FAQ

Common Questions About Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) can make everyday life feel overwhelming. Many people with BPD experience intense emotions, impulsive behaviors, and unstable relationships. Some also struggle with suicidal thoughts or self-harm.

The good news: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is one of the most effective, research-supported treatments for BPD. Getting an accurate diagnosis is an important first step toward receiving appropriate care.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based form of cognitive-behavioral therapy designed to help people manage emotions, reduce impulsive behaviors, and build healthy relationships.

DBT was originally developed by Marsha Linehan, Ph.D., and introduced in 1991 as a treatment for individuals with chronic suicidal behavior and BPD.

Since then, DBT has been adapted for a wide range of concerns, including:

  • Eating disorders
  • Substance use disorders
  • Anger and chronic emotion dysregulation
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Children, adolescents, and families

Learn more about DBT from Behavioral Tech, the organization founded by Dr. Linehan:
➡️ https://behavioraltech.org/dialectical-behavior-therapy-dbt/

DBT helps people reduce behaviors that cause suffering and teaches new, effective coping skills. It integrates:

  • Change strategies (behavior therapy)
  • Acceptance strategies (validation)

A standard comprehensive DBT program includes:

  • Assessment and commitment sessions to clarify treatment goals
  • Weekly individual therapy
  • Weekly DBT skills training group, which teaches:
    • Mindfulness
    • Emotion Regulation
    • Interpersonal Effectiveness
    • Distress Tolerance
  • Between-session skills coaching for real-time support
  • Weekly therapist consultation team meetings to ensure treatment quality

Our adult DBT programs in Beverly Hills/Los Angeles, Torrance, and Telehealth across California are currently accepting clients.

DBT is structured yet flexible and prioritizes treatment targets in a specific order. First, DBT addresses life-threatening behaviors such as suicidal thoughts or self-injury. Once safety improves, treatment focuses on:

  • Intense or rapidly shifting emotions
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Relationship conflict and instability
  • Impulsive or destructive behaviors (e.g., substance use, overeating, undereating)

Treatment goals are individualized and developed collaboratively with your DBT therapist.

A large body of clinical research has demonstrated DBT’s effectiveness for:

  • Borderline Personality Disorder
    (APA recognizes DBT as a first-line treatment: https://www.apa.org)
  • Suicidal thoughts and behaviors (including adolescents)
  • Substance use disorders
  • Impulsive and high-risk behaviors
  • Intense emotional swings / affective instability
  • Chronic feelings of emptiness
  • Difficulty maintaining relationships
  • Depression among older adults

DBT also significantly reduces emergency room visits and psychiatric hospitalizations.
The American Psychiatric Association also endorses DBT for BPD:
➡️ https://www.psychiatry.org

Many people with BPD have experienced trauma, though not everyone has. For those actively struggling with suicidal thoughts, self-harm, or severe instability, research strongly supports beginning with DBT first.

DBT helps clients develop the emotional and behavioral stability needed to safely process trauma later. Trauma treatment typically begins only when:

  • The client demonstrates reliable use of DBT skills
  • Safety has improved
  • Both client and therapist agree it is appropriate
  • DBT California offers concurrent Trauma treatments including DBT-PE and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) as needed. 

Selecting the right DBT program is crucial. National DBT experts recommend looking for programs that meet comprehensive DBT standards. Our program offers:

1. Intensive Training by DBT Experts

Our team trains clinicians from UCLA, USC, UCI, Duke University, Pepperdine, and other top institutions.

2. Participation in Weekly DBT Consultation Team

All clinicians are comprehensively trained and participate in weekly consultation.

3. Use of Diary Cards

All clients complete weekly DBT diary cards to track skills, urges, and progress.

4. Expert Supervision

Clinicians receive supervision and session review from recognized DBT experts.

5. Ongoing Continuing Education

Our clinicians receive advanced training through:

  • Treatment Implementation Collaborative
  • Behavioral Tech
  • PracticeGround
  • ISITDBT (International Society for Improved and Teaching DBT – https://isitdbt.com)

6. Session Recording for Adherence (with consent)

We routinely record sessions to ensure treatment meets DBT standards.

7. DBT Certification & Competency Assessment

Dr. McFarr also developed a widely used DBT competency evaluation method adopted by Los Angeles County DMH and implemented across the U.S. and internationally. All providers meet criteria for these competency assessments. 

Our providers have also participated in DBT-Linehan Board of Certification (DBT-LBC) committees:
➡️ https://dbt-lbc.org

Dr. McFarr also developed the DBT California Competency Scales,  a widely used DBT competency evaluation method adopted by Los Angeles County DMH and implemented across the U.S. and internationally.

8. All Components of Comprehensive DBT

We provide all required elements:

Phone coaching

Individual DBT therapy

DBT skills training groups

DBT consultation team

DBT is a meaningful and intensive commitment.

Most clients complete DBT in 6–12 months, which includes:

  • A 6-month initial commitment
  • A second 6-month phase when helpful or needed
  • Optional post-DBT programs for ongoing growth

DBT programs include four core components:

  • Individual therapy
  • Skills training group
  • Phone coaching
  • Clinician consultation meetings

Payment structure:

  • Individual sessions are paid at the time of service.
  • Skills group tuition is paid in advance for each 8-week module.
  • Two brief coaching calls per week are included; additional calls may be prorated.
  • Monthly statements are available for insurance reimbursement, FSA, or HSA use.

We are an out-of-network provider, meaning we do not bill insurance directly. Many clients receive partial reimbursement. We recommend contacting your insurance provider to ask about out-of-network benefits.

Reduced-fee slots are available for clients experiencing financial hardship.

Our Friends and Family Group helps loved ones understand DBT skills and support someone living with BPD or emotion dysregulation.

Additional helpful resources include:

If someone is in immediate danger or experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

While DBT therapists provide coaching support, we are not a 24-hour crisis service. For non-emergency concerns, clients should contact:

  • Their DBT therapist
  • Their psychiatrist (if applicable)

National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.):
📞 Dial 988
➡️ https://988lifeline.org

Crisis Textline https://www.crisistextline.org/ 

Simply text HOME or HOLA to 741741 to reach a live volunteer Crisis Counselor.

Our attendance policy supports treatment consistency:

  • We require 48 hours’ notice to cancel individual sessions.
  • DBT values commitment and helping people who are mood dependent build lives worth living. DBT supports this by having a  “four miss rule” which means missing four consecutive individual sessions or four skills groups results in withdrawal from the program.
  • Re-entry is available after a three-month waiting period.