Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) For Mental Health And Addiction Treatment 

Dialectical Behavior Therapy is a powerful therapeutic approach initially developed to help individuals living with borderline personality disorder and those who experience intense mood swings. Since its development, DBT has been used with individuals experiencing a range of mental health concerns and is an effective treatment option for many. 

The Harmony Health Group is a mental health treatment provider with locations across the East Coast, including Florida, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Our treatment facilities provide holistic and comprehensive care, utilizing various therapeutic approaches, including dialectical behavioral therapy. If you have been struggling with your mental health and have been feeling down, or just not yourself, we encourage you to reach out for support by dialing
(866) 461-4474 and speaking with an Admissions Counselor. Together, we can create a plan to get you the support and help you need to decrease your psychological and emotional distress and improve your quality of life. 

What is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)?

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)  was developed in the 1970s by Dr. Marsha Linehan, as a treatment for borderline personality disorder. DBT is a therapeutic approach used in psychotherapy. DBT incorporates some of the beliefs and principles of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and adds a mindfulness component to help individuals learn to accept all aspects of their lives, including unhelpful behaviors. 

Though DBT was developed to treat borderline personality disorder, it has since been proven as an effective treatment approach for post-traumatic stress disorder, substance use disorders, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, self-harm behaviors, and suicidal behaviors. When you work with a therapist who uses DBT, you will experience four types of sessions; DBT pre-assessment, individual therapy, skills group, and telephone crisis coaching. Strategies that you may learn about include radical acceptance, which helps you acknowledge the reality of situations without judgment. Wise mind is a way of thinking that combines your rational mind, and emotional mind, allowing you to make decisions that are well informed and reasonable. Lastly, opposite action is a skill that is used to encourage people to do the opposite of what they are feeling. As an example, if you are feeling sad and are thinking about canceling your plans for the day, you should keep your plans and not isolate at home. Over time, this can improve your ability to cope with and manage emotional distress by learning adaptive emotional responses. 

Statistics on Dialectical Behavioral Therapy in the U.S.

What To Expect With Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)? 

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy is designed to help you develop skills for managing intense emotions, improving relationships, and coping with distressing moments in your life. While the following sections provide examples of different forms of DBT therapy, it’s important to note that these are not exhaustive and that there are several interventions that could be incorporated into your treatment.

Standard DBT

Individual DBT Therapy

Telephone DBT Therapy

Skills Training DBT Therapy

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How Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Different From Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?

The key difference between dialectical behavior therapy vs. CBT is that DBT combines the principles and beliefs of CBT with mindfulness practices, to enhance the clinical outcomes. While CBT focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors, DBT adds an emphasis on emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.

DBT  tends to have a more structured approach when compared to CBT as well. This can be seen with the use of individual therapy, group skills training, phone coaching, and therapist consultation teams. These elements provide comprehensive support and help clients develop practical skills to manage their emotions and relationships more effectively. DBT and CBT can be used to treat similar mental health conditions, which is why therapists look at the benefits you could gain from learning the skills associated with DBT in addition to their shared components. Lastly, DBT is grounded in 6 main points; and you may be wondering what the six main points of dialectical behavior therapy are. The six main points include:

  • Mindfulness
  • Distress tolerance
  • Emotion regulation
  • Interpersonal effectiveness
  • Walking the middle path 
  • Validation 

Harmony Group Offers Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

The Harmony Health Group is a leading mental health treatment provider along the East Coast with multiple locations, each of which provides specialized care in a warm, and welcoming environment. Our Admissions Counselors can help you plan the logistics of traveling to treatment if you’re traveling from out of state, including comfortable accommodations. Dial (866) 461-4474 to learn more today!

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How To Find A Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Treatment Center Near Me?

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What Is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Used For?

DBT is a versatile and evidence-based therapeutic approach that can help individuals learn to manage intense emotions effectively and strengthen their relationships, which, together, can help improve their overall quality of life. We have mentioned that DBT can be used to treat various mental health disorders, so let’s explore that a bit more:

DBT for ADHD 

DBT for PTSD 

DBT for Addiction

DBT for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

DBT for Anxiety 

DBT For Depression 

DBT for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) 

DBT for Bipolar Disorder

Does My Health Insurance Cover DBT Services?

Health insurance coverage for DBT services is often available, especially since the 2010 Affordable Care Act. This legislation requires insurance plans to cover mental health services on par with medical services, meaning many plans now include coverage for evidence-based therapies like DBT.

