Find a CBT Therapist Near Me

An autistic behavioral therapist works with autistic kids and adults on daily skills, communication, and managing big feelings. Some use applied behavior analysis, often called ABA. ABA is widely used and also widely debated. Many autistic adults prefer approaches that respect how their brain works rather than push them to mask. Ask any provider how they handle that.

In an ABA or autism clinic, a behavioral therapist technician or behavioral therapist assistant often runs the day-to-day practice. A board-certified analyst writes the plan. Make sure you know who your child actually sees each week.

Social cognitive therapy

A social cognitive therapist focuses on how people read faces, tone, and social cues. This overlaps with CBT, since both look at the link between thoughts and behavior. For autistic clients, anxious teens, or adults with social anxiety, a social cognitive therapist can teach concrete steps for hard moments like job interviews or group chats.

CBT can also help autistic people who deal with anxiety or OCD at the same time, as long as it is adapted with visual tools and clear structure. Ask whether the therapist has worked with autistic clients before, not just neurotypical ones.

A CBT therapist for ADHD does not treat ADHD the way medication does. Instead, CBT for ADHD builds the systems your brain finds hard. You work on starting tasks, planning, time blindness, and the harsh self-talk that often comes with years of missed deadlines.

A skilled CBT therapist for ADHD gives you outside structure. Think checklists, timers, and small rewards, not just willpower advice. Sessions focus on what gets in your way this week.

What to expect

• Skills for breaking big tasks into small steps
• Ways to handle distraction and put-off chores
• Tools to quiet shame and rebuild confidence
• Homework you try out between visits

CBT for ADHD pairs well with medication for many adults and teens, but it can stand alone too. If you also struggle with anxiety or low mood, tell your therapist up front so the plan covers both at once. Ask how many clients with ADHD they see, since that experience shows in the practical tools they reach for.

Most CBT therapists charge $100 to $200 for a 45 to 60 minute session when you pay out of pocket. In big metros like Denver, Orlando, or Raleigh, rates can run higher. Sliding scale spots, where fees drop to about $40 to $100, fill fast, so ask early.

If you use insurance, many plans cover CBT with a copay of roughly $20 to $60 per visit. Call your plan and ask if the therapist is in network, since out-of-network visits usually cost more.

Ways to lower the cost

• Ask about sliding scale or a reduced first-visit rate
• Check if a university training clinic offers low-cost sessions
• See if your job has an EAP with free sessions
• Pay with an HSA or FSA card

A full CBT course often runs 8 to 20 weekly sessions, so ask for a rough plan up front. That helps you budget and know what progress looks like. Prices vary by city and by how specialized the therapist is, so confirm the fee on your first call.

CBT works well over video. Research shows online CBT can match in-person care for anxiety, depression, and panic. If you have a packed schedule, live far from a clinic, or feel safer at home, online may be the easier way to find a cognitive behavioural therapist who fits.

In-person care can be better for young kids, for autism behavioral work that needs hands-on practice, or when you simply focus more in the room. Some people mix both.

How to choose

• Online: handy, more provider choices, good for busy weeks
• In person: better for hands-on or play-based work with kids
• Hybrid: start in person, then shift to video once you click

Whichever you pick, the therapist must be licensed in your state. Use the search box above to find licensed counselors near you by city, then ask each one whether they offer video, in-person visits, or both. A short intro call tells you fast whether the format and the person feel right.

Our roster shows licensed mental health counselors near you, but it does not filter by a niche like CBT or autism care. Use it to find real, licensed providers, then confirm fit on a quick first call. These questions sort skilled clinicians from the rest.

Ask these on the first call

• Are you trained in CBT, and how many clients with my concern do you see?
• For autism: do you use ABA, and how do you respect autistic preferences?
• Who runs my sessions, you or a behavior technician?
• What does a typical CBT plan and homework look like?
• Are you licensed in my state, and do you take my insurance?

Look for clear credentials like LPC, LCSW, LMFT, or PhD, plus specific CBT training. A good sign is a therapist who names the cognitive model and explains homework in plain words. Trust your gut on the call, since fit matters as much as the letters after a name.

If you ever have thoughts of suicide or self-harm, you do not have to wait for an appointment. Call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which is free and open 24/7. A CBT therapist can then help you build longer-term coping skills.

What does a CBT therapist do?

A CBT therapist helps you spot unhelpful thoughts, test them against facts, and change the actions tied to them. Sessions are active and goal-focused, with skills to practice between visits. The aim is real tools you can use in daily life, not open-ended talk.

How much does a CBT therapist cost near me?

Self-pay sessions usually run $100 to $200 for 45 to 60 minutes, and higher in big cities. Sliding scale spots drop to about $40 to $100 when available. With insurance, copays are often $20 to $60, so call your plan to check if the therapist is in network.

Can a CBT therapist help with ADHD?

Yes. A CBT therapist for ADHD builds practical systems for planning, starting tasks, and managing time, plus tools to quiet shame and self-blame. It pairs well with medication for many people but can also stand alone. Ask how many ADHD clients the therapist works with.

Is online CBT as good as in-person therapy?

For anxiety, depression, and panic, research shows online CBT can work as well as in-person care. Video is handy and opens up more provider choices. In-person visits can be better for young kids or hands-on autism work. Many people do a mix of both.

How do I know a therapist is really trained in CBT?

Ask directly if they are trained in CBT and how often they use it for your concern. Look for licenses like LPC, LCSW, LMFT, or PhD, plus specific CBT training. A strong sign is a therapist who explains the cognitive model and homework in plain words on your first call.

What if I have thoughts of suicide between sessions?

You do not have to wait for your next appointment. Call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which is free and open 24 hours a day. Once you are safe, your CBT therapist can help you build longer-term coping skills.