Background: Aphasia has a profound psychological impact and can lead to significant psychosocial consequences for both people with aphasia (PWA) and their families. An evidence-practice gap persists in the provision of effective psychological care for this population (Ryan et al., 2017). The stepped psychological care model has been proposed as a potentially effective intervention (Baker, 2018). The Aphasia Action Success Knowledge trial evaluated this approach, using a speech pathology-led psychosocial intervention for PWA and their family (Ryan et al., 2017). Despite positive pilot outcomes, a randomised controlled trial (RCT) indicated no significant superiority over a control group (Ryan et al., 2023). The Aphasia Mood Group (AMG) is a program developed to address the recommendations of the ASK trial, by including mood-focused adaptations, psychology-specific interventions, group format, and co-facilitation by a psychologist and speech pathologist. AMG is an 8-week program that includes education, communication training, community supports, behavioural activation and sharing personal narratives. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary outcomes of the AMG for PWA and their carers. Method: This mixed methods evaluation included a retrospective chart audit of patient outcomes, and semi-structured interviews of PWA, carers and staff involved in the AMG.Results: Participants achieved clinically significant improvements in goal attainment and measures of anxiety or depression for participants who were in the clinical range at pre-treatment. Participants found the AMG helpful for communication and coping strategies and improved understanding of aphasia. 100% of participants would recommend the AMG. Barriers included access to transport and parking, and memory. Facilitators included the content, group format and treating clinicians. Conclusion: This evaluation found the AMG was feasible and acceptable for delivery in a health service and positive preliminary findings for clinical effectiveness. Further research is needed to determine the clinical effectiveness, such as an RCT.

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