Abstract
This review aims to examine literature on psychological interventions in the adult acute inpatient settings, with a particular focus on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) groups. It outlines the challenges in creating a therapeutic environment on acute psychiatric wards and presents CBT groups developed and introduced in various services across the UK. It is clear that standard interventions, as available in outpatient settings, cannot be applied in the acute units. CBT groups on the wards prove to be popular among clients and staff. They are also seen as meaningful by clinical psychologists. However, popularity is not considered as the same as clinical effectiveness, and so there is a need for more research in this area.