The extent of coverage can vary significantly between insurance providers and specific plans. It’s important to verify the details of your plan to ensure that DBT is covered under your policy, and to learn what copayments or deductibles you have,  and if prior authorization is required. The Harmony Health Group has developed an online insurance verification form that can simplify this process for you, call (866) 461-4474 today to learn more about your DBT coverage options. 

How Much Does Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Cost Out Of Pocket?

The cost of DBT therapy is a question that many find themselves wondering when looking into this therapeutic approach. You will find that the cost of therapy is dependent on the type of session you’re attending. As an example, skills group sessions may cost around $100 whereas individual DBT sessions can range from $250 to $300, according to Harvard Health. 

Another factor that will influence the cost of your treatment is the duration of care. This can vary significantly based on your current mental health needs, and if you are receiving DBT treatment in an inpatient or outpatient treatment facility. Keep in mind that using your health insurance can reduce the cost of treatment significantly, depending on the details of your plan. While the cost of DBT may be higher than other approaches, it is important to keep in mind the additional gains that you could get from participating in a specialized therapeutic program. The long-term effects of DBT can have a life-changing effect on your future. 

What is the Admissions Process for Pursuing Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Services?

The admissions process for a DBT program typically starts with an initial consultation and assessment. You can contact a DBT provider or treatment center to schedule this assessment, during which a trained professional evaluates your mental health needs and determines if DBT is the appropriate treatment for you.

Following the assessment, if DBT would be an appropriate therapy for you, the provider will develop a personalized treatment plan. This plan includes your therapy schedule, which may include individual sessions, group skills training, and phone coaching. Your insurance will be verified, and you will likely need to complete paperwork and consent before beginning treatment.  The admissions team will guide you through these steps, ensuring a smooth transition into the program.

Harmony offers a multitude of locations up and down the East Coast for behavioral health services. Call us to learn about our facilities and treatment options.

How Long Does Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Treatment Take To See Results?

The length of time it takes to see results from Dialectical Behavior Therapy can vary, but many individuals begin to notice improvements within a few months. Some inpatient treatment programs may offer a DBT program that lasts 12 weeks, while other programs last around six months to a year. 

The effectiveness and duration of DBT is dependent on several factors, including the severity of symptoms you are experiencing, your commitment to therapy, and the frequency of sessions. Standard DBT involves weekly individual therapy, group skills training, and phone coaching, all of which contribute to gradual but steady improvement. Some may require extended treatment to solidify their skills and ensure lasting change. Regular assessments with the therapist can help track progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.

Statistics on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in the United States

  • Research has indicated that DBT can have a positive effect on individuals who experienced self-harm harm, or suicidal concerns with a history of suicidal attempts.  
  • DBT can have lasting effects on your life after you have completed your program, including helping you cope with and manage setbacks and having healthier relationships with others 
  • The use of DBT showed a significant decrease in depression, hostile moods, paranoia, and psychotic behaviors
  • DBT can lead to an increase in healthy coping skills and a decrease in unhealthy coping skills
  • DBT led to a decrease in the frequency of binge episodes and included post-treatment weight loss in a study for women struggling with binge-eating disorders
  • A 2006 study investigating individuals who engaged in self-injurious behaviors found that after engaging in DBT sessions, 30% of participants had a decrease in the number of days they spent in an inpatient treatment facility, and 61% saw a reduction in the need for outpatient therapy sessions

Sources

  • Corliss, Julie. “Dialectical Behavior Therapy: What Is It and Who Can It Help?” Harvard Health, January 22, 2024. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/dialectical-behavior-therapy-what-is-it-and-who-can-it-help-202401223009.
  • Gillespie, Conall et al. “Individuals who report having benefitted from dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT): a qualitative exploration of processes and experiences at long-term follow-up.” Borderline personality disorder and emotion dysregulation vol. 9,1 8. 1 Mar. 2022, doi:10.1186/s40479-022-00179-9 
  • McCauley, Elizabeth et al. “Efficacy of Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Adolescents at High Risk for Suicide: A Randomized Clinical Trial.” JAMA psychiatry vol. 75,8 (2018): 777-785. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2018.1109
  • “RESEARCH ON DIALECTICAL BEHAVIOR THERAPY: SUMMARY OF NON-RCT STUDIES.” Behavioral Tech Institute. Accessed May 16, 2024. https://behavioraltech.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Non-RCTs-Research-Data-to-Date-2013.12-new-logo.pdf.
  • professional, Cleveland Clinic medical. “Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): What It Is & Purpose.” Cleveland Clinic. Accessed May 15, 2024. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22838-dialectical-behavior-therapy-dbt.  

Get in touch with Harmony Health Group to find out about our rehab admissions process, free assessment, treatment options or to check your insurance coverage levels. Your first step to recovery starts here!

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