Cognitive Behavioral Therapy


The Rochester Center for Behavioral Medicine uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for the treatment of anxiety and depressive disorders. This therapy combines behavioral exposure therapy along with cognitive restructuring to help enable the patient to confront avoidance, correct negative automatic thoughts, and return to optimal functioning.


CBT is particularly effective for the Anxiety Disorder spectrum, such as Panic Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, and Specific Phobias. The hallmark of CBT is the patient’s role in learning and practicing skills outside the session, to maximize the therapeutic benefit of this therapy. In mood disorders, the patient will learn coping skills to master tasks often thought too arduous for the depressed patient. The use of CBT with or without medication management is addressed, and the ultimate decision is made between the patient and the RCBM Professional.