5 CBT Programs To Learn Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques can be incredibly useful and versatile tools to add to your professional repertoire if you want to help a wide range of patients with different mental health conditions.
If you’re looking to increase your impact or upgrade your therapeutic skill set, we’ve reviewed some of the best CBT programs on offer in this article.
Key Takeaways
CBT certification programs range from introductory online courses to advanced clinical training, with options for practitioners at every experience level.
Accredited CBT programs from organizations like the Beck Institute and NACBT provide the strongest foundation for evidence-based practice.
Internet-delivered CBT (iCBT) programs allow practitioners to extend therapeutic reach while maintaining treatment fidelity through structured digital protocols.
Most CBT certification programs require a combination of didactic training, supervised clinical hours, and competency-based assessments.
Continuing education in CBT is essential for staying current with emerging protocols and maintaining professional certification standards.
What Can You Learn In a CBT Program?
Like any other training courses, CBT programs vary from introductory level training to more advanced certifications for practitioners who already have an understanding of CBT theory and frameworks.
Like any other training courses, CBT programs vary from introductory level training to more advanced certifications for practitioners who already have an understanding of CBT theory and frameworks.
Depending on what you’d like to take away from your program, you’ll need to check out different options to see what suits your professional goals or interests.
While this list is nowhere near comprehensive, here are a few examples of what you might learn in a CBT course:
CBT theory: What Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is, its defining characteristics, and a brief look at its history
Case formulation: Creating “an ideographic theory of a specific client’s symptoms that provides a guide for assessment, treatment, and the therapy process.”
Structuring CBT: How to plan a therapy session, create a treatment plan, and implement your programs successfully
Behavioral interventions, e.g., journaling, behavioral activation, and scheduling
Interventions based on cognitions, e.g., challenging core beliefs and negative automatic thoughts, guided discovery, and hypothesis testing
How to deliver online CBT: How to adapt traditional interventions and programs to deliver a successful iCBT program.
In addition to core topics on CBT, its practical techniques, and its implementation, a good number of courses focus on specific approaches such as Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and Recovery-Oriented Cognitive Therapy (CT-R).
We can take a look at some CBT lessons from some well-established programs for a few more concrete examples.
Best Practices for CBT Program Selection
Choose CBT training programs accredited by recognized organizations such as the Beck Institute, NACBT, or the Academy of Cognitive Therapy. Verify that programs include supervised clinical practice, not just didactic learning. Prioritize curricula that cover both foundational CBT principles and specialized protocols for conditions you commonly treat. Seek programs that include competency-based assessments to ensure you can demonstrate clinical proficiency before applying techniques with clients.
Example Lessons and Workshops
The best way to know what to expect from a course or program is by digging into its curriculum.
The Beck Institute, one of the world’s best-known mental health training providers, offers a CBT for Depression program with eight modules:
Basics of CBT for Depression: This considers at the theory, history, and research on depression, as well as schemas and strength-based and problem-based cognitive formulation.
Planning Treatment Using Cognitive Conceptualization Diagrams: An introduction to strength- and problem-based cognitive conceptualization diagrams and how they can be used in treatment planning
Building Blocks of Treatment: How to structure therapy sessions, build rapport, and create action plans, among other topics
Beginning Treatment: How to set up an evaluation session, determine objectives, set goals, and plan a structure for the first session
Automatic Thoughts: Different types of automatic thoughts and how they can be challenged with Socratic Questioning, psychoeducation interventions, and other strategies
Core Beliefs, Coping Strategies, and Intermediate Beliefs: Identifying and providing psychoeducation about core beliefs, modifying maladaptive core beliefs
Techniques from CBT and Other Therapies: e.g., decision-making, scheduling activities, role plays, creating therapy notes, and mindfulness techniques
Termination Preparation: Preparing to terminate, tapering sessions, and problem-solving termination issues.
Common CBT Training Pitfalls to Avoid
Avoid programs that lack clinical supervision components or rely solely on self-paced video content without interactive practice opportunities. Be cautious of non-accredited programs offering rapid certification with minimal competency evaluation. Practitioners should not attempt to deliver specialized CBT protocols such as trauma-focused CBT or CBT for psychosis without specific training in those areas, as improper application can cause harm. Budget for ongoing continuing education rather than treating initial certification as a one-time investment.
