Behavioral Therapy Health Article

Research & general acceptance

The use of behavioral modification techniques to treat an array of mental health problems have been extensively described and studied in medical literature. There may be some debate among mental health professionals as to whether behavioral therapy should be considered a first line treatment for some mental illnesses, and to what degree other treatments such as medication should be employed as an adjunct, or complementary, therapy. However, the general consensus seems to be that behavioral therapy techniques can be a powerful treatment tool for helping patients change undesirable behaviors.

Training & certification

Behavioral therapists are typically psychologists (Ph.D., Psy.D., Ed.D., or M.A. degree), clinical social workers (M.S.W., D.S.W., or L.S.W. degree), counselors (M.A. or M.S. degree), or psychiatrists (M.D. with specialization in psychiatry). Other healthcare providers may suggest brief behavioral interventions, but more extensive treatment should be left to individuals who are trained in behavioral therapy techniques.

BOOKS

Mills, John. Control: A History of Behavioral Psychology. New York: New York University Press, 1998.

PERIODICALS

Gelder, M."The Future of Behavior Therapy." Journal of Psychotherapy Practice. 6, no. 4 (Fall 1997):285-93.

ORGANIZATIONS

The National Association of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists. P.O. Box 2195, Weirton, WV 26062. (800) 853–1135.

Paula Ford-Martin