Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Treatment Centers in Medford, MA
![Photo of Mission Center - Recovery Centers of America at Danvers, Treatment Center](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e8a4d75c-d86c-47aa-9852-4bdeac2886fc/1/320x400.jpeg)
Setting the gold standard for addiction treatment in the Boston area. Located in Danvers, Massachusetts, just 15 miles outside of Boston, Recovery Centers of America at Danvers is ranked by Newsweek as the second top addiction treatment center in Massachusetts. Our center is also accredited by the Joint Commission, the highest national standard for safety and quality of care, along with C.A.R.F. A.S.A.M. Level of Care certification—the international standard in addiction treatment. At RCA at Danvers, our caring team will be by your side through a lifetime of recovery, with services inclusive of: Drug and alcohol detox services, Residential inpatient treatment for drug and alcohol addiction, Outpatient addiction treatment & mental health services (offered both in-person and online), Medication-assisted treatment for opiate, opioid and alcohol addiction, and An active alumni association with recovery meetings and activities.
Setting the gold standard for addiction treatment in the Boston area. Located in Danvers, Massachusetts, just 15 miles outside of Boston, Recovery Centers of America at Danvers is ranked by Newsweek as the second top addiction treatment center in Massachusetts. Our center is also accredited by the Joint Commission, the highest national standard for safety and quality of care, along with C.A.R.F. A.S.A.M. Level of Care certification—the international standard in addiction treatment. At RCA at Danvers, our caring team will be by your side through a lifetime of recovery, with services inclusive of: Drug and alcohol detox services, Residential inpatient treatment for drug and alcohol addiction, Outpatient addiction treatment & mental health services (offered both in-person and online), Medication-assisted treatment for opiate, opioid and alcohol addiction, and An active alumni association with recovery meetings and activities.
At Evoke Wellness, our mission is to empower individuals on their journey to recover from addiction and mental health challenges. We provide compassionate, evidence-based care that fosters personal growth, resilience, and lasting positive change. Through comprehensive treatment and unwavering support, we aim to help individuals rediscover their inherent worth and lead fulfilling lives.
At Evoke Wellness, our mission is to empower individuals on their journey to recover from addiction and mental health challenges. We provide compassionate, evidence-based care that fosters personal growth, resilience, and lasting positive change. Through comprehensive treatment and unwavering support, we aim to help individuals rediscover their inherent worth and lead fulfilling lives.
![Photo of Admissions Specialist - Elevation Behavioral Health Mental Health Retreats, Treatment Center](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/49758937-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Elevation Behavioral Health Mental Health Retreats
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Medford, MA 02153
Elevation Behavioral Health offers a high-end recovery environment combined with individualized treatment tracks tailored to the unique needs of each client. Residents engage in a combination of traditional therapy and holistic practices for treatment that incorporates physical, mental and spiritual recovery. Staff endeavors to provide each individual with the skills and know-how to care for themselves once they complete treatment and continue their lives with a renewed perspective. Elevation Behavioral Health aims to elevate the standard for residential treatment and the client towards their highest self without the use of substances by encouraging each individual to discard their former destructive patterns and habits.
Elevation Behavioral Health offers a high-end recovery environment combined with individualized treatment tracks tailored to the unique needs of each client. Residents engage in a combination of traditional therapy and holistic practices for treatment that incorporates physical, mental and spiritual recovery. Staff endeavors to provide each individual with the skills and know-how to care for themselves once they complete treatment and continue their lives with a renewed perspective. Elevation Behavioral Health aims to elevate the standard for residential treatment and the client towards their highest self without the use of substances by encouraging each individual to discard their former destructive patterns and habits.
![Photo of Strattus Mental Health Clinic - Strattus, TILL's Mental Health Clinic, Treatment Center](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/58ea4e83-fe8a-4977-9da1-f5f07b32070e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Strattus is your local community mental health clinic, offering a variety of outpatient services. Our clinical team is experienced in working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families, with and without specialized needs. In addition to counseling, we also provide medication assessment, management and monitoring to adults ages 18 or older.
Strattus is your local community mental health clinic, offering a variety of outpatient services. Our clinical team is experienced in working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families, with and without specialized needs. In addition to counseling, we also provide medication assessment, management and monitoring to adults ages 18 or older.
