Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Psychosis

Eric M J Morris; Daniel D Simsion

doi:10.1016/j.psc.2025.02.006

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Psychosis

Psychiatr Clin North Am. 2025 Sep;48(3):479-491. doi: 10.1016/j.psc.2025.02.006. Epub 2025 Apr 3.

Authors

Eric M J Morris¹, Daniel D Simsion²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Psychology, Counselling and Therapy, School of Psychology & Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Mental Health Division, Northern Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Electronic address: eric.morris@latrobe.edu.au.
² Department of Psychology, Counselling and Therapy, School of Psychology & Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Victorian Institute of Forensic Mental Health (Forensicare), Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

PMID: 40738528
DOI: 10.1016/j.psc.2025.02.006

Abstract

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is a third-wave cognitive-behavioral therapy, which focuses on acceptance, mindfulness, and values-based actions to support living a rich and meaningful life. ACT has been successfully applied to support recovery from psychosis across multiple contexts. This article provides an overview of ACT for psychosis, followed by an outline of how to effectively adapt ACT to support individuals experiencing psychosis, including various practical clinical tips for practitioners. Finally, an overview of the research literature supporting the efficacy of ACT for psychosis is presented, and consideration of next steps in research and clinical innovations.

Keywords: Acceptance and commitment therapy; Cognitive behavioral therapy; Mindfulness; Psychotic disorders; Recovery.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy* / methods
Humans
Psychotic Disorders* / therapy