learn About DBT

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

DBT is especially effective in addressing these mental health issues:

Suicidal thoughts
Self-harm
Impulsive behaviors
Crisis
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Depression
Panic Disorder

DBT Services for Adults:

Our Adult DBT program is an intensive outpatient program (IOP) that takes 12 months to complete. The program involves weekly hour-long individual sessions, weekly 2-hour-long skills training groups (that function more as a class vs. a processing group), along with 24/7 phone coaching support. There are several options for times for both individual and group sessions, and participants are welcome to join on video or in-person.

What to expect when starting Adult DBT:

At your first appointment, you will meet with an individual therapist to review symptoms, diagnoses, and mental health needs. The therapist and DBT consult team will then determine and confirm therapy goals are a match with the skills-based approach to DBT programming.

The next three individual appointments focus on introduction to the treatment process and DBT skills, identification of the specific behaviors you want to address, and provide time to get to know your individual therapist.

After approximately four individual sessions, you will be ready to join the two-hour weekly skills training group. We allow for hybrid groups, so members can join virtually or in-office. The groups are taught in a classroom-like setting around a large table in an encouraging environment which allows group members to support one another as they learn DBT skills. You will continue with the weekly individual appointments along with the weekly group sessions.

DBT Services for Teens:

The Family DBT program is designed for adolescents between the ages of 12-17 and at least one participating parent/caregiver.

The program is six months in duration, involving weekly hour-long individual sessions, weekly 2-hour-long skills training groups, and 24/7 phone coaching support.

The parent/caregiver participates in the program in order to reinforce the skills training development of their adolescent and get support for themselves as supporting someone with mental health struggles is hard work.

What to expect when starting Family DBT:

At your first appointment, you and your parent/caregiver will meet briefly with your individual therapist. Following this introduction, the therapist will meet individually with you to review your symptoms, diagnoses, and mental health needs. Your parent/caregiver will also have their own individual therapist on the team and will participate in the program with you.

The next three individual appointments focus on introduction to the treatment process and DBT skills, identification of the specific behaviors you want to address, and provide time to get to know your individual therapist.

After approximately four individual sessions, you will be ready to join the two-hour Family DBT weekly skills training group. We allow for hybrid groups, so members can join virtually or in-office. The groups are taught in a classroom-like setting around a large table in an encouraging environment which allows group members to support one another as they learn the DBT skills. You and your parent/guardian will participate in the skills training group together. Both of you will continue with your weekly individual appointments along with the weekly group sessions.

Is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy the right approach for me?

DBT is an evidence-based approach that can dramatically improve your quality of life. For people who have difficulty controlling their emotions--especially, but not limited to, those diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder—studies show that the completion of a year of DBT:

Reduces self-harm behavior and anger.
Reduces the time spent in inpatient hospitalization.
Reduces drug and alcohol misuse.
Improves mood regulation and reduces depressive symptoms.
Improves quality of life by addressing obstructions to progress.
Provides a foundation on which to build a life worth living.

However, DBT isn’t for everyone. Because it is a skills-based program, it is more likely to work for you if you are:

Are committed to making positive changes.
Are ready to fully commit to therapy and do homework assignments of skill application.
Are ready to focus mostly on your present and future, rather than your past.
Feel able to do some sessions in a group with others.

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Do you have emotional, behavioral or relational struggles?

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

Ready to start your path to healing

Our clinicians are here to help you take the first step