FAQs

The World Confederation of Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies (WCCBT) is the global voice for evidence-based psychological science and practice

Bringing together leading CBT organizations, practitioners, researchers, and policymakers across continents, the WCCBT works to advance mental health worldwide through science, training, and collaboration.

As a unifying confederation, WCCBT connects regional and national CBT associations to share expertise, strengthen training standards, and expand access to advance science and get effective care.

Through our coordinated initiatives—spanning education, global policy advocacy, research dissemination, and government partnerships—we ensure that cognitive and behavioural therapies are delivered competently, compassionately, and sustainably across diverse cultural and health-care settings.

While each of our member organization representing geographical continents retains its own identity, programs, and members, together we form a collaborative global network working toward a common goal: Improving lives through the science and practice of Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies.

The WCCBT serves as a global resource for everyone committed to advancing mental health through evidence-based care:

• Public and People Seeking Help – Access clear, trustworthy information about Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies (CBT) and how they can improve well-being across diverse cultures and settings.
• Clinicians and Researchers – Engage in worldwide knowledge exchange, training initiatives, and opportunities to present and disseminate cutting-edge scientific findings.
• Organizations, Governments, and Policymakers – Collaborate with WCCBT on advocacy, workforce development, and implementation strategies that expand access to quality, evidence-based psychological care.
• Professionals, Students and Trainees – Discover structured pathways for connecting, learning, skill development, and international competency based on the WCCBT Global Training Guidelines.

Together, these communities form the foundation of a global movement to make competent, compassionate CBT accessible to all.

We promote and disseminate evidence‑based CBT, facilitate training and guideline development, convene global events such as our triennial world congresses, annual Global CBT Ambassador events and other webinars, partner with like-minded organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), highlight and publish research and implementation case studies, and support advocacy that broadens access to effective psychological care.

The WCCBT is governed by a Board of Directors drawn from representatives appointed by our full members associations. The WCCBT’s Executive committee is elected by the Board of Directors. Governance details and leadership roles are outlined on the Bylaws page.

The WCCBT is comprised of regional CBT organizations that represent geographical continents across the world.

• Africa (The African CBT Associattion of Africa is currently in the the process of being formed)
• Asia (represented by Asian CBT Association [ACBTA])
• Australasia (represented by the Australian Association of CBT [AACBT], and the New Zealand CBT Association [AnzaCBT]).
• Europe (represented by the European Association of CBT [EABCT])
• North America (represented by the Association of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies [ABCT] and the Canadian Association of CBT [CACBT])
• South America, Central America, and the Caribbean (ALAMOC)
• International Association of CBT (IACBT) – Legacy Founding member

The WCCBT does not have individual members. If you would like to join and contribute to the mission of the WCCBT, you can do so by joining as an individual member of one of our member organizations or as a member of one of their national member organizations.

The WCCBT welcome organizations, societies, universities and the like that are aligned with our mission to join the WCCBT as an affiliate member —WCCBT provides ways to connect and contribute.

If your organization is a non-profit membership based national organization that broadly represents cognitive and behavioral therapies and you would like to would like to contribute to the mission of the WCCBT as a full member, you can do so by applying for full membership to a WCCBT member association within your region.

• Connection to a global CBT community
• Visibility for your organization or work
• Access to training information and implementation resources
• Opportunities to collaborate on international initiatives and events
• Updates on news, guidelines, and the World Congress

Please contact us at president@WCCBT.org.

Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies (CBT) refer to a family of evidence-based psychological treatments that help people identify, accept, and change unhelpful patterns in thinking and behaviour, and in doing so, reduce suffering, improve functioning, and enable people to reach meaningful life goals and build healthy relationships. CBT is structured, collaborative, present‑focused, and goal‑oriented, with strong research support for many conditions across the lifespan.

CBT is based on the principle that our thoughts influence our feelings and behaviors, and vice versa and by accepting and modifying dysfunctional thinking patterns and behaviors, we can achieve lasting improvements in mental, emotional, and behavioral well-being. Please click here for more information.

CBT treatments are highly evidence-based, meaning they have been rigorously tested and proven effective in preventing and treating a wide range of psychological disorders, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and OCD, habit conditions, relationship problems, and even medical conditions like chronic pain and insomnia, and psychotic conditions like schizophrenia. Please click here for more information.

WCCBT does not endorse individual practitioners. We encourage you to reach out to a WCCBT regional member in your area to get help in finding a reputable CBT therapist. You can also consult healthcare systems or university clinics in your area. Ask about training, supervision, and the specific CBT approach used.

Please click here to learn more about CBT, then explore topic‑specific resources and articles.

WCCBT has developed high‑quality training information and guidelines from across our global network. We also convene events where training innovations are organized through our World Congresses, Webinars, Global Ambassador events and through national and regional congresses organized by WCCBT member organizations. If you would like the WCCBT to organize a training event in your region, please contact us at president@WCCBT.org.

The WCCBT has developed training guidelines that outline competencies, supervision standards, and best practices that help clinicians deliver CBT safely and effectively. We link to current guidance and publish updates as standards evolve. Please click here for our current training guidelines. 

The WCCBT is currently in the process of developing guidelines for low intensity CBT and for CBT with children and adolescents. 

Click here to learn core definitions, then review Training & Guidelines for competencies and recommended learning pathways. Consider attending the WCCBT World Congress for workshops, mentoring, and networking and applying for graduate studies in CBT in your country.

The WCCBT World Congress is our flagship triennial international world forum where clinicians, researchers, educators, and policymakers share advances in CBT, implementation science and service innovation.

San Francisco, USA at the Marriott Marquis, June 25–28, 2026. Program, registration, and accommodation details can be found on the Congress page.

Clinicians, researchers, students/trainees, educators, service leaders, and policymakers interested in the science and practice of CBT.

Yes. Calls for abstracts, bursaries/scholarships, and volunteer opportunities are typically announced well in advance. Check the World Congress page and News & Articles for the latest updates.

We provide access to case studies, guideline summaries, and implementation resources to help integrate CBT into health systems. We also share global evidence and collaborate with partners to expand equitable access to effective care.

Use our contact form with a short concept note (aims, audience, timeline). We will route it to relevant committees.

If you are a member of an existing regional association, please submit items via newsletter@wccbt.org (title, summary, category, links, images, and any permissions).

We publish and curate content across the following areas: Assessment & Diagnostics, Prevention & Treatment, CBT Basics, Events, Consumer Resources, General Health, and more. You’ll also find Members in the News highlights and WCCBT updates.

Follow our social channels and Linktree, and sign up for newsletter updates on News & Articles.

Stay connected for news, calls for abstracts, training updates, and resources:

• Linktree
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Instagram
• X/Twitter
• TikTok
• YouTube
• Threads

We strive to meet modern accessibility standards. If you encounter barriers, please let us know so we can improve your experience.

Our primary language is English. We work with partners to expand language access over time; where possible we link to translated materials from member organizations. For example, our training guidelines are translated in multiple languages.

Visit About WCCBT for background and governance information and Contact WCCBT to find the best contact route for your query (general enquiries, media, or partnership requests).

Yes. For interviews, expert commentary, or partnership proposals, please reach out via our contact details. We can connect you with subject‑matter experts across our global network.