Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (also known as Behavioral Therapies, Cognitive, Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive): A directive form of psychotherapy based on the interpretation of situations (cognitive structure of experiences) that determine how an individual feels and behaves. It is based on the premise that cognition, the

NIH MeSH · D015928Psychiatry and Psychology

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Also known asBehavioral Therapies, Cognitive · Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive · Cognitive Behavioral Therapies · Therapies, Cognitive Behavioral · Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral · Cognition Therapy · Cognition Therapies · Therapies, Cognition · Therapy, Cognitive Behavior · Behavior Therapies, Cognitive · Cognitive Behavior Therapies · Therapies, Cognitive Behavior

Definition

A directive form of psychotherapy based on the interpretation of situations (cognitive structure of experiences) that determine how an individual feels and behaves. It is based on the premise that cognition, the process of acquiring knowledge and forming beliefs, is a primary determinant of mood and behavior. The therapy uses behavioral and verbal techniques to identify and correct negative thinking that is at the root of the aberrant behavior.

MeSH classification

  • F04.754.137.350

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Common questions about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

What does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy mean in medicine?
A directive form of psychotherapy based on the interpretation of situations (cognitive structure of experiences) that determine how an individual feels and behaves. It is based on the premise that cognition, the process of acquiring knowledge and forming beliefs, is a primary determinant of mood and behavior. The therapy uses behavioral and verbal techniques to identify and correct negative thinking that is at the root of the aberrant behavior. This definition is taken from the National Library of Medicine's MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) 2026 release, which is the standard vocabulary used to index PubMed and most medical literature.
Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy known by any other names?
Yes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is also referred to as Behavioral Therapies, Cognitive, Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive, Cognitive Behavioral Therapies, Therapies, Cognitive Behavioral in different clinical, research and patient-facing contexts. The MeSH descriptor groups all of these synonyms under a single canonical concept so research and records stay consistent.
Where does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy sit in the medical classification?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy falls under the broader medical category "Psychiatry and Psychology" in the MeSH hierarchy (tree numbers: F04.754.137.350). Browsing the related concepts on this page takes you to neighbouring topics in the same branch of medicine.
Where can I get a plain-language explanation of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
For a plain-language explanation of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - including symptoms, treatments and what it means for an Indian patient - ask GoDavaii's Health AI. It works in 22+ Indian languages, is free and needs no signup. Tap "Ask GoDavaii AI about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy" above.

Source: NIH MeSH 2026 (D015928) — National Library of Medicine, public domain. View official MeSH record ↗