Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Psychiatrists in Carlsbad, CA
![Photo of Chandra Rogers, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7b068061-4b99-4969-9301-97bb858269d0/1/320x400.jpeg)
Chandra Rogers
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Mental health is much more than the absence of mental challenges. It encompasses the physical, psychological, social, and emotional aspects of our being and is highly complex and unique to each individual. It is a privilege and a great responsibility when an individual chooses to allow me to participate in their journey. My experiences have taught me that collaboration and teamwork are necessary in any partnership, and working together to find a solution that is attainable and aligns with our goals is a priority.
Mental health is much more than the absence of mental challenges. It encompasses the physical, psychological, social, and emotional aspects of our being and is highly complex and unique to each individual. It is a privilege and a great responsibility when an individual chooses to allow me to participate in their journey. My experiences have taught me that collaboration and teamwork are necessary in any partnership, and working together to find a solution that is attainable and aligns with our goals is a priority.
![Photo of Headlight Carlsbad - Headlight / Carlsbad, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/49f869c0-618d-4503-9236-268acf7f5e73/1/320x400.jpeg)
Headlight / Carlsbad
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Verified Verified
Carlsbad, CA 92008 (Online Only)
Headlight is proud to offer Carlsbad, CA a full circle of mental health care services, including therapy, coaching, support groups, medication management, and an online library of self-care resources. We make world-class mental health care accessible for everyone!
Headlight is proud to offer Carlsbad, CA a full circle of mental health care services, including therapy, coaching, support groups, medication management, and an online library of self-care resources. We make world-class mental health care accessible for everyone!
![Photo of Dr. Elijah Kim, DNP, PsychNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/57c9d41f-2c7a-4498-b05b-5732940fb253/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Elijah Kim
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PsychNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Carlsbad, CA 92008
We are born to be successful, happy, and enjoy every moment while living on earth, but that is a dream or fantasy in most cases. However, we are here to overcome obstacles preventing us from achieving our dreams and to make fantasies a reality. Life is full of surprises and challenges. Many are experiencing Depression, anxiety, bereavement, trauma, relationship difficulties, and a variety of other psychosocial stressors. It will be a privilege if I can assist those who need to alleviate their emotional pain and improve their daily functions.
We are born to be successful, happy, and enjoy every moment while living on earth, but that is a dream or fantasy in most cases. However, we are here to overcome obstacles preventing us from achieving our dreams and to make fantasies a reality. Life is full of surprises and challenges. Many are experiencing Depression, anxiety, bereavement, trauma, relationship difficulties, and a variety of other psychosocial stressors. It will be a privilege if I can assist those who need to alleviate their emotional pain and improve their daily functions.
![Photo of Patrick Sassoon, MD, MS, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ce845691-6fdb-450d-bbb3-5f33f3cfd909/1/320x400.jpeg)
My approach is based on integrative psychiatry, which uses medications, therapy and complementary medicine to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms. I address the combined impact of sleep, lifestyle, relationships, nutrition and chronic medical conditions on well-being, and use cutting edge tools like genetic testing to guide personalized treatment with medication and supplements. I consider the patient’s cultural background in my assessments and I can provide treatment in Spanish, Portuguese, French and Italian. My goal is to help my patients create lasting changes and build vitality, resilience and purpose in life.
My approach is based on integrative psychiatry, which uses medications, therapy and complementary medicine to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms. I address the combined impact of sleep, lifestyle, relationships, nutrition and chronic medical conditions on well-being, and use cutting edge tools like genetic testing to guide personalized treatment with medication and supplements. I consider the patient’s cultural background in my assessments and I can provide treatment in Spanish, Portuguese, French and Italian. My goal is to help my patients create lasting changes and build vitality, resilience and purpose in life.
