Thank you for your interest in the NACBT’s Certified Cognitive-Behavioral Therapist (CCBT) credential.
We encourage you to apply for the CCBT if it appears to you that you meet the requirements for it. Once we receive your application, we will review it. If it is accepted, we will send you directions to pay the fee.
Please note two things.
First, certification is effective for five (5) years. To re-certify, a member must submit at the end of the five years proof of continuing education received during the five-year certification period. The total number of required contact hours for the five years is twenty-five (25). Continuing education submitted must concern cognitive-behavioral therapy, either theory or application, such as, “Utilizing CBT with Children.” The NACBT offers many self-study CE opportunities for your convenience.
If a member fails to meet the continuing education requirements at the end of the five-year certification period, he or she must pass the certification examination to re-certify.
Second, an updated diploma will be forwarded yearly upon the NACBT’s receiving the annual re-certification and membership fees.
About the National Association of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists
The NACBT was founded to advance and promote the practice of cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy. The Association also functions to support cognitive-behavioral therapists through continuing education and networking. The NACBT recognizes the need for national certification of cognitive-behavioral therapists. It has become quite fashionable to consider oneself a cognitive-behavioral therapist. This trend has led to the unfortunate circumstance of many therapists identifying themselves as cognitive-behavioral therapists despite minimal training and / or experience in the treatment approach.
Therefore, the NACBT has developed standards of training and clinical experience in the field of cognitive-behavioral therapy to help insure that quality cognitive-behavioral treatment is provided by those claiming to be certified.
The Certified Cognitive-Behavioral Therapist (CCBT) Credential
Mental health professionals, regardless of specialization, who professionally qualify are permitted to apply for the credential of “Certified Cognitive-Behavioral Therapist .”
The following criteria are required for certification:
A. Masters or doctoral degree in psychology, counseling, social work, psychiatry, occupational therapy, or related field from a regionally accredited university.
B. Six years of post-graduate experience at providing cognitive-behavioral therapy. This experience must be verified by a supervisor or supervisors.
C. Three letters of recommendation from mental health professionals who are familiar with the applicant’s cognitive-behavioral skills.
D. Successful completion of a primary or introductory certification program in cognitive-behavioral therapy that is recognized by the NACBT, such as the Primary Certificate Program in REBT, the Level-One Certification in Rational Behavior Therapy program, or Level-One Certification in Rational Living Therapy.
Re-Certification:
Certification is effective for five (5) years. To re-certify, a member must submit at the end of the five years proof of continuing education received during the five-year certification period. The total number of contact hours for the five years is twenty-five (25). If a member fails to meet the continuing education requirements at the end of the five-year certification period, he or she may take the certification examination to re-certify.
An updated diploma will be forwarded yearly upon the NACBT’s receiving the annual re-certification fee. The Association provides several avenues to obtain continuing education, including seminars throughout the USA and audio-taped lectures.
Membership in the NACBT
Successful applicants automatically join the NACBT. Benefits of NACBT membership include a quarterly newsletter, updates, an annual national conference, workshops throughout the year, and optional inclusion in our National Referral Database System at no additional charge.
Schedule of Fees
Application Fee………………………………………………………………$100.00
(Include-s NACBT One-Year Membership)
One (1) Year Re-Certification Fee & Membership
After first year)………………….$100.00
The Re-Certification and Membership fees are due yearly. (Note: If you are currently an NACBT member, $25 will be deducted from the Application Fee.)
Denial of the CCBT
Any candidate who is denied certification will receive a letter indicating the reason(s) and suggestions to rectify any deficiency. Those who wish to challenge denial may appeal the determination.
NACBT Code of Ethics
The National Association of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists is adamant that its members adhere to the highest of professional standards. The Association reserves the right to suspend or revoke a certificate when, in it’s judgement, a member has violated the NACBT code of ethics. All members of the NACBT: (1) Strictly adhere to the ethical guidelines of their profession (i.e., American Psychological Association, American Counseling Association); (2) Practice within the scope of their knowledge; (3) Continually strive to update their knowledge of cognitive-behavioral theory and techniques; (4) Avoid behaviors, both professionally and privately, that reflect negatively on the NACBT.