Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Psychiatrists in New Bedford, MA

Photo of Renee Marie Garbitt, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in New Bedford, MA
Renee Marie Garbitt
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, C-NP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
New Bedford, MA 02740  (Online Only)
Now accepting new referrals.- At Grounded Interventions Psychiatric Services we offer treatment grounded in empirically supported strategies to address a dynamic set of behavioral health needs. Our approach is compassionate, individually tailored and aimed at reducing distressing symptoms while improving overall quality of life.​
Now accepting new referrals.- At Grounded Interventions Psychiatric Services we offer treatment grounded in empirically supported strategies to address a dynamic set of behavioral health needs. Our approach is compassionate, individually tailored and aimed at reducing distressing symptoms while improving overall quality of life.​
(508) 886-3921 View (508) 886-3921
DLH Consulting & Psychiatric Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, LMHC, LICSW, LCSW, PMH-NP, MD
Verified Verified
New Bedford, MA 02740
Today you are one step closer to a new you where you feel empowered and on a positive path to growth and well-being. As a solution-focused therapist, my goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating.
Today you are one step closer to a new you where you feel empowered and on a positive path to growth and well-being. As a solution-focused therapist, my goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating.
(508) 306-8336 View (508) 306-8336

More Psychiatrists Nearby

Photo of Carol Smith, Physician Assistant in New Bedford, MA
Carol Smith
Physician Assistant, PA-C
Verified Verified
Dartmouth, MA 02747
Self-discovery and implementation of new habits and skills can be uncomfortable. My ideal client is someone who is ready to be uncomfortable and one who is dedicated to making an investment in their mental health. Having someone who is consistent with their care and transparent about their feelings and symptoms will lead to an efficient resolution of concerns and achieving goals.
Self-discovery and implementation of new habits and skills can be uncomfortable. My ideal client is someone who is ready to be uncomfortable and one who is dedicated to making an investment in their mental health. Having someone who is consistent with their care and transparent about their feelings and symptoms will lead to an efficient resolution of concerns and achieving goals.
(508) 590-9521 View (508) 590-9521
Photo of Dr. Allen Masry, Psychiatrist in New Bedford, MA
Dr. Allen Masry
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Dartmouth, MA 02747
I am Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry and have been practicing since 2005. I completed my residency from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts and my Fellowship in Addictions from the Robert Johnson Wood Foundation. In 2014, I was featured in SJ Magazine as one of New Jersey’s top psychiatrists. I have experience working with adults as well as adolescents suffering from both psychiatric diagnosis and substance use disorders and have extensive experience working in both out-patient and in-patient settings.
I am Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry and have been practicing since 2005. I completed my residency from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts and my Fellowship in Addictions from the Robert Johnson Wood Foundation. In 2014, I was featured in SJ Magazine as one of New Jersey’s top psychiatrists. I have experience working with adults as well as adolescents suffering from both psychiatric diagnosis and substance use disorders and have extensive experience working in both out-patient and in-patient settings.
(508) 691-8476 View (508) 691-8476
Photo of Dr. Andrea Papa-Molter, Psychiatrist in New Bedford, MA
Dr. Andrea Papa-Molter
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Dartmouth, MA 02747
I am double board-certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. I believe in using both medication when indicated as well as therapy. I was trained in CBT and was given the Excellence in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy during my residency program. I use supportive therapy with each client I see. During my residency I served as Chief Resident and was awarded the Overall Excellence in Psychiatry Award as well as the Clinical Excellence Award.
I am double board-certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. I believe in using both medication when indicated as well as therapy. I was trained in CBT and was given the Excellence in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy during my residency program. I use supportive therapy with each client I see. During my residency I served as Chief Resident and was awarded the Overall Excellence in Psychiatry Award as well as the Clinical Excellence Award.
(508) 374-9699 View (508) 374-9699

