Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

A values-driven therapy that teaches acceptance, mindfulness, and committed action for lasting recovery.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an evidence-based approach that blends cognitive-behavioral strategies with mindfulness and values-based living. Instead of trying to eliminate painful thoughts or feelings, ACT teaches individuals how to accept them, make space for them, and commit to actions that align with their personal values.

In recovery, ACT helps clients stop fighting their inner experiences and instead focus on building meaningful lives guided by what truly matters to them. This makes ACT especially powerful for people who feel stuck in cycles of avoidance, shame, or relapse.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Lasting Change

A compassionate, skill-based therapy that helps individuals move through pain, increase psychological flexibility, and create healthier habits.

Best for

Anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, chronic pain, stress, relapse prevention

Duration

Often 8–16 weeks, though some individuals continue longer for sustained growth and practice.

Session format

Individual or Group. In person or Virtual

Typical cadence

Weekly. Session length: 45–60 minutes

Often combined with

CBT, DBT, mindfulness, holistic therapies, medication management

Evidence base

Supported by extensive research; widely used in addiction and mental health care worldwide

Types of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

A Flexible, Evidence-Based Model Adapted for Diverse Mental Health Needs

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is a comprehensive therapeutic approach designed to increase psychological flexibility. Over time, it has been adapted into a variety of specialized formats to meet the needs of different individuals, conditions, and treatment settings.

Standard ACT

The original model, focused on acceptance, defusion, mindfulness, values, and committed action.

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ACT for OCD

Sometimes paired with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) to manage obsessions and compulsions.

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ACT by Age Group

Versions adapted for children, adolescents (ACT-A), and older adults, often involving family or age-appropriate exercises.

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ACT for Substance Use (ACT-SUD)

Targets cravings, relapse prevention, and building a sober, values-driven life.

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ACT for Chronic Pain / Health

Helps people live meaningful lives even with ongoing pain or medical conditions.

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ACT for Anxiety & Depression

Breaks cycles of worry, rumination, and avoidance with mindfulness and values.

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ACT in Different Formats

Delivered as individual therapy, group programs or digital/online platforms.

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ACT for Trauma & PTSD

Uses ACT principles to reduce avoidance and safely process trauma.

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How Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Helps in Recovery (ACT)

A Flexible, Evidence-Based Model Adapted for Diverse Mental Health Needs

Promoting Psychological Flexibility Acceptance and Commitment Therapy supports recovery by helping individuals develop the ability to stay grounded in the present moment, respond to difficult thoughts and emotions with less struggle, and take committed action toward the life they want to build. It encourages resilience, mindfulness, and values-driven change. core components of healing from addiction, trauma, and mental health challenges, ability, Emotional Balance, and Meaningful Change

Reduces avoidance

Encourages acceptance of difficult emotions without letting them control behavior

Builds resilience

Uses mindfulness and grounding skills to handle cravings, stress, or anxiety

Clarifies values

Helps clients identify what matters most (family, health, purpose) and use it as motivation for change

Encourages committed action

Turns values into practical steps that support long-term recovery and stability

Who Benefits from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy? (ACT)

Support for Individuals Managing Stress, Anxiety, Trauma, and Behavioral Challenges

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is especially helpful for people who feel stuck in cycles of worry, avoidance, emotional overwhelm, or unhelpful behavioral patterns. ACT supports individuals in building psychological flexibility, learning to navigate difficult thoughts and emotions while taking steps toward a more meaningful, grounded life.

Addiction Recovery Support

Individuals in addiction recovery struggling with cravings, shame, or relapse cycles

Mental Health Management

People managing anxiety, depression, or trauma symptoms

Chronic Pain & Health Challenges

Those with chronic pain or medical challenges that affect mental health

Family Support & Guidance

Families seeking a values-driven, compassionate approach to support recovery

Personal Growth & Purpose

Anyone wanting to build a meaningful, purpose-filled life alongside challenges

Performance Enhancement

Individuals seeking to improve focus, resilience, and well-being in professional settings.

What to Expect in Sessions

ACT sessions are experiential and collaborative. A typical session may include:

Mindfulness exercises: Breathing, body awareness, or visualization
Defusion techniques: Learning to separate yourself from negative thoughts (e.g., saying, “I’m noticing the thought that…” instead of “I am…”)
Values exploration: Identifying personal priorities and what matters most in life
Action planning: Setting small, realistic steps aligned with those values

Why TruPaths Highlights Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Integrating Acceptance and Values to Support Lasting Recovery

TruPaths highlights ACT because it is both practical and compassionate, offering tools that can be used immediately while also guiding long-term growth. ACT is widely used in addiction and mental health treatment programs, often integrated with CBT, DBT, and holistic approaches for a full spectrum of care.

FAQs about ACT

Is ACT evidence-based?

Yes. ACT is supported by decades of research and is considered a “third-wave” CBT therapy with proven effectiveness.

Does ACT mean giving up on change?

No, ACT teaches acceptance of feelings while encouraging you to take meaningful action toward change.

How is ACT different from CBT?

CBT focuses on changing negative thoughts, while ACT helps you accept thoughts and commit to your values.

How long does ACT take?

ACT usually takes 6 to 12 sessions, but it varies depending on individual needs.

Are there different types of ACT?

ACT itself is one approach, but it can be adapted to treat different problems and populations.

Does insurance cover ACT?

Insurance coverage varies; check with your provider to see if ACT is included.

Find Recovery Options Offering ACT

Recovery with purpose. If ACT sounds right for you, explore programs that use this approach to build meaningful, values-driven lives.

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About TruPath's Recommendations

Recommendations are based on your location and recovery needs, including the programs you've explored, the services you've saved, and the filters you've used. We use this information to highlight similar treatment options so you never miss a trusted path forward.