CBT in Psychiatric Rehabilitation

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy is a relatively new form of psychotherapy. Initiated in the 1960’s by Aaron Beck M.D. and compliment by Maxie Maultsby M.D. Rational Behavior Therapy, the fusion of the two was the beginning of what we call CBT today. CBT is an approach that emphasizes the important role of thinking. What are the transitions of mood and feeling in the everyday of what we do.

Psychiatric Rehabilitation is the attempt at consumer recovery through the aim of reducing barriers as well as the implications of the disabling factors in individual’s succession into community integration. This is done through various tools, trainings and adoptions of skill sets taught by specialists to the consumer. The goal is to educate not treat the consumer.

Two popular CBT techniques in psychiatric rehabilitation is the incorporation of Cognitive behavioral social skills training (CBSST) and Supportive contact (SC). These are two different approaches to assist the consumer on their path to recovery.

Cognitive behavioral social skills training (CBSST) a form of CBT utilized in rehabilitation settings, is when a group behavioral therapy intervention focuses on improving cognitive and social skills deficits that interfere with normal functioning in consumers.

Supportive contact (SC) is a group therapy intervention that focuses on helping consumers to verbalize their problems or worries and to seek advice from fellow group members.

These are a few of the many tools that are used by rehabilitation specialists to assess changes in cognition.  Training and education for individuals with persistent severe mental illness is just a small portion of benefits of psychiatric rehabilitation.