Those might include “evidence for/evidence against” techniques or generating alternative explanations for events as means of combating negative automatic thoughts (Basco, p. 294). Because CBT is an active intervention that should be regularly exercised, clients might be assigned homework, or tasks, to be completed outside of therapy sessions. Additionally, patients may be asked to keep record of daily activities to identify potentially problematic behavior. Clients are encouraged to utilize newly learned strategies to gain insight into the development of their problem and become their own therapist, stressing the relapse prevention (Currid, 2011). Because cognitive behavioral therapy is addressing cognitive, behavioral, and emotional regulation skills, it is session-limited for many patients. Those suffering from anxiety or unipolar depression may need 6 to 12 sessions while patients with personality disorders or severe mental illness are encouraged to attend on average 16 (with 1 to 2 weeks in between each meeting, depending on severity of symptoms) sessions with possible booster sessions (Currid , …show more content…
Due to the structured nature of this psychotherapy, it may not be suitable for patients with more complex mental health disorders. Moreover, because CBT addresses present problems and focuses on specific issues, it does not confront the possible underlying causes of current mental health status, such past relationships or traumatic childhood.Research shows that CBT works as well as antidepressants in helping people with mild to moderate depression (Gould, 2011). CBT in clinical trials was also proven to be as effective, or more effective, than other psychological therapies, including general psychotherapy, stress management, and problem-solving therapy, in the treatment of adults with anxiety and depression. The study populations consisted of adolescents, adults, and older adults with depressive disorder or symptoms, major depressive disorder, and anxiety disorders (i.e., GAD, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, OCD, PTSD, and ASD). Also, a number of studies have suggested that CBT can reduce healthcare costs through the decrease in hospital admissions (Currid, 2011). Computer CBT has potential to improve access to evidence-based therapies, and to overcome the excessive costs and lack of accessibility sometimes associated with face-to-face therapist. In meta-studies, computer CBT has been found to be cost-effective and often cheaper than usual care. Over the past couple of decades, CBT has been a preferred method of