The Journal of Psychiatry and Cognitive-Behavioural Health is devoted to the dissemination of rigorous, peer-reviewed research that advances understanding and treatment of mental health disorders through the lenses of psychiatry, clinical psychology, and cognitive-behavioural science. The journal is positioned to serve as a central resource for researchers, clinicians, educators, and mental health professionals who are committed to improving psychological well-being across diverse populations and settings. We welcome research that explores theoretical, clinical, and applied dimensions of psychiatric practice, behavioural interventions, and the cognitive processes that underpin emotional and mental functioning.
Focus on Psychiatry and Mental Health Disorders
This journal gives primary attention to studies that address the classification, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of psychiatric disorders. Topics of interest include but are not limited to:
• Depression, anxiety, and mood disorders
• Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders
• Bipolar disorder and related affective conditions
• Obsessive-compulsive and related disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and trauma-informed care
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and neurodevelopmental conditions
• Substance use disorders and dual diagnosis
• Personality disorders and complex clinical presentations
• Early intervention, relapse prevention, and long-term recovery models
We are particularly interested in articles that investigate the biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors contributing to psychiatric conditions. Contributions that explore pharmacological interventions, neurobiological correlates, and advances in psychiatric diagnostics are also encouraged.
Cognitive-Behavioural Science and Therapeutic Applications
A central pillar of the journal’s mission is to promote evidence-based practice in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and its extensions, including dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based interventions. Research exploring mechanisms of change, therapy process variables, and outcome measurement is highly valued. The journal invites studies on:
• Manualised and transdiagnostic CBT interventions
• Behavioural activation and exposure-based therapies
• Cognitive restructuring and metacognitive strategies
• Third-wave CBT approaches
• Internet-based CBT and digital delivery of therapy
• Adaptations of CBT for children, adolescents, and older adults
• Comparative studies between CBT and other psychotherapeutic models
We welcome theoretical contributions that refine the cognitive-behavioural framework, as well as clinical trials, meta-analyses, and implementation studies that test the effectiveness and scalability of such interventions in real-world practice.
Neuroscience, Cognition, and Emotional Processing
Understanding the cognitive processes that underlie mental health and illness is essential to developing comprehensive psychiatric care. The journal seeks to publish research on:
• Emotion regulation, attentional control, and executive function
• Cognitive bias modification and memory reconsolidation
• Affective neuroscience and brain imaging in psychiatry
• Cognitive markers of vulnerability and resilience
• Neuropsychological assessments in psychiatric populations
• Intersections between cognition and emotion in treatment response
We encourage interdisciplinary work that bridges cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and clinical practice. Submissions that offer insight into how cognitive mechanisms contribute to treatment outcomes or the onset and maintenance of disorders are especially relevant.
Cultural, Developmental, and Systemic Contexts
Psychiatric and behavioural interventions are not delivered in isolation. The journal values research that contextualises mental health within broader cultural, familial, developmental, and societal frameworks. Topics of interest include:
• Mental health disparities and social determinants of psychological distress
• Culturally responsive and linguistically adapted interventions
• Gender, sexuality, and identity in psychiatric care
• Developmental trajectories of mental illness from childhood to adulthood
• System-level approaches to service delivery and policy analysis
We support work that highlights the unique needs of underserved or marginalised populations and studies that examine how cultural factors shape mental health conceptualisation and care.
Translational Research and Interdisciplinary Collaboration
To foster innovation in psychiatric care, the journal encourages submissions that integrate knowledge from diverse disciplines, including social work, primary care, behavioural economics, public health, and health informatics. Areas of interest include:
• Collaborative care models and integrated behavioural health
• Translational neuroscience and biomarkers of mental health
• Digital tools for monitoring and managing psychiatric symptoms
• Mobile health interventions and wearable technology in CBT
• Artificial intelligence in diagnostic systems and clinical decision-making
• Implementation science for mental health programme adoption and sustainability
Such work supports our goal of connecting laboratory-based findings with clinical application, informing better policy, and improving population-level mental health outcomes.
Types of Manuscripts Considered
The journal considers a broad range of manuscript types, including:
• Original research articles presenting quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-method studies
• Systematic reviews, narrative reviews, and meta-analyses
• Case studies with psychiatric or therapeutic significance
• Brief reports and pilot data
• Methodological papers and novel assessment tools
• Editorials, commentaries, and opinion pieces relevant to the journal’s scope
Each submission should clearly articulate its relevance to psychiatry or cognitive-behavioural health, demonstrate sound methodology, and be grounded in current literature.
Intended Audience
The Journal of Psychiatry and Cognitive-Behavioural Health is intended for a diverse international readership that includes:
• Psychiatrists and psychiatric researchers
• Clinical psychologists and behavioural therapists
• Counsellors and psychotherapists
• Neuroscientists and cognitive scientists
• Mental health policy experts and program evaluators
• Healthcare professionals working in multidisciplinary mental health teams
We also welcome submissions from early-career researchers, doctoral candidates, and professionals involved in training and supervision.
Global Relevance and Emerging Directions
The journal is committed to promoting mental health research that has international relevance. We actively seek contributions that reflect global mental health priorities, particularly those addressing low-resource settings, culturally specific treatment models, and novel adaptations of CBT or psychiatric care frameworks.
We are equally open to new areas of inquiry such as the effects of climate change on psychological well-being, mental health responses to humanitarian crises, or the ethical implications of digital psychiatry.
Commitment to Evidence and Progress
The Journal of Psychiatry and Cognitive-Behavioural Health serves as a scholarly platform for disseminating knowledge that bridges theory, practice, and innovation. By supporting multidisciplinary and translational work, the journal contributes to a growing body of research aimed at improving mental health outcomes across clinical, community, and policy domains.