Online Psychiatrists

Photo of Brian Boyle, Psychiatrist in New Bedford, MA
Brian Boyle
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Brookline, MA 02446  (Online Only)
I provide psychiatric consultation, medication management, and therapy. I also have a background in therapeutic approaches including psychoanalysis, mentalization based treatment, dialectical behavioral therapy, and family therapy.
I provide psychiatric consultation, medication management, and therapy. I also have a background in therapeutic approaches including psychoanalysis, mentalization based treatment, dialectical behavioral therapy, and family therapy.
(857) 227-9205 View (857) 227-9205
Photo of James Quackenbush, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in New Bedford, MA
James Quackenbush
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-, BC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Westford, MA 01886
My approach incorporates trauma-informed care and includes both dialectical and cognitive behavioral therapies.
Please note: At this time, I am primarily virtual but offer intermittent in-person appointments. I am based in Southern NH and Greater Boston, MA. I received my nurse practitioner education at Rivier University and completed clinical training at McLean Hospital, in Belmont, MA. My personal and professional goals include bridging the gaps that exist in our healthcare system to ensure everyone has adequate access and good mental health care, reducing stigma so that people are more inclined to ask for help, and providing a treatment plan where both you and I work together to ensure your needs are met.
My approach incorporates trauma-informed care and includes both dialectical and cognitive behavioral therapies.
Please note: At this time, I am primarily virtual but offer intermittent in-person appointments. I am based in Southern NH and Greater Boston, MA. I received my nurse practitioner education at Rivier University and completed clinical training at McLean Hospital, in Belmont, MA. My personal and professional goals include bridging the gaps that exist in our healthcare system to ensure everyone has adequate access and good mental health care, reducing stigma so that people are more inclined to ask for help, and providing a treatment plan where both you and I work together to ensure your needs are met.
(617) 982-3184 View (617) 982-3184
Photo of Jacqueline Buchanan, Psychiatrist in New Bedford, MA
Jacqueline Buchanan
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Cambridge, MA 02138
I offer integrated CBT and DBT, and medication management, if indicated.
Sometimes we have a sense of the ways in which we hope to grow with psychotherapy, and sometimes we learn things about ourselves along the way that are unexpected and turn out to be central issues. Psychotherapy has the capacity to help us identify these central issues in a way that liberates and empowers us. In our work together, I will use psychodynamic psychotherapy to explore the issues you are concerned about, as well as who you are, what has shaped you, and what might be holding you back from living your life to the fullest. I have experience working with patients with a broad array of issues and diagnoses.
I offer integrated CBT and DBT, and medication management, if indicated.
Sometimes we have a sense of the ways in which we hope to grow with psychotherapy, and sometimes we learn things about ourselves along the way that are unexpected and turn out to be central issues. Psychotherapy has the capacity to help us identify these central issues in a way that liberates and empowers us. In our work together, I will use psychodynamic psychotherapy to explore the issues you are concerned about, as well as who you are, what has shaped you, and what might be holding you back from living your life to the fullest. I have experience working with patients with a broad array of issues and diagnoses.
(617) 648-9622 View (617) 648-9622
Photo of Christoforos Iraklis Giakoumatos, Psychiatrist in New Bedford, MA
Christoforos Iraklis Giakoumatos
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Boston, MA 02118
I treat adults with mental health disorders, such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, ADHD and PTSD. I also treat adults with substance use disorders and behavioral addictions. I believe in individualizing treatment based on each person's needs. I offer medication management visits, complemented with elements of Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and psychodymanic psychotherapy. I also offer psychotherapy visits without medication management, if someone is not in need of medications.
I treat adults with mental health disorders, such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, ADHD and PTSD. I also treat adults with substance use disorders and behavioral addictions. I believe in individualizing treatment based on each person's needs. I offer medication management visits, complemented with elements of Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and psychodymanic psychotherapy. I also offer psychotherapy visits without medication management, if someone is not in need of medications.
(857) 810-4123 View (857) 810-4123
Photo of Ruby Doshi, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in New Bedford, MA
Ruby Doshi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Quincy, MA 02169  (Online Only)
Ruby considers therapy a vital component of part of her treatment approach, using treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), among others.
Ruby is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who is originally from New Jersey. She received a Bachelor's in Biology and a Bachelor's in Nursing from Stockton University. She worked as a pharmacy technician for 5 years and as a nurse for 5 years before completing her Master's education at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Ruby is incredibly passionate about the destigmatization of mental health and addiction.
Ruby considers therapy a vital component of part of her treatment approach, using treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), among others.
Ruby is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who is originally from New Jersey. She received a Bachelor's in Biology and a Bachelor's in Nursing from Stockton University. She worked as a pharmacy technician for 5 years and as a nurse for 5 years before completing her Master's education at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Ruby is incredibly passionate about the destigmatization of mental health and addiction.
(339) 329-8966 View (339) 329-8966
Photo of Valeria Dworkowitz, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in New Bedford, MA
Valeria Dworkowitz
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bedford, MA 01730
The various therapies that I utilize in working with clients across the lifespan include Sand Play Therapy, EMDR, Pranic Healing, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and mindfulness.
I am an integrative practitioner licensed in NJ & MA who can assess biochemistry to identify important deficiencies/abnormalities that may be related to mental health symptoms. I can provide genetic testing for med management. Patients often seek integrative/"functional" psychiatry after they have trialed multiple medications, experienced unpleasant/unremitting side effects, and have not been able to obtain symptom alleviation with traditional psychiatry. I believe strongly in psychotherapy to help the patient work towards healing. I work collaboratively with other treatment providers and am a strong advocate for my patients needs.
