Behavioral Activation

Behavioral activation (BA) is a brief intervention based on the reinforcement theory of depression that aims to increase an individual’s engagement in rewarding activities as a means to increase response-contingent positive reinforcement. BA has emerged as an empirically supported treatment for depression that is particularly amenable for implementation in diverse clinical contexts. The need for short-term, evidence-based treatments in the era of managed care has contributed to the increasing use of BA worldwide. This chapter provides a historical overview of BA and provides a targeted review of the principles and procedures of a brief, contemporary behavioral activation approach, including recommendations for using this approach in the assessment and treatment of depression, and with individuals with multiple levels of physical and mental health comorbidities.