5 Best Online Certification Programs [2022]
Here, we reviewed some of the best online CBT programs available online, including some of the courses already mentioned above.
With self-paced CBT workshops and official certifications to choose from, these picks include options for established and aspiring practitioners alike.
Course
Details
The Beck Institute is an international cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) training and research center offering a wide range of training options such as CBT and Recovery-Oriented Cognitive Therapy (CT-R) for Anxiety, Depression, Youth, Personality Disorders, and PTSD.These comprehensive, self-paced courses include live webinars, live workshops, on-demand courses, and on-demand workshops that run throughout the year. Students can expect to learn and apply evidence-based cognitive and behavioral strategies, plan treatments, and decrease physiological symptoms of conditions such as those mentioned above.
The Oxford Cognitive Training Center offers online CBT programs covering a wide range of topics at the basic level and intermediate to advanced levels.Learners can apply for anywhere between twelve months and five years of access to the videos, which include video role-plays and downloadable resources for use in practice.
Introductory courses include themes such as Basic CBT Theory, CBT Assessment and Formulation, and Behavioural Experiments, while Intermediate – Advanced courses cover topics such as CBT for obsessive-compulsive disorder and Working with core beliefs.
Wilfrid Laurier University offers a CBT training program and certification for professionals and graduate students who have completed a degree in a relevant field or at least three years of experience in mental health, education, healthcare, or similar.To obtain a certificate, learners must complete two levels: Level I is an introduction to a set of core cognitive behavior interventions used to treat an array of presenting problems and disorders. In Level II, students learn how to professionally use these core CBT skills and interventions in application to the most prevalent DSM-V disorders, e.g., Anxiety Disorders, Depression, and Trauma, as well as how to use CBT with Children and Youth. Each level of these asynchronous courses takes 36 hours to complete and includes assignments.
The Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy National Therapist Certification Program does not offer specific training per se, but an accreditation process for practitioners who want to help children and adolescents recover after trauma professionally.To qualify for accreditation through this program, applicants must have a Master’s degree or higher in a mental health discipline, participate in live training, and score 80% or higher for the TF CBT therapist certification program knowledge-based test, among other things.
On successful completion of this program, clinicians will officially be certified in the TF-CBT treatment model.
The APT’s CBT Essentials course is a 3-day program from one of the UK’s leading providers of accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) training.It is aimed at professionals with existing clinical skills and experience treating patients in one-on-one contexts.
Some of this course’s modules include Treatments Based on Behavioral Factors, Treatment Techniques Based on Biological Factors, and Treatment Techniques Based on Cognitions and Thinking Style.
“The key to effective cognitive therapy lies not just in understanding the theory, but in the disciplined application of structured techniques within a strong therapeutic relationship.”
– Dr. Aaron T. Beck, Founder of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Requirements for Training
Of course, every institution will have its own set of prerequisites for entry into a CBT program, and these will vary based on whether you are pursuing accreditation or simply looking to learn.
Introductory level courses are frequently designed for anyone interested in learning the basics of CBT, and often come with no entry requirements.
You’ll also find intermediate- to advanced-level courses or accreditation programs targeted at experienced practitioners. These may require that applicants show proof of past work experience, recognized mental health qualifications, or university degrees.
If accreditation or an advanced-level course is what you are looking for, many institutions offer “equivalence routes” or similar. This means they will consider any applicant that satisfactorily demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to understand and apply the learnings from their course in mental health practice – there are often multiple routes into a course.
As an example, the prerequisites for Laurier University’s Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) Certificate are as follows:
Graduate or professional student status in any discipline, and
A degree in a relevant field, or at least three years of experience working in education, mental health, healthcare, or a related field,
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It’s never too early to think about how you’ll deliver your CBT programs, even while you’re looking into potential training opportunities.
Although a few courses will cover the basics of designing and delivering an online CBT program, learning the ropes is often a matter of trial and error.
We have a range of resources to help you put together a digital CBT treatment plan and implement it successfully from intake to evaluation.
Take a look at the following step-by-step guides and software reviews:
If you are looking for more tips on how to plan your sessions and keep your patients engaged throughout their treatment, we recommend you download our free 30-page online coaching guide: Coach, This Changes Everything.
This guide was specifically designed for helping professionals such as therapists and coaches, and reveals the most effective ways to deliver high-impact online interventions such as CBT programs in less time, with maximum impact.
