1,110 people sought cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) help in California in the last year

Discover how starting therapy with a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

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Starting Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

What is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)?

At Thriveworks, Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a widely recognized and evidence-based form of psychotherapy or talk therapy. It focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns, emotions, and behaviors that can contribute to various mental health issues or challenges that people are struggling with.

What does a cognitive behavioral therapist do?

Cognitive behavioral therapists specialize in Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and can help you to identify and comprehend your thought patterns, which often encompass automatic negative thoughts, cognitive distortions, and self-defeating beliefs. Once these negative thought patterns are pinpointed, cognitive behavioral therapists aim to challenge and replace them with the objective of fostering more constructive and logical thinking. In addition, these therapists place significant emphasis on implementing positive behavioral changes based on the newly established, healthier thought patterns.

What is CBT best for?

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is particularly effective for addressing conditions like anxiety disorders, depression, phobias, and obsessive-compulsive disorders. It focuses on identifying and modifying negative thought patterns and behaviors, making it well-suited for issues related to distorted thinking and emotional regulation.

How much does a CBT session cost?

At Thriveworks, we accept most major insurance plans, allowing many clients to pay as little as $0–$50 per session with their co-pay. We also offer self-pay options for those out-of-network or without insurance. Self-pay rates for talk therapy range from $160 to $240 for intake sessions and $135 to $195 for follow-ups, depending on your state. For psychiatry services, self-pay intake sessions are $255–$375, with follow-ups ranging from $175–$300, also varying by state. More information on current self-pay costs is available on our pricing page.

What is the success rate of CBT?

The success rate of CBT varies depending on the intentions of the client and their condition(s).

What is better: CBT or DBT?

The selection between cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is based on an individual’s unique needs and challenges. CBT is commonly chosen for addressing conditions such as anxiety and depression, whereas DBT is especially beneficial for individuals dealing with borderline personality disorder, emotional regulation issues, and difficulties in interpersonal relationships.

Is CBT conducted in person or online?

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with our Thriveworks therapists in San Diego, CA is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How many sessions is CBT?

Generally, CBT is considered a short-term therapy, typically lasting for about 12 to 20 weekly sessions. In some cases, it might extend to around 16 to 20 sessions for more complex issues.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our San Diego therapists and counselors accept 30 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Shield of California | BCBS

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Community Health Options

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

  • Humana HMO/POS

  • Humana Medicare Advantage

  • Humana PPO | EPO | HDHP

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Self-pay costs at San Diego
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

5.0 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
I started with Dr. Maddy about 3 months ago and I think that I had my last appointment last Friday,1/12. I really enjoyed talking to her. She is very down to earth and, most of all, she listens. I told her some things a few months ago and she remembered when I was talking with her on Friday. Amazing. We talked about a lot of issues, among them, what would I be working on, my certain issues. I would very heartedly recommend her. I can’t say enough kind words about her.
Read more I started with Dr. Maddy about 3 months ago and I think that I had my last appointment last Friday,1/12. I really enjoyed talking to her. She is very down to earth and, most of all, she listens. I told her some things a few months ago and she remembered when I was talking with her on Friday. Amazing. We talked about a lot of issues, among them, what would I be working on, my certain issues. I would very heartedly recommend her. I can’t say enough kind words about her.
Ann Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks in San Diego, CA is located on Camino del Rio S., off of Interstate 8. We share a building with several other businesses including Sucar and Spice Skincare, America’s Retirement Advisory Group, and Massage by Robert.

Phone number

(619) 480-2140

Languages spoken by CA providers

  • English
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in PT

Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in PT

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