Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
A psychologist, counselor, social worker, or psychiatrist can provide cognitive behavioral therapy, also called CBT. A psychiatrist is a doctor who treats mental health conditions. These are licensed mental health professionals who offer talk therapy. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, is a type of talking therapy. A therapist helps you change how you think and act. In CBT, you learn to notice automatic thoughts that are inaccurate or harmful. One example is having a low opinion of your abilities. Then you question those thoughts and change habits that work against you.
There are many kinds of CBT. The kind you have depends on why you are having it and on your symptoms.
Why a doctor might recommend it
CBT is a recommended treatment for many mental health problems. Examples are depression, anxiety (including social anxiety and phobias), post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, and bipolar disorder. It can also help with trouble sleeping. It can help with long-term pain too.
How to prepare
Before you start, you usually have an assessment with a therapist. The therapist asks about your symptoms and what you hope to get from treatment. Then they suggest a type of therapy. These steps can also help.
- See a health care provider first, because sometimes a change in mood or trouble concentrating comes from a medical condition.
- Ask about the therapist's training and how many sessions to expect.
- Ask whether meetings are private, what the fees are, and whether they accept insurance.
What happens during it
CBT can be one-on-one with a therapist, in a group, or as guided self-help. It can happen in person, online, or on the phone. In a typical session, you talk about hard situations and how they make you think, feel, and act. You and your therapist then work out other ways to handle them. This may include these steps.
- Questioning unhelpful thoughts and beliefs and looking at things in other ways.
- Noticing your emotions and body feelings without reacting to them.
- Changing what you do, such as doing activities you have been avoiding.
You will usually practice what you learn between sessions. This is important for CBT to work.
Recovery
After a course of CBT ends, it is important to keep using the skills you learned. If your symptoms do not improve after the first course, you may be given more sessions. If you are still having problems, talk to your doctor about more CBT or a different treatment.
Risks and side effects
Talk therapy does not have a formal approval process the way medicines do. Still, research supports many talk therapies, and they reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders.
Trust matters, so it helps to feel comfortable with your therapist. If you are not getting better after a reasonable time, talk to your therapist. You may also look at other professionals or approaches.
If you are thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 (the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) right away. If someone has attempted suicide, call 911 or your local emergency number right away.
Who performs it
Many types of professionals offer talk therapy. Examples include psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, counselors, and psychiatric nurses. Groups such as the American Psychological Association have directories for finding one. Your health insurance plan may also list therapists.
Common questions
How many CBT sessions will I need?
People usually have between 5 and 15 sessions of CBT, depending on what it is for. It helps to ask your therapist for a time frame at the start.
Can I do CBT online or on the phone?
Yes. CBT can be done in person, online, or on the phone. Guided self-help, a workbook or online course done with a therapist's help, is another option.
Will I need medicine as well as CBT?
Not always. Talk therapy can be used instead of medicine or along with it, depending on your needs and your health. A mental health professional helps you choose the plan.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either one can check whether a physical health problem is behind your symptoms and can refer you to a therapist. CBT itself is given by a trained mental health professional.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