More Treatment Centers Nearby
![Photo of Southcoast Behavioral Health Adolescent Inpatient - Southcoast Behavioral Health - Adolescent , Treatment Center](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/719bda77-a1fb-4873-a0af-98c4206b9ee3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Located in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, Southcoast Behavioral Health is a premier provider of inpatient treatment for children and adolescents ages 5-17. Our expert staff provides care for young people who are struggling with mental health concerns like depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), psychosis, suicidal ideation, and self-harm. In our adolescent inpatient program, we can help young people who are experiencing mental health crises stabilize so that they can step down to a lower level of care or return home. While in our inpatient unit, children and adolescents can receive focused care in a safe setting so that they can regain a sense of security and well-being. Our multidisciplinary staff provides evidence-based, patient-centered treatments such as motivational interviewing, dialectical behavior therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. The typical length of stay in our adolescent inpatient program is around five to seven days, though the actual time each person spends in our care depends on their needs.
Located in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, Southcoast Behavioral Health is a premier provider of inpatient treatment for children and adolescents ages 5-17. Our expert staff provides care for young people who are struggling with mental health concerns like depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), psychosis, suicidal ideation, and self-harm. In our adolescent inpatient program, we can help young people who are experiencing mental health crises stabilize so that they can step down to a lower level of care or return home. While in our inpatient unit, children and adolescents can receive focused care in a safe setting so that they can regain a sense of security and well-being. Our multidisciplinary staff provides evidence-based, patient-centered treatments such as motivational interviewing, dialectical behavior therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. The typical length of stay in our adolescent inpatient program is around five to seven days, though the actual time each person spends in our care depends on their needs.
![Photo of Gillian Galen - Triad Adolescent Services, PsyD, Treatment Center](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40a617b7-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Triad Adolescent Services
Treatment Center, PsyD
Verified Verified
Cambridge, MA 02138 (Online Only)
We offer didactic and process oriented Parent Skills and Support groups designed to work with parents and families who have children, adolescents and young adults who are struggling with depression and anxiety, self injury and self worth. Our expert-led parent skills and support groups to provide an understanding, compassionate place for parents to learn and practice parenting effectiveness and self care. Triad's group-based practice was founded upon the fundamental belief that family systems work best in a positive, strength-based approach. We utilize DBT and CBT principles and our clinicians share 50+ years of experience working directly with parents and famlies. All groups are virtual and co-led, providing group-specific curriculum treating no more than 12 parents in each group. Homework is provided to reinforce learning between sessions.
We offer didactic and process oriented Parent Skills and Support groups designed to work with parents and families who have children, adolescents and young adults who are struggling with depression and anxiety, self injury and self worth. Our expert-led parent skills and support groups to provide an understanding, compassionate place for parents to learn and practice parenting effectiveness and self care. Triad's group-based practice was founded upon the fundamental belief that family systems work best in a positive, strength-based approach. We utilize DBT and CBT principles and our clinicians share 50+ years of experience working directly with parents and famlies. All groups are virtual and co-led, providing group-specific curriculum treating no more than 12 parents in each group. Homework is provided to reinforce learning between sessions.
![Photo of Evolve Llc - Teen Residential DBT Treatment at Evolve, Treatment Center](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1b224334-c02e-4319-882e-a18593ad5eba/1/320x400.png)
Our Comprehensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) residential treatment center in L.A. is perfect for teens and children ages 12-17 who struggle with mental or behavioral health, substance use, and dual diagnosis. Dialectical Behavior Therapy has a high success rate with substance use, depression, anxiety, high emotional sensitivity, self-harm, and/or suicidal behaviors. Our program incorporates all four requirements of a formal Comprehensive-DBT program: individual/family therapy, 24/7 in-the-moment skills coaching, skills training groups, and weekly staff consultation team. For out-of-state families, we conduct family therapy sessions via HIPAA-compliant video conference. In our skills-training groups, teens learn the four core skill-sets of DBT: Mindfulness, Emotion Regulation, Interpersonal Effectiveness, & Distress Tolerance. Adolescents benefit from psychiatric supervision, academic support, and experiential therapies: equine, surf, drama, music, art, yoga and more. While our primary modality is DBT, we also incorporate CBT, 12-Step, Relapse Prevention, PTSD treatment, and other evidence-based modalities depending on your teen or child’s clinical needs.
Our Comprehensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) residential treatment center in L.A. is perfect for teens and children ages 12-17 who struggle with mental or behavioral health, substance use, and dual diagnosis. Dialectical Behavior Therapy has a high success rate with substance use, depression, anxiety, high emotional sensitivity, self-harm, and/or suicidal behaviors. Our program incorporates all four requirements of a formal Comprehensive-DBT program: individual/family therapy, 24/7 in-the-moment skills coaching, skills training groups, and weekly staff consultation team. For out-of-state families, we conduct family therapy sessions via HIPAA-compliant video conference. In our skills-training groups, teens learn the four core skill-sets of DBT: Mindfulness, Emotion Regulation, Interpersonal Effectiveness, & Distress Tolerance. Adolescents benefit from psychiatric supervision, academic support, and experiential therapies: equine, surf, drama, music, art, yoga and more. While our primary modality is DBT, we also incorporate CBT, 12-Step, Relapse Prevention, PTSD treatment, and other evidence-based modalities depending on your teen or child’s clinical needs.
