San Diego work closely with patients using this therapy and others. We employ evidence-based and holistic therapies to target many aspects of the individual’s disorder. Individualized therapy enables us to give each patient the support they need to achieve their recovery goals.
What Is Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)?
Cognitive behavior therapy is a psychological therapy that can help patients manage their mental or behavioral health conditions. Cognitive behavior therapy is based on the theory that psychological problems are often linked with problematic thinking. By identifying these problematic thoughts, patients can begin to cope with them in healthy ways and, ideally, change unhealthy or unhelpful ways of thinking. Cognitive behavioral therapy is versatile, so it’s effective in treating many mental disorders. During CBT, patients and therapists work together to find practical solutions for making a behavioral change. Over time, small changes can lead to positive cognitive restructuring that supports improved therapeutic outcomes.
Benefits of Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Diverse Mental Health Disorders
Unhelpful or faulty thoughts can substantially impact mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, development of PTSD, eating disorders, and more. Patients with anxiety may find that they ‘catastrophize’ routinely. This means that their thoughts repeatedly leap to the worst-case scenario. Catastrophizing is unhelpful because situations seldom wind up at the worst possible conclusion. In such cases, therapists help anxiety patients identify when they are catastrophizing. Then, they can use newly learned coping strategies to prevent these thoughts or manage them more effectively.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is useful in treating multiple disorders. Although it may not cure mental health disorders, it can help reduce symptoms and enhance patients’ well-being. By practicing CBT coping methods, patients can better manage their disorder going forward.
How Cognitive Behavior Therapy Differs from Other Mental Health Therapies
Cognitive behavioral therapy is not the only form of psychotherapy. Other forms of psychotherapy can be helpful in the treatment of many mental health and behavioral health disorders. At Alter Mental Health, we rely on various evidence-based treatments, including cognitive behavioral therapy and others. Solution-focused and evidence-based foundations offer clients practical methods for coping with disorder symptoms and managing their condition.
Various forms of psychotherapy are helpful in the treatment of mental and behavioral health conditions. Dialectical behavioral therapy, for example, is similar to CBT but focuses more heavily on distress tolerance. During DBT, patients learn better coping methods with stressful situations or situations that cause distress. They learn to cope with negative emotions healthily, which can enhance their well-being and the management of their mental or behavioral health disorder.
Approaching Cognitive Behavior Therapy in San Diego, CA
Cognitive behavior therapy in San Diego can provide patients with a strong treatment and recovery foundation. At Alter Mental Health, we use problem-solving skills to deal with difficult situations. They can learn how to recognize when their thoughts become distorted or unhelpful. They can also learn strategies for calming their feelings and coping with stressful thoughts and emotions. Because each patient is unique, we offer individualized therapy sessions to ensure patients get support tailored to their needs. CBT helps develop mental resilience, a powerful means for coping with mental health symptoms of anxiety and depression treatments.
Getting Started with CBT in San Diego: What to Expect
We encourage patients to visit Alter Mental Health for help if they suffer from mental illness. In addition to medication, clinicians may prescribe psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy. During sessions, patients and therapists work together to achieve their therapeutic goals, including improved emotional regulation, skills training, and mental health resilience.
With cognitive behavior therapy in San Diego, and options for La Jolla major depression treatment, patients can learn how to manage various aspects of their condition independently, which can be immensely practical and empowering. Although it takes time to identify problematic thoughts and develop practical strategies for managing them, it can be done over the course of therapy. A great way to prepare for therapy at Alter Mental Health is to come with an open mind, ready to learn, and dedicated to practicing newly learned coping strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cognitive Behavior Therapy in San Diego
How often are Cognitive Behavior Therapy sessions typically held?
Depending on each individual’s needs, cognitive behavioral therapy sessions might be held several times weekly. Patients who are hospitalized may require more frequent therapy sessions. Each patient is recommended to attend CBT therapy sessions as needed.
Can Cognitive Behavior Therapy in San Diego be combined with other treatment modalities?
Cognitive behavior therapy can be combined with other treatments to support recovery or effective condition management. Many evidence-based therapies are related to cognitive behavioral therapy. For instance, dialectical behavior therapy is similar to CBT. At Alter Mental Health, we recommend an individualized treatment plan for each patient. CBT is often paired with other forms of psychotherapy that can benefit aspects of the patient’s treatment needs.
What qualifications do CBT therapists in San Diego at Alter Mental Health hold?
Cognitive behavioral therapy is an evidence-based therapy. Licensed therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists are well-versed in this treatment as part of their training and practice. At Alter Mental Health, our clinicians are licensed and credentialed. They have the experience and expertise to provide cognitive behavioral therapy and other forms of evidence-based psychotherapy. Our clinicians also offer holistic therapies that can complement our evidence-based treatments.
How does Cognitive Behavior Therapy produce long-term positive changes in thinking and behavior?
Cognitive behavior therapy addresses the thought patterns that underscore how a person thinks. People often experience unhealthy or unhelpful thinking patterns in conjunction with their mental health disorder. Addressing these patterns, therefore, is essential for diminishing unhealthy or unhelpful thoughts. CBT teaches patients to note their unhealthy thoughts and replace them with healthier ones. Therapists help patients develop healthier ways of thinking and coping that can lead to reduced symptoms and better overall management of their condition. With improved condition management comes improved well-being.
