For the Public
Cognitive Therapy Resources

Cognitive Therapy is an innovative approach to psychotherapy in which therapist and client work collaboratively, focus on developing solutions for the specific problems with which the client is concerned, and endeavor to deal with problems in a relatively short time frame.

Cognitive Therapy is most widely known as a treatment for depression, and the effectiveness of Cognitive Therapy as a time-limited treatment for depression has been well documented. However, the approach has proven to be quite versatile and it is used effectively with a wide range of problems.

Locating Information On-Line
A wealth of information is available on-line. However, the quality and accuracy of that information varies widely. Some Web sites are created by knowledgeable professionals who are dedicated to public education, some are created by enthusiastic non-professionals, and some are created by individuals with an axe to grind or with a product to sell.

As you make use of this information it is important to think critically, to consider the source of the information, and to consider whether the information is consistent with your experience. If a site you visit makes claims that seems "too good to be true," you may wish to be particularly skeptical.

Here are some good sites that focus specifically on Cognitive Therapy:

• The Academy of Cognitive Therapy
• The San Francisco Bay Area Center for Cognitive Therapy

In addition, many of the less specialized mental health Web sites include sections with information specifically about Cognitive Therapy. These include:

• Mental Health Net
• Psych Central

How can I find out more about Cognitive Therapy?
In addition to the on-line resources recommended above, there are a number of good self-help books which present information about cognitive therapy. There are many good books on this topic. For a few that we would particularly recommend, see our listing of recommended self-help books. We also recommend that you read our discussion of how to get the most out of a self help book if you haven't already read it.

How can I locate a therapist who specializes in Cognitive Therapy?
There is no single central directory which includes all cognitive therapists. However, several resources can be useful in locating a therapist in your area:

• The Academy of Cognitive Therapy is a national organization to which many expert cognitive therapists belong. Their referral directory can be found at http://www.academyofct.org
• The Center for Cognitive Therapy at the University of Pennsylvania maintains an online listing of Cognitive therapists who trained there or who are known personally to the senior staff. It isn't comprehensive, but it is a good resource. It can be accessed at: http://uphs.upenn.edu/psycct/referral/index.htm
• The Association for Advancement of Behavior Therapy maintains an international directory and, while not all AABT members provide Cognitive Therapy, a high proportion of them practice Cognitive Therapy or closely related approaches. AABT's directory can be accessed online at http://www.aabt.org or by phone at (212) 647-1890.