Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) at UC San Diego
An evidence-based, 8-week program that combines mindfulness practice with cognitive therapy skills to help individuals reduce depression and anxiety relapse and build resilience in daily life.
Designed for individuals seeking a structured, research-supported approach to relapse prevention and long-term mental health.
What is MBCT?
Integrated Approach
This program blends mindfulness meditation with cognitive therapy techniques to help you notice and disengage from habitual thought patterns that fuel stress, anxiety, and low mood.
By combining awareness and skillful response, MBCT supports lasting emotional resilience rather than quick fixes.
Eight-Week Program
Delivered over eight structured weeks, this experiential course builds skills gradually through guided practices, reflection, and home exercises.
The extended format allows time to develop sustainable habits that support long-term well-being and relapse prevention.
Research-Supported Design
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy is a well-established, evidence-based approach shown to reduce depression, anxiety, and stress, and to be as effective as antidepressant medication in preventing relapse.
The program is grounded in decades of clinical research and developed by leading experts in mindfulness and psychology.
What you’ll learn and practice
Recognizing Thought Patterns
Learn to notice habitual thought patterns and mental reactions that can contribute to stress, anxiety, or low mood, without getting caught up in them.
Responding Instead of Reacting
Develop skills to pause and respond more intentionally to difficult thoughts and emotions, rather than reacting automatically.
Mindfulness Practices
Practice guided mindfulness exercises that build awareness of thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations in the present moment.
Relapse Prevention Skills
Learn strategies to recognize early warning signs and support long-term mental health and resilience over time.
WHO MBCT is for
Who MBCT Is For
MBCT is designed for individuals who have experienced depression or anxiety and want structured tools to reduce relapse risk.
It is appropriate for people who are willing to engage in mindfulness practice and reflective exercises over time.
Participants should be comfortable working with thoughts and emotions in a group-based learning environment.
PBR Course Learning Objectives
MBCT is not a crisis intervention or a substitute for acute mental health treatment. It may not be appropriate for individuals seeking immediate symptom relief without ongoing practice.
Those currently experiencing severe or unmanaged mental health symptoms should consult a clinician before enrolling.
If you’re unsure whether MBCT is appropriate, we recommend speaking with a clinician or reviewing the FAQs below.
Instructors
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Upcoming Programs
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FAQ
MBCT is an evidence-based, 8-week program that combines mindfulness meditation with cognitive therapy to help people manage stress, anxiety, and low mood. It teaches practical skills to recognize unhelpful thought patterns, respond more skillfully to challenges, and reduce the risk of depressive relapse.
This course is ideal for individuals who experience ongoing stress, anxiety, low mood, or recurring negative thinking patterns. Participants are expected to attend at least 80% of sessions, engage in home practice, and are encouraged to participate in a daylong silent retreat to gain the full benefit of the program.
Yes. MBCT is supported by extensive clinical research and has been shown to be as effective as antidepressant medication in preventing depressive relapse. The program is led by the UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness and offers optional continuing education credits for psychologists, nurses, and licensed mental health professionals.