Mental health research, in plain language

If you've started researching mental health treatment, you've probably come across two acronyms: CBT and DBT. Both are talk therapies backed by decades of research — and both play a role in our programs at Manna Treatment.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most widely studied forms of psychological treatment, shown to be effective for depression, anxiety disorders, and many other concerns — and in many studies it works as well as, or better than, other forms of therapy or psychiatric medications (American Psychological Association). CBT is built on a simple idea: the way we think about a situation shapes how we feel and act. Working with a therapist, clients learn to recognize unhelpful patterns of thinking and reevaluate them in light of reality, while also changing behavior i.e., facing fears instead of avoiding them, practicing difficult conversations, and learning to calm the mind and body. A key emphasis of CBT is becoming your own therapist: through in-session practice and "homework," clients build coping skills they carry forward long after treatment ends, with the focus staying on what's happening in their life today rather than dwelling on the past.

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) grew out of CBT in the 1970s, when psychologist Marsha Linehan adapted it specifically for people who experience emotions very intensely (Cleveland Clinic). The "dialectical" part refers to holding two ideas at once; accepting yourself as you are while also working to change what isn't serving you. DBT balances individual therapy with skills training, teaching four core skill areas: mindfulness (staying present rather than worrying about the past or future), distress tolerance (getting through difficult moments without harmful behaviors), interpersonal effectiveness (asking for what you need and setting boundaries), and emotion regulation (understanding and gaining more control over intense emotions). Research has shown DBT to be effective for a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and eating disorders.

Our clinicians create customized treatment plans that draw on a blend of these proven methods as well as creative and experiential activities and peer connections integrated through group sessions. Reach out to our team and we'll talk through how these treatment approaches might fit you or your teen.

Sources: American Psychological Association. "What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?" & Cleveland Clinic. "Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)."

If you or someone you love is struggling, you are far from alone. In 2023, an estimated 4.5 million U.S. adolescents ages 12–17 — close to 1 in 5 — experienced a major depressive episode, and roughly 3.4 million of those episodes involved severe impairment at home, school, or work (SAMHSA, 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health).

Anxiety is just as widespread. About 19% of U.S. adults experience an anxiety disorder in any given year, and roughly 31% will experience one at some point in their lives (National Institute of Mental Health). Among children and teens, 11% of kids ages 3–17 have a current, diagnosed anxiety condition, making it the most commonly diagnosed mental health condition in childhood (CDC, Children's Mental Health data).

The takeaway: anxiety and depression are common, treatable health conditions — not personal weaknesses. The earlier support begins, the better the outcomes tend to be.

Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) offer structured treatment — usually several days per week — while clients continue living at home, working, and going to school. A national review of IOP research rated the evidence base high, finding that outcomes for people in IOPs were comparable to those of inpatient or residential care for most individuals (McCarty et al., Psychiatric Services, 2014).

Federal guidance from SAMHSA describes IOPs as an important part of the continuum of care — a step up in support from weekly therapy, or a step down after a higher level of care — with key program features like shared decision-making and skill building improving engagement and outcomes (SAMHSA, Clinical Issues in Intensive Outpatient Treatment).

Research focused specifically on adolescents with depression and suicidal thoughts also found that teens completing an IOP showed meaningful improvement in depressive symptoms over the course of treatment (Bero et al., JAACAP Open, 2024).

Weekly outpatient therapy is a great fit when symptoms are manageable with one session per week. When anxiety or depression starts to disrupt school, work, or relationships despite weekly sessions, an IOP provides more consistent support — multiple therapy groups per week — without requiring an overnight stay.

SAMHSA describes IOPs as serving people seeking primary treatment, stepping down from inpatient or residential care, or stepping up from individual or group outpatient therapy when more support is needed (SAMHSA, Clinical Issues in Intensive Outpatient Treatment). Because treatment isn't one-size-fits-all, our clinicians help each client find the right level of care — and can transition between intensive and weekly support as needs change.

Not sure which fits? Contact our team and we'll talk it through with you — no pressure, no jargon.