Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Adolescents (DBT-A)


What It Is?

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps with unstable emotions, behaviors, and relationships. One of the ways DBT is different from other types of therapy is that it includes both individual and group therapy sessions. DBT group therapy sessions cover skills for managing distress, emotional problems and interpersonal challenges. Individual DBT therapy sessions focus on specific goals, challenges, and motivation. For younger individuals, DBT for adolescents (DBT-A) also has family sessions. These family sessions teach skills for understanding and engaging in family relationships. Sometimes additional components are used, such as phone coaching between sessions during moments of high distress. DBT skills can also be included in other types of therapy. 

DBT works very well  for a range of challenges and is very helpful for people who have strong, hard-to-control emotions or behaviors. DBT was first developed to help people who have thoughts about suicide or harming themselves. It is thought of as the best treatment for people diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. DBT is also being used more to help people with other problems like trauma, harmful substance use, and disordered eating. 

Learn More from Our Member Organizations:

For in-depth, evidence-based information on DBT, visit:

  • The Linehan Institute: Dialectic Behavior Therapy tab with information and existing research

  • Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT):Find-a-Therapist tool can be used to search for DBT providers (for “Therapy Offered,” select "Dialectic Behavior Therapy”)

  • Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology (SCCAP): Effective Child Therapy resource contains information about DBT-A

In Brief

DBT is an effective treatment for emotional, behavioral, and interpersonal problems. There are many helpful skills that can be integrated in therapy. Ask your provider or potential provider if it is right for you.

Author: Riley McDanal

Edited by: Lily Palmer