2 - (SYM 8) Contextual Considerations for Scaling CBT in South Korea

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has become a central psychotherapeutic approach in South Korea. The 2023 World Congress of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies in Seoul heightened recognition of CBT’s importance across government, municipalities, and diverse professional fields. Building on this momentum, the nationwide psychological intervention service launched in 2024 has prioritized CBT and evidence-based interventions. Despite these advances, challenges remain. Standardized qualifications for providers, structured training and supervision systems, and appropriate service cost models are still underdeveloped. Without these, scaling CBT risks inconsistency and inequity. Meanwhile, technological innovation is reshaping delivery. The integration of artificial intelligence and digital platforms has expanded opportunities for hybrid, mobile, and internet-based CBT, particularly for underserved populations. In addition, rising concerns about social isolation and loneliness highlight the need for transdiagnostic CBT applications. This presentation will examine contextual considerations for scaling CBT in South Korea, balancing national initiatives and technological innovation with the urgent need for standardized training, equitable cost structures, and research into emerging demands.