Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is an empirically based and short-term treatment that is based on the notion that maladaptive thought processes and behaviors are causally connected to emotional and physiological distress. CBT does not exclude biological, genetic, or cultural factors and recognizes the importance of certain pharmacological treatments. In CBT, the patient is involved as an active collaborator in the treatment process. In general, CBT is at least as effective as medication for treating phobias, panic, social anxiety, generalized anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and substance abuse.