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Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is an evidence-based treatment that derives its name from what is at the very core of its function: to accept and commit.
Instead of pushing away or fighting with unpleasant emotions, ACT challenges people to focus on accepting them and more clearly understanding why they exist. Doing this can more effectively address those issues at the root of their addiction or mental health disorder, teaching individuals how to cope with their emotions in healthier ways.
About Clearview Treatment Programs
Ages we treat
Adults (ages 18+)
Levels of care
Residential, partial hospitalization programs (PHP), intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
Payment options
Commercial insurance (in-network and out-of-network), self pay
Medicare/Medicaid
Not accepted
About ACT
How Does ACT Work?
A simple example illustrating how ACT works can be as elementary as someone changing one word in the story that a person may be telling themselves. Suppose someone is struggling with anxiety in anticipation of a social event. One might think to themself, “I want to go to the conference, but I’m too anxious to meet colleagues I’ve only spoken with on the phone.”
Instead, ACT asks individuals to adjust their mindsets. In this example, the individual should think of their fear in terms of, “I want to go to the conference, AND I’m anxious to meet my colleagues.” Just one small verbal shift can lead to a new outlook on the situation. ACT asks individuals to see situations more objectively, giving them the tools to accept what’s happening in the present moment and working with what can be changed (e.g., their perspective).
ACT helps individuals in the following ways:
ACT teaches individuals the concepts of acceptance and flexibility. With these skills, individuals can work through their unpleasant emotions rather than resist them.
Emotional distancing encourages individuals to take stock of their emotions in a more objective manner.
Presence is about living in the moment, being aware of what is happening in the present, and practicing controlling thoughts and worries about the past and the future.
Self-perspective helps individuals focus on a state of constant mindfulness.
Identifying their own personal values helps individuals align their decisions and behaviors with the things that matter most to them.
A vital part of ACT, this component consists of individuals committing themselves to embodying the values they’ve chosen as meaningful to them.
With over 20 years of proven experience, Clearview can help you or a loved one on the path to recovery and well-being.
The Evidence Behind ACT
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association (SAMHSA) recognizes ACT as an evidence-based treatment. ACT, which was developed in the late 80s by Steven C. Hayes, PhD, has been the subject of several randomized studies over the past few decades.
The American Psychological Association accepts ACT as a valid part of treatment for a variety of mental health disorders, including anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), severe depression, impulsivity, eating disorders, and substance abuse and addiction.
ACT at Clearview Treatment Programs
Clearview incorporates ACT in our residential programs for addiction with co-occurring mental health and women’s mental health, and in our outpatient treatment program. During individual and group therapy sessions, our trained ACT therapists help our clients adjust negative thought processes, emotions, and possibly damaging behavior to live healthier and more productive lives.