Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in Texas
Stop fighting your feelings. Start living by what matters.
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) helps you make room for difficult thoughts and feelings instead of struggling against them. With a licensed Dua Health therapist, you get clear on your values and take steps toward a life that feels meaningful, even when things are hard. Sessions are available online across Texas and in person in Austin.
Most insured members pay a $25 copay
ACT at Dua Health is covered by most major insurance plans, including Optum, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna and Oscar. Paying out of pocket? Self-pay sessions are $110. There is no waitlist.
What is acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)?
Acceptance and commitment therapy, said as the word "act," was developed by psychologist Steven Hayes in the 1980s. It focuses on how you relate to your thoughts and feelings rather than trying to change or get rid of them.
The goal of ACT is psychological flexibility: the ability to stay present with whatever you are feeling while still doing what matters to you. Instead of waiting to feel better before you live fully, ACT helps you build a meaningful life alongside the hard moments.
How acceptance and commitment therapy works
ACT is built around six core processes. Your therapist helps you practice each one:
Acceptance
You learn to let uncomfortable feelings be there instead of avoiding or fighting them.
Cognitive defusion
You step back from your thoughts so they have less control over you. For example, you notice "I am having the thought that I will fail" instead of believing "I will fail."
Being present
You practice paying attention to what is happening right now.
Self as context
You come to see yourself as the one who notices your thoughts and feelings, not as the thoughts themselves.
Values
You get clear on what truly matters to you, like connection, growth or creativity.
Committed action
You take steps, big and small, that line up with your values.
What to expect
ACT sessions mix conversation, short exercises and memorable metaphors. Many people notice change within a few months.
What to expect
Many people notice meaningful change within a handful of sessions. Your therapist will check in regularly so you decide together how long to continue.
What can acceptance and commitment therapy help with?
Our therapists use ACT to support people with:
Is acceptance and commitment therapy right for you?
ACT may be a good fit if you:
Feel stuck fighting the same thoughts and feelings
Avoid things that matter to you because they bring up anxiety
Want to live more in line with your values
Like practical exercises alongside conversation
How ACT compares to other approaches
| Approach | Main focus | Typical length |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance and commitment therapy | Making room for hard feelings and acting on your values | Short to medium term |
| Mindfulness-based therapy | Present-moment awareness woven into talk therapy | Short to medium term |
| Motivational interviewing | Your own reasons and readiness to change | Short term |
| Solution-focused brief therapy | Your goals, strengths and next steps | Short term |
Not sure which approach suits you? Our care team will help match you with a therapist whose style fits your needs.
How to start ACT at Dua Health
Tell us about yourself
Spend about 15 minutes sharing your history and what you would like help with.
Talk with a care expert
A quick 15-minute call helps us understand your goals.
Get matched with an ACT therapist
Review your recommended therapists and book your first session within 24 hours.
Begin your sessions
Meet online from anywhere in Texas or in person at our Austin office.
Acceptance and commitment therapy FAQs
-
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) helps you accept difficult thoughts and feelings, get clear on your values and take action toward a meaningful life.
-
The six processes are acceptance, cognitive defusion, being present, self as context, values and committed action. Together, they build psychological flexibility.
-
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) works to identify and change unhelpful thoughts. ACT does not try to change your thoughts. It changes your relationship with them, so they have less power over what you do.
-
ACT is an evidence-based therapy with research support for anxiety, depression, chronic pain and other concerns.
-
Many people benefit from ACT in the short to medium term. You and your therapist will review your progress and decide together how long to continue.
-
Yes. Dua Health offers online ACT anywhere in Texas, as well as in-person sessions in Austin.
-
Most major insurance plans cover ACT at Dua Health, and most insured members pay a $25 copay. Self-pay sessions are $110.
-
Book a free 15-minute consult. Our care team will match you with a licensed therapist trained in ACT, usually within 24 hours.
Build a life around what matters to you
Work with a licensed ACT therapist online across Texas or in person in Austin.