The various therapies that I utilize in working with clients across the lifespan include Sand Play Therapy, EMDR, Pranic Healing, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and mindfulness.
I am an integrative practitioner licensed in NJ & MA who can assess biochemistry to identify important deficiencies/abnormalities that may be related to mental health symptoms. I can provide genetic testing for med management. Patients often seek integrative/"functional" psychiatry after they have trialed multiple medications, experienced unpleasant/unremitting side effects, and have not been able to obtain symptom alleviation with traditional psychiatry. I believe strongly in psychotherapy to help the patient work towards healing. I work collaboratively with other treatment providers and am a strong advocate for my patients needs.
(973) 409-1065 View (973) 409-1065
Shoshana Marchand
Psychiatric Nurse, MA, MSN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Northampton, MA 01060  (Online Only)
I'm a psychiatric nurse practitioner, offering consultation, medication management and therapy in downtown Northampton. I care about what makes us unique, as well as what we have in common. My interests include anxiety disorders like panic and OCD, as well as people on the autism spectrum or with social or learning differences. I'm delighted to work with LGBTQ clients or those in gender transition. I'm a believer in trauma -sensitive care, trained in DBT and in mindfulness. Clients say I'm both communicative and collaborative. Please note that my practice is currently limited to people aged 16 and older.
I'm a psychiatric nurse practitioner, offering consultation, medication management and therapy in downtown Northampton. I care about what makes us unique, as well as what we have in common. My interests include anxiety disorders like panic and OCD, as well as people on the autism spectrum or with social or learning differences. I'm delighted to work with LGBTQ clients or those in gender transition. I'm a believer in trauma -sensitive care, trained in DBT and in mindfulness. Clients say I'm both communicative and collaborative. Please note that my practice is currently limited to people aged 16 and older.
(413) 650-1402 View (413) 650-1402
Photo of Jessica Kolczewski, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in New Bedford, MA
Jessica Kolczewski
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN
Verified Verified
Randolph, MA 02368  (Online Only)
I completed the DBT foundational training in 2014 and incorporate DBT concepts into my work.
Are you looking for someone who can both prescribe medications and be present and listen to your experience? I value the importance of combining therapeutic techniques with medication management. I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, with 14 years of nursing experience. I treat a variety of patients, including those suffering from trauma, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, borderline personality disorder and suicidal or self injurious behaviors. On a part time basis, I have a "co-therapist" named Bella. She is trained as a therapy dog for the purpose of providing animal assisted therapy.
I completed the DBT foundational training in 2014 and incorporate DBT concepts into my work.
Are you looking for someone who can both prescribe medications and be present and listen to your experience? I value the importance of combining therapeutic techniques with medication management. I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, with 14 years of nursing experience. I treat a variety of patients, including those suffering from trauma, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, borderline personality disorder and suicidal or self injurious behaviors. On a part time basis, I have a "co-therapist" named Bella. She is trained as a therapy dog for the purpose of providing animal assisted therapy.
(617) 208-4410 View (617) 208-4410
Photo of Anne Turley, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in New Bedford, MA
Anne Turley
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Cambridge, MA 02139  (Online Only)
Anne integrates principles of motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) into her psychopharmacological treatment sessions.
Anne Turley is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in practice since 2014. She is well-versed in treating a wide range of diagnoses in patients aged 6-65. Anne is comfortable reaching outside traditional practice settings to care for patients and has embraced telemedicine as the key access to care advancement of the decade. Anne’s specialty areas include teenagers, autism spectrum disorder, mood disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, treatment-resistant anxiety disorders, and multi-diagnosis cases.
Anne integrates principles of motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) into her psychopharmacological treatment sessions.
Anne Turley is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in practice since 2014. She is well-versed in treating a wide range of diagnoses in patients aged 6-65. Anne is comfortable reaching outside traditional practice settings to care for patients and has embraced telemedicine as the key access to care advancement of the decade. Anne’s specialty areas include teenagers, autism spectrum disorder, mood disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, treatment-resistant anxiety disorders, and multi-diagnosis cases.
(339) 329-8545 View (339) 329-8545
Photo of Peninah Elizabeth Waithira, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in New Bedford, MA
Peninah Elizabeth Waithira
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, APRN
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Worcester, MA 01608
Due to her excellent clinical expertise, Peninah provides top-notch treatment for a myriad of mental health illnesses, including but not limited to, anxiety and depressive disorders, mood disorders, ADHD, insomnia, adjustment, and psychotic disorders, while collaborating with other professionals to incorporate vital therapy treatments such as CBT, CBT-1, DBT.
Are you looking for stability in a Provider, a professional who does not consider you just a number? One who is empathetic and non-judgmental? My ideal client is one who wants the best version of themselves. One who is aware that mental health struggles do not define them, but makes them stronger. If you are out there and need a fresh start, let's press the reset button together. If you are looking for an experienced Provider, who treats you as a unique person, listens to you, and provides top-notch care, look no further.
Due to her excellent clinical expertise, Peninah provides top-notch treatment for a myriad of mental health illnesses, including but not limited to, anxiety and depressive disorders, mood disorders, ADHD, insomnia, adjustment, and psychotic disorders, while collaborating with other professionals to incorporate vital therapy treatments such as CBT, CBT-1, DBT.
Are you looking for stability in a Provider, a professional who does not consider you just a number? One who is empathetic and non-judgmental? My ideal client is one who wants the best version of themselves. One who is aware that mental health struggles do not define them, but makes them stronger. If you are out there and need a fresh start, let's press the reset button together. If you are looking for an experienced Provider, who treats you as a unique person, listens to you, and provides top-notch care, look no further.
(508) 290-4068 View (508) 290-4068
Photo of Dr. Adam Henderson, Psychiatrist in New Bedford, MA
Dr. Adam Henderson
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Newton, MA 02459
Waitlist for new clients
I have expertise in Mentalization Based Therapy (MBT) and DBT for depression, anxiety and BPD treatment.
Welcome! If you're a seeking a psychiatrist who can provide a straightforward approach while also offering compassionate support, you're in the right place. Maybe you’ve tried therapy or medication before and haven’t gotten the results you wanted, or you’re new to therapy and not sure where to start. Drawing on my background as a board-certified psychiatrist on faculty at Harvard Medical School, I’ll help you get to the bottom of your core issues and move past your stuck points. I'm here to provide a safe space where you can open up, without judgment or pressure.
I have expertise in Mentalization Based Therapy (MBT) and DBT for depression, anxiety and BPD treatment.
Welcome! If you're a seeking a psychiatrist who can provide a straightforward approach while also offering compassionate support, you're in the right place. Maybe you’ve tried therapy or medication before and haven’t gotten the results you wanted, or you’re new to therapy and not sure where to start. Drawing on my background as a board-certified psychiatrist on faculty at Harvard Medical School, I’ll help you get to the bottom of your core issues and move past your stuck points. I'm here to provide a safe space where you can open up, without judgment or pressure.
(617) 284-0729 View (617) 284-0729
Photo of Jillian Bonzani, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in New Bedford, MA
Jillian Bonzani
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Worcester, MA 01605  (Online Only)
In addition to medication management, she incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), culturally sensitive, and person-centered techniques into treatment.
Jillian is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who manages and treats a wide range of mental health concerns including depression and anxiety. She is passionate about providing quality, compassionate, and comprehensive mental health services to adults. As a PMHNP, Jillian’s role is multifaceted, including educator, mental health advocate, therapist, and medication manager. Jillian completed her Master's Degree in Nursing at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.
In addition to medication management, she incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), culturally sensitive, and person-centered techniques into treatment.
Jillian is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who manages and treats a wide range of mental health concerns including depression and anxiety. She is passionate about providing quality, compassionate, and comprehensive mental health services to adults. As a PMHNP, Jillian’s role is multifaceted, including educator, mental health advocate, therapist, and medication manager. Jillian completed her Master's Degree in Nursing at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.
(774) 772-5525 View (774) 772-5525
Photo of Dr. Andrew Wu, Psychiatrist in New Bedford, MA
Dr. Andrew Wu
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Brookline, MA 02446
Waitlist for new clients
I have broad experience with management of mood and anxiety disorders, and applying multimodal therapeutic techniques like DBT and ACT to best suit my patients needs.
Hi! It can be hard to find a good psychiatrist. Good mental healthcare requires a flexible and creative approach. If we work together, I will approach your treatment in this way to evaluate which medications and/or therapy modalities are most appropriate for you. I have an active therapeutic style to make sure your sessions are engaging, helpful, and sometimes even fun! Whether it's your first time seeking out help, or you've seen previous doctors before, I'm happy to talk to you more. As a psychiatrist, I can help with prescribing medications, therapy, obtaining or reviewing psychiatric diagnoses, or any combination of the above.
I have broad experience with management of mood and anxiety disorders, and applying multimodal therapeutic techniques like DBT and ACT to best suit my patients needs.
Hi! It can be hard to find a good psychiatrist. Good mental healthcare requires a flexible and creative approach. If we work together, I will approach your treatment in this way to evaluate which medications and/or therapy modalities are most appropriate for you. I have an active therapeutic style to make sure your sessions are engaging, helpful, and sometimes even fun! Whether it's your first time seeking out help, or you've seen previous doctors before, I'm happy to talk to you more. As a psychiatrist, I can help with prescribing medications, therapy, obtaining or reviewing psychiatric diagnoses, or any combination of the above.
(857) 226-4143 View (857) 226-4143
Photo of Vista Family Psychiatry, LLC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in New Bedford, MA
Vista Family Psychiatry, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Boston, MA 02109  (Online Only)
My name is Christina Gormly and I am currently scheduling new clients for telehealth sessions. I specialize in caring for children, adolescents, and young adults. I take a warm and holistic approach, utilizing CBT and DBT methods to assist you in meeting your goals. I enjoy working with families with complex needs. I am certified by the ANCC to treat mental health conditions across the lifespan. I have extensive experience in treating eating disorders, as well as depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, trauma, attention deficit, and mood dysregulation.
My name is Christina Gormly and I am currently scheduling new clients for telehealth sessions. I specialize in caring for children, adolescents, and young adults. I take a warm and holistic approach, utilizing CBT and DBT methods to assist you in meeting your goals. I enjoy working with families with complex needs. I am certified by the ANCC to treat mental health conditions across the lifespan. I have extensive experience in treating eating disorders, as well as depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, trauma, attention deficit, and mood dysregulation.
(603) 420-2529 View (603) 420-2529
Photo of Shula Waldoks, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in New Bedford, MA
Shula Waldoks
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Newton, MA 02464
I incorporate patient education, collaborative decision making, CBT, DBT, Internal Family Systems and trauma informed care into my medication management sessions.
I really enjoy working with people who are struggling with their mental health and know it's time to get help. Perhaps it is their first time reaching out or maybe their current medication and therapy regimen isn't working at well as it could be. I love to work with patients collaboratively, so that we can make decisions together and work as a team. I am particularly skilled at working with older adolescents and young adults in their 20s and early 30s as they navigate their way into healthy adulthood.
I incorporate patient education, collaborative decision making, CBT, DBT, Internal Family Systems and trauma informed care into my medication management sessions.
I really enjoy working with people who are struggling with their mental health and know it's time to get help. Perhaps it is their first time reaching out or maybe their current medication and therapy regimen isn't working at well as it could be. I love to work with patients collaboratively, so that we can make decisions together and work as a team. I am particularly skilled at working with older adolescents and young adults in their 20s and early 30s as they navigate their way into healthy adulthood.
(617) 644-4834 View (617) 644-4834

See more therapy options for New Bedford

Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Psychiatrists

Who is DBT for?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is designed for people who experience extreme emotional suffering because they lack the skills of emotion regulation and distress tolerance. The basic affliction can underlie a wide range of conditions, from borderline and other personality disorders to PTSD and treatment-resistant anxiety and depression. The therapy is helpful to those whose emotional reactivity is so intense it is disruptive to everyday functioning and leads to frequent crises.

Why do people need DBT?

The ability to regulate emotions is a core psychological skill that enables people to function in life and pay attention to the world outside themselves; it is consistently associated with well-being. DBT is designed to help people learn how to manage and regulate their emotions. Originally developed to treat people with borderline personality disorder whose extreme emotional suffering led to self-harming behavior and suicide attempts, the therapy is now applied to other conditions involving emotion dysregulation, particularly when other treatments have failed.

What happens in DBT?

Individuals meet weekly with their therapist to discuss their experiences relating to moods, behavior, and skills. Using checklists they maintain, they review emotional experiences and positive practices they engage in. The diaries help individuals discern what led up to a specific problem encountered, this is followed by discussion of the consequences of their actions. In addition, individuals may meet in class-like small groups to learn skills such as mindfulness, emotion regulation and distress tolerance.

How long does DBT last?

Because it is intended to establish long-lasting behavioral change among those with persistent problems, DBT is designed to last six months to a year. DBT includes both weekly sessions of individual therapy and weekly skills-training sessions conducted in small groups. Studies of DBT have documented improvement within a year of treatment, particularly in controlling self-harmful behavior; nevertheless, individuals may require therapy for several years.