Computerized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Abstract

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is empirically supported for a wide range of mental health conditions and is often recommended as a first-line psychiatric treatment. However, access to CBT is limited by barriers such as high costs, lack of locally trained cognitive behavioral therapists, inability to take time off work or other responsibilities to attend treatment, and stigma. Computerized CBT (cCBT) provides an option for treatment dissemination that can decrease these barriers and improve access to care. Like traditional face-to-face CBT, cCBT provides psychoeducation and guidance on implementing skills for behavior change; however, the information and skills are presented via a computerized platform. cCBT programs are quite heterogeneous, and the various formats, along with the strengths and limitations of cCBT, are outlined in this entry.