![Photo of Tonn Q Cao - TCA Counseling Group, PhD, Treatment Center](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/539456ee-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
TCA Counseling Group was founded by Dr. Tonn Q. Cao in 2011 specializing in treatments for Millennials. Our philosophy is that every individual should be treated with respect and integrity despite his or her background, identity or experiences. This is particularly true when they are at their most vulnerable as they seek counseling services. We offer a safe refuge where individuals, couples and families are encouraged to explore their tribulations as they succeed at leading healthier and happier lives. By combining our specializations, our therapists can help our clients from many different perspectives and increase the chances of their success in meeting their treatment goals.
TCA Counseling Group was founded by Dr. Tonn Q. Cao in 2011 specializing in treatments for Millennials. Our philosophy is that every individual should be treated with respect and integrity despite his or her background, identity or experiences. This is particularly true when they are at their most vulnerable as they seek counseling services. We offer a safe refuge where individuals, couples and families are encouraged to explore their tribulations as they succeed at leading healthier and happier lives. By combining our specializations, our therapists can help our clients from many different perspectives and increase the chances of their success in meeting their treatment goals.
![Photo of Admissions Line - Meta Addiction Treatment, Treatment Center](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d0335e60-d583-4c01-b266-0d7a9e6c39cf/2/320x400.jpeg)
Clients choose Meta Addiction Treatment for a recovery experience that puts their needs first. We work closely with every client to personalize their treatment plan and ensure we're helping them meet their recovery goals. We also offer flexible schedules for each of our outpatient levels of care to work around work, school, or family commitments.
Clients choose Meta Addiction Treatment for a recovery experience that puts their needs first. We work closely with every client to personalize their treatment plan and ensure we're helping them meet their recovery goals. We also offer flexible schedules for each of our outpatient levels of care to work around work, school, or family commitments.
![Photo of David Perna - Copernican Clinical Services, Treatment Center](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/45781728-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
At Copernican we utilize a combination of traditional therapy techniques and cutting-edge clinical interventions to help support your treatment experience. Our staff functions as an integrated, CLINICAL TEAM as we coordinate with other professionals in a seamless manner. Our approach to continuity of care that is packed with relevant clinical information. We believe that KNOWLEDGE IS POWER. The usual response we receive from other professionals is, "Thanks! You guys are always so helpful."
At Copernican we utilize a combination of traditional therapy techniques and cutting-edge clinical interventions to help support your treatment experience. Our staff functions as an integrated, CLINICAL TEAM as we coordinate with other professionals in a seamless manner. Our approach to continuity of care that is packed with relevant clinical information. We believe that KNOWLEDGE IS POWER. The usual response we receive from other professionals is, "Thanks! You guys are always so helpful."
![Photo of Scott Milligan - Hospital for Behavioral Medicine, Treatment Center](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5bfa3657-9504-4c25-b4c6-cbb8c9001e01/2/320x400.jpeg)
The Hospital for Behavioral Medicine (HBM) offers innovative inpatient services for children, adolescents, adults, and older adults. Inpatient services focus on crisis stabilization, medication management, group treatment and discharge/transition planning. Our dedicated staff of doctors, nurses, case managers, and mental health technicians are committed to providing the highest quality of patient care, bringing creativity, expressive arts, and best practices to manage and reduce unsafe behaviors.
The Hospital for Behavioral Medicine (HBM) offers innovative inpatient services for children, adolescents, adults, and older adults. Inpatient services focus on crisis stabilization, medication management, group treatment and discharge/transition planning. Our dedicated staff of doctors, nurses, case managers, and mental health technicians are committed to providing the highest quality of patient care, bringing creativity, expressive arts, and best practices to manage and reduce unsafe behaviors.
![Photo of Karen Monroe - McLean Hospital, Treatment Center](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40ec8eda-dda4-4d26-8e6d-f9fe4960348d/1/320x400.jpeg)
The McLean Hospital Child Outpatient Clinic, located on the campus of the Sancta Maria Nursing Facility in Cambridge, provides compassionate, patient-centered care to children and teens and their families. We offer several approaches to psychiatric care for youth struggling with anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), depression, bipolar disorder, phobias, and executive dysfunction.
