Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a well-researched therapeutic approach for anxiety, depression, and PTSD. CBT helps children, teens, and young adults shift patterns of thoughts and behavior in ways that promote healthy coping and improve anxiety and mood. CBT includes learning cognitive coping strategies, problem solving, and emotion regulation skills. CBT can be especially helpful for children and adolescents because it helps them develop skills that can serve them throughout development, often with positive impacts in school and social functioning in addition to mental health. CBT is typically directive and time-limited, though personalized for each individual and family.

CBT is highly effective for treating a number of mental health conditions, including generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic, school avoidance, separation anxiety, PTSD, and depression. When treating anxiety, CBT typically includes exposure or “brave practice.” As youth develop skills for managing anxiety, treatment includes gradually facing fears and practicing coping with anxiety so they can learn that they have the ability to do so and anxiety doesn’t have to hold them back. At Brave Minds Psychology Center, I specialize in CBT and exposure approaches to help youth and families overcome anxiety. Treatment is goal-oriented and personalized for each individual child and family to ensure we work together to find the best approach for you.