Combining Cognitive Therapy With Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Depression: A Group Therapy Feasibility Study

Cognitive therapy (CT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) have been shown to be effective in treating depression. Although integrating ACT with CT is used for the treatment of anxiety, there is a paucity of integrated CT and ACT treatments for depression and/or dysthymia. The purpose of this study is to determine the feasibility of integrating CT and ACT into a manualized group therapy treatment for depression and/or dysthymia. Over a period of 2 years, 4 consecutive groups were held at a community clinic, with 24 completing the 15-week treatment. Posttreatment and follow-up data revealed satisfaction with the treatment, significant decreases in depression severity, and significant increases in quality of life over the 5 time points. The results support the acceptability and feasibility of a manualized integrated CT/ACT group therapy program for depression and dysthymia.