The Unified Protocol offers a powerful, evidence-based approach to emotional wellness, regardless of specific labels or diagnoses. By building on proven cognitive behavioral therapy skills, the UP empowers you to manage a wide range of challenges, from anxiety and depression to anger and self-doubt.
The Unified Protocol can help.
Is the Unified Protocol right for me?
The UP is intended for people who are having trouble managing strong emotions. Some of the problems the UP can help with include stress, worry, social anxiety, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder, phobias, health anxiety, PTSD, anger, and depression. The UP most often requires meeting with a provider once per week for about 50 minutes. It also involves weekly homework assignments: practicing skills learned in treatment. The UP will work best if you have time for both weekly sessions and completing homework.
Access our global network of UP providers
The UPI has trained providers throughout the world, with a strong concentration in Boston, Massachusetts – the birthplace of the UP. The below map includes providers who completed a full course of supervision in the UP with a UPI expert.
If there aren’t any therapists in your immediate area, telehealth options may be available. CBT-trained professionals can make the UP accessible to you no matter where you’re located – any mental health professional familiar with CBT can guide you through the powerful UP client workbook.
Please note that provider locations are approximate. Please contact the provider for the exact location and address.
Training requirements vary by region. While all providers listed on this website have met U.S. training standards, some regions may require additional qualifications. We recommend consulting local regulations to ensure providers meet all necessary criteria in your area.
Frequently asked questions
What conditions does the UP treat?
The UP has been shown to effectively treat:
- Anxiety disorders (social anxiety, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, specific phobias)
- Borderline personality disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive and related disorders
- Unipolar depression
- Bipolar depression
- Trauma and stress-related disorders
- Substance use
- Sexual minority stress
- Subclinical presentations
- Non-suicidal self-injury
- Primary insomnia
- Dysregulated anger
- Eating disorders
What are the benefits of the UP compared to other therapies?
One major benefit of the UP is its flexible, evidence-based foundation. It draws on established cognitive behavioral therapy techniques and has been rigorously tested in research studies, demonstrating its effectiveness. Additionally, the UP focuses on equipping you with skills for managing your emotions and addressing unhelpful habits, rather than solely relying on a diagnostic label or medication. By changing the way you relate to your emotions, you can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve your quality of life, and feel empowered to do the things that are important to you.
Do I need a specific diagnosis to benefit from the UP?
No, you don’t need a specific diagnosis to benefit from the UP. If you’re struggling with emotional challenges, speaking with a therapist trained in the UP can help you explore if this approach might be beneficial for you.