Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

1,110 people sought cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) help in California in the last year

Discover how starting therapy with a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Blue Shield of California | BCBS, Cigna | Evernorth, +24 more
Coping Skills, Infidelity, Self Esteem, Stress, Career, +7 more

Life's transitions can be difficult to navigate; I am here to support you on your journey toward healing and growth.

13 more therapist available in California

Give us a call to schedule your next appointment, or browse through our full list of available providers.

Thuy Ulrich

Hear from Thuy Ulrich, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT)

View Thuy Ulrich's profile

What is your go-to approach for cognitive behavioral therapy?

My typical approach for helping people in cognitive behavioral therapy is fundamentally the same across all modalities — meeting them at their level and readiness for change. I find this works best because they are the experts on themselves. They need to be the ones driving things or the actions won’t be meaningful.

What tools do you teach in cognitive behavioral therapy?

I teach many tools in cognitive behavioral therapy that are catered to each person’s needs. For example:

  • Coping tools that build upon their existing coping mechanisms to help make their tools more effective
  • Mindfulness tools that help build awareness and understanding of their emotions on a scaling perspective
  • Insight tools like the cognitive triangle to help understand their common thinking traps
  • Communication tools to help them feel heard when expressing feelings & needs

How do you know when a client is making meaningful progress in cognitive behavioral therapy?

I know clients are making meaningful progress in therapy when they start reporting improvements in their lives and/or relationships. It’s important to help clients recognize and celebrate their successes, no matter how small.

What can clients do in their personal time to supplement cognitive behavioral therapy?

Clients can supplement their therapy by practicing some good self-care & the coping tools discussed, or just by considering how the concepts from sessions can be applied. In cognitive behavioral therapy, consistent practice of tools is the foundation of forming new and healthier habits.

What should someone do to prepare for starting cognitive behavioral therapy?

To prepare for their first session, clients can consider what their goals for therapy might be and keep an open mind for their new journey. Therapy can open doors to new concepts and methods of approach if clients are ready to open those doors.

Starting Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

What is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)?

At Thriveworks, Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a widely recognized and evidence-based form of psychotherapy or talk therapy. It focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns, emotions, and behaviors that can contribute to various mental health issues or challenges that people are struggling with.

What does a cognitive behavioral therapist do?

Cognitive behavioral therapists specialize in Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and can help you to identify and comprehend your thought patterns, which often encompass automatic negative thoughts, cognitive distortions, and self-defeating beliefs. Once these negative thought patterns are pinpointed, cognitive behavioral therapists aim to challenge and replace them with the objective of fostering more constructive and logical thinking. In addition, these therapists place significant emphasis on implementing positive behavioral changes based on the newly established, healthier thought patterns.

What is CBT best for?

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is particularly effective for addressing conditions like anxiety disorders, depression, phobias, and obsessive-compulsive disorders. It focuses on identifying and modifying negative thought patterns and behaviors, making it well-suited for issues related to distorted thinking and emotional regulation.

How much does a CBT session cost?

At Thriveworks, we take most major forms of insurance, meaning many of our clients only pay a small $0-$50 co-pay. However, we have self-pay options, too. For those out-of-network, our therapy and psychiatry services are around $200, depending on the service and location.

What is the success rate of CBT?

The success rate of CBT varies depending on the intentions of the client and their condition(s).

What\'s better: CBT or DBT?

The selection between cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is based on an individual’s unique needs and challenges. CBT is commonly chosen for addressing conditions such as anxiety and depression, whereas DBT is especially beneficial for individuals dealing with borderline personality disorder, emotional regulation issues, and difficulties in interpersonal relationships.

Is CBT conducted in person or online?

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with our Thriveworks therapists in Irvine, CA is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How many sessions is CBT?

Generally, CBT is considered a short-term therapy, typically lasting for about 12 to 20 weekly sessions. In some cases, it might extend to around 16 to 20 sessions for more complex issues.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our Irvine therapists and counselors accept 28 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Shield of California | BCBS

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

  • Humana HMO/POS

  • Humana Medicare Advantage

  • Humana PPO | EPO | HDHP

  • Imperial Health Plan Medicare Advantage

Show more
Self-pay costs at Irvine
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

5.0 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
So thankful to have been connected to my therapist.
Sulyn Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Irvine is off of Irvine Center Drive and Yale Avenue. We are across the street from Wildwood Park, and near Good Shepherd Preschool.

Phone number

(657) 315-1250

Languages spoken by CA providers

  • Vietnamese
  • English
  • Spanish
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in PT

Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in PT

8 photos