Using Technology in CBT for Teens: Exploring New Approaches

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most widely used mental health therapies for teens. It is a structured, goal-oriented, and evidence-based treatment to treat several substance abuse disorders and mental health challenges, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). 

CBT can also support teens who don’t have an official mental health diagnosis to manage life transitions, grief, and general stress. Over recent years, advancements in technology, neuroscience, and awareness around youth culture have made CBT more innovative than ever. 

Read on to explore these advancements and how technology is growing as a support in mental health therapy to improve treatment outcomes in teens. 

How Is Technology Revolutionizing Teen Mental Health Therapy? 

Technology in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other mental health treatments offers new ways to engage teens, provide therapy, and track progress. Two of the most significant benefits of incorporating technology into teen mental health treatment are expanding access to services and targeted treatment using neuroscience. 

Expanding Access to Services 

Technology and the introduction of telemedicine have allowed teens who formerly didn’t have access to services to receive mental health support. One of the biggest barriers to access is geographical location and lack of transport. 

There are few methods of public transportation in the US, and some rural towns are 2 to 3 hours from any urban area. Studies show that 1 in 5 rural teens have unmet mental health needs [1]. 

Insights from Neuroscience 

Technological advancements in neuroscience continue to deepen our understanding of how CBT helps address mental health challenges at a biological level. Brain imaging studies, such as fMRI and PET scans, can reveal how CBT affects various brain regions that regulate emotions, attention, decision-making, problem-solving, and memory. 

Technologies such as neurofeedback help teens and their CBT therapists understand brain wave activity and how it influences mental states, creating more tailored and targeted interventions. 

Examples of Technologies Used in Teen Mental Health Treatment 

Using tech such as smartphones, social media, video games, and online activities can increase teenage engagement, help them implement positive life or coping skills learned during therapy sessions, and support treatment outcomes [2]. 

Smart Phone Apps

Today’s teens live more in the digital world than ever and use their phones for nearly everything from ordering food to tracking how many steps they take in a day. A growing number of teen CBT therapists see the benefit in encouraging teens to participate in positive coping skills through smartphone apps. There are hundreds of apps to help teens track their mood, manage time and stay organized, develop healthy nutritional habits, build a sleep routine, and cope with stress. 

Some of the most recommended include:    

‍Mood Tracking: Daylio, Moodfit, Moodflow, Reflectly, Mood Mission, Bearable Symptom Tracker

‍Time Management and Organization: Bear Focus Timer, First Then Visual Schedule, Brili Routines, Homey-chores, and Allowance

‍Nutrition: My Fitness Pal, Nike Training Club, Fooducate, Student Health App (offered in some school districts)

‍Sleep: Sleepscore, Headspace, Better Sleep, Sleep Watch Tracker

‍Stress: Calm, Mindshift CBT Anxiety Relief, Smiling Mind, Mindful Powers, Move Mood, Clear Fear  

Telehealth and Virtual Therapy 

The use of telehealth services for outpatient CBT therapy has skyrocketed over recent years, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, when more teens moved to remote schooling, remote activities, and telehealth. 

Telehealth services, such as virtual therapy, are effective ways to connect with teens who feel more comfortable receiving treatment at home. These services can also expand access to support teens from rural areas or towns with little access to youth behavioral health services [3]. 

Therapy Chatbots and AI 

Chatbots and AI are growing increasingly popular as tools to support youth with their mental health. Chatbot therapy does not replace conventional, evidence-based CBT with a licensed therapist; however, it can provide support to teens in several ways: 

• 24/7 Support: Teens experiencing crisis or emotional challenges, no matter what time of day, can receive guidance and support from therapy chatbots such as Wysa, Woebot, and Earkick. 

• Guided by Principles of CBT: Many chatbots use underlying principles of CBT, such as the thoughts-feelings-behavior cycle, to help teens reframe negative thoughts, set goals, and develop positive coping strategies.  

• Mood Tracking and Personalized Feedback: AI tools automatically save information and can track mood over time, providing more personalized feedback that evolves with the mental health needs of teens. 

• Privacy: Teens may feel uncomfortable sharing deep, personal, or challenging experiences with therapists, especially at the beginning of treatment. Teens who struggle with stigma, guilt, or shame about seeking support may find help from AI chatbot therapy for this reason. 

Video Games

According to the PEW research center, 85% of teens report they have played or regularly play video games. Using video games to promote positive mental health or teach teens how to problem-solve has grown as a popular way to engage teens, and the integration of gaming in therapy is changing how many youth professionals approach mental wellness [4].

Many video games provide an immersive and interactive experience that, when used right, can be a helpful tool in CBT for teens. They also provide a space for social connection.

According to the Director of Accessibility at XBOX, Anita Mortaloni, some video games currently being used as therapeutic tools to make a real-world impact include: 

• SPARX: Uses a fantasy game format to help teens overcome negative thoughts and feelings that contribute to anxiety and depression.

• Journey: A visually stimulating game known for calming and meditative visuals, used to help teens with stress relief, trauma, and emotional regulation.

• Animal Crossing: Sometimes referred to by teens online as a “comfort game”, this peaceful and visually stimulating video game can help teens reduce anxiety and manage stress.  

• The Legend of Zelda: An interactive game using history and culture to help teens with problem-solving skills, planning, and memory. 

• BeatSaber: Blends gaming, rhythm, music, and movement to relieve stress and encourage physical activity.

Online Peer Support and Social Media 

Online peer support provides a digital space for teens to stay engaged with others healthily and constructively. Teens can find support groups on social media, therapy apps like Better Help, or local community pages.  

Teens who engage with positive media, moderate their screen time, and use platforms to find events or connect with peers can find social media helpful. 

Virtual Reality CBT and Exposure Therapy 

Virtual reality therapy (VRT) uses assistive technologies to simulate challenging or anxiety-provoking situations, gradually exposing teens to their fears in a safe and structured manner. It can be helpful in CBT, especially when used as a complement to exposure therapy, to reduce social anxiety and phobias in teens [5]. 

Evidence-Based CBT For Teens in Florida 

Lotus Behavioral Health is a residential treatment facility for teens located in Florida. Our programs are designed to support teens and their families with the tools they need to recover from substance abuse & co-occurring mental health disorders. 

We offer CBT for teens to help them reframe negative thoughts, develop positive coping skills, and set goals. Our youth therapists are constantly learning and adapting treatment approaches to keep up with mental health innovations, maintain a high standard of care, and meet the needs of teens at all stages of recovery. 

Sources

[1] Jones, M. S. et al. (2021). Unmet health needs and perceived barriers to health care among adolescents living in a rural area. Children's health care: journal of the Association for the Care of Children's Health, 50(1), 108–123.

[2] 2024. Technology and The Future of Mental Health Treatment. National Institute of Mental Health. 

[3] Raymond-Flesch, M. et al. (2023). Telemedicine in an adolescent and young adult medicine clinic: a mixed methods study. BMC Health Services Research, 23(1), 680.

[4] Gottfried, J. 2024. Teens and Video Games. Pew Research Center.   

[5] Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy. XR Health.