Public health prevention is an influential model for understanding countering violent extremism (CVE) strategies. The model, as commonly understood, comprises primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention. Primary prevention targets populations; secondary prevention targets people ‘at-risk’ of extremism; and tertiary prevention targets those experiencing ‘symptoms’. In this chapter, I explore the strengths, difficulties, and dangers of applying the public health model to CVE. I argue for a ‘health promotion’ approach that focuses on building healthy societies rather than a ‘disease prevention’ mindset focused on combating violent extremism. Reorienting CVE towards this goal can ensure that the public health model has long-term utility for the field.