Pandemic Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (Pan-ACT): Telehealth Delivery With Older Veterans

Older adults have been disproportionately impacted and distressed by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Social distancing and stay-at-home orders have increased older adults' risk of social isolation and loneliness that will has led to a pandemic-induced fear of being in close proximity to other people. These fears and avoidant behaviors will have lasting effects if not treated with effective, safe, and convenient psychological interventions. This study will evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of delivering a small group intervention, called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), through a telehealth modality to Veterans ages 60 and older who are experiencing pandemic-related emotional and physical distress. ACT helps decrease emotional suffering, improve well-being and promote positive behavior change by increasing one's psychological flexibility through the practice of mindfulness, acceptance, and values-based behaviors. The knowledge gained from this study will be used to better tailor the invention to meet the needs of older Veterans in an era of post-pandemic recovery.

Inclusion Criteria: * Veteran * receives care at Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center * score of 9 or greater on the COVID-19 Mental Health Impacts Scale * English speaking * provides written informed consent * age 60 or older Exclusion Criteria: * diagnosis of dementia * score of 31 or less on the Modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status * actively suicidal or homicidal * actively psychotic * unstable medical condition * active substance use disorder * currently participating in another cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention