Comprehensive DBT:

Dialectical Behavior Therapy is a modular, evidence-based treatment for symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder, mood disorders, anxiety, substance use, eating disorders, OCD, non-suicidal self-harm, and suicidal ideation.

DBT balances both change and acceptance perspectives by providing concrete skills for navigating complex emotions and behaviors.

A comprehensive DBT program must include four components of treatment:

1. The client must attend weekly individual therapy sessions. This creates a safe and structured environment for processing current events, identifying emotions, analyzing behaviors, and applying DBT skills.
2. The client must attend weekly DBT skills group. DBT skills group meets weekly to learn new skills for managing intense emotions, interpersonal conflict, and impulsivity.
3. The client and therapist must work together through phone coaching. Through this process, clients practice their skills to avoid or manage crisis in real-life situations by reaching out to their therapist for support. Phone coaching should be brief and take place before any attempt at self-harm.
4. Your therapist takes part in weekly DBT consultation team meetings with other DBT professionals. This helps the clinician to evaluate, problem solve, and improve quality of care.

Comprehensive DBT is offered through a 6-month contract. Treatment time varies depending on the severity of symptoms but often concludes after 12-18 months.

Skills Coaching for current Comprehensive DBT members:

Note: This should take place BEFORE any attempt to self-harm. Remember the 24 hour rule.

FIRST- Try to use your DBT skills on your own.

NEXT- Text your therapist a brief message containing the problem and what skills you have tried to use. Your therapist will respond as soon as possible, but always same day. Skills coaching should be brief. Anything longer than 5-10 minutes will be directed towards a session.

LAST- When in doubt, or if you are unable to reach your therapist, follow your safety plan or call 988.