Developed by Our Center
Cognitive Adaptation
Training (CAT)
CAT is an original evidence-based practice developed by our Center of Excellence to improve functional independence for individuals living with serious mental illness. Using personalized environmental supports — signs, checklists, alarms, and organizational tools — CAT meets each client where they are and helps them build the routines that support real-world recovery.
Available in three training formats, from an eLearning introduction to in-person certification and train-the-trainer, CAT equips practitioners and organizations at every level to deliver this approach with fidelity.
About This Practice
What is CAT?
CAT is an evidence-based psychosocial intervention designed to bypass cognitive and motivational impairments associated with serious mental illness in an effort to improve functional outcomes. CAT interventions include environmental supports such as signs, checklists, alarms, pill containers, and the organization of belongings to cue and sequence adaptive behaviors in the client's home.
The interventions are individualized based upon a standardized assessment of each person's needs and challenges. CAT has been shown to decrease rates of relapse and to improve multiple functional outcomes.
Below you can find more information about the eLearning, in-person, and train-the-trainer CAT courses we offer.
Training Formats
Select Your Training
Cognitive Adaptation Training: An Introduction
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Training offered in a self-paced format
- Completion certificate awarded at the conclusion of the course
The course provides you with an introduction to CAT treatment and presents the rationale for the CAT model; information about assessment, treatment planning, and application of specific interventions for various challenges faced by the individual; and the clinical supervision of CAT practitioners.
In-Person CAT Certification
- Duration: 2 days
- Prerequisite eLearning: Cognitive Adaptation Training: An Introduction
- Training offered on-site (your location or ours)
- Followed by twice-monthly supervision for 6 months via Teams or Zoom
- Participants will be certified to provide CAT to clients upon completion
- Completion certificate awarded at the conclusion of the course
Training consists of didactic presentations followed by daily home visits with individuals, conducting assessments, and purchasing and establishing supports according to the treatment manual. This simulates one month of providing CAT to participating clients. To request in-person CAT training, please contact us. CEUs available upon request. Please allow 3–4 weeks for processing.
eLearning CAT Certification
- Duration: 6.5 hours
- Training offered in a self-paced format
- Completion certificate awarded at the conclusion of the course
This course includes Cognitive Adaptation Training: An Introduction along with additional modules designed to serve as an alternative to the live, instructor-led two-day CAT workshop. It meets the requirements for becoming a Certified CAT Practitioner and provides both foundational and advanced training in CAT, including assessment, treatment planning, and advanced intervention strategies.
In-Person Train-the-Trainer
- Duration: 5 days
- Training offered on-site (your location or ours)
- Followed by twice-monthly supervision for 6 months via Teams or Zoom
- Certified to provide CAT to clients AND to train and supervise other CAT practitioners
- Completion certificate awarded at the conclusion of the course
Training consists of didactic presentations followed by seeing clients daily in their homes, conducting assessments, and establishing supports according to the treatment manual. This simulates a month of providing CAT. On the final day you will supervise others as they conduct CAT visits. To request in-person Train-the-Trainer CAT workshops, contact us. CEUs available upon request. Please allow 3–4 weeks for processing.
Need Guidance?
Not sure which training format is right for your team? We're happy to help you find the best fit.
Curriculum Highlights
What You'll Learn
- The theoretical rationale for CAT and the evidence base supporting its effectiveness
- How to conduct a standardized CAT assessment to identify each client's individual needs and challenges
- How to develop and implement individualized environmental supports across key functional domains
- Treatment planning, goal-setting, and sequencing adaptive behaviors in the client's home environment
- Supervision practices for CAT practitioners, including fidelity monitoring and ongoing support strategies
- How to navigate common implementation challenges and support long-term client independence
Evidence Base
Demonstrated Outcomes
Decreased Relapse Rates
CAT has been shown to significantly decrease rates of psychiatric relapse in individuals with serious mental illness.
Improved Functional Independence
Participants demonstrate improved ability to manage daily living tasks through structured environmental supports.
Multiple Functional Domains
Improvements span medication adherence, personal hygiene, organization, social engagement, and employment readiness.