Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the main therapies used in the intensive outpatient programs at Orlando Outpatient Center in Maitland. CBT helps you notice the thoughts and habits that drive substance use, depression or anxiety, and practice new ways to respond. Call (407) 968-7717 to ask about CBT in our IOP.
What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
CBT is a structured, goal-focused form of talk therapy. It is based on a simple idea: thoughts, feelings and behaviors affect each other. When you change unhelpful thinking patterns and try new behaviors, your mood and choices tend to change too. CBT is practical and skills-based, and most of the work happens in the present rather than in the distant past.
CBT for Addiction
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, CBT is an effective treatment for alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, methamphetamine and other substance use disorders, and the skills people learn tend to last after treatment ends. In our addiction IOP, CBT helps you:
- Understand what happens before, during and after use, so patterns become visible
- Recognize and question thoughts like “I can handle just one”
- Plan for cravings and high-risk situations before they happen
- Build relapse prevention skills you can use at home and at work
- Replace substance use with activities that meet the same needs
CBT for Depression, Anxiety and Other Conditions
CBT is also a first-line therapy for many mental health conditions. In our mental health IOP, it is used for depression, anxiety, panic disorder, OCD and PTSD, often alongside other approaches.
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Common CBT Techniques
- Thought records: writing down a situation, your automatic thought and a more balanced alternative
- Behavioral activation: scheduling small, meaningful activities to lift mood
- Functional analysis: mapping the triggers and consequences of a behavior
- Problem-solving: breaking a stressful situation into steps you can act on
- Exposure: gradually facing feared situations, used for anxiety-related conditions
- Homework: practicing skills between sessions so they become habits
How CBT Fits Into Our IOP
You will use CBT in skills groups, where you learn and practice techniques with peers, and in individual sessions with your counselor every other week. It is combined with DBT skills, 12-Step facilitation and family involvement when it helps. Groups meet in person in Maitland during the day and on weekday evenings, and telehealth groups are available on Friday and Saturday for Florida residents.
Who CBT Can Help
CBT works well for adults who want practical tools and are willing to practice between sessions. It is a strong fit if you notice that the same thoughts or situations keep leading to the same outcome, whether that is drinking, using or a downward spiral in mood.
CBT FAQs
How does CBT help with addiction?
CBT helps you identify the thoughts, feelings and situations that lead to substance use and practice specific coping skills for each one. The skills tend to last after treatment ends.
How long does CBT take to work?
Many people notice changes within a few weeks of regular practice. In our IOP, CBT continues throughout the program, which most people attend for up to 12 weeks.
Is CBT done in groups or one-on-one?
Both. You practice CBT skills in groups and work on your personal goals in individual sessions with your counselor every other week.
What is the difference between CBT and DBT?
CBT focuses on changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. DBT adds skills for accepting intense emotions, tolerating distress and improving relationships. Our IOP uses both.
Can I do CBT by telehealth?
Yes. Florida residents can attend some IOP groups by telehealth, including our Friday and Saturday sessions.
