Table 1 Themes and categories derived from the study

Mental health system

1. Logistic issues

2. Collaboration between psychologists and psychiatrists

Societal practices

1. Belief system

2. Influence of Family and Peers

3. Illegal practices and drug mafia

Therapeutic issues

1. Perceptions of patients’ understanding of CBT

2. Issues relating to patient engagement with CBT and attrition rates

3. Perceptions of patients’ compliance with CBT therapeutic processes

4. Psychologists’ perceptions of personal challenges

5. Useful CBT techniques