What is cognitive behavioral therapy?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is an evidence-based treatment approach. Cognitive therapy is usually more focused on the present and is more time limited and more problem solving oriented. In addition, patients learn specific skills that they can use for the rest of their lives. These skills involve identifying unhelpful thoughts, modifying beliefs, relating to others in different ways and changing behaviors.

teleCBT

Telemedicine is defined as the use of telecommunications technology, by medical practitioners, to remotely evaluate, diagnose and treat patients. The use of telemedicine (e.g. computer, laptop, cellular phone, etc.) once a novelty, is now standard medical practice in daily use by healthcare practitioners throughout the world. Care Connected TeleCBT enables behavioral health providers and their patients to realize the many benefits of cognitive behavioral therapy from the comfort of their own home via their telephones.

Benefits of teleCBT

TeleCBT offers flexibility in scheduling and increased access to therapy for individuals with busy work schedules, physical or medical disabilities, and/or individuals experiencing problems with mobility and/or transportation. In addition, TeleCBT eliminates check-in and wait times, and allows for affordable and competitive treatment rates.

Conditions treated with teleCBT

Our services are provided by licensed mental health clinicians. For this reason, we are prepared to treat a variety of mental health conditions and are flexible with our treatment approach. Conditions we commonly treat include, but are not limited to:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Situational Stress
• Pain Symptoms
• PTSD
• Insomnia or other sleep disorders/problems
• Grief

Please understand, TeleCBT is not an appropriate service for individuals experiencing active symptoms of severe mental illness (i.e., hallucinations, delusions), suicidal or homicidal thoughts and/or intent. If you are experiencing any of those symptoms, please visit the nearest emergency room or call 9-1-1 if necessary to ensure your safety and/or the safety of others.

Skills You’ll Learn

Facts & Questions

What can I do to get ready for TeleCBT treatment?
An important first step is to think about what you’d like to achieve. Ask yourself, “How would I like to be different by the end of therapy? Think specifically about changes you would make at work, at home, in your relationships with family, friends, co-workers and others. Think about what symptoms have been bothering you and which you would like to decrease or eliminate. Think about other areas that would improve your life: pursuing spiritual/intellectual/cultural interests, increasing exercise, decreasing bad habits, learning new interpersonal skills, improving management skills at work or at home. Your therapist will help you develop a goal list and decide which goals you might be able to work toward on your own and which ones you might want to work on in therapy.

How do cognitive behavioral therapists help patients become their own therapists?
CBT can help you make sense of current life stressors and other problems which may seem overwhelming. CBT is intended to help individuals understand how thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes can affect feelings and behavior. Cognitive behavioral therapists get patients actively engaged in deciding where to start working. Together, they develop an “action plan” or homework for patients (to do during the week) to implement solutions to problem or to make changes in their thinking and actions. This process gets patients actively involved in their treatment; they begin to recognize that the way to get better is to make small changes in how they think and what they do every day. When treatment ends, patients are able to use the skills and tools they have learned in therapy in their day-to-day lives.

What about medication?
Our health professionals can discuss the advantages and disadvantages of medication with you.

What if I am undecided about TeleCBT?
If you are undecided about therapy, think about the following:

• Remember, participation is voluntary and you can choose to discontinue at any time.
• TeleCBT provides a space for you to process thoughts and feelings with a licensed mental health professional from the  comfort of your own home. While it may not be an effective treatment for everyone, it is important to keep in mind that  it is intended to help you achieve or maintain your mental well-being.
• It is important that you understand that your participation in therapy can sometimes trigger difficult thoughts and  feelings. However, your therapist will walk you through the goals and expectations of the therapeutic process at the time  of your first session. In addition, your therapist will help prepare you by helping you learn healthy self-soothing and  coping behaviors.