THERAPIES

CBT for psychosis (CBTp)

Therapy that helps people make sense of and cope with distressing experiences like voices or unusual beliefs.

How it works

CBTp works collaboratively on how a person understands and responds to their experiences, reducing distress and building coping—it is offered alongside medication and other care.

What the evidence says, use by use

Evidence is specific to the condition, population and—for devices—the exact product. One label never covers everything.

Schizophrenia & Psychosis: Reducing distress and improving functioning

Established
Who was studied / who it’s for: Adults with psychosis or schizophreniaWhat this label means: Strong research and/or authoritative clinical guidelines support this specific use.

Psychosis guidelines recommend offering CBTp to all people with psychosis or schizophrenia, alongside family intervention and medication.

Sources: NICE (UK)

Who usually provides it

Psychologists and therapists trained in CBTp, often within specialist psychosis services.

Cautions & things to know

  • CBTp is not a replacement for medication or specialist care.

Questions for a clinician

Conversation prompts, not a treatment plan.

  • Does your team offer CBTp?
  • How does it fit with medication and family work?

Educational, not medical advice. NeuroCoach is an educational and care-navigation resource, not a medical provider. Information about medications, supplements, therapies, devices, clinical trials and community experiences is provided for education and exploration and is not a recommendation, diagnosis or treatment plan. Evidence varies substantially among interventions. Decisions about medical or mental-health treatment should be made with an appropriately qualified healthcare professional. Do not start, stop or change medication, supplements or treatment based solely on information found here.

Sources

Sources checked October 5, 2026. Links support this page; they don’t imply endorsement of NeuroCoach.

  1. Psychosis and schizophrenia in adults: prevention and management (CG178) NICE (UK)