Understanding Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Youth
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 13, 2025

Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Hyperscanning Study in Psychological Counseling
Published on: January 17, 2025
1Department of Psychology, Harvard University, 1044 William James Hall, 33 Kirkland Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
Abstract:
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is a promising new treatment approach for transdiagnostic youth mental health concerns. ACT has been extensively researched in adult populations. However, significantly less evidence is available for children and adolescents. This article presents the available evidence on ACT for youth, with a special emphasis placed on the potential benefits for utilizing ACT during developmental years. Recommended adaptations to ACT for youth are identified and compared to ACT for adults. Given the growing body of research supporting ACT as a transdiagnostic psychotherapy for youth, future research directions in treatment efficacy, effectiveness, and dissemination research are discussed.
Related Concept Videos
Modeling in Therapy
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in...
Humanistic Therapy
Cognitive Therapy
Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy
Elements Crucial for Effective Psychotherapy
The Therapeutic Alliance
The therapeutic alliance refers to the relationship between the therapist and the client. The alliance strengthens when the therapist and the client engage in a nurturing, supportive, trusting, empathetic, and respectful relationship, improving therapeutic outcomes. Therapists must monitor this relationship...

