Therapy for Behavioral Disorders

Clinically Reviewed By: Corey Pitts, MA, LCMHC

What is behavior therapy?

Behavior therapy uses the principles of operant conditioning and classical conditioning to help individuals change habits, manage symptoms, and feel in control of their behavior. The core idea is that all behaviors are learned, so people may be able to identify and change the behavior patterns that don’t serve them. 

Behavior therapy is all about identifying and modifying unwanted behaviors, so it’s more structured than general talk therapy. It uses structured behavioral therapy techniques and goals as markers to help people track the progress of their efforts. It has some overlaps with cognitive therapy (CBT), a type of talk therapy that aims to change negative ways of thinking and the behaviors that go with it.

Behavioral therapy may be a useful tool for things like anxiety disorders, phobias, OCD, and ADHD, and may be used to help cope with a number of conditions that are linked to mental illness. Nonverbal communication is a form of behavior, something that may be better understood and improved through approaches like behavior therapy.

Common behavioral therapy techniques

Behavior therapy techniques include: 

• Exposure therapy: a psychological treatment used to help people overcome fears, often used for anxiety disorders

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): talk therapy that helps people change negative thinking and behavior that comes with it

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): builds coping skills and improves emotional regulation

• Behavioral activation: part of CBT, it helps to treat anxiety and depression by engaging in positive activities that may help reinforce desirable behaviors

What conditions can behavior therapy help with?

Behavioral therapists may use many types of therapeutic techniques and methods within behavior therapy to help a wide range of people. Behavior therapy techniques may be used to treat a range of mental health concerns, such as:

• Anxiety disorders (GAD, social anxiety, panic disorder)

• OCD and related disorders

• Depression and mood disorders

• ADHD and impulse control issues

• Phobias

• Substance use and addiction-related behaviors

• Personality disorders (e.g., BPD)

Working with a licensed mental health professional may help individuals experiencing various mental health conditions determine which approach best fits needs, as behavior therapy techniques may be used in numerous ways.

How can a therapist help with modifying behavior?

The therapist’s role in behavior therapy is to assess the individual while setting attainable goals and applying evidence-based behavior therapy techniques. 

Modifying behavior may take both time and collaboration, which means that the user actively has to work on applying the strategies and using their new coping skills between sessions to support both behavioral and emotional health.

Research suggests that people may generally experience positive outcomes with behavior therapy. Consistency and appropriate support can play an important role.

What to expect in behavior therapy sessions

In the first session, individuals will discuss their mental health history, triggers, and therapy goals. As sessions progress, the therapist will work with users to apply behavioral therapy techniques and assess their progress. Adjustments will be made as needed to help users meet their goals.

BetterHelp allows users to message their therapist anytime, including between sessions, so they might build and practice skills before the next session. This also helps free up more time during sessions to talk about goals and progress.

Why choose BetterHelp for behavior therapy?

BetterHelp is therapy made for the 21st century. Users have access to thousands of licensed, accredited mental health and healthcare professionals at the touch of their fingertips, with whom they may connect in a number of different ways. 

Users are matched with therapists who are experienced in behavior or cognitive therapy approaches, who may help them set attainable goals to help them modify unwanted or negative behaviors.

Doing therapy this way is much more flexible compared to traditional approaches. Users and therapists might connect by video, phone, live chat, and messaging, which eliminates the time spent commuting and sitting in waiting rooms. 

Online therapy makes getting help accessible for busy adults managing schedules, but also provides opportunities for those who live in areas where local providers are scarce. It also works for people who just prefer the privacy and ease that online therapy may offer.

Getting started with BetterHelp

Getting started is a three-step process. First, fill out a short questionnaire that will help match individuals with the right therapist. The second step is finding a match, and the third step is starting therapy. BetterHelp aims to make the process of getting started as straightforward as possible.

BetterHelp may help individuals navigating emotional challenges or considering behavior therapy to improve their mental wellbeing. Take the first step toward changing problematic behavior and get matched with a licensed therapist today.

Behavior therapy the modern way with BetterHelp

Behavior therapy takes time, but it may lead to positive outcomes and achievable milestones with the help of the right therapist. 

Get started with BetterHelp by reaching out and getting matched with the right mental health professional, experienced in behavior therapy, who may help guide individuals in making the positive changes wanted in life.

FAQs

Can behavior therapy help with everyday problematic behaviors, not just mental illness?

Behavior therapy techniques may help adults address a wide range of problematic behaviors, even without a formal mental illness diagnosis.

Do I need a diagnosis to start behavior therapy?

No. A mental health professional may assess individual needs and recommend appropriate behavioral therapy techniques without a prior diagnosis.

Is behavior therapy the same as cognitive therapy?

No, while they overlap (as in CBT), behavior therapy focuses primarily on modifying behavior, whereas cognitive therapy focuses on changing thought patterns.

Can I access behavior therapy online through BetterHelp?

Yes. BetterHelp connects individuals with licensed mental health professionals who provide behavior therapy via video, phone, chat, and messaging.

Is behavior therapy effective for anxiety disorders?

Yes, behavior therapy, particularly CBT and exposure therapy, is one of the most well-researched treatments for anxiety disorders.