Many people in Los Angeles and Orange County are searching for effective ways to handle anxiety, depression, or stress. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, often referred to as ACT, is one approach that mental health professionals use to address these challenges.
ACT is different from some older types of therapy because it focuses on working with your thoughts and feelings, instead of trying to change or avoid them. This approach is growing in popularity for those looking for practical skills to manage difficult emotions. At 449 Recovery, we integrate ACT within our comprehensive mental health and dual diagnosis treatment approach to support lasting change for individuals facing co-occurring disorders.
Here’s what you need to know about this evidence-based treatment approach:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a type of mindfulness-based therapy that helps people notice and accept difficult thoughts and feelings while making choices that match their personal values. Instead of fighting or changing negative thoughts like traditional cognitive behavioral therapy approaches, ACT teaches acceptance of these thoughts. The goal is to help people live a meaningful life, even when uncomfortable feelings are present.
ACT works differently from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). While CBT focuses on challenging and changing negative thoughts, ACT encourages observing them without getting caught up in their content. This approach is particularly effective for anxiety therapy in Orange County and treatment for depression in LA.
Key components of ACT include:
- Psychological flexibility: Learning to adapt to difficult situations by accepting thoughts and feelings instead of struggling against them
- Present-moment awareness: Using mindfulness techniques to stay focused on what’s happening right now
- Values-based action: Making choices based on what matters most to you, not just what feels comfortable
Research from the National Institute of Mental Health shows ACT is effective for reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. This evidence-based treatment is also used to support people dealing with trauma and substance use disorders.
Core principles that make ACT unique
ACT operates on six core processes that work together to help people develop psychological flexibility and make meaningful changes in their lives.
Acceptance in therapy means noticing and allowing thoughts and feelings to exist instead of trying to fight or change them. This doesn’t mean giving up or being passive – it means acknowledging reality as it is. In ACT sessions, mindfulness practices help people observe their thoughts without judgment.
Common mindfulness exercises include breathing techniques, body scans, and grounding exercises. These skills help people notice their feelings and choose how to respond, especially during stressful situations. For someone dealing with anxiety, this might mean noticing anxious thoughts without immediately trying to make them go away.
Values clarification involves identifying what matters most to a person – the qualities and directions they care about in life. ACT therapists guide clients through exercises to discover these personal values. Values are like directions on a compass, giving someone a sense of where they want to go, while goals are specific destinations along the way.
Committed action means taking steps that align with personal values, even when it feels challenging. Unlike traditional behavior plans, committed action in ACT is always connected to what matters most to the individual. For example, if someone values connection, they might commit to joining a support group or reaching out to a friend, even when anxiety makes social situations difficult.
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How ACT helps with anxiety, depression, and trauma
For anxiety disorders, ACT teaches people to notice and accept anxious thoughts and feelings instead of avoiding them. Traditional approaches often focus on reducing anxiety symptoms, while ACT helps people live fully even when anxiety is present. This shift can be particularly helpful for people who have tried other approaches without lasting success.
ACT techniques for anxiety include:
- Defusion exercises: Learning to see thoughts as just thoughts, not facts or commands
- Mindful exposure: Gradually facing feared situations while staying present
- Values-based goals: Taking meaningful action even when anxiety is present
ACT addresses depression by helping people reconnect with their values and take meaningful action, even during periods of low motivation. The concept of “cognitive defusion” teaches people to observe depressive thoughts as temporary experiences rather than absolute truths.
Research published by the National Institute of Mental Health indicates that ACT can be as effective as traditional therapies for depression treatment. The approach is particularly helpful for people who experience persistent negative thinking patterns or feel disconnected from what matters to them.
ACT complements trauma therapy by helping people accept difficult memories and emotions without being overwhelmed by them. Rather than focusing directly on traumatic experiences, ACT emphasizes building psychological flexibility and staying grounded in the present moment.
Mindfulness techniques, including grounding exercises, help people stay connected to the present during trauma recovery. This approach can be especially helpful for people who experience flashbacks or feel disconnected from their bodies after traumatic experiences.
