Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) Psychiatrists in Rockville, MD

Photo of Dr. Andrea Papa-Molter, Psychiatrist in Rockville, MD
Dr. Andrea Papa-Molter
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Rockville, MD 20850
I am double board-certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. I believe in using both medication when indicated as well as therapy. I was trained in CBT and was given the Excellence in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy during my residency program. I use supportive therapy with each client I see. During my residency I served as Chief Resident and was awarded the Overall Excellence in Psychiatry Award as well as the Clinical Excellence Award.
I am double board-certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. I believe in using both medication when indicated as well as therapy. I was trained in CBT and was given the Excellence in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy during my residency program. I use supportive therapy with each client I see. During my residency I served as Chief Resident and was awarded the Overall Excellence in Psychiatry Award as well as the Clinical Excellence Award.
(240) 443-2144 View (240) 443-2144
Photo of Dr. Allen Masry, Psychiatrist in Rockville, MD
Dr. Allen Masry
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Rockville, MD 20850
I was trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy during my residency program and I use it to support each client I see.
I am Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry and have been practicing since 2005. I completed my residency from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts and my Fellowship in Addictions from the Robert Johnson Wood Foundation. In 2014, I was featured in SJ Magazine as one of New Jersey’s top psychiatrists. I have experience working with adults as well as adolescents suffering from both psychiatric diagnosis and substance use disorders and have extensive experience working in both out-patient and in-patient settings.
I was trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy during my residency program and I use it to support each client I see.
I am Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry and have been practicing since 2005. I completed my residency from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts and my Fellowship in Addictions from the Robert Johnson Wood Foundation. In 2014, I was featured in SJ Magazine as one of New Jersey’s top psychiatrists. I have experience working with adults as well as adolescents suffering from both psychiatric diagnosis and substance use disorders and have extensive experience working in both out-patient and in-patient settings.
(240) 433-7238 View (240) 433-7238
Photo of Shama Milon, Psychiatrist in Rockville, MD
Shama Milon
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Rockville, MD 20850
Milon provides comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and treatment using medication management and psychotherapy, with training in psychodynamic psychotherapy, CBT, DBT, play and dyadic therapy, and family therapy.
Dr. Shama Milon is a triple-board eligible physician in Pediatrics, Psychiatry, and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She has experience treating mood disorders, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, OCD, and other conditions, including specializing in treating patients with co-occurring psychiatric and medical conditions. . Central to her philosophy as a physician is to understand the unique physical, emotional, and psychological needs of her patients. She strives to provide an empathetic and judgment-free space where her patients and families can feel supported and understood.
Milon provides comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and treatment using medication management and psychotherapy, with training in psychodynamic psychotherapy, CBT, DBT, play and dyadic therapy, and family therapy.
Dr. Shama Milon is a triple-board eligible physician in Pediatrics, Psychiatry, and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She has experience treating mood disorders, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, OCD, and other conditions, including specializing in treating patients with co-occurring psychiatric and medical conditions. . Central to her philosophy as a physician is to understand the unique physical, emotional, and psychological needs of her patients. She strives to provide an empathetic and judgment-free space where her patients and families can feel supported and understood.
(240) 844-3050 View (240) 844-3050
Photo of Michelle Hornbaker-Park, Psychiatrist in Rockville, MD
Michelle Hornbaker-Park
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Rockville, MD 20850  (Online Only)
Dr. Michelle Hornbaker-Park is a board-certified General and Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist with over nine years of experience. Her practice focuses on medication management founded not only on evidence-based medicine but on the understanding that a trusting therapeutic relationship is the cornerstone of behavioral health healing. She incorporates CBT, supportive therapy, and psychoeducation into her medication management appointments and may refer patients for additional psychotherapy to improve outcomes.
Dr. Michelle Hornbaker-Park is a board-certified General and Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist with over nine years of experience. Her practice focuses on medication management founded not only on evidence-based medicine but on the understanding that a trusting therapeutic relationship is the cornerstone of behavioral health healing. She incorporates CBT, supportive therapy, and psychoeducation into her medication management appointments and may refer patients for additional psychotherapy to improve outcomes.
(240) 376-5950 View (240) 376-5950
Photo of Edward Gelber, Psychiatrist in Rockville, MD
Edward Gelber
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Rockville, MD 20850
Additionally, I have expertise in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic psychotherapy.
I am seeing patients in my Rockville office located at 11119 Rockville Pike, Suite 200, and by videoconference (Zoom). I received my medical degree at the University of Pennsylvania. I provide psychiatric treatment for a wide range of challenges in adults, adolescents and pre-teens. My approach is to create a personalized treatment plan starting from scientific treatment guidelines and focusing on your individual needs and strengths. I have wide-ranging expertise including the treatment of anxiety, depression, addiction, ADD/ADHD, bipolar disorder, OCD, women's psychiatric needs, schizophrenia, and impulsivity.
Additionally, I have expertise in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic psychotherapy.
