Indications
Primary Indications
Post Traumatic Stress DisorderMajor Depressive DisorderGeneralized Anxiety DisorderTrauma Related Conditions
A structured, research-backed form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that helps people recover from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related problems by working on unhelpful beliefs about the trauma.
Reviewed by the HeyPsych Medical Review Board · Reviewed November 24, 2025
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Used for
Also prescribed for (off-label)
Common use
Cognitive Processing Therapy is used for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The full guide below has the details.
About Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)How many people in 100 notice each one in clinical studies. Many early side effects fade within a few weeks.
Severe emotional flooding leading to dropout
Thoughts of suicide? Call or text 988, any time.
Everything we know about Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), section by section.
14 chapters · about 14 min to read it all. Open any one.
Frequency: Weekly sessions.
Duration: 12 structured sessions (can be extended if clinically necessary).
Total Treatment Time: 3–4 months.
Review of homework and symptom check-in.
Introduction of cognitive skills, identification of stuck points, processing of trauma-related thoughts.
Assignment of practice exercises and monitoring of symptom changes.
typical session cost: $120–$200/session
total treatment cost: $1,400–$2,400 for a standard course
insurance coverage: Often covered under psychotherapy benefits
cost effectiveness: Cost-effective given long-term remission and reduced healthcare utilization in trauma survivors
Not always effective for complex trauma with severe dissociation; dropout rates can be higher in highly symptomatic populations.
This treatment information is for educational purposes only. Treatment decisions should be made in consultation with qualified healthcare professionals based on individual circumstances, symptoms, and medical history. Do not attempt treatment without professional guidance.
Thinking about Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)? A prescriber can tell you if it fits.
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