Cognitive–behavioral therapy combines behavioral and cognitive interventions: behavioral interventions aim to decrease maladaptive behaviors and increase adaptive ones, and cognitive interventions aim to modify maladaptive thoughts, self-statements, or beliefs.

Meeting with a counselor can help address feelings of hopelessness, easing the pain of depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy addresses unrealistic expectations, pessimistic ideas, and critical self-evaluation that accompanies depression. The cognitive behavioral treatment approach assists those suffering from a number of mental illnesses by addressing both critical and minor issues. This, in turn, will help the individual develop positive life goals, as well as a more positive self-assessment.

As a result, problem solving therapy helps achieve positive changes the areas of the individual's life that are creating stressors that contribute to mental illness. This may result in the ability to develop better coping skills, which assist in a more healthy, positive lifestyle approach.