Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
About Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a comprehensive treatment for adolescents and adults who experience intense emotional dysregulation that is interfering with their daily lives, relationships, and personal goals. The treatment is based on cognitive behavior therapy and includes learning how thoughts affect emotions and behavior, how to balance acceptance through mindfulness and validation with change through behavioral strategies, and developing emotion regulation skills.
Comprehensive DBT Treatment includes:
- Six (6) month programming
- Weekly individual therapy
- Weekly skills training groups
- Phone or text in-the-moment coaching
- Team consultation meetings for therapists
DBT Teaches the Following Skills to the Client:
- Mindfulness
- Distress tolerance
- Interpersonal effectiveness
- Emotion regulation
When the client is an adolescent, these skills are taught to both the client and their family members.
Who Can Benefit From DBT and How it Can Help
If a client is experiencing:
- Borderline personality disorder
- Self-harm
- Suicidal behavior
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Substance use disorders
- Eating disorders, specifically binge eating disorder and bulimia
- Depression
DBT can help by:
- Reducing suicidal thoughts and behaviors
- Reducing risky behaviors
- Improving distress tolerance and emotional regulation skills, and interpersonal effectiveness
- Improving mood management and impulsivity
The model was developed for outpatient therapy but has been adapted to other service settings. For more information, visit the DBT Linehan Board of Certification website.
Qualifications for NM DBT Specialty Rate
Provider approval requires the following:
- The provider-based team is offering comprehensive DBT with all required model components
- Demonstrated certification from DBT-Linehan Board of Certification for licensed practitioners (view full criteria and costs on their website)
- Each team must have at least 2 people who have DBT-LBC Certification
Providers must maintain their certification. If you already meet these standards, you may complete the DBT Provider Application linked below.
DBT Specialty Provider Rate Application
If you meet the qualification standards, complete a DBT provider application.
DBT Training and Consultation
Complete the appropriate application to participate in an upcoming State Sponsored DBT Training.
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Resources:
- Visit the Treatment Implementation Collaborative for more information about the DBT trainers.
- DBT-Linehan Board of Certification