Improving social, behavioral, and vocational functioning has become an important goal of treatment for consumers with serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia. Building upon previously validated treatment approaches, Eric Granholm, Ph.D. and his colleagues developed Cognitive Behavioral Social Skills Training (CBSST) to facilitate real-world functional improvement. CBSST combines cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and social skills training (SST) techniques, such as thought challenging, role-play practice of communication skills, and problem-solving training. It is a flexible, individually-tailored, manualized intervention that teaches cognitive and behavioral coping techniques, social functioning skills, problem-solving, and compensatory aids for neurocognitive impairments. CBSST targets the range of multidimensional deficits that can lead to functional disability in people with serious mental illness. CBSST is guided by a consumer treatment manual that describes the skills and includes at-home practice assignments. For more information, please click on one of the links in the menu or contact us directly.
Guilford Press has published the CBSST book and consumer manual, the book is now available for purchase on the Guilford website: