Training primary care physicians in cognitive behavioral therapy: A review of the literature

Patients often seek mental health treatment through primary care. Training primary care physicians (PCPs) in approaches to address common mental health concerns may be a useful method for narrowing gaps in care. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is especially applicable in medical settings given its brief, skill-based approach and strong evidence for a number of presenting problems. This paper reviews the current literature on training PCPs in CBT with a focus on PCP-level outcomes.

We reviewed studies that described and evaluated CBT training programs for PCPs. Of 652 records identified and screened, 33 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility, resulting in 9 articles identified for inclusion.

We extracted and report information about study design, participants, intervention and dose, training content, and outcomes (PCP reaction, learning, and performance; patient outcomes).

There was substantial variability in sample size, methodology, training content and design, and assessment of outcomes, which translated into mixed findings across studies. In order to best assess effectiveness and allow replicability, future studies should provide adequate information about training curricula and assess multiple levels of learning outcomes.

Additional studies are needed to determine whether PCPs effectively implement skills within routine practice after CBT training.