New Frontiers in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Depression

This article offers a review of the development of cognitive therapy for depression, its basic tenets, and the evidence base related to its efficacy. Recent developments in both the theory and practice of cognitive therapy are discussed, including research related to mechanisms of change, innovations in different intensities of care and stepped care models of depression, integrated treatments for depression, and the challenge of comorbidity. The article concludes with a series of directions for the development of theory, research, and practice. These directions include the integration of mindfulness and third wave therapies into the treatment of depression, diagnostic changes and the implications for treatment, process models of cognitive therapy, effectiveness trials, research and treatment related to onset and recurrence, dissemination and translational research, and internationalisation. It is concluded that while cognitive therapy for depression has developed considerably since its inception and has become an integral part of mental health treatment, much remains to be studied and understood.