Online Psychiatrists
![Photo of Markus Ploesser - Open Mind Health, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/87d8d624-f0a7-4ab4-a7ce-34db3ab1c103/2/320x400.jpeg)
Our team of experts are experienced in a multitude of evidence-guided modalities, including medication management, CBT, EMDR, DBT, among many others utilizing telehealth.
Emotional challenges and mental illness do not discriminate. No matter your race, orientation, gender, or religion, you matter. We at Open Mind Health offer a diverse group of providers who specialize in helping others find relief from a full spectrum of challenges. We offer 21 customized Wellness Tracks that address core symptoms, core life domains, & diverse populations to get the roots of emotional challenges – no one-size fits all or band aid approaches. We assess and advance your Personal Evolution so that you can become your best self. 96% of our clients rate their experience with Open Mind Health as Excellent or Very Good.
Our team of experts are experienced in a multitude of evidence-guided modalities, including medication management, CBT, EMDR, DBT, among many others utilizing telehealth.
Emotional challenges and mental illness do not discriminate. No matter your race, orientation, gender, or religion, you matter. We at Open Mind Health offer a diverse group of providers who specialize in helping others find relief from a full spectrum of challenges. We offer 21 customized Wellness Tracks that address core symptoms, core life domains, & diverse populations to get the roots of emotional challenges – no one-size fits all or band aid approaches. We assess and advance your Personal Evolution so that you can become your best self. 96% of our clients rate their experience with Open Mind Health as Excellent or Very Good.
![Photo of Dr. Trung (Jack) Duong, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e4f9a61-611b-4870-936c-4bf3086d2ec5/1/320x400.jpeg)
This may include cognitive-behavioral techniques, DBT, and other evidence-based interventions.
Hi! I am Dr. Duong (pronounce yoo-ung), a board-certified psychiatrist with a passion for integrating traditional psychiatric practices with holistic and complementary therapies. My practice is rooted in the belief that mental health is a multifaceted journey that requires a comprehensive and personalized approach. My specialty is in mood and personality disorders, complex trauma, anxiety/ADHD, and Asian American/BIPOC & LGTBQ+ mental health. My goal is to empower your authentic self and optimize your mental health journey so that you can lead a more fulfilling life.
This may include cognitive-behavioral techniques, DBT, and other evidence-based interventions.
Hi! I am Dr. Duong (pronounce yoo-ung), a board-certified psychiatrist with a passion for integrating traditional psychiatric practices with holistic and complementary therapies. My practice is rooted in the belief that mental health is a multifaceted journey that requires a comprehensive and personalized approach. My specialty is in mood and personality disorders, complex trauma, anxiety/ADHD, and Asian American/BIPOC & LGTBQ+ mental health. My goal is to empower your authentic self and optimize your mental health journey so that you can lead a more fulfilling life.
![Photo of Je Deuk Ko, MD, PhD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/679432a0-4709-452a-bc81-a7e0ed97d14f/2/320x400.jpeg)
I take on the tradition of detailed discovery of your issues and turn it around to supporting you in how best to reach your emotional, relational, and cognitive potentials. I am versatile in, and offer, various treatment approaches such as DBT, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and psychodynamic therapy, as well as prescribing medications. I discuss the details of my Psycho-Bio-Social model integrated formulations before answering the scientific and functional rationales behind my recommendations. I believe the process of discovering your functional goal is the most important part of the process.
I take on the tradition of detailed discovery of your issues and turn it around to supporting you in how best to reach your emotional, relational, and cognitive potentials. I am versatile in, and offer, various treatment approaches such as DBT, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and psychodynamic therapy, as well as prescribing medications. I discuss the details of my Psycho-Bio-Social model integrated formulations before answering the scientific and functional rationales behind my recommendations. I believe the process of discovering your functional goal is the most important part of the process.
