Mental Health & Trauma Support
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
Skills-based therapy that combines acceptance and change strategies for intense emotions.
Overview
Comprehensive DBT usually includes individual therapy, skills groups, and other structured supports. A DBT skills class alone is not a full DBT program.
What to expect
- Identify behavior goals
- Practice mindfulness and distress-tolerance skills
- Review emotion regulation and relationship skills
Why people explore it
- People often explore it for intense emotions.
- People often explore it for self-harm patterns with clinical care.
- People often explore it for relationship difficulties.
These are common reasons people look into it — not a sign that it's right for you.
What the evidence says
Well-supported for specific uses
Strong research or clinical guidelines support it for particular problems — not for everything.
Better supported
- DBT has established support for borderline personality disorder and related self-harm concerns.
Promising, but limited or uncertain
- Standard DBT is not the same as a trauma-focused PTSD protocol; adaptations have a separate evidence base.
Not supported by evidence
- Claims of a guaranteed cure or benefit for everyone are not supported.
Possible risks and precautions
- A group or skills class alone may not provide enough support during an acute crisis.
- Trauma work should be guided by qualified, licensed mental-health clinicians with training in the approach; you can ask to pause or adjust the pace.
- In a mental-health or suicide crisis in the US, call or text 988; for immediate danger call 911. Outside the US, use local crisis or emergency services.
If you have a health condition, are pregnant, or take medicines, ask your healthcare provider first.
Who provides it
- Qualified licensed mental-health clinicians; requirements vary by state.
- Ask about training and supervised experience with this approach and your concerns.
Questions to ask before booking
- What training and license do you hold?
- What evidence supports this approach for my concerns?
- How do you protect privacy and explain its limits?
- How will we track progress and respond if I feel worse?
- How do you coordinate with other care or refer when needed?
Costs and coverage
- Fees, session length, and payment policies vary; ask about total expected costs.
- Insurance benefits, referrals, and provider networks vary; check with your plan.
- Ask about sliding-scale options or community services if cost is a barrier.
Coverage changes often and differs by plan. Always confirm with your insurer and the provider.
Find this service
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Content reviewed . Written for general education and not yet reviewed by a licensed clinician.
Educational only — not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Supportive wellness practices do not replace necessary medical or mental-health care. Options are not equally effective, and not every option is right for every person. Please talk with a qualified healthcare professional about your own situation. In an emergency, call your local emergency number; in the US, call or text 988 for crisis support. Emergency help