Bedside Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Techniques in Primary Care

There is strong evidence supporting the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for the treatment of numerous clinical conditions commonly present in primary care. CBT interventions are time limited and goal directed, which allows them to be implemented within primary care settings. CBT techniques can be implemented effectively at the bedside at each stage of care throughout the lifespan to enhance mental and physical functioning. It is important for primary care clinicians to be empowered to utilize nonpharmacological techniques such as CBT while also recognizing the limits of their expertise and training in CBT.