ACBT

ACBT is an acronym that is most commonly used to denote Applied Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, a form of psychotherapy that translates cognitive-behavioral methods into practical, real-world clinical practice. It is built on the core principles of CBT—changing maladaptive thoughts to influence feelings and behaviors—while emphasizing brief, structured, and skills-based interventions suitable for diverse settings, including primary care and community mental health services. Treatment typically begins with an assessment and case formulation, followed by the selection of modules such as psychoeducation, cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation, exposure therapy, problem-solving strategies, and relapse prevention. Therapists use homework, behavioral experiments, and progress monitoring to adapt the approach to individual needs and to track outcomes.

In practice, ACBT aims to be accessible to non-specialist clinicians and is often delivered in short-term formats. The evidence base for ACBT reflects the broader CBT literature: randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses support its effectiveness for conditions like anxiety and depressive disorders, insomnia, and stress-related problems, though results vary by condition, setting, and implementation quality.

The term ACBT can also refer to other, unrelated entities in different fields. Because acronyms are not standardized, the meaning of ACBT should be inferred from context.