State of the Science of Cognitive Processing Therapy

•Cognitive processing therapy is highly recommended in all PTSD treatment guidelines.•This paper reviews the scope of CPT and its effects on PTSD and comorbid disorders.•CPT with diverse populations and dissemination efforts are also described. This state of the science review provides an overview of the history and findings of cognitive processing therapy (CPT), one of the most recommended treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder, acute stress disorder, and comorbid conditions. After an introduction to CPT and the randomized controlled trials that have been conducted, the effects of CPT on comorbid conditions are reviewed, as well as new combination treatments. Cognitive mediators of change are described. Different formats for CPT that have been developed are described, as well as patient, therapy, and therapist factors in outcome; applicability across diverse populations; efforts to disseminate CPT; and ongoing studies into the future.