Dr. Josh Lichtman has been practicing psychiatry for the last decade. Dr. Lichtman is passionate about mindfulness practice and psychiatry and is constantly trying to blend the two. He is a board-certified adult psychiatrist and although he primarily focuses on psychopharmacology, he is trained in various therapy modalities including CBT, DBT, Psychodynamic therapy, and is currently in the middle of his EMDR certification. Dr. Lichtman is Board Certified in Addiction Medicine and serves as a clinical instructor at UCLA, where he has been supervising doctors in training for the last 8 years.
Dr. Josh Lichtman has been practicing psychiatry for the last decade. Dr. Lichtman is passionate about mindfulness practice and psychiatry and is constantly trying to blend the two. He is a board-certified adult psychiatrist and although he primarily focuses on psychopharmacology, he is trained in various therapy modalities including CBT, DBT, Psychodynamic therapy, and is currently in the middle of his EMDR certification. Dr. Lichtman is Board Certified in Addiction Medicine and serves as a clinical instructor at UCLA, where he has been supervising doctors in training for the last 8 years.
![Photo of Gregory Sayer, MD, DFAACAP, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bfe252c2-af6f-4a94-a8a3-4cb295ccb700/3/320x400.jpeg)
Sayer is experienced in cognitive behavioral (CBT), interpersonal therapy, psychodynamic, dialectical behavioral ( DBT), and parent management training for children with behavioral or anxiety symptoms.
Does not take health insurance- -Dr. Sayer is a board certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist who specializes in medication management and psychotherapy. All appointments are currently virtual. He is licensed in New York and California. He founded the group private practice, Ficus Psych. In private practice, he sees children, teens, and adults. Dr. Sayer understands that the best outcomes happen when patients and doctors work as a team. It is his mission to use his expertise, in combination with the unique characteristics of each patient, to empower patients to make meaningful progress in their lives.
Sayer is experienced in cognitive behavioral (CBT), interpersonal therapy, psychodynamic, dialectical behavioral ( DBT), and parent management training for children with behavioral or anxiety symptoms.
Does not take health insurance- -Dr. Sayer is a board certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist who specializes in medication management and psychotherapy. All appointments are currently virtual. He is licensed in New York and California. He founded the group private practice, Ficus Psych. In private practice, he sees children, teens, and adults. Dr. Sayer understands that the best outcomes happen when patients and doctors work as a team. It is his mission to use his expertise, in combination with the unique characteristics of each patient, to empower patients to make meaningful progress in their lives.
![Photo of Sam Oeur, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7fa441e9-179d-4a09-9c29-6c0cf2c3863a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sam Oeur
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Solana Beach, CA 92075 (Online Only)
As the Founder/President of SSO Nursing, I am CBT & DBT trained and specialize in care for children/teens, the LGBTQ+ community, the Southeast Asian community, the Military/Veteran community, the neurodivergent community, and severe mental illness.
I am a Masters’ prepared Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner providing culturally informed mental health care in populations across the lifespan including children, teens, and adults with complex acute and chronic psychiatric disorders. Our practice, SSO Nursing, offers evidence-based, ethical, and transparent decision-making by being a partner in addressing mental health care in the outpatient telehealth setting.
As the Founder/President of SSO Nursing, I am CBT & DBT trained and specialize in care for children/teens, the LGBTQ+ community, the Southeast Asian community, the Military/Veteran community, the neurodivergent community, and severe mental illness.
I am a Masters’ prepared Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner providing culturally informed mental health care in populations across the lifespan including children, teens, and adults with complex acute and chronic psychiatric disorders. Our practice, SSO Nursing, offers evidence-based, ethical, and transparent decision-making by being a partner in addressing mental health care in the outpatient telehealth setting.
![Photo of Eryn Patchett - Charlie Health, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fd89999d-012d-4b58-87f8-63797c99f765/1/320x400.jpeg)
We specialize in CBT, DBT skills, and CFT.
Charlie Health is a leading provider of virtual mental health treatment for people in need of more than once-weekly therapy. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, self-harm, suicidal ideation, or any ongoing mental health issue, Charlie Health’s Clinical Team is ready to help you start your healing journey today. You don’t have to struggle alone – we’re here for you. To get started today, reach out at t.ly/ch-ca
We specialize in CBT, DBT skills, and CFT.