Continuing education in CBT is crucial for both new practitioners and seasoned professionals. CBT is a dynamic field that evolves with new research and therapeutic techniques. For professionals already working in mental health, ongoing education ensures they remain current with the latest advancements and best practices. This not only enhances their skills but also improves client outcomes.
Additionally, continuing education often introduces practitioners to specialized areas of CBT, such as trauma-focused CBT or CBT for anxiety disorders, allowing them to diversify their expertise and offer more comprehensive care. Many programs offer workshops, webinars, and advanced certification courses tailored for professionals seeking to deepen their knowledge.
For instance, institutions like the Beck Institute frequently update their curriculum to reflect the latest research findings, ensuring that their courses remain relevant and cutting-edge. By engaging in continuous learning, CBT practitioners can maintain their professional credentials, fulfill licensure requirements, and ultimately provide the highest standard of care to their clients.
Integrating Technology in CBT Practice
The integration of technology in CBT practice is transforming how therapists deliver mental health services. Digital tools such as mobile apps, teletherapy platforms, and online resources have made CBT more accessible and convenient for both therapists and clients. These technologies offer various benefits, including enhanced communication, easier tracking of client progress, and increased engagement through interactive exercises.
For example, mobile apps designed for CBT can help clients manage their symptoms in real-time, track their mood, and practice cognitive restructuring exercises between sessions. Teletherapy platforms allow therapists to reach clients who may not have access to in-person sessions due to geographic or physical limitations. Moreover, technology facilitates the collection of data and outcomes, enabling therapists to tailor their interventions based on empirical evidence.
Programs like Quenza offer therapists tools to create and distribute customized CBT interventions digitally, ensuring that therapy can continue seamlessly even in a remote setting. By embracing technology, CBT practitioners can expand their reach, improve client engagement, and deliver more effective and personalized therapy.
How Do You Evaluate the Quality of a CBT Program?
Not all CBT training programs offer the same level of rigor or clinical applicability. Practitioners should assess programs based on accreditation status, faculty qualifications, curriculum comprehensiveness, and the inclusion of supervised practice components.
CBT Program Quality Evaluation Criteria
Quality Indicator
What to Look For
Red Flags
Accreditation
Beck Institute, NACBT, or ACT certification
No recognized accrediting body listed
Faculty
Licensed clinicians with active CBT practices
Instructors without clinical credentials
Clinical Practice
Supervised role-play, case consultation, live demonstrations
Theory-only curriculum with no practice component
Assessment
Competency-based evaluation with feedback
Pass/fail based solely on attendance
CE Credits
APA, NBCC, or state board-approved credits
Credits not recognized by licensing boards
Programs that include ongoing mentorship or peer consultation groups after initial training provide the strongest support for translating classroom learning into confident clinical application.
What Are the Core Competencies Developed in CBT Training?
Effective CBT training develops a specific set of clinical competencies that go beyond theoretical knowledge. The Cognitive Therapy Rating Scale (CTRS), developed at the Beck Institute, provides a standardized framework for evaluating practitioner competence across key skill domains.
Core competencies include agenda setting, guided discovery through Socratic questioning, identifying and restructuring automatic thoughts and core beliefs, behavioral experiment design, homework assignment and review, and session structuring. Advanced competencies extend to case conceptualization, treatment planning for complex presentations, and adapting standard protocols for specific populations.
Practitioners should expect quality programs to address not only these technical skills but also the interpersonal competencies required for effective CBT delivery, including collaborative empiricism, warmth, and the ability to maintain a structured session while remaining responsive to client needs.
How Can Practitioners Apply CBT in Digital and Blended Formats?
The digital transformation of mental health care has created new opportunities for delivering CBT through technology-enhanced formats. Internet-delivered CBT (iCBT) programs have demonstrated efficacy comparable to face-to-face delivery for conditions including depression, anxiety disorders, and insomnia.
Blended CBT models combine in-person sessions with digital components such as automated psychoeducation modules, self-monitoring tools, and between-session exercises delivered through platforms like Quenza. This approach allows practitioners to extend therapeutic contact beyond traditional session boundaries while maintaining the structured, skills-based framework that defines effective CBT delivery.
When selecting digital tools for CBT delivery, practitioners should prioritize platforms that support customizable activity pathways, outcome measurement integration, and secure client communication to maintain treatment fidelity in the digital environment.