I am seeing patients in my Rockville office located at 11119 Rockville Pike, Suite 200, and by videoconference (Zoom). I received my medical degree at the University of Pennsylvania. I provide psychiatric treatment for a wide range of challenges in adults, adolescents and pre-teens. My approach is to create a personalized treatment plan starting from scientific treatment guidelines and focusing on your individual needs and strengths. I have wide-ranging expertise including the treatment of anxiety, depression, addiction, ADD/ADHD, bipolar disorder, OCD, women's psychiatric needs, schizophrenia, and impulsivity.
(301) 750-2744 View (301) 750-2744
Photo of Solomon Meltzer, Psychiatrist in Rockville, MD
Solomon Meltzer
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Rockville, MD 20852
Through my training as a physician and specialty training as a psychiatrist I am skilled in psychiatric diagnosis, medication management, and multiple forms of psychotherapy, including psychodynamic, existential, insight oriented, CBT, mind/body, and others.
Through my training at Sheppard Pratt, I practice an integrated approach with consideration for the mind/body connection. While medications can play an important role in treatment of psychiatric illnesses, I endeavor to consider the whole person, paying careful attention to the individual and their internal world. Depressive and anxiety disorders are particularly suited to this holistic approach.
Through my training as a physician and specialty training as a psychiatrist I am skilled in psychiatric diagnosis, medication management, and multiple forms of psychotherapy, including psychodynamic, existential, insight oriented, CBT, mind/body, and others.
Through my training at Sheppard Pratt, I practice an integrated approach with consideration for the mind/body connection. While medications can play an important role in treatment of psychiatric illnesses, I endeavor to consider the whole person, paying careful attention to the individual and their internal world. Depressive and anxiety disorders are particularly suited to this holistic approach.
(410) 989-4937 View (410) 989-4937
Photo of Liza Losada Schor, Psychiatric Nurse in Rockville, MD
Liza Losada Schor
Psychiatric Nurse, APRN
Verified Verified
Rockville, MD 20850
As a certified Nurse Psychotherapist I offer many of the traditional modalities of psychotherapy like psycho-education, mindfulness training and cognitive behavior therapy.
Are you worried about your child or adolescent? Has a teacher or a pediatrician expressed some concern over your child's mood or behavior? Do you have a teen who is brimming with potential but seems sad or stuck? Do they worry too much? Perhaps your family or child has suffered a loss or trauma that may be getting in the way of their ability to be successful or enjoy things. If any of these apply to you then I can help. I offer a safe, non-judgmental space where young people and their families can be heard and supported.
As a certified Nurse Psychotherapist I offer many of the traditional modalities of psychotherapy like psycho-education, mindfulness training and cognitive behavior therapy.
Are you worried about your child or adolescent? Has a teacher or a pediatrician expressed some concern over your child's mood or behavior? Do you have a teen who is brimming with potential but seems sad or stuck? Do they worry too much? Perhaps your family or child has suffered a loss or trauma that may be getting in the way of their ability to be successful or enjoy things. If any of these apply to you then I can help. I offer a safe, non-judgmental space where young people and their families can be heard and supported.
(240) 442-1647 View (240) 442-1647
Photo of Adam Horn, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Rockville, MD
Adam Horn
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Rockville, MD 20850  (Online Only)
Adam is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner specializing in psychological trauma, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and addiction issues. He has more than 25 years of experience in mental health, as a psychotherapist with a Cognitive Behavioral approach and as a nurse practitioner. He has helped people from all walks of life, all sorts of life experiences, from the coasts of Washington State to hills of Tennessee and Virginia; urban and rural. He believes our pasts do not dictate our futures; and through a combination of psychotherapy and psychopharmacology, we are all capable of change and creating a better life.
Adam is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner specializing in psychological trauma, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and addiction issues. He has more than 25 years of experience in mental health, as a psychotherapist with a Cognitive Behavioral approach and as a nurse practitioner. He has helped people from all walks of life, all sorts of life experiences, from the coasts of Washington State to hills of Tennessee and Virginia; urban and rural. He believes our pasts do not dictate our futures; and through a combination of psychotherapy and psychopharmacology, we are all capable of change and creating a better life.
(410) 498-5326 View (410) 498-5326
Photo of Adeline Mangwa, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Rockville, MD
Adeline Mangwa
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP , BC
Verified Verified
Rockville, MD 20848
With her you shall use a whole self-approach, addressing the needs of your mind, body, and spirit, in combination with talk therapy, CBT, mindfulness, anything that will help you take control of your life.
Life can be very stressful and overwhelming, sometimes it leaves us feeling sad, depressed, anxious and scared. Your mental health is our priority. Adeline is a board-certified PMHNP and suboxone certified, with 15 years plus working in the mental health field. Now helping clients and families face with mental health challenges, like anxiety, depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, substance use disorder, schizoaffective disorder ,suboxone maintenance etc. After working together with Adeline, clients are successfully managing their symptoms, and now living their normal life. I believe your case is not different.
With her you shall use a whole self-approach, addressing the needs of your mind, body, and spirit, in combination with talk therapy, CBT, mindfulness, anything that will help you take control of your life.
Life can be very stressful and overwhelming, sometimes it leaves us feeling sad, depressed, anxious and scared. Your mental health is our priority. Adeline is a board-certified PMHNP and suboxone certified, with 15 years plus working in the mental health field. Now helping clients and families face with mental health challenges, like anxiety, depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, substance use disorder, schizoaffective disorder ,suboxone maintenance etc. After working together with Adeline, clients are successfully managing their symptoms, and now living their normal life. I believe your case is not different.
(240) 730-2995 View (240) 730-2995
Photo of Edena Walden, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Rockville, MD
Edena Walden
