Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy in Georgia
At Mount Sinai Wellness Center in Dahlonega, Georgia, we use cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help you connect poor thought patterns to addiction habits and replace them with healthier responses. Our licensed therapists apply proven strategies within a tailored recovery plan built around your goals and growth.
What Is CBT Therapy?
CBT, or cognitive-behavioral therapy, is a structured, goal-oriented talk therapy that explores how your thoughts, feelings, and actions interact. You work with a therapist to identify unhelpful thinking, learn how it drives behavior, and build practical skills for handling triggers, stress, and cravings. Unlike therapies that focus only on deep childhood history, CBT targets your current challenges and offers tools you can use now and ahead.
CBT vs. DBT: How Do They Differ?
CBT focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that cause distress. DBT builds on CBT but adds mindfulness, acceptance, and emotion-regulation techniques. This helps those who struggle with intense emotions or relationship difficulties.
Why Choose Mount Sinai Wellness Center
A treatment plan made just for you
We assess your substance use history, health, needs, and goals. From there, we create a plan that incorporates CBT in a way that aligns.
Dual diagnosis care from day one
If you struggle with addiction and anxiety, depression, or trauma, we treat them together. This helps ensure coordinated care.
A healing environment in GA
Our Dahlonega rehab facility offers semi-private rooms and mountain views, with amenities like a pool, gym, walking trails, and an equine paddock.
Therapy with whole-body healing
We combine CBT with yoga, mindfulness, equine therapy, and nutrition coaching. Addiction impacts the body and mind, so we treat all aspects.
How CBT Techniques Work for Addiction Recovery
Often, substance use disorders can thrive on distorted thinking, such as “I can’t cope without using,” or “Just once won’t hurt.” We help challenge this safely to restore your well-being. In CBT, specifically, you’ll learn to:
- Notice and interrupt negative thoughts
- Handle cravings and high-risk situations
- Enhance problem-solving and communication
- Replace thoughts with balanced, realistic alternatives
- Practice new responses when cravings or tough emotions hit
- Lower anxiety, depression, and other mental health symptoms
Your therapist guides you step-by-step. In time, these tools move from conscious effort to automatic habit.
What Happens During a CBT Session?
Sessions are usually 45–60 minutes long and follow a clear format. You’ll begin by reviewing your progress and any recently learn strategies. Then, you’ll learn or reinforce a new skill, practice it in the session, and plan how to apply it between sessions. The emphasis is on learning and practising skills rather than deep emotional excavation.
Common tools include:
Thought-records (tracking triggers)
Role-playing how to refuse substances
Simple breathing or grounding methods for anxiety
Dividing overwhelming problems into manageable parts
Who Benefits
From CBT?
CBT is suitable for many people dealing with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health issues. It is especially helpful if you:
- Face anxiety, depression, or trauma alongside your substance use
- Prefer therapy that delivers actionable tools, not just discussion
- Need better ways to manage cravings and avoid relapse
- Have tried other treatments without long-term success
- Get stuck in negative thinking or low self-esteem
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy in Our Programs
At Mount Sinai, we offer cognitive-behavioral therapy at every stage of treatment:
Medical Detox: Early CBT support helps you understand withdrawal and begin building coping tools.
Residential Treatment: You’ll have structured sessions and group work using CBT methods.
Partial Hospitalization (PHP): Focus on rebuilding daily structure and applying coping skills in daily life.
Intensive Outpatient (IOP): Continue CBT while re-entering daily life, applying new skills in real settings.
Outpatient Therapy and Aftercare: Ongoing skill-building strengthens your relapse-prevention plan.
Reviews
Mount Sinai changed my life for the better. I was in a spot that I couldn’t find my way out of and this place gave my life a new meaning. I’m beyond grateful that I found MS. Everyone who was working there, showed great empathy and kindness, especially Marshall. I could’t have asked for a better experience
K.S.
Absolutely amazing facility! They offer a lot of different pathways to recovery and do some great activities. I was definitely impressed! Thank you Lake!
C.D.
Absolutely amazing facility! They offer a lot of different pathways to recovery and do some great activities. I was definitely impressed! Thank you Lake!
C.D.
Cost and Insurance
Many insurance plans and Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) cover medically necessary detox and residential programs. Our admissions team can verify your benefits and explain what’s covered before you start.
Call us at 800-353-4673 or verify insurance, and we’ll confirm your coverage.
Start Your Recovery Today
Cognitive-behavioral therapy can equip you with the tools and confidence to build a life past addiction. Our team is ready to answer your questions and help you take a step toward recovery.
FAQs
How long does CBT take to work?
Most people start to see positive change within a few sessions. Lasting benefit often comes from 12–20 sessions.
Is CBT only for addiction?
No. CBT works for anxiety, depression, PTSD, eating disorders, and more. We use it for addiction and co-occurring issues.
Can CBT help with trauma?
It can address some trauma symptoms, but if you have severe PTSD, your therapist may recommend a specialized trauma-focused therapy.
How is CBT different from regular counseling?
CBT is more structured and goal-oriented. Rather than exploring your past solely, it zeroes in on present problems and teaches direct tools to overcome them.
Will CBT work if I’ve relapsed before?
Yes. A relapse is a signal to revisit your plan, identify what didn’t work, and strengthen your coping skills.
Is CBT covered by insurance?
Most plans cover evidence-based therapies like CBT when part of a medically necessary treatment program. Our team can check your specific benefits ahead of time.
Does CBT work for drug addiction?
Yes. Research supports CBT’s efficacy for alcohol abuse, cocaine, cannabis, and opioids when used within a broader treatment plan.
Can you do CBT and medication at the same time?
Absolutely. Combining CBT with medication-assisted treatment (when appropriate) often improves outcomes, especially for opioid and alcohol use disorders.
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