Finding qualified ACT providers in Los Angeles and Orange County
Choosing the right therapist is important for effective ACT treatment. Los Angeles and Orange County have many qualified providers, but knowing what to look for can help you find the best fit.
ACT therapists in California typically hold licenses such as Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), or Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PhD/PsyD). These licenses indicate the therapist has met state standards for mental health care.
Additional ACT-specific training or certification from organizations like the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science indicates specialized knowledge. You can verify a therapist’s license through the California Board of Behavioral Sciences website to confirm their credentials.
Many insurance plans cover ACT therapy, but coverage varies by provider and plan. Session costs in Los Angeles and Orange County typically range from $120 to $200, though some therapists offer sliding scale fees based on income.
Steps to verify coverage:
- Contact your insurance provider directly
- Ask about mental health benefits and session limits
- Confirm if your preferred therapist is in-network
- Inquire about telehealth coverage if you prefer virtual sessions
Both telehealth and in-person ACT therapy are widely available in Los Angeles and Orange County. Research from the American Psychological Association shows telehealth ACT can be as effective as in-person sessions for most people.
Telehealth offers convenience and flexibility, while in-person sessions may feel more personal for some people. Many providers offer both options, allowing you to choose what works best for your schedule and preferences.
What to expect in ACT therapy sessions
ACT therapy typically involves 8 to 20 sessions, depending on individual needs and goals. Sessions are usually scheduled weekly or biweekly and last about 50 minutes each.
The first session focuses on understanding your concerns, discussing your goals, and introducing basic ACT concepts. Subsequent sessions involve practicing mindfulness techniques, exploring personal values, and developing committed actions that align with those values.
Between sessions, therapists often assign homework such as mindfulness exercises, values journaling, or specific behavioral commitments. These assignments help reinforce skills learned during therapy and provide opportunities to practice new approaches in daily life.
Progress is typically measured through regular check-ins and symptom tracking rather than just symptom reduction. ACT therapy is considered successful when clients feel confident using ACT skills independently and can live according to their values despite ongoing challenges.
Moving forward with psychological flexibility
ACT offers practical tools for developing psychological flexibility – the ability to adapt to difficult situations while staying true to your values. This approach can be particularly helpful for people who feel stuck in patterns of avoidance or struggle with persistent difficult emotions.
At 449 Recovery, we integrate ACT with other evidence-based therapies to create personalized treatment plans for individuals facing both mental health challenges and substance use disorders. Our approach recognizes that lasting recovery often requires addressing both conditions together with compassion and comprehensive care.
The skills learned through ACT – mindfulness, acceptance, and values-based action – can be applied to many life situations. Whether dealing with work stress, relationship challenges, or ongoing mental health concerns, these tools provide a foundation for making meaningful choices even during difficult times.
FAQs about Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
ACT focuses on accepting anxious thoughts and feelings while taking values-based action, whereas CBT typically aims to identify and change negative thought patterns. ACT teaches psychological flexibility rather than symptom elimination.
ACT addresses the underlying patterns of avoidance and inflexibility that often contribute to both conditions. The therapy helps people develop coping skills that work for multiple challenges simultaneously.
Most people begin noticing changes within 6-8 sessions, though the timeline varies based on individual circumstances and goals. Full treatment typically takes 12-20 sessions.
Yes, ACT therapy can be used alongside medication. Many people find the combination helpful, as ACT provides practical skills while medication may help with symptom management.
The first session involves discussing your concerns, learning about ACT principles, and beginning to identify your personal values. No special preparation is required beyond bringing questions and an open mind.
At 449 Recovery, our team of qualified therapists integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy with comprehensive mental health and dual diagnosis treatment. We understand that recovery is most effective when mental health and substance use disorders are treated together with evidence-based approaches. Contact 449 Recovery for a confidential consultation to learn how ACT therapy can support your journey toward psychological flexibility and meaningful change.