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APN, MSN, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
Rockville, MD 20850
Ideally my patient is as invested in their care as I am. They could have a variety of diagnoses but the thing they have in common is they are willing to give the process time, are open to new ideas, and know there is no magic pill to fix all their problems. My patients want to get to the best version of themselves and are willing to try therapy as well as medications to help them reach that goal. My patient wants an empathetic, listening provider who can guide their care based on the evidence, but tailored to their individual needs.
Ideally my patient is as invested in their care as I am. They could have a variety of diagnoses but the thing they have in common is they are willing to give the process time, are open to new ideas, and know there is no magic pill to fix all their problems. My patients want to get to the best version of themselves and are willing to try therapy as well as medications to help them reach that goal. My patient wants an empathetic, listening provider who can guide their care based on the evidence, but tailored to their individual needs.
(240) 628-7525 View (240) 628-7525
Photo of Connor Stimpson, Physician Assistant in Rockville, MD
Connor Stimpson
Physician Assistant, PA-C
Verified Verified
Rockville, MD 20850
My clients are often people who want to get better and are open to treatment recommendations. If you are seeking treatment you should be provided with empathy, compassion, and evidence-based practice.
My clients are often people who want to get better and are open to treatment recommendations. If you are seeking treatment you should be provided with empathy, compassion, and evidence-based practice.
(240) 563-0357 View (240) 563-0357
Photo of Dr. Vera Okoye, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Rockville, MD
Dr. Vera Okoye
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, CRNP, PMH-BC, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
Rockville, MD 20852
Are you emotionally or mentally drained, can't focus on your daily activities, can't get along with your co-workers, friends, or family members, or embarrassed by your weight? If yes, then you are in good hands with You First Health and Wellness Services (YFHWS) where you are treated with respect and compassion. Your wellbeing is assured by Dr. Vera Okoye who has successfully treated people with mental derangement or emotional dysregulation. She is board certified as a Psychiatric Mental health, and Family Nurse Practitioner with over 26 years in practice. She is here for you from initial intake to a successful treatment outcome.
Are you emotionally or mentally drained, can't focus on your daily activities, can't get along with your co-workers, friends, or family members, or embarrassed by your weight? If yes, then you are in good hands with You First Health and Wellness Services (YFHWS) where you are treated with respect and compassion. Your wellbeing is assured by Dr. Vera Okoye who has successfully treated people with mental derangement or emotional dysregulation. She is board certified as a Psychiatric Mental health, and Family Nurse Practitioner with over 26 years in practice. She is here for you from initial intake to a successful treatment outcome.
(301) 781-5430 View (301) 781-5430
Photo of Serena Chen, Psychiatrist in Rockville, MD
Serena Chen
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Rockville, MD 20850  (Online Only)
Dr. Serena Chen completed her psychiatry training at Harvard South Shore where she also served as the Chief of Wellness. In addition to her residency training, she pursued further therapy training at the Boston Psychoanalytic Society and Institute. Dr. Chen believes in combining medication management and therapy for the best treatment outcomes. She takes a patient-centered and collaborative approach with the aim of helping patients achieve their own personal vision for improved well-being. She had previously worked as a consultant before deciding to pursue a career in medicine.
Dr. Serena Chen completed her psychiatry training at Harvard South Shore where she also served as the Chief of Wellness. In addition to her residency training, she pursued further therapy training at the Boston Psychoanalytic Society and Institute. Dr. Chen believes in combining medication management and therapy for the best treatment outcomes. She takes a patient-centered and collaborative approach with the aim of helping patients achieve their own personal vision for improved well-being. She had previously worked as a consultant before deciding to pursue a career in medicine.
(240) 734-2369 View (240) 734-2369
Photo of Hawa Fatu-Maria Fofanah, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Rockville, MD
Hawa Fatu-Maria Fofanah
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-, FNP, BC
Verified Verified
Rockville, MD 20852  (Online Only)
Hawa Fofanah is a Board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC). Her health career started in cardiac step-down care. She worked inpatient settings as a registered nurse caring for people with varying medical challenges. She later became a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and practiced for many years in family medicine, before eventually transitioning to Psychiatric mental health. Her passion for mental health grew out of the growing need for mental health providers. In primary care she got to witness how challenging it was for some of her patients to get even an initial psychiatric evaluation.
Hawa Fofanah is a Board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC). Her health career started in cardiac step-down care. She worked inpatient settings as a registered nurse caring for people with varying medical challenges. She later became a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and practiced for many years in family medicine, before eventually transitioning to Psychiatric mental health. Her passion for mental health grew out of the growing need for mental health providers. In primary care she got to witness how challenging it was for some of her patients to get even an initial psychiatric evaluation.
(240) 679-5829 View (240) 679-5829
Photo of Michelle McCarthy, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Rockville, MD
Michelle McCarthy
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APN, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Rockville, MD 20850
Michelle is passionate about delivering care to individuals suffering from anxiety, substance use, and depression. Client motivation and dedication are key to utilizing the tools provided during our sessions including medication management, implementing lifestyle interventions, and therapy to help develop and implement a successful treatment plan. Relief of the client's suffering in dealing with their mental health issues and striving for an improvement in their quality of life is key to treatment.
