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On the last page, we learned about evidence-based treatments for depression. Letʼs take a closer look at one of these proven treatments, called ACT.

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Tutorial Walkthrough

The avatar will help guide you through the website.

This tutorial will walk you through the interactive components of the website.

  1. Click the arrows on the left and right sides to move through the tutorial.
  2. Click the icon in the upper right to close the tutorial.
  3. Click the avatar icon therapist avatar to access tutorial at any time.

The avatar will help guide you through the website.

Click on this video to learn about ACT for Depression treatment.

Click the wheel icons to view the treatment steps. The current step will be at the top of the wheel.

Let’s learn about ACT for Depression

What is ACT for Depression?

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (or “ACT”) is an evidence-based “talk therapy,” or counseling treatment, shown to be effective for treating depression in a number of research studies. ACT helps people with depression to get “unstuck” from difficult thoughts and feelings, to be more accepting of themselves and their experiences, and to live life in a way that matters most to them.

Watch this video to learn more about ACT for Depression treatment. And, check out the wheel at the bottom of this page to learn about the specific parts of treatment!

ACT is effective for younger and older Veterans with depression.

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ACT is highly recommended by experts as a treatment option for many Veterans with depression.

Most Veterans who receive ACT show improvements in depression and quality of life…

and successfully learn proven life skills, such as being more accepting of their experiences and living in the present moment.

ACT skills help people to be more open, aware, and engaged with life.

What Happens in Treatment?

ACT for Depression includes proven steps for changing how we relate to our thoughts and emotions and how we live our lives.

Click on an item on the wheel to learn about the different steps of ACT for Depression!

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Accept Your Thoughts and Feelings

Learn how to accept, rather than avoid or battle, painful thoughts and emotions so they no longer have the same impact on your life.
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Live in the Present Moment

Learn skills for staying more focused on the present moment, rather than living in the past or the future.
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Identify Your Values

Clarify what matters most to you in life.
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Take Action

Take steps to live your life based on what matters most to you.

Click the arrows below to learn about the different steps of CBT for Depression

Accept Your Thoughts and Feelings

Learn how to accept, rather than avoid or battle, painful thoughts and emotions so they no longer have the same impact on your life.

Live in the Present Moment

Learn skills for staying more focused on the present moment, rather than living in the past or the future.

Identify Your Values

Clarify what matters most to you in life.

Take Action

Take steps to live your life based on what matters most to you.
Next: View The Treatment Process Up Close

Next, let’s look a bit closer at what ACT for Depression looks like.

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