What is DBT?
What is
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based psychotherapy approach designed to help individuals manage intense emotions, improve relationships and develop healthy coping skills. It combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness and acceptance strategies to support emotional regulation and overall well-being.
How does DBT work?
DBT is a structured therapy which incorporates four key skill areas:
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Mindfulness – Increasing awareness and acceptance of the present moment.
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Distress Tolerance – Learning how to cope with crisis situations in healthy ways.
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Emotion Regulation – Managing intense emotions to reduce impulsivity.
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Interpersonal Effectiveness – Improving communication and relationship skills.
DBT typically includes a combination of individual therapy, skills training groups and coaching to help individuals apply these skills in their daily lives.
Who Can Benefit from DBT?
DBT is effective for individuals of all ages, including adolescents and adults, who experience difficulty managing emotions and behaviors. It is commonly used to treat these and more:
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Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
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Depression and anxiety disorders
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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
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Self-harm behaviors
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Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
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Eating disorders
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Substance use disorders
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Relationship and interpersonal difficulties
Catholic Charities offers DBT at all our locations with trained therapists who provide compassionate, evidence-based care to help you live a happier life.
Catholic Charities serves people of all ages, faiths and backgrounds. We turn no one needing mental health care away for the inability to pay.
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Our services are safe, private and confidential
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We offer in-person and telehealth therapy
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Sliding-fee scale ensures there is no cost barrier
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Spanish-speaking therapists
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Free mental health assessments for any school-age child who is struggling
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Therapists use evidence-based practices such as CBT, DBT and EMDR
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Therapy clients with more complex needs have access to Psychiatrist Dr. Nesrin Abu Ata, M.D.