How effective is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for anxiety? What are the success rates of a self-help course compared to face-to-face therapy, according to studies? What should you know about the success rates of self-help courses and for whom it is suitable?
How effective is CBT treatment for anxiety?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is among the most effective treatments, if not the most effective treatment, for the entire spectrum of anxiety.
The only treatment that has been found to be more effective for anxiety is CBT in combination with medication, though this treatment is often offered in more severe cases. In the vast majority of cases the issue can be solved with CBT treatment alone.
What are the success rates of a CBT self-help course for anxiety?
Studies* comparing the effectiveness of CBT self-help courses with face-to-face therapy have found that self-help programs developed by CBT specialists have been found to be as effective, if not more so, than treatment with a therapist.
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Start Free Mini-CourseMost studies have indicated a success rate of 60%-80% for self-help courses.
What should you know about the success rates of self-help courses?
It’s important to take into consideration that there are factors that may lower the success rate of self-help courses. These include:
- To what extent is the patient motivated to work on change in the first place?
- How consistently does the patient practice with the tools they receive on a weekly basis?
- Are they committed to and persistent in the process?
- Are they willing to try new ways of coping that might feel scary at first?
It’s also important to check if there are factors that may conflict with self-help treatment, such as patients with various addictions, neurological and cognitive problems, or a history of psychotic issues. These patients may be less suited for self-help programs.
Dr. Ohad has developed a unique self-help program using the CBT method, which offers explanations, tools and exercises identical to those provided at his clinic.
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The 12-week CBT-TIME course gives you the structured, professional guidance that makes self-help CBT actually work.
Explore the 12-Week CourseParticipants in Dr. Ohad’s self-help course can turn to him for help if the need arises, and receive assistance in utilizing the tools or achieving symptom relief.
Links to Research Studies:
- Internet-Based Self-Help Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (iCBT) for Depression
- Does Web-Based CBT Work?
- The Effectiveness of Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders
- Internet-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression: Current Progress & Future Directions
- Internet-based vs. face-to-face cognitive behavior therapy for psychiatric and somatic disorders: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis