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CBT in South Portland, Maine & Tewksbury, Massachusetts

Q: What is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and how does it work?

CBT is a structured, and evidence-based therapy. At Pillars, we use CBT to help individuals identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, and learn healthier coping patterns. CBT focuses on the present, and uses goal-oriented techniques.

Q: Does Pillars offer CBT at all of its locations?

Yes, we offer CBT at all of our locations. Every location has individual and group CBT sessions that can be tailored to your unique schedule and needs.

Q: What type of CBT sessions are available at Pillars?

At all of our locations, we offer individual CBT, and group CBT. In individual CBT, we provide one-on-one sessions with a master's-level therapist. With their help and guidance, you can explore your own personal triggers, negative thinking patterns, and behavior responses. In group CBT sessions, our expert therapists will guide a group of peers who are facing similar mental health challenges. Through group sessions, you can practice skills, share your experiences, and learn together.

Q: What conditions can CBT help treat?

CBT can help treat a wide variety of mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), eating disorders, and other behavioral issues.

Q: How can I get started with CBT at Pillars?

You can reach out to us at anytime by calling our admissions team at (855) 828-0575, filling out our contact form, or filling out our free insurance verification check. We'll assist you with a friendly, no-pressure call to discuss your goals, needs, and next steps.

Get cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) at our Tewksbury, MA and South Portland, ME locations.

Pillars Clinical Team

Licensed clinicians & counselors

This page was clinically reviewed by Shawn Kelly, LMHC

Clinical Director | Clinical Review Policy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a therapeutic modality that helps individuals understand the thoughts and feelings that influence their behaviors. CBT is rooted in the idea that our thoughts, emotions, and actions are all interconnected, and by changing negative thought patterns, we can change the way we feel and act.

CBT is used to treat a variety of mental health conditions including depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and eating disorders. Because of its adaptability and strong track record of successful outcomes, CBT is one of the most-commonly used forms of therapy worldwide.

Read on to discover if CBT is right for you, and how we use CBT to treat mental health challenges at our outpatient rehab programs across New England.

How We Use CBT in Tewksbury & South Portland

At Pillars Health Group, we use CBT in both our Half-Day & Full-Day Outpatient Treatment Programs. Both programs offer individual and group CBT sessions. In individual CBT sessions, one of our expert master’s-level therapists will work one-on-one with each client to explore personal triggers, negative thought patterns, and behavioral responses. This personalized approach allows for deeper self-exploration, and tailored strategies to target the client’s unique needs. It’s especially beneficial for individuals dealing with severe depression, trauma, or anxiety where privacy and focused attention are critical.

Our group CBT sessions bring together like-minded individuals facing similar challenges, like substance use disorders, anxiety, or mood disorders. These sessions offer a supportive peer environment where participants can share experiences, practice skills, and learn from each other. Group settings can help reduce feelings of isolation and stigma, which are often associated with mental health challenges.

Both formats emphasize identifying cognitive distortions, building coping mechanisms, and preventing relapse. These skills make CBT an integral part of our outpatient treatment offering.

Is CBT Right for You?

Deciding if CBT is appropriate depends on each client’s personal goals and challenges. CBT can be great for clients looking for a structured, goal-oriented therapy—one that focuses on present problems and solutions.

CBT may be a good fit for:

…short-term, solution-focused therapeutic approach
…anxiety, depression, or PTSD
…identifying and challenging negative thought patterns
…a structured, evidence-based method with clear goals
…developing practical tools to manage stress, emotions, and relationships
…creating motivation for working on homework assignments between sessions
…support in building self-esteem and emotional resilience
…preventing relapse and long-term issues

Get CBT in Massachusetts & Maine

We’re here to help clients seeking nearby cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in the New England area. We host individual CBT and group CBT sessions held by expert-level therapists and clinicians.

Connect with us today at 855-828-0575 to speak with a care coordinator, learn more about our outpatient programs, and take the first step toward freedom, focus, and fulfillment. We also support clients in navigating the complexities of insurance benefits for DBT treatment. Clients can receive a free, no-pressure insurance verification.

CBT is available at any of our mental health outpatient treatment centers:

890 East St, Tewksbury, MA 01876

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707 Sable Oaks Dr #10, South Portland, ME 04106

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CBT Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and how does it work?

Does Pillars offer CBT at all of its locations?

What type of CBT sessions are available at Pillars?

What conditions can CBT help treat?

How can I get started with CBT at Pillars?

Still have questions?

We're here to help. Reach out to our admissions team today — no pressure, just answers.

Pillars Clinical Team

Licensed clinicians & counselors

Our clinical team includes licensed therapists, counselors, and prescribers with decades of combined experience in outpatient mental health and addiction care.

      Excellent rating  
 Based on 321 reviews 
    
  
 
 
      This Friday, I graduate from Pillars IOP, and honestly, I’m emotional thinking about how far away this moment once felt.
When I started this program, anxiety and OCD had taken over so much of my life. My world had gotten smaller. I was afraid of my thoughts, my emotions, physical sensations, and uncertainty. There were days when simply getting through the day felt like an accomplishment. There were moments when I wondered if I would ever feel like myself again.
This journey has not been perfect. There have been good days, really hard days, setbacks, panic attacks, tears, and moments of doubt. But Pillars taught me that recovery isn't about never feeling anxious again. It’s about learning that I can feel anxious, uncomfortable, or uncertain and still keep living my life.
I learned that I don't have to solve every thought, explain every sensation, or have 100% certainty before moving forward. I learned that setbacks don't erase progress, and that I am capable of handling hard moments.
To the incredible team at Pillars: thank you for challenging me, supporting me, believing in me, and helping me find my way back to myself. You gave me tools I will carry with me long after I graduate.
And to anyone struggling right now:
Please don't give up on yourself simply because you can't see the other side yet. You don't have to take the whole journey today. Just take the next step. Take it scared. Take it uncertain. Take it with tears in your eyes—but keep going.
There was a time when I couldn't imagine getting here.
This Friday, I graduate.
Not because I will never struggle again, but because I now know I can struggle and still keep going.
Thank you, Pillars, for helping me believe in myself again. ❤️‍🩹
     
   Kelley Hartman 
 4 days ago
 
 
 
 
    I don’t always show it in group but the staff here has really helped me in ways I can’t explain in words
     
   Reese Blanchard 
 18 days ago
 
 
 
 
    I started at Pillar Health during a really difficult time in my life. From day one, the team treated me like a person, not a case number. The intake was thorough but never judgmental, and the group sessions actually gave me tools I could use right away.
What stands out most is how the staff follows through and I can’t say enough about how caring they were about my situation. That kind of care is rare.
If you’re struggling with mental health, substance abuse or just need someone in your corner, go to Pillar Health. They genuinely want you to get better.
     
   Andrew F 
 32 days ago
 
 
 
 
    Outstanding clinicians and phenomenal mental health care. I was hesitant to join but am beyond happy and eternally grateful for every group and one-on-one session I experienced. A very well rounded program that has created such a safe and comfortable space to build connections with others in recovery and to develop skills and healthy ways to navigate anxiety, stress, triggers, and unhealthy urges. I wish I could give more than 5 stars. A highly recommended program.
     
   Becky 
 32 days ago
 
 
 
 
    I am so glad to give Pillars Health in Tewksbury the best review. I came into the IOP hesitant, but hopeful .  The staff were engaged and encouraging. I came out of that hesitancy with a positive mental and physical outlook.

The Check in and Check out were expertly handled with both in-person and virtually, making time to make each voice heard with helpful suggestions on how to keep moving forward to a positive, and , educated perspective!
     
   Thembekile Mazibuko 
 34 days ago
 
 
 
 
    Absolutely an exceptional treatment center. Their staff are A+ and are incredibly dedicated to helping their clients. They provide a tremendous amount of support to their clients' family members.  I can't say enough about this program!  Highly recommended!
     
   Jean McCarthy 
 34 days ago
 
 
 
 
    I joined this program at a point in my life where I felt everything was out of control, I had no future, I had recently been dealing with a divorce and the loss of the life I knew with the pet family we created. Having that torn down I knew I needed to take a step to take care of myself. This program has allowed me to become in touch with myself again. Learn to live, by myself. Codependency was a crutch for me and learning about all of this has educated me to make better choices, and sit and really challenge my thoughts. Mid way through the program I lost someone I loved to suicide. Thankfully I was in the program and they gave me the space I needed to process for a few days and jumped back in. The team even helped me file an extension with PFMLA and work to ensure when I have returned I am the best version of myself going back. Met many great people and they have a great caring staff. Not to mention DOWN TO EARTH.
     
   Alexandrea Maki 
 39 days ago
 
 
 
 
    
     
   Jon Galloway 
 39 days ago
 
 
 
 
    The staff is absolutely amazing! I felt like I belonged immediately. It's a small group, but the best I've ever experienced. I'm going to be so sad when it comes to an end, as I will miss everyone, but confident I learned the proper tools I needed to be my best self.
     
   Sarah W 
 39 days ago
 
 
 
 
    I can not say enough about how great pioneer has been, I was so nervous my first day and they made me feel so comfortable and have helped me tremendously so far in healing.
     
   Shane Coy 
 41 days ago