Cognitive behavioral programming has been central to the mission of Correctional Counseling, Inc. (CCI) since its founding. CCI focuses on equipping individuals with practical cognitive-behavioral tools that strengthen decision-making, encourage personal responsibility, and support meaningful, long-term change. Through this approach, MRT helps individuals examine thinking patterns, moral reasoning, and decision-making errors that contribute to harmful behavior.
CCI founder Dr. Kenneth Robinson co-created one of the most widely implemented evidence-based cognitive-behavioral counseling programs used in substance use treatment and criminal justice settings today. At its core, Moral Reconation Therapy- MRT® combines education, structured exercises, and both group and individual counseling to foster moral development and support healthier decision-making.
Over the past three decades, MRT has facilitated measurable and lasting change for individuals facing addiction, incarceration, and mental health challenges. As a result, communities that implement MRT have experienced improved outcomes across treatment, justice, and behavioral health systems.
[Learn more about the history of MRT here]
Moral Reconation Therapy- MRT® works because it changes how individuals think, not just how they behave. In practice, moral reasoning plays a critical role in decision-making, especially when individuals face difficult or high-stakes situations. When judgments about right and wrong rely on lower levels of moral reasoning, traditional interventions alone often fail to produce lasting change.
For this reason, MRT directly addresses beliefs, reasoning patterns, and decision-making errors. As part of this process, the program helps individuals understand the consequences of their actions on themselves, their families, and their communities. Through this process, MRT supports cognitive growth that leads to healthier judgments and long-term stability.
Overall, research consistently demonstrates the effectiveness of MRT. Specifically, outcome studies show reductions in recidivism rates ranging from 30% to 50%, with sustained effects lasting up to 20 years after release. In addition, re-arrest and re-incarceration rates have been shown to decrease by as much as 65% compared to expected outcomes.
Moreover, MRT has demonstrated positive outcomes across multiple systems, including:
Because of this strong evidence base, MRT was placed on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices in 2008. Moral Reconation Therapy- MRT® remains approved for mental health treatment, substance use treatment, and co-occurring disorders.
In addition, CCI is the sole provider of Moral Reconation Therapy- MRT® training and certification worldwide. Through structured training courses, professionals gain the skills needed to implement MRT® with fidelity and confidence. Continuing education units are available for each course, ensuring alignment with professional standards and ongoing development.
[Explore training and certification courses]
For more than 30 years, individuals have benefited from MRT programming across a wide range of settings. These include behavioral health providers, substance use disorder programs, hospitals, community-based organizations, and criminal justice systems of all sizes.
Ultimately, CCI’s commitment to cognitive behavioral programming reflects a belief that lasting change begins with how people think, reason, and make decisions. Through Moral Reconation Therapy- MRT®, CCI continues to support individuals and systems working toward safer, healthier, and more stable communities.
