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Development and Evaluation of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Delivered by Psychologists and Non-Psychologists in
Thomas Richardson1, Lorraine Bell2, Helen Bolderston3
1Mental Health Recovery Team North,Solent NHS Trust,St Mary's Community Health Campus,Milton Road,Portsmouth PO3 6AD and School of Psychology,University of Southampton,Southampton SO17 1BJ.
Background:
Previous studies have demonstrated that acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is effective for depression and may be useful for complex transdiagnostic clients.
Aims:
To conduct a preliminary evaluation of 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 3-month follow-up.
Results:
Standardized 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.
