Cognitive Therapy Training in U.S. Psychiatry Residency Programs

Abstract

Cognitive therapy (CT) is a relatively new mode of psychotherapy that is effective in the treatment of depression and other psychiatric disorders. The training directors of all U.S. general psychiatry residency programs were surveyed on the amount of time offered in teaching and supervision of CT and in other treatment modalities. Of the 127 responders, 91 % offer some classroom instruction in CT, 54% offer trainees supervised clinical experience, and 23% require such experience. The ranges of instructional time offered and number of patients treated per resident are broad. Thirty-seven percent of training directors consider graduating residents as qualified to practice CT, and 11% consider graduating residents as qualified to supervise others in CT. The authors conclude that little standardization exists in CT training, and they propose a minimum requirement.