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—Moral Reconation Therapy® 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—Moral Reconation Therapy® has facilitated measurable and lasting change for individuals facing addiction, incarceration, and mental health challenges. As a result, communities that implement MRT—Moral Reconation Therapy® have experienced improved outcomes across treatment, justice, and behavioral health systems.
[Learn more about the history of MRT—Moral Reconation Therapy® 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—Moral Reconation Therapy® 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—Moral Reconation Therapy® 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—Moral Reconation Therapy® has demonstrated positive outcomes across multiple systems, including:
Because of this strong evidence base, MRT—Moral Reconation Therapy® 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.
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For more than 30 years, individuals have benefited from MRT—Moral Reconation Therapy® 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.
