CBT for Depression: How Strong Is the Evidence Today?

"One of the most well-known treatments is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). I was first exposed to CBT as a graduate student in the early 2000s. I remember learning the CBT model and appreciating the simplicity of the CBT triangle, where thoughts, behaviors, and feelings all interacted with one another. I felt empowered to have the tools to help my clients improve their mood by changing their thoughts and behaviors. At that time, CBT was the most studied psychosocial treatment for depression."

"This more recent research has focused on important questions: How does CBT work? Who does CBT work best for? Does CBT improve well-being (not just reduce depression symptoms)? And does CBT work for people from diverse backgrounds (Kunorubwe, 2023)? A recent meta-analysis published in the Journal of Affective Disorders aimed to summarize the most recent studies of CBT for depression (O'Toole et al., 2025). They focused on randomized controlled trials published since 2019."

"Thirty-three percent of the studies tested classic CBT, 51 percent tested contemporary CBT (e.g., acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy), and 16 percent used a combination. There was no difference in effects across the different types of CBT. Across all the studies, medium to large effects were observed on not only depression symptoms, but also other important outcomes like functioning, sleep, and quali"

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) maintains strong evidence as an effective psychosocial treatment for depression. Researchers have adapted and tested CBT variations and tailored core principles for diverse populations over the past two decades. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials since 2019 identified 62 studies. Thirty-three percent tested classic CBT, 51 percent tested contemporary CBT (for example, acceptance and commitment therapy and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy), and 16 percent used combinations. No differences in effects occurred across CBT types. Across studies, medium-to-large effects emerged for depression symptoms and for related outcomes including functioning, sleep, and quality of life.

Read at Psychology Today