Stigma surrounding mental illness has been reduced through psychoeducation aimed at improving knowledge and intervention methods centering on contact with the patient (Corrigan & Penn, 1999). However, it is considered difficult to apply existing approaches to the case of stigma among healthcare professionals who already have knowledge and experience contacting individuals with mental illnesses. In addition, because stigmatization is an automatic process, it is very difficult to implement methods such as eliminating stigma or replacing it with different ideas, which are included in some psychoeducation programs. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to discuss the advantages and limitations of a group approach with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as an example of a new approach. Stigma intervention with ACT promotes awareness of the participants' own negative thoughts, including their stigmatized attitude, and encourages behavior that is consistent with their own values. This makes it possible to aim for behavioral change without spending time on eliminating such negative thoughts. Although there are few examples of stigma intervention using ACT in Japan, the author cites studies conducted in other countries and in Japan with university students, and its advantages and limitation was discussed.
 Author's abstract