Behavioral therapy

Behavioral therapy is a broad term encompassing multiple structured psychological techniques designed to change potentially unhealthy or self-destructive behaviors, typically for mental health disorders[1][3][10]. The approach assumes that all behaviors are learned and therefore can be unlearned or replaced via methods such as reinforcement, modeling, and skills training. Major variants include cognitive-behavioral therapy, applied behavior analysis, dialectical behavior therapy, and cognitive behavioral play therapy[1][3][10]. While highly effective for a wide spectrum of psychiatric conditions, behavioral therapy is not a druggable target or a molecular entity—it is a therapeutic strategy grounded in behavioral science, not molecular pharmacology[10].

Other names

Behavior therapyBehavioral modification therapyCognitive-behavioral therapy (when referring to a common subclass)Applied behavior analysis (when describing a prominent subtype)Dialectical behavioral therapy (another formal subtype)