One reason for the disparity between those who may struggle with mental health conditions and those who get treatment is that older adults may still perceive some stigma around these topics. They also might not realize what treatment options are available.

Therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy, is one treatment option that can help with a wide range of mental health issues. Getting therapy is a proactive choice for your health. Think of it like running, which might be something you do to maintain mobility and address cardiovascular health, or a move into an assisted living community, which might be a choice you make to help reduce day-to-day stressors and free up your time for an active, vibrant lifestyle.

What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a specific type of talk therapy. It's also referred to as CBT. During a CBT session with a licensed therapist, someone works to identify thought and behavior patterns that aren't serving them well. They work to find and practice new coping skills to respond to internal thoughts and external stimuli in a more positive and healthier way.

The basic premise behind cognitive behavioral therapy is that the way you think about situations impacts your emotional (inward) and physical (outward) responses. By developing strategies for healthier responses in your thought processes, you can positively impact emotions and actions.

Where Do You Get CBT?

CBT services are provided at many locations. They're a common treatment method included in inpatient and outpatient programs designed to treat substance abuse disorders and mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression. Individual therapy providers may see clients in their offices or at large private practices that offer a variety of mental and physical health care services.

An upward trend in telehealth makes therapy available via digital methods too. You may be able to connect with a therapist for cognitive behavioral therapy online, meeting via Zoom or other web conferencing software. Some companies also offer CBT through apps and texting options, which is helpful for individuals who find it easier to communicate in writing.

Benefits of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Taking the time to process your emotions and responses to events in your life is often a good option for supporting better mental health. You can do this through exercises such as journaling, verbally processing thoughts with a trusted friend or taking time for meditation. However, the benefits of cognitive behavioral therapy with an experienced therapist go beyond simply processing emotions.

CBT is evidence-based — that means there's a lot of research demonstrating that it's effective. On top of being easily accessible, CBT is often less costly than other forms of treatment and may be something people try before they consider a more invasive option or medication. Some other benefits of CBT include:

• Being an effective option in many situations. It's used to help people deal with high levels of stress, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, grief, major life changes, phobias and addictions.
• Supporting the development of practical skills. The skills someone develops during CBT aren't only relevant to the specific issue being treated or addressed. The ability to challenge negative thoughts and identify better coping skills can serve someone in other areas of their life.
• Improving emotional regulation. Being able to understand how thoughts, emotions and behaviors are related helps someone better manage emotions, particularly those that tend to occur in extremes, such as sadness and anger.

When Might CBT Be Recommended?

‍Cognitive behavioral therapy is often recommended as a treatment option for individuals who are struggling with mental health challenges. If you're dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, problematic sleep, chronic pain, grief, trauma or addiction, CBT might be helpful. Here are some signs cognitive behavioral therapy might be a good option to consider:

• You're struggling with mental health issues of any type that make it difficult to function day-to-day.
• You find yourself avoiding social activities due to anxiety, depression or other mental or emotional challenges.
• You believe you're slipping into increasingly negative thinking patterns.
• You know you don't want to keep behaving and thinking the way you are, but you're not sure how to stop the cycle.

What to Do If You Think CBT Is Right for You

‍If you're a resident in an assisted living community such as Bethesda Gardens in Fort Worth, Texas, you might mention your decision to staff for help connecting with a local therapist. You can also ask your doctor for a referral or find a local community mental health center and make an appointment.