Michelle is passionate about delivering care to individuals suffering from anxiety, substance use, and depression. Client motivation and dedication are key to utilizing the tools provided during our sessions including medication management, implementing lifestyle interventions, and therapy to help develop and implement a successful treatment plan. Relief of the client's suffering in dealing with their mental health issues and striving for an improvement in their quality of life is key to treatment.
(240) 628-7673 View (240) 628-7673
Photo of Robin Peterson, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Rockville, MD
Robin Peterson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, RN, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Rockville, MD 20852  (Online Only)
Hello. My name is Robin. I have been a psychiatric Nurse 30 years. I have experience, knowledge and expertise working with a variety of clients. I use a person centered approach in order to meet the individualized needs of each client. I graduated from University of Texas in Austin with a Bachelor in Nursing and received a post masters certificate as a psychiatric nurse practitioner from Vanderbilt university. I retired from active duty 2016.
Hello. My name is Robin. I have been a psychiatric Nurse 30 years. I have experience, knowledge and expertise working with a variety of clients. I use a person centered approach in order to meet the individualized needs of each client. I graduated from University of Texas in Austin with a Bachelor in Nursing and received a post masters certificate as a psychiatric nurse practitioner from Vanderbilt university. I retired from active duty 2016.
(919) 944-4369 View (919) 944-4369
Photo of Favored Hands Telepsychiatry, LLC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Rockville, MD
Favored Hands Telepsychiatry, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Rockville, MD 20852  (Online Only)
Favored Hands Telepsychiaty, LLC is a Telemedicine practice ran by Franca Bakane who is a board certified PMHNP with several years of experience serving patients with varying mental health conditions. Her background includes providing psychopharmacology and therapeutic services to adolescent and adults in a variety of settings including, inpatient, outpatient, and corrections. I diagnose and treat many conditions some of which include depression, anxiety, mood disorders, PTSD, OCD, PTSD and a lot more. Telepsych Appointment are carried out via a secure video link. Evening hours may be available with Prior Arrangement.
Favored Hands Telepsychiaty, LLC is a Telemedicine practice ran by Franca Bakane who is a board certified PMHNP with several years of experience serving patients with varying mental health conditions. Her background includes providing psychopharmacology and therapeutic services to adolescent and adults in a variety of settings including, inpatient, outpatient, and corrections. I diagnose and treat many conditions some of which include depression, anxiety, mood disorders, PTSD, OCD, PTSD and a lot more. Telepsych Appointment are carried out via a secure video link. Evening hours may be available with Prior Arrangement.
(301) 381-5507 View (301) 381-5507
Photo of Andre Gligor, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Rockville, MD
Andre Gligor
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Rockville, MD 20850
Services available include psychopharmacology consultations, mental health evaluation and treatment, medication management, psychotherapy and second opinion consultations. Appointment availability is generally between the hours of 1 PM and 8 PM. Areas of special interest include sleep disorders, ADHD, Autism, OCD, Depression and PTSD. Additional services available are Behavior Therapy for OCD and counseling for families of persons with Autism. The goals of the practice are to provide help and solutions for problems that affect a client's quality of life and to help clients continue on life's journey without distress.
Services available include psychopharmacology consultations, mental health evaluation and treatment, medication management, psychotherapy and second opinion consultations. Appointment availability is generally between the hours of 1 PM and 8 PM. Areas of special interest include sleep disorders, ADHD, Autism, OCD, Depression and PTSD. Additional services available are Behavior Therapy for OCD and counseling for families of persons with Autism. The goals of the practice are to provide help and solutions for problems that affect a client's quality of life and to help clients continue on life's journey without distress.
(301) 679-7492 View (301) 679-7492
Photo of Tara Walker, Psychiatrist in Rockville, MD
Tara Walker
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Rockville, MD 20850  (Online Only)
Dr. Walker provides compassionate, individualized, team-based Psychiatric care that addresses your unique needs as a patient. Treatments offered include medication management and psychotherapy. Dr. Walker coordinates closely with other members of your treatment team to provide the best care possible. Dr. Walker spends​ the time necessary to get to know you as an individual and to thoroughly address your concerns. She is licensed to practice in Maryland and Virginia.
Dr. Walker provides compassionate, individualized, team-based Psychiatric care that addresses your unique needs as a patient. Treatments offered include medication management and psychotherapy. Dr. Walker coordinates closely with other members of your treatment team to provide the best care possible. Dr. Walker spends​ the time necessary to get to know you as an individual and to thoroughly address your concerns. She is licensed to practice in Maryland and Virginia.
(301) 804-6111 View (301) 804-6111
Photo of Bose Ajayi, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Rockville, MD
Bose Ajayi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Rockville, MD 20852
Bose's experience working at Walter Reed helped her understand more about mental health issues, especially facing the military and their family. This great opportunity increased her desire to pursue a degree in mental health where she graduated from Walden University and aspires to use her degree to make a positive difference in caring for those with mental health care needs. She understands the stigmatization, and challenges that are associated with mental health issues. For these reasons, she provides holistic and patient-centered care where the families are involved when necessary and approved by the patient.
Bose's experience working at Walter Reed helped her understand more about mental health issues, especially facing the military and their family. This great opportunity increased her desire to pursue a degree in mental health where she graduated from Walden University and aspires to use her degree to make a positive difference in caring for those with mental health care needs. She understands the stigmatization, and challenges that are associated with mental health issues. For these reasons, she provides holistic and patient-centered care where the families are involved when necessary and approved by the patient.
(703) 457-9148 View (703) 457-9148

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) Psychiatrists

How does cognitive behavioral therapy work?

Cognitive behavioral therapy works by exploring how your thoughts affect your emotions and experiences. CBT helps you identify distortions in your thinking. For example, you may tend to jump to the worst case scenario catastrophizing or think in extremes (all-or-nothing thinking). A therapist can teach you how to push back against those thoughts to ultimately change your feelings and behavior for the better. They can also provide coping skills to better deal with stressors and challenges.

When do I know to seek treatment with cognitive behavioral therapy?

It’s reasonable to consider cognitive behavioral therapy if you struggle to manage difficult emotions or behaviors to such an extent that you are not getting the most out of life on a day-to-day basis. If you want a shorter term, concrete, skills-based approach, CBT is a great option. (By contrast, other types of therapy may devote more time to exploring your past and its effects.) The decision to seek CBT also depends on the condition you’re treating; CBT is an effective treatment for anxiety, depression, trauma, and many other disorders.

How can I find a cognitive behavioral therapist for someone else?

To find a cognitive behavioral therapist for someone else, you may want to begin by discussing the person’s problem, researching cognitive behavioral therapy, and assessing whether the approach is the right fit. You could then reach out to a few cognitive behavioral therapists in this directory, explain the scenario, have a consultation with those available, and determine who could be a good match.

Why is CBT such a popular form of therapy?

CBT has become a popular form of therapy because it is effective and accessible. Robust research has demonstrated that CBT is an effective treatment for many mental health conditions. And CBT can be learned in relatively few sessions, which means that many people can engage in the process, afford it, and see results quickly. It involves learning concrete skills such as disputing unhelpful thoughts; these skills can also be taught and spread widely.