Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (FACT) for stress, anxiety, and depression
Official title: A Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Study of Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (FACT)
Run by University of Aarhus · NCT07341425 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will test whether a short, need‑based course of Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (up to five sessions, max 250 minutes) can help adults with elevated anxiety, depression, or stress compared with a waitlist.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Aarhus Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Aarhus C) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 6, 2026 |
| Main results expected | June 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | June 30, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | May 4, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07341425 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults (≥18) in the Aarhus area with clinically elevated symptoms (GAD-7 ≥ 9, PHQ-9 ≥ 10, and/or PSS ≥ 14), Danish language proficiency, willingness to consent, stable or no psychotropic medication, not currently in other psychotherapy, and access to a camera-equipped device are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People with bipolar disorder, current or past psychosis, substance dependence requiring treatment, active suicidal risk needing hospitalization, or those already receiving psychotherapy are unlikely to benefit or are excluded.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a randomized interventional study enrolling 60 adults to compare FACT delivered as-needed (up to five sessions) with a waitlist control that receives usual care during the waiting period. Participants complete self-report measures at baseline, post-treatment, and at 1- and 3-month follow-ups, and brief questionnaires before and after each session. The study will examine feasibility, acceptability, symptom change, and psychological flexibility when FACT is implemented in primary mental health care. Recruitment is through general practitioners in the Aarhus area and participants must have Danish proficiency and access to a device with a camera.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, FACT could offer a brief, accessible therapy option that reduces distress and improves coping for people with mild-to-moderate anxiety, depression, or stress.
How similar studies have gone: Prior brief ACT-type interventions have shown promising effects for anxiety and depression, but the specific FACT five-session format is less well tested and mainly being explored here for feasibility and acceptability.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: (i) age ≥ 18 years, (ii) clinically relevant symptoms of distress ≥ 4 \[53\] and either symptoms of anxiety measured with the Generalized Anxiety Disorders (GAD ≥ 9 \[54\]) questionnaire and/or symptoms of depression with assessed with the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9 ≥ 10 \[55\]) and/or symptoms of stress measured with the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS ≥ 14), (iii) Danish language proficiency, (iv) ability and willingness to give informed consent, (v) no or stable antidepressant/antianxiety medication (i.e., same dosage for ≥ 6 weeks), (vi) access to either a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a video camera Exclusion Criteria: (i) currently receiving other psychotherapy or counseling for the same problem, (iii) a history of bipolar disorder, (ii) current or past psychotic disorder, (iv) substance abuse or dependence judged to require treatment, (v) suicide risk requiring immediate hospitalization.
Where it's running
-
Trøjborg Lægehus
Aarhus C, Denmark Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Nanna Bjerg Ramsdal, MSc
- Email: nannabjerg@psy.au.dk
- Phone: +4542738777
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.