Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a structured, skill-based approach that helps people understand and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. At Alamo Premier Mental Health in San Antonio, Texas, the team uses CBT to empower patients with practical tools for managing anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges. By combining compassionate guidance with evidence-based strategies, they help patients build resilience and move toward a more active, fulfilling life. Contact Alamo Premier Mental Health to request more information about CBT or arrange an in-person or telehealth consultation online today.

What is CBT?

CBT is a form of talk therapy (psychotherapy) that helps you understand how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors connect with each other. It helps you notice unhelpful patterns, challenge them, and substitute them with healthier, more balanced ways of thinking and responding.

CBT is practical, goal-oriented, and focused on helping you build real-life skills you can use every day. It’s typically a short- to medium-term therapy, with some people seeing improvements in just a few weeks, while others continue for several months.

The length of therapy depends on your needs, your goals, and the pace that feels right for you.

How does CBT work?

In CBT, you and your therapist work together to identify the thoughts and beliefs that may contribute to your stress, anxiety, depression, or other concerns.

Once you recognize these patterns, you learn strategies to shift your thinking and change the behaviors that may be holding you back. You practice these skills during sessions and in your day-to-day life so you can make lasting improvements.

What conditions can CBT help with?

CBT is effective for numerous mental health conditions, including:

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Bipolar disorder
• Panic disorder
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Insomnia
• Conduct disorder
• Adjustment disorders
• Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder
• Oppositional defiant disorder

It can also help with stress management and relationship challenges. Because CBT teaches coping skills you can use long-term, many people find it helpful even after therapy ends.

What happens during a CBT session?

During your session, you’ll talk openly with your therapist about your thoughts and experiences. Your therapist may guide you through exercises, teach you new coping strategies, or help you explore the effects your feelings and actions have on your thinking.

You’ll also set goals together and review your progress over time. CBT is active and collaborative; you’re not just talking; you’re learning and practicing new tools. The aim is to empower you with skills that support healing, resilience, and a fuller, more active life.

Do you have homework in CBT?

Homework helps you apply what you’re learning in real-life situations, so your therapist will likely give you short exercises or worksheets to complete between sessions.

This might include tracking your thoughts, practicing relaxation techniques, or trying new behaviors that support your goals.

Through CBT, Alamo Premier Mental Health works with you to build confidence, reduce symptoms, and create lasting changes. Call the office to learn more, or request an in-person or telehealth appointment online today.