A Center Uniquely Focused on Evidence-Based CBT Tools for

Children, Teens, and Young Adults

We empower children, teens and young adults with essential evidence-based tools to enhance their mental health, build resilience, and promote life-long well-being.

Why we exist

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The mental health crisis affecting children, teens, and young adults is urgent. At CBT Tools for Life Center, we aim to reduce the mental health struggles of children and youth by teaching evidence-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) skills. Our approach empowers young people to manage their challenges with confidence and resilience. We also work closely with parents, educators, and professionals through training and consultation to enhance their awareness and implementation of CBT strategies. Through our direct services and professional training, we are dedicated to addressing this mental health crisis and fostering the well-being of children and youth.

Our Services

  • Two young women laughing on a rocky beach

    Children, Teens, Young Adults and Parents

    We teach evidence-based CBT tools to children, teens and young adults, helping them learn to manage mental health challenges, develop confidence to cope effectively, and build resilience.  We also work closely with parents and caretakers, providing them tools to better respond to and support their children, teens and young adults.

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  • Person sitting on a couch reading a book, wearing a light brown cardigan and gesturing with one hand.

    Consultation and Training for Mental Health Professionals

    We offer professional consultation on evidence-based CBT tools and the art of teaching these tools to licensed clinicians treating children, teens, young adults and parents, supporting both new and experienced practitioners seeking introductory or advanced consultation.

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  • A woman and child reading a book together in a library.

    Consultation and Training for Education and Health Professionals

    We consult with pediatricians, medical staff, teachers, school staff, and other professionals working with children, teens, young adults and parents to support and enhance their understanding of youths’ mental health challenges and how they can make an impact on these challenges.

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    Community

    We provide free evidence-based CBT tools and resources to support the mental health of children, teens, and young adults worldwide.  Our global outreach aims to make these tools and resources accessible to all, breaking down barriers to access. We strive to promote effective management of mental health challenges and build resilience in the broader community of children and youth.

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What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?

Neon sign reading 'breathe' on a lush green plant wall

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a highly effective, evidence-based approach to managing mental health challenges such as anxiety, OCD, and phobias. It focuses on teaching practical tools to effectively manage unhealthy or unhelpful thoughts, identify and cope with difficult feelings, and engage in effective and helpful behaviors. At CBT Tools for Life Center, we use CBT to help children, teens, and young adults recognize and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors and learn to tolerate and regulate their emotions. By learning these skills, individuals gain confidence and resilience, empowering them to manage their mental health challenges throughout their lives.

About The CBT Tools for Life Center

Dr. Julie Lustig, seated outdoors

Dedicated to helping children and teens thrive

Dr. Julie L. Lustig

With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Julie L. Lustig has seen the growing need for a center focused on helping children, teens, young adults, and the professionals who support them through specialized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) services, training, consultation, and resources. As a licensed psychologist and adjunct faculty member at Stanford University’s School of Medicine, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Child Development, Dr. Lustig has dedicated her career to treating child and youth mental health challenges, developing interventions, and training professionals in evidence-based practices. This experience and expertise inspired her to create the CBT Tools for Life Center, where she offers effective CBT services for children and youth, professional consultation and training, and accessible resources to make evidence-based tools more widely available.

CBT Blog

Our blog offers valuable tools, insights, and articles to help children, teens, young adults, and parents effectively manage mental health challenges using evidence-based CBT strategies and other evidence-based approaches.  We also offer insights and articles for professionals interested in learning more about how to address the mental health challenges of children and youth.

Featured
What is CBT? (For Parents)
What is CBT? (For Parents)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a practical, engaging, active, goal-oriented, evidence-based, and highly impactful form of therapy.  CBT is a collaborative psychological treatment focused on teaching helpful tools to your child/teen to: increase awareness of your child’s/teen’s thoughts, emotions, bodily sensations, and behaviors; understand the connections between them; and learn tools and strategies to effectively manage unhealthy patterns related to their thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations and behaviors.

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What is CBT? (For Young Adults)
What is CBT? (For Young Adults)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a practical, engaging, active, goal-oriented, evidence-based, and highly impactful form of therapy.  CBT is a collaborative psychological treatment focused on teaching you helpful tools to: increase awareness of your thoughts, emotions, bodily sensations, and behaviors; understand the connections between them; and learn tools and strategies to effectively manage unhealthy patterns related to your thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations and behaviors.

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CBT Tool of the Week: BALLOON  BREATHING (For Children)
CBT Tool of the Week: BALLOON  BREATHING (For Children)

Today’s Dr. Julie’s Tool of the Week is a very special kind of breathing called Balloon Breathing. I’m going to teach you a new and different way to take breaths.  It may seem silly to learn how to breathe, something we do all the time every single day! This kind of breathing is very special because it can start to help you calm down when you feel stressed, anxious or scared.

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We’re here to help

Whether you're a parent, young adult, mental health professional, educator, or other professional working with children or teens, our evidence-based tools, consultation and training, and resources can make a difference. Explore our services, schedule a consultation, or review our resources today to determine how we can best help you meet your own mental health needs or the needs of the important children and youth in your life. Contact us now to get started!