Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a psychosocial intervention that focuses on the link between thoughts, feelings and behaviours, especially the way that unhelpful thoughts lead to and maintain distressing feelings and undesirable behaviours. CBT is a short term, collaborative approach that aims to help children and young people to understand and change their unhelpful thoughts and behaviours in order to feel happier and more in control of their emotions.

CBT has a strong evidence base for supporting positive mental health and wellbeing for children and young people, particularly in relation to reducing levels of anxiety, depression and promoting self-esteem. If you are interested in finding out more about the research base for the use of CBT with children and young people, please explore our Research Hub.

CBT can be facilitated at the individual or small group level and typically takes place once a week for 1 hour for the duration of 10-12 weeks. This includes initial and review consultations with the child or young person, parent(s)/carer(s) and school staff and pre-and post assessment to gather initial information, set targets and evidence the impact of the CBT. Prices vary depending on the nature of the intervention and context and typically cost between £100-125 per session.