Skip to content
Back to the library
🧠
MindOverview

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Structured skills training for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.

Licensed healthcare profession Well-established research
Format
Individual or group
Session
50 min individual + 2 hr group weekly
Touch
no
Cost
$$$

What this experience is like in depth

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a mind and emotional care approach. It is an evidence-based therapy combining individual sessions with group skills training. It works with the understanding that healing is not only about insight but also about what is felt, witnessed, and released in the body, relationships, and environment. In a session, you attend weekly individual therapy and a skills group that teaches four modules: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. You will sit, take notes, practice skills, complete diary cards. This is offered either one-on-one or in a group setting, typically 50 min individual + 2 hr group weekly, and this is a touch-free experience. People often choose this when they are carrying Anger, Anxiety, Relationship Pain, Shame, and Nervous System Overload. Over time, this work can become a way of relating to yourself with less fear and more capacity.

Who it may help

AngerAnxietyRelationship PainShameNervous System Overload

Overview

An evidence-based therapy combining individual sessions with group skills training.

What happens during a session

You attend weekly individual therapy and a skills group that teaches four modules: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.

What you physically do

Sit, take notes, practice skills, complete diary cards.
Typical session length

50 min individual + 2 hr group weekly

Insurance

Sometimes covered when the provider bills through insurance. Ask the provider before booking.

Questions to ask before booking

  • ?Is this full-model DBT or DBT-informed?
  • ?Are you intensively trained?
  • ?How is between-session coaching handled?

Licensing & who to search for

Licensed clinician with DBT training or intensive certification

Try these search terms:

  • "DBT program near me"
  • "Dialectical behavior therapy"
  • "Adherent DBT skills group"

Related modalities

Full guide in progress

This entry has the essentials so you can start researching safely. A deeper guide, with history, common myths, FAQs, and further reading, is coming.

Not sure if this is the right fit?

Take the short assessment. It shapes a starting point for what to research first.