COMPREHENSIVE DIALECTICAL BEHAVIOR THERAPY (DBT) PROGRAM

Welcome to Quality Youth Services' Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, page. We are so happy you're here! We offer a comprehensive DBT program for individuals and families. Watch the video to the side and read on to learn more. And as always, contact us with any questions or to book an appointment!

Already in DBT? Click here for the member page.

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What is DBT?

DBT stands for Dialectical Behavior Therapy. DBT is an effective modality developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan in the 1980s and has been extensively researched over the 40+ years it has been in practice. DBT arms clients with important practical skills to practice mindfulness, regulate emotion, tolerate distress, improve relationships, and ultimately create "a life worth living" (Dr. Linehan).

What does DBT treat?

DBT is considered the gold standard treatment for borderline personality disorder (BPD) and chronic suicidality, but it has also been shown to be effective in treating various other mental health stressors. These include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and even PTSD. DBT is also effective in treating impulsive behaviors, such as some eating disorders and self-harming. When nothing else has worked, DBT does. DBT quite literally saves lives.

What is the DBT Comprehensive Program?

DBT is the most effective when done to fidelity. This means that participants in the comprehensive program commit to and participate in individual therapy with a DBT therapist and attend their respective DBT skills group each week. Participants are also expected to complete skills practice assignments between groups. In the comprehensive program, participants also have the ability to contact a DBT therapist for coaching when difficult situations arise. Note that the Comprehensive Program is a six-month to one-year commitment to see the maximum benefits.

Who can participate?

Who can participate in the Comprehensive DBT Program?

DBT can be helpful for anyone. To start the Comprehensive DBT Program, the client will meet with a DBT therapist who will determine whether DBT is a good fit, or if a different modality would better serve you based on the research. DBT members must be seeing a DBT therapist individually and attending skills group each week. Note that if a participant misses three (3) consecutive sessions/groups, they are considered "dropped out" of DBT. Contact us here for more information.

What is a Consultation Team?

When DBT is done to fidelity, there is a group of DBT clinicians who meet together regularly to ensure that their clients in DBT are receiving the best possible treatment. This team is called the "Consultation Team" and is an integral part of DBT. The Consultation Team works together so your therapist can give you the best care, and take care of themselves in the process.

When are Skills Groups?

Who are the DBT therapists?