What Does the Research Say About CBT Program Effectiveness?
Meta-analytic research consistently supports CBT as one of the most evidence-based psychotherapeutic approaches, with demonstrated efficacy across more than 20 diagnostic categories. The effectiveness of CBT training programs themselves has also been studied, with research indicating that structured, competency-based training produces measurable improvements in practitioner skill and client outcomes.
Studies comparing different training formats suggest that programs combining didactic instruction with supervised practice produce stronger skill acquisition than lecture-based formats alone. Ongoing supervision and consultation following initial training appear critical for maintaining and extending CBT competencies, with research showing skill decay in practitioners who do not receive ongoing support.
The growing evidence base for digital and blended CBT delivery has expanded the scope of what CBT programs need to cover, with leading training organizations now incorporating telehealth competencies and digital tool proficiency into their curricula.
How Do You Maintain CBT Skills After Certification?
Obtaining initial CBT certification represents the beginning rather than the endpoint of competency development. Research on therapist skill development indicates that expertise in CBT requires deliberate practice, ongoing feedback, and continued learning over years of clinical application.
Effective strategies for maintaining and advancing CBT skills include participating in regular peer consultation or supervision groups, attending annual CBT conferences such as those hosted by the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT), reviewing published outcome data from your own practice, and engaging with current research literature on CBT innovations and adaptations.
Many certification bodies require continuing education hours for recertification, but practitioners should view this as a minimum standard rather than a ceiling. Recording and reviewing sessions with appropriate consent, seeking client feedback through routine outcome monitoring, and pursuing specialized training in new CBT protocols all contribute to sustained professional growth.
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Professional Disclaimer: This article is intended for licensed practitioners, therapists, and coaches seeking CBT training and certification information. The information provided is not a substitute for professional clinical training, supervised practice, or adherence to your profession’s specific ethical guidelines and competency standards.
Final Thoughts
Deciding which course to pursue can be daunting for mental health professionals – not only are there so many great options available, but there are also numerous factors such as cost, modality, and program prerequisites to consider.
We hope this article has given you a little more clarity about what you want to learn and how you hope to apply your new skills. If you’re inspired to start designing and testing some of your own CBT tools right now, sign up for your free 30-day Quenza trial and see how it works for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become certified in CBT?
CBT certification timelines vary by program and prior experience. Introductory online courses can be completed in 20-40 hours, while comprehensive certification through organizations like the Beck Institute or NACBT typically requires 40-60 hours of didactic training plus supervised clinical practice over 6-12 months. Advanced certification with the Academy of Cognitive Therapy requires documented competency across multiple cases.
Can I get CBT certification entirely online?
Several accredited programs offer fully online CBT certification, including courses through the Beck Institute, NACBT, and university-based continuing education programs. Online programs typically include video lectures, interactive exercises, and virtual role-play components. However, programs that include some form of live supervised practice, even via telehealth, tend to produce stronger clinical competency outcomes.
What is the difference between CBT certification and licensure?
Licensure is a state-regulated credential that authorizes you to practice therapy independently, while CBT certification is a voluntary specialty credential demonstrating advanced competency in cognitive behavioral techniques. You must hold a valid clinical license before pursuing CBT certification. Certification enhances your professional profile and signals specialized expertise to clients and referral sources.
Do I need a specific degree to pursue CBT training?
Most comprehensive CBT certification programs require a graduate degree in psychology, counseling, social work, or a related mental health field, along with a current clinical license. However, introductory CBT courses may be open to graduate students, coaches, and other helping professionals. Requirements vary by program, so verify prerequisites before enrolling.
How much does CBT certification typically cost?
CBT certification costs range from $200-500 for basic online courses to $2,000-5,000 for comprehensive programs with supervised practice components. Beck Institute programs typically fall in the $1,500-3,000 range. Many practitioners offset costs through employer-sponsored continuing education budgets, professional development grants, or tax-deductible education expenses.
What is iCBT and how does it differ from traditional CBT training?
Internet-delivered CBT (iCBT) refers to the delivery of CBT protocols through digital platforms, not the training itself. iCBT programs use structured online modules, digital worksheets, and automated check-ins to deliver therapeutic content to clients. Practitioners need additional training in digital delivery methods, platform management, and adapting face-to-face CBT techniques for the online environment.
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