The McLean Hospital Child Outpatient Clinic, located on the campus of the Sancta Maria Nursing Facility in Cambridge, provides compassionate, patient-centered care to children and teens and their families. We offer several approaches to psychiatric care for youth struggling with anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), depression, bipolar disorder, phobias, and executive dysfunction.
![Photo of Ryan Caulfield - Greater Boston Addiction Centers - GBAC, Treatment Center](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ded721ab-ff40-4709-a9dc-4c35393ce3aa/2/320x400.jpeg)
Greater Boston Addiction Centers - GBAC
Treatment Center
Not Verified Not Verified
Cambridge, MA 02138
Anyone struggling with addiction to drugs or alcohol needs professional support to heal and recover. Greater Boston Addiction Centers is here to help. Our substance abuse rehab programs provide daytime outpatient and evening intensive outpatient drug treatment programs to help you or your loved one rebuild and restore hope.
Anyone struggling with addiction to drugs or alcohol needs professional support to heal and recover. Greater Boston Addiction Centers is here to help. Our substance abuse rehab programs provide daytime outpatient and evening intensive outpatient drug treatment programs to help you or your loved one rebuild and restore hope.
![Photo of Ross Ellenhorn - Ellenhorn, MSW, PhD, Treatment Center](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/41a62cbd-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ellenhorn is the most comprehensive and integrative private community-based mental health program in the country with locations in Boston, Los Angeles, and NYC. Geared to individuals 18 years and older, our approach combines robust psychiatric services with intensive psychosocial care, focusing equally on reducing the psychosocial damage caused by stigma, loss of social identity and institutionalization, as on treating psychiatric illness and co-occurring disorders. Using the best-practice "gold standard" community-based treatment model, Program for Assertive Community Treatment (PACT), our multidisciplinary teams of professionals - which include psychiatrists and a broad spectrum of other experts - provide rehabilitation and treatment resources to clients living, for the most part, in apartments in the community. A small number of clients receive services at our staff-supervised home called "The Brackett House".
Ellenhorn is the most comprehensive and integrative private community-based mental health program in the country with locations in Boston, Los Angeles, and NYC. Geared to individuals 18 years and older, our approach combines robust psychiatric services with intensive psychosocial care, focusing equally on reducing the psychosocial damage caused by stigma, loss of social identity and institutionalization, as on treating psychiatric illness and co-occurring disorders. Using the best-practice "gold standard" community-based treatment model, Program for Assertive Community Treatment (PACT), our multidisciplinary teams of professionals - which include psychiatrists and a broad spectrum of other experts - provide rehabilitation and treatment resources to clients living, for the most part, in apartments in the community. A small number of clients receive services at our staff-supervised home called "The Brackett House".
![Photo of Kristina Marik - Arbour Counseling Services, Allston, Treatment Center](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44b733b3-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
With many locations throughout Eastern Massachusetts, Arbour Counseling Services (ACS) offers a full range of programs and clinical specialties. Our team of therapists provide comprehensive outpatient counseling services to children, adolescents, and adults. Our facility has offered long term support to the Boston area and is a trusted provider for many. ACS, Allston provides compassionate care for all.
With many locations throughout Eastern Massachusetts, Arbour Counseling Services (ACS) offers a full range of programs and clinical specialties. Our team of therapists provide comprehensive outpatient counseling services to children, adolescents, and adults. Our facility has offered long term support to the Boston area and is a trusted provider for many. ACS, Allston provides compassionate care for all.
![Photo of Daniel A Brenner - Cambridge Biotherapies, MD, Treatment Center](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/726e4f0e-4a45-4706-9070-a425f4c7229b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Cambridge Biotherapies is committed to helping people find relief from depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and OCD. We offer treatments in a safe, private, and comfortable setting with highly qualified and supportive staff. We maintain exemplary medical standards and incorporate developments from the most current research in a never-ending quest to improve our outcomes.
Cambridge Biotherapies is committed to helping people find relief from depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and OCD. We offer treatments in a safe, private, and comfortable setting with highly qualified and supportive staff. We maintain exemplary medical standards and incorporate developments from the most current research in a never-ending quest to improve our outcomes.
![Photo of Mission Center - Recovery Centers of America at Westminster, Treatment Center](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4cd48237-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Recovery Centers of America at Westminster
Treatment Center
Not Verified Not Verified
Malden, MA 02148
Bringing world-class addiction treatment to New England. Located in northern Massachusetts, Recovery Centers of America at Westminster is an accredited drug & alcohol rehab center that serves those suffering with addiction and their loved ones. Our mission is to save the lives of adults struggling with addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders through our full continuum of care, inclusive of drug and alcohol detox, inpatient addiction treatment, and outpatient treatment (offered both in-person and online). At RCA’s drug and alcohol rehab center in Westminster, you and your family will be part of a large, supportive community of RCA team members who are dedicated to making your time in treatment successful. You have dreams, hopes and aspirations, and to achieve them you must no longer be captive to alcohol, heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, Xanax, meth or other substances. In our expert-led, evidence-based addiction treatment facility we will counsel, medically and emotionally support, and encourage you on your recovery journey.
