A mental health professional can become a cognitive behavioral therapist by completing training and practice, taking certification classes, or applying to one of the many certifying agencies. The path to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) certification varies by region and agency, and there are several options for achieving this goal. To use CBT with individuals or groups, you don’t need any kind of certification other than a license to practice therapy. Anyone interested in using CBT should have adequate training and experience in this type of therapy.
A license to practice therapy is a prerequisite for becoming a cognitive behavioral therapist. This requirement is met by licensed psychiatrists, psychologists, and professional counselors. CBT is also available to marriage and family therapists and licensed clinical social workers. If possible, any of these professionals should take CBT classes while still in school and get hands-on experience with the therapy.
Once a person has a license, college training provides a solid foundation for using CBT. Provisional certification in CBT can sometimes be obtained through graduate school training. This is the model followed by the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies.
At the graduate school or practicum level, not everyone gets a lot of practice. People who are already licensed can take advantage of a variety of post-graduate seminars and continuing education unit opportunities to gain the skills they need to become a cognitive behavioral therapist. Some of these programs offer certification as a result of their completion.
When it comes to professional practice of cognitive behavioral therapy, there are no requirements other than licensure and competence. Many practitioners are content with being competent, and they work with clients effectively in this modality. Some practitioners want to become a cognitive behavioral therapist to show their clients that they are competent, to align themselves with specific therapy techniques, and/or to join a professional group of CBT therapists. Practitioners may have a variety of certification options, regardless of the reason for certification.
One way to become a certified cognitive behavioral therapist is to take CBT classes. Another option is to apply to professional certification agencies. Individuals can become certified through the National Association of Cognitive Behavioral Therapists (NACBT) or the Academy of Cognitive Therapy in the United States, for example (ACT).
Applications to certifying agencies can be costly, and letters of recommendation from colleagues may be required. Certification as a cognitive behavioral therapist may also be contingent on a certain number of years of experience and a case review or videotape demonstration of CBT skills. Different types of certification exist, and the type chosen may be determined by the practitioner’s area of expertise, such as group versus individual therapy.
Any practitioner should carefully examine certifying agencies. The value of certification from any professional organization is determined by the organization’s reputation. Members of the best agencies should be recognized as experts in the field of CBT.