Patient Experience and Satisfaction With Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Delivered in a Complimentary Open Group Format for Adults With Eating Disorders

We examined patient experiences and satisfaction with acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) delivered in a novel weekly open-group therapy format immediately following psychiatric intake assessment into a hospital-based outpatient adult eating disorders program. Participants were 68 adults with a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition diagnosis of an eating disorder who reported their experiences and satisfaction with the ACT group. Participants reported that they were somewhat satisfied to very satisfied with the open ACT group and that the treatment content was helpful. Specifically, participants reported that ACT group helped them to recognize their personal values and learn strategies for behavior change. Satisfaction with ACT group was associated with engagement in the broader group therapy program. Results suggest that ACT delivered in an open group format is well liked by adults in an outpatient program for eating disorders. ACT is a promising complimentary treatment for individuals with eating disorders that can be easily integrated by clinicians into outpatient care.