Journal

Journal

About Journal for Cognitive Therapies and Mental Health (JCTMH)

The Journal for Cognitive Therapies and Mental Health (JCTMH) is an interdisciplinary, hybrid journal that publishes both peer-reviewed and non-peer-reviewed content. As a part of the Initiative for Cognitive Therapies and Mental Health (ICTMH), the journal provides a platform for disseminating research, practice insights, theoretical developments, and innovative approaches in the field of cognitive therapies and mental health care. JCTMH serves as a comprehensive resource for clinicians, researchers, educators, and policymakers, offering rigorous, evidence-based studies alongside practical perspectives that can be immediately applied in diverse mental health settings.

Aims & Scope

The Journal for Cognitive Therapies and Mental Health aims to:
 

• Advance Knowledge in Cognitive Therapies: Publish high-quality, peer-reviewed research articles that explore various cognitive therapy modalities, including but not limited to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT).

• Integrate Research and Practice: Encourage submissions of both peer-reviewed studies and non-peer-reviewed content such as clinical commentaries, expert opinions, practice-based evidence, and innovative case studies to bridge the gap between research and real-world application in mental health care.

• Promote Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Serve as a forum for interdisciplinary dialogue by integrating insights from psychology, psychiatry, neuroscience, social work, and public health, thereby enriching cognitive therapy and mental health practice.

• Address Diversity and Inclusivity: Focus on mental health issues across different life stages, cultural contexts, socioeconomic backgrounds, and clinical environments, promoting equity and inclusion in mental health care research and practice.

• Foster Innovation and Debate: Encourage thought-provoking submissions that challenge existing paradigms, propose new frameworks, and stimulate debate on the future directions of cognitive therapies and mental health care.

Editorial Process

The editorial process at JCTMH is designed to uphold the highest standards of academic integrity, quality, and inclusivity. The process involves several steps to ensure a comprehensive review and consideration of both peer-reviewed and non-peer-reviewed submissions:
 
1. Submission: Authors are invited to submit their manuscripts through the online submission system. The journal accepts both peer-reviewed articles (e.g., original research, systematic reviews, meta-analyses) and non-peer-reviewed content (e.g., clinical commentaries, opinion pieces, practice guidelines).
 
2. Initial Screening: The Editorial Team conducts an initial review to assess the relevance, originality, and alignment with the journal’s aims and scope. Manuscripts are also checked for adherence to ethical standards and formatting guidelines.
 
3. Peer Review (for Peer-Reviewed Submissions): Manuscripts submitted for peer review undergo a rigorous double-blind review process, where at least two independent experts evaluate the manuscript’s methodological rigor, scientific merit, clarity, and contribution to the field. Feedback is provided to authors to refine and improve their work.
 
4. Editorial Review (for Non-Peer-Reviewed Submissions): Non-peer-reviewed submissions, such as practice insights, clinical commentaries, and expert opinions, are reviewed by the Editorial Team to ensure they meet the journal’s quality and relevance standards.
 
5. Decision: Based on the peer review and editorial assessments, a decision is made on each manuscript—acceptance, minor or major revisions, or rejection. Authors receive constructive feedback to enhance the quality of their work.
 
6. Revisions: Authors are given an opportunity to revise their manuscripts based on reviewer and editor feedback. Revised manuscripts may be subjected to further review.
 
7. Publication: Accepted manuscripts are professionally copy-edited, formatted, and published. Both peer-reviewed and non-peer-reviewed content are clearly marked to inform readers about the nature of the review process.

Editorial Values Statement

The Journal for Cognitive Therapy and Mental Health is committed to fostering a scholarly environment that prioritizes academic integrity, diversity, and the advancement of knowledge in cognitive therapies and mental health care. Our editorial values include:
 
• Academic Rigor: We are dedicated to publishing high-quality, peer-reviewed research that contributes to the body of knowledge in cognitive therapies and mental health, as well as non-peer-reviewed content that offers practical insights, innovative ideas, and reflective perspectives.
 
• Transparency and Ethics: We uphold ethical standards in publishing, ensuring transparency in the peer review and editorial processes. We expect all authors, reviewers, and editors to adhere to ethical guidelines, including the disclosure of conflicts of interest and compliance with research ethics.
 
• Diversity and Inclusion: We strive to represent diverse voices and perspectives within the journal. We encourage submissions from underrepresented groups and seek research that addresses the mental health needs of diverse populations across different contexts.
 
• Innovation and Practical Relevance: We value innovative research and practical insights that challenge conventional thinking and provide new approaches to cognitive therapies and mental health. Our hybrid model of publishing supports a comprehensive understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects.
 
• Collaborative Engagement: We believe in fostering a collaborative environment where researchers, clinicians, and policymakers can exchange ideas, share knowledge, and work together to improve mental health care practices globally.
 
The Journal for Cognitive Therapy and Mental Health is dedicated to becoming a leading voice in cognitive therapies and mental health, providing a space for scholarly excellence, inclusive dialogue, and meaningful contributions to the field.

Editor-in-Chief

– Dr. Stephanie Okolo

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