CBT Near Me (Canada): Finding Cognitive Behavioral Therapy For Mental Health

CBT refers to cognitive behavioral therapy, one of the most widely studied and widely used evidence-based treatment. Given that CBT is such a common approach, most mental health professionals have experience employing this method to help clients address various mental disorders and everyday life challenges. However, some people might not know where to access therapy services, and others might wonder where to find a professional who provides CBT sessions. Here, we’ll explore what CBT is, what it’s used for, and where to find this type of evidence-based, compassionate support in Canada. 

The role of animals in therapy

What is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)?

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based form of therapy used to treat a diverse array of mental health conditions and concerns. While it’s often used for diagnosable illnesses like depression and anxiety, individuals can also learn practical tools for low self-esteem, intrusive thoughts, panic attacks, relationship conflict, and more. 

How CBT can help 

Numerous peer-reviewed studies have demonstrated CBT to often be an effective treatment for a wide range of mental health conditions, including but not limited to: 

• Depression
• Social anxiety disorder (formerly called “social phobia”)
• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Bipolar disorder
• Eating disorders
• Substance use disorder

Again, keep in mind that CBT isn’t just for people living with one of the above mental disorders. It can also often help people navigate life transitions and interpersonal challenges. In general, a qualified therapist can use CBT to identify inaccurate beliefs that may be limiting a person’s ability to face life challenges and then help the client shift these beliefs with self-compassion. 

Conditions CBT Can Help With

CBT can be used to treat both maladaptive behaviors and mental health conditions – such as intrusive thoughts, obsessive compulsive disorder, and depression. At times, behavioral patterns are a sign of an underlying mental health condition. For example, panic attacks are considered a type of anxiety disorder. For symptoms that affect everyday life or a diagnosed mental health condition, CBT can be beneficial. 

Other types of CBT

Many other types of individual therapy fall under the umbrella of CBT due to being based on its core principles. Here are a couple of examples of CBT-related modalities that may be used for specific illnesses. 

Dialectical behavior therapy 

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) was designed for people who experience emotions especially intensely. For this reason, DBT is often used for those who are living with borderline personality disorder, but it may also be used to address many other types of challenges. DBT focuses on using present-focused, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy principles and emotional regulation techniques like grounding and active listening to improve well-being and relationships.

Enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy

Another type of CBT is enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT-E). CBT-E is designed for people who are experiencing an eating disorder. It includes therapy strategies to address obstacles that are considered external to eating disorders, such as low self-esteem and clinical perfectionism. 

CBT near me Canada: Where to find mental health care

Since CBT is so common, it may be easier to find a provider who practices it than to find a provider who practices some other types of therapy. If you’d like to connect with a cognitive behavioral therapist in person, family physicians or a registered nurse at a family practice can often provide a referral, or an online search can be a useful starting point. Inquiring at your local community center or clinic could be helpful too, as could asking friends or community members for a recommendation.

Using online directories to find a CBT provider in Canada

You could also use a directory. Whether it’s specific to CBT providers or not, you’re likely to find therapists who practice this modality. Some examples include:

• Healing In Colour, a directory of BIPOC therapists based in Canada
• The Canadian Association of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies (CACBT), a directory of CBT therapists in Canada
• Inclusive Therapists, a social justice-oriented directory of therapists in Canada that you can search by modality, from CBT to acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)

Also, some universities with a master’s program in counseling may allow counselors in training to provide CBT under the supervision of a credentialed therapist. This option may allow people to find CBT at a more affordable rate. 

Who Provides CBT in Canada

In Canada, therapy services like CBT are offered by a range of mental health professionals; from social workers to therapists or even graduate students in the process of obtaining their qualifications. Since CBT is a specialized form of care, each healthcare provider receives extensive training before speaking with clients. A registered social worker for example, often undergoes additional coursework and supervised clinical hours focused on cognitive behavioral techniques. 

Virtual Counselling and Accessibility

Whether attending sessions from Montreal, Ontario, or Nova Scotia, virtual counseling makes it easier to access therapy than ever before. Individuals can take advantage of internet-based video calls, chat platforms, phone sessions, and even mobile apps, where they can seek support from a compassionate therapist. As well as providing good company, a virtual therapist can offer first hand guidance, treatment, and care. 

Evidence-Based Treatment and Assessments

As well as being an evidence-based treatment for depression, obsessive compulsive disorder (response prevention therapy), and anxiety, research suggests that CBT helps children understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. During sessions for both adults and children, therapists use assessments to identify unhelpful behavioral patterns and techniques for personal growth. CBT can be a chance to develop new skills and live a more fulfilling life.

Preparing for CBT Sessions

Before attending CBT, it can be helpful for clients to reflect on their personal goals, challenges they face in everyday life, and what they want from therapy sessions. Taking this first step can help when dealing with difficulties during the therapy process. Some common ways to reflect and prepare include: 

• Journal – write about recurring thoughts, emotions, or events to identify ways to grow beyond present limitations
• Set intentions – think about what practical tools and skills you’d like to learn in therapy sessions, such as learning to communicate clearly with a partner
• Plan questions – prepare questions about how the therapy process works, what to expect during sessions, and how the therapist hopes to improve your life

The option of online CBT: Key benefits

Some people might live in an area with few credentialed therapists. In such cases, it may be more feasible to search for CBT from an online therapist. With online therapy, you can connect with a therapist from anywhere in Canada remotely—via audio, video, or live chat—at times that suit your schedule. 

Online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp also allows individuals to reach out to their therapist at any time through in-app messaging, and their therapist will respond as soon as they’re able. This feature may be helpful on days when individuals experience negative thoughts that are affecting their mental well-being, as they can communicate with their therapist in the moment instead of waiting until their next therapy session. 

Is online CBT near me in Canada really effective?

In addition to offering flexible communication options, online therapy has a strong basis of support in the psychological literature. For example, one review of studies on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) suggests that online CBT can often be effective for treating depression, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, phobias, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorder, among other mental disorders.