DBT for Kids

What is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy?

This year-long program, developed by Marsha Linehan, is for individuals who are suicidal, self-injurious and have difficulty managing their emotions and sustaining relationships.

Through individual therapy, skills groups, and coaching, our DBT program helps individuals learn to become more mindful of their feelings, thoughts and behaviors; regulate their emotions and become more resilient; manage distress and increase impulse control; and improve relationships and self-respect.

Who would benefit from DBT?

Individuals who benefit from this approach:

• Experience chronic suicidal thoughts
• Engage in self-harming behavior
• Engage in behavior that inhibits quality of life
• Struggle to regulate emotions
• Have difficulty sustaining relationships
• Are confused about themselves and their emotions or behaviors

Common diagnoses among DBT clients include depression and other mood, anxiety, and personality disorders.

When is it offered?

We offer DBT Skills Groups for boys and girls. These groups meet once per week. Individual DBT therapy is ongoing.

Clients will be individually assessed for their readiness to participate in individual DBT therapy and skills group. We do not currently have a skills group for clients with developmental disabilities.

Are there any requirements to participate?

Enrollment in the program requires a one-year commitment and will require collaboration between the client’s professional team, including case manager, individual therapist, psychiatrist, primary care physician, residential staff and other service providers as needed.