Behavioral therapy is usually given for four to eight sessions by experts in addiction treatment. For patients who are still using cessation drugs, both in-person and telephone therapy have been considered helpful. There are a number of smoking cessation therapy methods available.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps patients recognize causes and teaches them relapse avoidance skills (e.g. calming techniques) and effective coping mechanisms to stop smoking in the face of stressful circumstances and triggers. CBT helps patients identify triggers, individuals, locations, and objects that spur actions. A research that compared CBT and basic health education found that nicotine dependency was decreased by both interventions. Another research, however, showed that patients who participated in six comprehensive groups CBT sessions had higher quit rates among smokers attempting to quit with the nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) patch than those who received six general health education sessions.

Motivational Interviewing (MI)

In MI, counselors assist patients in discussing and overcoming their ambivalence about stopping smoking and strengthening their desire to make healthy changes. MI is patient-focused and non-confrontational, and providers highlight differences between the goals or beliefs of patients and their actual behaviors. They respond to the reluctance of patients to change and foster self-efficacy and optimism. MI studies show that this technique results in higher quit rates than brief stop-smoking tips.