Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is "a time-sensitive, structured, present-oriented psychotherapy directed toward solving current problems, and teaching client skills to modify dysfunctional behavior."

CBT is a behavior therapy that is based on the cognitive model, which is the way that people perceive a certain event or situation is more closely connected to their own reaction than to the situation that is occurring. CBT stresses on the fact that the client can change the way they think, and they can gain control of their mood. When behavior therapists use CBT for clients over time, improvements and alleviation of symptoms from mental disorders becomes near constant.

CBT is a very popular behavior therapy technique and is a proven, reliable treatment for mental disorders. CBT is popular because it combines behavioral therapy with cognitive therapy. The main teaching of CBT is how important it is to realize the effect your thoughts and feelings have on your interpretation of certain situations. These factors can also control your mood, which makes CBT an effective choice with people suffering form mental disorders that greatly affect mood.

Behavioral therapists typically have a client focus on addressing present problems they are going through at the time of therapy. By focusing on how to solve the problem, those people develop different reactionary skills when processing similar situations in the future. Developing healthier reactions is the key to overcoming symptoms of mental disorders.