Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Schizophrenia: Applications to Social Work Practice

Schizophrenia is a psychotic disorder that has been considered to be the epitome of a severe mental illness. The negative psychosocial consequences of schizophrenia are well documented. Despite the advent of antipsychotic medication, residual symptoms persist for many persons diagnosed with schizophrenia. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has emerged as an adjunctive treatment to pharmacotherapy. Cognitive-behavioral theories of positive and negative symptoms are described, as are interventions. Meta-analyses have supported the use of CBT for schizophrenia. This article describes and synthesizes the literature to articulate precise applications to social work practice and the congruence between CBT for schizophrenia and the social work profession. Limitations of CBT are also discussed.