Charlie Health is a leading provider of virtual mental health treatment for people in need of more than once-weekly therapy. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, self-harm, suicidal ideation, or any ongoing mental health issue, Charlie Health’s Clinical Team is ready to help you start your healing journey today. You don’t have to struggle alone – we’re here for you. To get started today, reach out at t.ly/ch-ca
![Photo of James Rounds, MSN, PMHNP-, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2750e12b-c204-40d5-bbc0-b3fc4f2d71df/1/320x400.jpeg)
His approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy ( DBT), and gender-affirmative medical readiness evaluations, ensuring comprehensive and personalized care.
James Rounds, PMHNP specializes in treating depression, anxiety, and trauma, with a particular focus on serving the LGBTQIA+ community. His practice in California is rooted in a holistic approach, combining empathetic and tailored care to address both symptoms and underlying causes. James creates a safe, affirming space for individuals, guiding them toward resilience, healing, and personal growth. James is passionate about addressing ADHD, bipolar disorder, and PTSD/trauma. He utilizes individual therapy, medication management, and TMS to support his patients' diverse needs.
His approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy ( DBT), and gender-affirmative medical readiness evaluations, ensuring comprehensive and personalized care.
James Rounds, PMHNP specializes in treating depression, anxiety, and trauma, with a particular focus on serving the LGBTQIA+ community. His practice in California is rooted in a holistic approach, combining empathetic and tailored care to address both symptoms and underlying causes. James creates a safe, affirming space for individuals, guiding them toward resilience, healing, and personal growth. James is passionate about addressing ADHD, bipolar disorder, and PTSD/trauma. He utilizes individual therapy, medication management, and TMS to support his patients' diverse needs.
![Photo of Meghan DiMaggio, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3635549b-4a7f-48f3-a0af-b669278d6586/1/320x400.jpeg)
Meghan DiMaggio
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Orange, CA 92868 (Online Only)
I am DBT-trained and have worked with clients on all care levels.
Are you looking for a prescriber who truly hears and sees YOU? I believe every client and their needs are unique, and I offer a holistic approach with your wellness goals always at the center of treatment.
I am DBT-trained and have worked with clients on all care levels.
Are you looking for a prescriber who truly hears and sees YOU? I believe every client and their needs are unique, and I offer a holistic approach with your wellness goals always at the center of treatment.
![Photo of Dr. Steven Siragusa, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cb4a02aa-22ce-459b-934e-555684e71b01/1/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry with a focus on cutting-edge, evidenced-based mental healthcare. I am experienced in the diagnosis and treatment depression, anxiety, ADHD, autism, bipolar, psychosis, substance use, and PTSD. As a child and adolescent psychiatrist, I employ a neurodevelopmental, family-centered treatment approach with shared decision-making and collaboration of care. I employ a variety of psychotherapeutic approaches such as mindfulness, cognitive, and dialectical behavioral therapies which are specifically tailored to each patient's needs and therapeutic goals.
I specialize in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry with a focus on cutting-edge, evidenced-based mental healthcare. I am experienced in the diagnosis and treatment depression, anxiety, ADHD, autism, bipolar, psychosis, substance use, and PTSD. As a child and adolescent psychiatrist, I employ a neurodevelopmental, family-centered treatment approach with shared decision-making and collaboration of care. I employ a variety of psychotherapeutic approaches such as mindfulness, cognitive, and dialectical behavioral therapies which are specifically tailored to each patient's needs and therapeutic goals.
![Photo of Dr. Angel Aguilera, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5423dae0-3b8a-40c8-b51d-5304bac2e0b1/2/320x400.jpeg)
With expertise in medication management and psychotherapy, including CBT, DBT, Prolonged Exposure, and ISTDP, I provide personalized, evidence-based treatment to help you reach your goals.
