DBT for Kids

What is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy?

This 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 and coaching, our DBT therapists help 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 individual DBT therapy on an ongoing basis.

Clients will be individually assessed for their readiness to participate in individual DBT therapy. We do not currently have a skills group for clients, however, individual DBT is a good option for those who are already attending a skills group but do not have an individual therapist, or would like additional support.

Are there any requirements to participate?

Enrollment in the program requires collaboration between the client’s professional team, including an external skills group facilitator, case manager, individual therapist, psychiatrist, primary care physician, residential staff, and other service providers as needed.