Development and Evaluation of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy delivered by Psychologists and Non-Psychologists in an NHS Community Adult Mental Health Service: A Preliminary Analysis.

Abstract

Background: Previous studies have demonstrated Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is effective for depression and may be useful for complex transdiagnostic clients. Aims: To conduct a preliminary evaluation whether ACT is feasible and effective when delivered by psychologists and non-psychologists for complex clients in a National Health Service (NHS) community mental health service for adults. Method: Staff were trained in ACT and conducted one-to-one therapy with clients. Measures on general mental health, depression, fusion and values were given pre-therapy post-therapy and at three month follow-up. Results: Standardised measures showed significant improvements post-therapy for global mental health, depression, cognitive fusion and values post-treatment. These were partially maintained at follow-up and remained after an intent-to-treat analysis. There were no differences in outcomes between psychologists and non-psychologists, Conclusions: ACT may be delivered effectively with limited training for complex cases in secondary care, though further research is needed.