As a bilingual psychiatrist trained at LAC + USC, I'm dedicated to supporting clients in overcoming mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, and trauma. With expertise in diagnosing and treating diverse psychiatric conditions, I offer personalized, high-quality care that addresses individual needs for emotional wellbeing.
With expertise in medication management and psychotherapy, including CBT, DBT, Prolonged Exposure, and ISTDP, I provide personalized, evidence-based treatment to help you reach your goals.
As a bilingual psychiatrist trained at LAC + USC, I'm dedicated to supporting clients in overcoming mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, and trauma. With expertise in diagnosing and treating diverse psychiatric conditions, I offer personalized, high-quality care that addresses individual needs for emotional wellbeing.
![Photo of Chika Agulanna - Light Care Psychiatry, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e08f94fa-eea4-4054-a692-015dc3f3cd59/1/320x400.png)
Light Care Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
12 Endorsed
Orange, CA 92868
Chika is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner from Fresno Ca, who works with children and adults and provides care for patients who struggle with anxiety, depression, bipolar, sleep difficulties etc. Chika has experience with medication management and use of psychotherapy and has been a board certified PMHNP for over 2 years. Chika’s treatment approach is rooted in evidence based practice utilizing medication and psychotherapy. Chika studied at Walden University, where she obtained a Masters in Nursing science. She has also worked as an RN for more than 8 years which has been helpful in providing care
Chika is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner from Fresno Ca, who works with children and adults and provides care for patients who struggle with anxiety, depression, bipolar, sleep difficulties etc. Chika has experience with medication management and use of psychotherapy and has been a board certified PMHNP for over 2 years. Chika’s treatment approach is rooted in evidence based practice utilizing medication and psychotherapy. Chika studied at Walden University, where she obtained a Masters in Nursing science. She has also worked as an RN for more than 8 years which has been helpful in providing care
![Photo of Jesse Bonilla, PMNHP, BC, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dd659b42-8463-4adf-8c10-cdee7e947de3/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jesse Bonilla
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMNHP, BC, MSN
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Irvine, CA 92618 (Online Only)
Mental health impacts our lives in many ways, from the energy we wake up with to the thoughts we have before we go to sleep, as well as the sleep in between! Whether you or a loved one are suffering from depression, PTSD, ADHD, ODD, substance abuse, work place stress or going through life changes, I want to help. Your safety is my priority and we will create a treatment plan that aligns with your goals through medication management and therapy. "Remember, hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies." - Stephen King
Mental health impacts our lives in many ways, from the energy we wake up with to the thoughts we have before we go to sleep, as well as the sleep in between! Whether you or a loved one are suffering from depression, PTSD, ADHD, ODD, substance abuse, work place stress or going through life changes, I want to help. Your safety is my priority and we will create a treatment plan that aligns with your goals through medication management and therapy. "Remember, hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies." - Stephen King
![Photo of Sayeh Beheshti, MD, MA, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/95084416-670d-4d5e-834f-95ecd66823cd/3/320x400.jpeg)
I treat children, age 8-19, who are suffering from the following: Suicidal Thoughts, Self Harm/Cutting, Anxiety Disorder, Depression, ADHD, Autism, Gender Dysphoria, Disruptive Disorder, Mild and Moderate Eating Disorders, Divorce/Family Problems, Personality Disorders, LGBTQ+ Related Issues. My therapists do individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and psychiatry in a comfortable upscale setting in Costa Mesa. We accept health insurance and we make treatment affordable. We have telehealth available for children anywhere in the state of California.
I treat children, age 8-19, who are suffering from the following: Suicidal Thoughts, Self Harm/Cutting, Anxiety Disorder, Depression, ADHD, Autism, Gender Dysphoria, Disruptive Disorder, Mild and Moderate Eating Disorders, Divorce/Family Problems, Personality Disorders, LGBTQ+ Related Issues. My therapists do individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and psychiatry in a comfortable upscale setting in Costa Mesa. We accept health insurance and we make treatment affordable. We have telehealth available for children anywhere in the state of California.
