Behavioral Activation Between Acute Inpatient and Outpatient Psychiatry: Description of a Protocol and a Pilot Feasibility Study

•BA adapted for the transition between inpatient and outpatient psychiatry is described.•Results from a small feasibility study indicated high acceptability and credibility.•A case is reviewed in detail.•BA may be a feasible intervention for improving continuity of care between services.

Gaps in the continuity of care between acute inpatient and outpatient psychiatric services are common and potentially detrimental for service users. In this paper we provide the rationale for and description of a 12-session behavioral activation intervention for acute inpatients with depression and comorbid psychiatric disorders. The intervention was tailored to be initiated during acute inpatient care and to continue after discharge into outpatient services. We also describe a small pilot investigation (N = 13) of the intervention’s preliminary feasibility. Treatment retention, self-ratings, and participants’ adherence to treatment principles indicate preliminary feasibility of behavioral activation in this complex context. Self-rated activation and avoidance improved during the intervention. The value of a parsimonious inpatient therapy that can bridge the gap between services is discussed along with the limitations of this study.