2015 EST Status: Treatment pending re-evaluation Very strong: High-quality evidence that treatment improves symptoms and functional outcomes at post-treatment and follow-up; little risk of harm; requires reasonable amount of resources; effective in non-research settings

Strong: Moderate- to high-quality evidence that treatment improves symptoms OR functional outcomes; not a high risk of harm; reasonable use of resources

Weak: Low or very low-quality evidence that treatment produces clinically meaningful effects on symptoms or functional outcomes; Gains from the treatment may not warrant resources involved

Insufficient Evidence: No meta-analytic study could be identified

Insufficient Evidence: Existing meta-analyses are not of sufficient quality

Treatment pending re-evaluation

1998 EST Status: Modest Research Support Strong: Support from two well-designed studies conducted by independent investigators.

Modest: Support from one well-designed study or several adequately designed studies.

Controversial: Conflicting results, or claims regarding mechanisms are unsupported.

Strength of Research Support

Empirical Review Status
2015 Criteria
(Tolin et al. Recommendation)
Very Strong
Strong
Weak
Insufficient Evidence
Treatment pending re-evaluation
1998 Criteria
(Chambless et al. EST)
Strong
Modest
Controversial

Find a Therapist specializing in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Mixed Anxiety Disorders. List your practice

Brief Summary

  • Basic premise: ACT is about both acceptance and change. Clients are encouraged to let go of the struggle to change unwanted thoughts and emotions; instead focusing on the present moment and acting on what the client values most.
  • Essence of therapy: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a behavioral therapy based on Relational Frame Theory, aims to change the relationship individuals have with unwanted or feared thoughts, feelings, memories, and physical sensations. Acceptance and mindfulness strategies are used to teach clients to decrease avoidance, attachment to cognitions, instead increasing focus on the present and psychological flexibility. Clients learn to clarify their goals and values and to commit to behavioral change strategies.
  • Length: approx. 12 sessions

Treatment Resources

Editors: Natalie Noel, M.A.; Zac Imel, Ph.D.

Note: The resources provided below are intended to supplement not replace foundational training in mental health treatment and evidence-based practice

Treatment Manuals Training Resources Measures, Handouts and Worksheets Self-help Books Smartphone Apps Video Demonstrations Video Descriptions Clinical Trials Meta-Analyses and Systematic Reviews Other Treatment Resources

Treatment Manuals / Outlines

Treatment Manuals
Books Available for Purchase Through External Sites

Training Materials and Workshops

Measures, Handouts and Worksheets

Self-help Books

Important Note: The books listed above are based on empirically-supported in-person treatments. They have not necessarily been evaluated empirically either by themselves or in conjunction with in-person treatment. We list them as a resource for clinicians who assign them as an adjunct to conducting in-person treatment.

Smartphone Apps

Video Demonstrations

Clinical Trials

Meta-analyses and Systematic Reviews

Other Treatment Resources