The Rise of Artificial Intelligence in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Research: A Global Bibliometric and Network Analysis

Abstract

This study aims to examine scientific output in the fields of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and artificial intelligence (AI) using bibliometric methods. As part of the study, 1,077 publications from the Web of Science database spanning the years 1989–2026 were analyzed. The study examined annual development trends in the field, the most productive authors, institutions, and countries, as well as key themes and collaboration networks. The findings indicate that research on integrating CBT with artificial intelligence has increased rapidly, particularly after 2015. The United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom were identified as leaders in this field in terms of scientific output. The results of the thematic analysis revealed that, in addition to traditional clinical topics such as depression and anxiety, machine learning, digital therapy, and AI-based interventions are gaining increasing importance. Furthermore, interdisciplinary collaborations are increasing, and research networks are expanding. These findings indicate that AI-supported approaches are assuming an increasingly central role in mental health. The study highlights current trends in the field and provides a guiding framework for future research