![Photo of Taylor Alexander, MSN, PMHNP-, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/20f49a83-6557-43b6-90d6-2e5a3dfee572/2/320x400.jpeg)
Taylor Alexander is a Board-Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in California who has been practicing since 2023. She earned her Bachelor of Science, with an emphasis on Public Health Education, from California State University San Bernardino. She then pursued her nursing degree at Western University of Health Sciences in their Master’s Program, becoming a Registered Nurse. Taylor completed her Master’s in Nursing under the Ambulatory Track, further specializing in Psychiatry.
Taylor Alexander is a Board-Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in California who has been practicing since 2023. She earned her Bachelor of Science, with an emphasis on Public Health Education, from California State University San Bernardino. She then pursued her nursing degree at Western University of Health Sciences in their Master’s Program, becoming a Registered Nurse. Taylor completed her Master’s in Nursing under the Ambulatory Track, further specializing in Psychiatry.
![Photo of Erin Benesch, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1b882b88-52b2-403b-842f-60d78e898b08/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Erin Benesch is double Board Certified in Child & Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatry. She provides treatment for a wide range of complex mental health issues in children, adolescents and young adults using medications, psychotherapy, and other alternative modalities of treatment. Dr. Benesch believes in the optimization of medication management while minimizing polypharmacy and addictive medications. She strongly encourages comprehensive mental health treatment in a collaborative model with therapists practicing primary evidence-based intervention.
Dr. Erin Benesch is double Board Certified in Child & Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatry. She provides treatment for a wide range of complex mental health issues in children, adolescents and young adults using medications, psychotherapy, and other alternative modalities of treatment. Dr. Benesch believes in the optimization of medication management while minimizing polypharmacy and addictive medications. She strongly encourages comprehensive mental health treatment in a collaborative model with therapists practicing primary evidence-based intervention.
See more therapy options for Carlsbad
Nearby Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Psychiatrists Searches for Carlsbad
- Costa Mesa
- Huntington Beach
- Irvine
- La Jolla
- Laguna Beach
- Mission Viejo
- Newport Beach
- Orange
- Riverside
- San Clemente
- Santa Ana
- Solana Beach
Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Psychiatrists
Who is DBT for?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is designed for people who experience extreme emotional suffering because they lack the skills of emotion regulation and distress tolerance. The basic affliction can underlie a wide range of conditions, from borderline and other personality disorders to PTSD and treatment-resistant anxiety and depression. The therapy is helpful to those whose emotional reactivity is so intense it is disruptive to everyday functioning and leads to frequent crises.
Why do people need DBT?
The ability to regulate emotions is a core psychological skill that enables people to function in life and pay attention to the world outside themselves; it is consistently associated with well-being. DBT is designed to help people learn how to manage and regulate their emotions. Originally developed to treat people with borderline personality disorder whose extreme emotional suffering led to self-harming behavior and suicide attempts, the therapy is now applied to other conditions involving emotion dysregulation, particularly when other treatments have failed.
What happens in DBT?
Individuals meet weekly with their therapist to discuss their experiences relating to moods, behavior, and skills. Using checklists they maintain, they review emotional experiences and positive practices they engage in. The diaries help individuals discern what led up to a specific problem encountered, this is followed by discussion of the consequences of their actions. In addition, individuals may meet in class-like small groups to learn skills such as mindfulness, emotion regulation and distress tolerance.
How long does DBT last?
Because it is intended to establish long-lasting behavioral change among those with persistent problems, DBT is designed to last six months to a year. DBT includes both weekly sessions of individual therapy and weekly skills-training sessions conducted in small groups. Studies of DBT have documented improvement within a year of treatment, particularly in controlling self-harmful behavior; nevertheless, individuals may require therapy for several years.