Issues in the dissemination of cognitive–behavior therapy

Abstract

In the past 40 years, cognitive–behavior therapy (CBT) has emerged as the initial treatment of choice for patients with mild to moderate depression, anxiety disorders and other problems. In this paper, we discuss issues related to the dissemination and implementation of CBT in various practice settings as well as the use of manuals, computers, the telephone, and the Internet to aid dissemination and implementation. We review key aspects of CBT dissemination, such as the reach of CBT, models of dissemination, and obstacles and barriers to dissemination including patient interest, therapist training and research priorities. The effectiveness of manualized programs is considered, as well as the increasing sophistication of computer-assisted therapy. Stepped-care approaches are discussed as a viable solution to some of these barriers. We provide two examples of successful CBT dissemination, the Staying Free program, a smoking cessation program for inpatients, and the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies program in Britain, which aims to improve access to psychological therapy. We argue that two critical factors will determine the success of implementation of CBT in this century: 1) mandated outcomes and 2) leadership.

• Anxiety
• CBT dissemination
• CBT implementation
• Depression
• Stepped-care