Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
introduction
What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy Prolonged Exposure (DBT-PE) is a specialized treatment protocol that combines:
1. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) – a therapy developed for people with intense emotional dysregulation, especially those with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and chronic suicidality.
2. Prolonged Exposure (PE) – a gold-standard trauma-focused therapy designed to treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) through gradual, repeated exposure to trauma memories and avoided situations.
The combined DBT and DBT-PE treatment uses a stage-based approach to fully address the wide range of challenges faced by high-risk, severe, and complex clients with PTSD. DBT-PE includes imaginal exposures and processing in addition to in vivo exposures.
Principles
Principles of Trauma-Informed Care
Trauma-informed care is grounded in several core principles that guide the therapeutic process:
Mindfulness
Helps individuals stay grounded in the present moment and observe thoughts and emotions without judgment.
Distress Tolerance
Teaches skills for managing crises and surviving emotional pain without resorting to self-destructive behaviors.
Emotion Regulation
Focuses on understanding and reducing the intensity of negative emotions.
Interpersonal Effectiveness
Provides skills to improve communication, set boundaries, and maintain healthy relationships.
benefits
What are the benefits of DBT?
DBT empowers clients to take control of their emotional lives by equipping them with practical, evidence-based skills. Benefits include reduced self-harming behaviors, improved emotional regulation, greater resilience during stressful situations, and healthier, more fulfilling relationships. Clients often report increased self-awareness, confidence, and an improved sense of purpose through consistent DBT treatment.
Fees
Individual Sessions
(45-minutes)
$175-$200
/session
Parent Training Sessions
(45-minutes)
$175-$200
/session
Couples
(45-minutes)
$200
/session
Adults DBT Groups Sessions
(2-hours)
$125
/session for six months to 1-year
Multi-Family Skills Group
(2-hours)
$150
/session for 24-weeks
Insurance
We do not accept insurance (most specialists do not), but many of our clients are able to get partial reimbursement from their insurance companies through their out-of-network benefits. We are happy to provide you with the necessary paperwork to submit an out-of-network claim to your insurance company.
consult
Begin Your Healing Journey
At Mountainside Behavioral Health, we are committed to fostering a supportive and professional environment where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered on their path to healing.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy and how does it work?
DBT is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that helps people regulate emotions, tolerate distress, improve relationships, and practice mindfulness. It works by teaching practical skills in both individual and group settings to support emotional and behavioral change.
Who is DBT best suited for?
DBT was originally developed for individuals with borderline personality disorder but is now widely used to treat anxiety, depression, PTSD, self-harming behaviors, eating disorders, and other conditions involving emotional dysregulation.
What can I expect from this comprehensive DBT program?
DBT typically includes weekly individual therapy sessions, group skills training, phone coaching for in-the-moment support, and consultation teams for therapists. Clients learn and practice core skills like mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.
How long does DBT treatment usually last?
A standard DBT program lasts about 6 months to a year, depending on the individual’s needs. Some clients benefit from extended support or ongoing skills groups beyond the initial program.
Free Consultation -
Begin Your Healing Journey
At Mountainside Behavioral Health, we are committed to fostering a supportive and professional environment where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered on their path to healing.