Bringing world-class addiction treatment to New England. Located in northern Massachusetts, Recovery Centers of America at Westminster is an accredited drug & alcohol rehab center that serves those suffering with addiction and their loved ones. Our mission is to save the lives of adults struggling with addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders through our full continuum of care, inclusive of drug and alcohol detox, inpatient addiction treatment, and outpatient treatment (offered both in-person and online). At RCA’s drug and alcohol rehab center in Westminster, you and your family will be part of a large, supportive community of RCA team members who are dedicated to making your time in treatment successful. You have dreams, hopes and aspirations, and to achieve them you must no longer be captive to alcohol, heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, Xanax, meth or other substances. In our expert-led, evidence-based addiction treatment facility we will counsel, medically and emotionally support, and encourage you on your recovery journey.
![Photo of Banyan Massachusetts - Banyan Massachusetts, LMHC, Treatment Center](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2d96a47e-99c7-4a6b-988b-6786f031c68b/1/320x400.png)
At Banyan Massachusetts, we offer a host of programs designed to help those struggling with addictions. All of our Massachusetts drug and alcohol treatment programs provide comprehensive care to address the unique needs of each patient in relation to physical, mental, and emotional health. Our certified team at Banyan is comprised of physicians, psychiatrists, registered nurses, clinicians, case managers, and other addiction professionals. Many of our staff have firsthand knowledge of the life-changing challenges and issues that men and women commonly face when beginning a recovery lifestyle.
At Banyan Massachusetts, we offer a host of programs designed to help those struggling with addictions. All of our Massachusetts drug and alcohol treatment programs provide comprehensive care to address the unique needs of each patient in relation to physical, mental, and emotional health. Our certified team at Banyan is comprised of physicians, psychiatrists, registered nurses, clinicians, case managers, and other addiction professionals. Many of our staff have firsthand knowledge of the life-changing challenges and issues that men and women commonly face when beginning a recovery lifestyle.
![Photo of Greg Bacos - Atlantic Behavioral Health , Treatment Center](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40c0d7ad-e991-4056-9dcc-1e2fa649568a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Atlantic Mental Health, Inc., dba Atlantic Behavioral Health is a premier, local mental and behavioral health clinic in Wilmington, Massachusetts right off of Route 93's Concord Street exit. Atlantic provides medication management and outpatient services to clients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, bi-polar, mood and personality disorders. We also treat those who suffer from gambling or sports betting addiction. Atlantic provides individual, group, couples and family counseling as well as medication management. We provide in person and Telehealth care for those in Massachusetts. Call today to get your admission started, our number is 978-315-1011
Atlantic Mental Health, Inc., dba Atlantic Behavioral Health is a premier, local mental and behavioral health clinic in Wilmington, Massachusetts right off of Route 93's Concord Street exit. Atlantic provides medication management and outpatient services to clients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, bi-polar, mood and personality disorders. We also treat those who suffer from gambling or sports betting addiction. Atlantic provides individual, group, couples and family counseling as well as medication management. We provide in person and Telehealth care for those in Massachusetts. Call today to get your admission started, our number is 978-315-1011
![Photo of Amber Miles - DJS Psychiatry and Services LLC , MD, NP, LDAC, LICSW, LMSW, Treatment Center](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/21ecb945-894d-413d-955b-9dbabf3974ed/1/320x400.jpeg)
DJS Psychiatry and Services LLC
Treatment Center, MD, NP, LDAC, LICSW, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Winchester, MA 01890
ABC Medical is a licensed treament center which offers a scope of services in the behavioral health field. Our organization staff are comprised of psychiatrist/MD, social workers, counselors and psychiatric nurse practitioners. We offer services for children, adults, couples and families and provide medication management, TMS treatments and psychotherapy. Telemedicine services are also available.
ABC Medical is a licensed treament center which offers a scope of services in the behavioral health field. Our organization staff are comprised of psychiatrist/MD, social workers, counselors and psychiatric nurse practitioners. We offer services for children, adults, couples and families and provide medication management, TMS treatments and psychotherapy. Telemedicine services are also available.
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Nearby Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Treatment Centers Searches for Medford
See More Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Treatment CentersDialectical Behavior (DBT) Treatment Centers
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.