4 Best Philadelphia CBT Therapists
If you're feeling stuck in patterns of anxiety, perfectionism, or worry, you're not alone, and cognitive behavioral therapy can help—I’ve seen it firsthand in my practice. I'm Dr. Ayesha Ludhani, a clinical psychologist specializing in CBT for anxiety and OCD in the Philadelphia area. Here, I’ll share a bit more about my approach and introduce you to some trusted colleagues so you can find the right fit for your needs.
Jump to a therapist
Recommended for CBT for anxiety and OCD: Dr. Ayesha Ludhani
Recommended for integrative CBT: Dr. Melissa Arce, PsyD
Recommended for CBT for couples: Dr. Liora Schneider, PsyD
Recommended for CBT for eating disorders: Paige Thompson, LPC
Therapist bios
Dr. Ayesha Ludhani
Specializing in evidence-based CBT for anxiety and OCD
I help high-achieving children, teens, and their parents break free from anxiety and OCD using proven, evidence-based approaches. My practice focuses on helping you move past fear, reduce doubt, and build the confidence to live a more fulfilling life—whether you're struggling with perfectionism, people-pleasing, or navigating life transitions.
Offers CBT ✓
Credentials: Licensed Psychologist
Clientele: Children, teens, parents, and adults
Location: Wayne, PA 19087 (serving the Philadelphia area)
Virtual therapy? Yes, in addition to in-person
Dr. Melissa Arce, PsyD
Recommended for integrative CBT
Dr. Arce takes an integrative approach to therapy, blending CBT with techniques from ACT, Emotion Focused Therapy, and psychodynamic work to meet you exactly where you are. I refer to Dr. Arce when clients are looking for a more integrative, exploratory approach or when they’re specifically interested in incorporating psychodynamic therapy.
Offers CBT ✓
Credentials: Licensed Psychologist
Clientele: Adults
Location: Serving Philadelphia virtually
Virtual therapy? Yes
Dr. Liora Schneider, PsyD
Recommended for CBT for couples
With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Schneider helps couples improve communication, navigate conflict, and rebuild connection using CBT and other evidence-based approaches. I recommend Dr. Schneider for couples seeking to strengthen their relationship, as well as for individuals looking for a therapist who provides services in Spanish.
Offers CBT ✓
Credentials: Licensed Psychologist
Clientele: Adults, couples, and groups
Location: Philadelphia, PA 19103
Virtual therapy? Yes, in addition to in-person
Paige Thompson, LPC
Recommended for CBT for eating disorders
Paige provides compassionate, evidence-based care for individuals struggling with eating disorders, body image, and their relationship with food. I refer clients to Paige when they’re seeking eating disorder care through a Health At Every Size (HAES), anti-diet perspective that incorporates CBT and Internal Family Systems (IFS) techniques.
Offers CBT ✓
Credentials: Licensed Professional Counselor
Clientele: Teens and adults
Location: Philadelphia, PA 19102
Virtual therapy? Yes, in addition to in-person
How to choose the right CBT therapist for you
Finding the right CBT therapist—not just any CBT therapist—is an important decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Here are some key factors to consider:
Specialization match: Look for a therapist whose expertise aligns with your specific concerns, whether that's anxiety, OCD, relationship issues, or eating disorders.
Treatment approach: Make sure that their therapeutic style resonates with you—some therapists integrate CBT with other modalities, while others focus purely on using CBT techniques.
Credentials and training: Consider their education, licensure, and any specialized certifications relevant to your needs.
Practical logistics: Think about location, availability, session fees, insurance acceptance, and whether they offer virtual appointments.
Personal connection: Trust your instincts about whether you feel comfortable and understood during initial consultations.
If you’re not sure whether my practice is right for you, I encourage you to schedule a free consultation so we can discuss your situation directly.
FAQs about cognitive behavioral therapy
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment that helps you identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. By exploring the connections between your thoughts, feelings, and actions, CBT offers practical skills to manage life’s challenges and improve your emotional well-being.
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Yes, CBT is typically covered by insurance. As an out-of-network provider, I don’t bill your insurance directly, but I can provide a superbill (detailed receipt) that you can submit to receive potential reimbursement through your out-of-network benefits.
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Research shows that CBT effectively treats a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, eating disorders, depression, and substance use. As one of the most highly studied forms of psychotherapy, CBT has a significant evidence base for several mental health challenges and other issues.
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While CBT is effective for many people, it may not be the best fit for individuals experiencing active psychosis, severe substance abuse or mental health issues requiring more support than weekly outpatient therapy, or those who prefer less structured, insight-oriented approaches. If you’re not sure whether CBT is right for you, reach out for a free consultation so I can offer my professional recommendation.
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CBT is typically structured and goal-oriented. You'll work collaboratively with your therapist to identify specific concerns, learn practical skills, and complete exercises between sessions. Most people notice improvements within several sessions, though results vary based on individual needs and goals.
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I'm glad you're considering whether we'd work well together. Here are some signs that my practice might be a good match:
You're looking for evidence-based, research-supported treatment approaches
You value a warm, collaborative therapeutic relationship where you're heard and understood
You're ready to do the work both in and outside of sessions to create lasting change
You appreciate a therapist who takes time to truly understand your unique situation and needs
You're dealing with anxiety, OCD, perfectionism, people-pleasing, or parenting challenges
You want culturally sensitive care that honors your individual experiences
You want flexible virtual sessions or in-person appointments in nearby Wayne, PA
The best way to know for sure is to schedule a free consultation call where we can discuss your goals and see if we're the right fit for each other.
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Getting started is simple. Schedule a complimentary consultation where we can discuss your concerns and determine if we're a good fit. If we decide to move forward, we’ll schedule your first full session.