We’re excited to open applications for The CBT Lab 2025! Hosted by Rethink Wellbeing, this program is designed for people committed to doing the most good in the world—at a cost you can afford, starting from $0.
Consider applying to The CBT Lab if you want to:
- Become more resilient and productive
- Learn evidence-based tools to navigate challenges like low motivation, focus, mood, and self-esteem
- Connect with other ambitious altruists around the world
In the effective altruism (EA) community, 74% of those affected by poor mental health report unmet needs. This doesn’t just impact an individual's well-being–it reduces productivity by up to 35%, limiting their ability to tackle the world’s most pressing problems. Rethink Wellbeing is changing this. Our programs empower altruists to prioritize their mental health so that they can have a greater impact on the world.
Last year, CBT Lab participants reported a 16% increase in overall well-being and productivity gains equivalent to 8 extra weekly working hours—time they use to create lasting change.
Thanks to the support of generous donors, we are excited to offer lower-cost and free CBT Lab places again this year. Our pay-what-you-can model is designed for those who are dedicated to doing good in the world but may not have the means to take care of themselves while doing it. We encourage you to suggest any contribution amount that you can afford, including $0.
How to Join The CBT Lab
Apply now👉 Apply in less than 10 minutes! Simply fill out our short form, and we’ll match you with the best program based on your goals and needs.
You can also apply to become a facilitator: Enjoy our expert-led facilitator training before joining The CBT Lab where you'll guide a peer group through the program, learning valuable tools alongside them.
What is The CBT Lab?
The CBT Lab is an online Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) program designed for effective altruists. Through weekly group sessions and personalized exercises, you'll build practical skills to navigate life's obstacles with confidence. You’ll also have access to our online community, bespoke resources, and peer support. The techniques taught in The CBT Lab are shown to increase resilience, productivity, and quality of life while reducing and protecting against anxiety, depression, and stress.
The CBT Lab has been consciously designed for those who seek to do the most good in the world. We'll help you tackle the psychological burdens that come with combating the world’s most pressing issues, including perfectionism, disillusionment, and existential dread.
📌 Time Commitment: 4-6 hours per week for 8 weeks, plus a reunion in Week 12
📌 Format: Online peer support groups of 6-8 people led by volunteer facilitators, trained and supervised by Rethink Wellbeing
📌 Cost: Pay what you can, starting at $0
Why Participate?
🔹 Proven Tools for Mental Resilience: Rooted in CBT, ACT, and Mindfulness, this program equips you with practical strategies to manage stress, procrastination, imposter syndrome, perfectionism, anxiety, and poor sleep.
🔹 Flexible & Accessible: Multiple time slots across different time zones. Our pay-what-you-can model ensures financial constraints don’t prevent participation.
🔹 Supportive Community: Connect with like-minded individuals who understand the challenges of effective altruism. Engage in a safe, structured environment designed for growth.
🔹 Data-driven & Effective: Past participants report high satisfaction and significant improvements in well-being and productivity. Research supports the effectiveness of peer-guided programs, showing outcomes comparable to traditional 1:1 therapy.
What to Expect
📚 Experiential Learning: Weekly exercises that make new skills second nature.
💬 Live Weekly Sessions: Engage in 1.5-hour peer-led group video calls.
📝 Structured Curriculum: Includes workbooks, guided reflections, and online community support.
📊 Progress Tracking: Our Weekly Reflections and Wellbeing Evaluations help keep you on course.
Why Choose Us?
✅ Tailored for Ambitious Altruists: Designed with EA community needs in mind, integrating insights from psychology, mental health, and behavior change.
✅ Proven Impact: Data from previous cohorts shows high retention, satisfaction, and significant improvements in mental well-being.
✅ Peer-Led Support: A structured, engaging experience that fosters meaningful connections and accountability.
What Happens After You Apply?
- We’ll carefully review your application to match you to the program(s) that best fit your circumstances and preferences.
- When a well-matched program is coming up, you’ll receive an invitation about a month before with more information about the program. If you’re still interested, and it suits your availability, you can accept the invitation by completing a short form to help us identify the best peer group for you.
- Once you’ve accepted your invitation, we’ll ask you to submit your program payment or a motivational deposit to secure your place. You can read more about our program pricing below.
- You’ll start your journey to improve your mental well-being with a peer group matched by availability, life stage, values, and preferences.
👉 Apply now! It only takes 10 minutes, and early applicants have a higher chance of securing a place.