DBT® Therapy for Teens
Our Adolescent specialists have extensive experience in addressing the educational, emotional, social, and behavioral challenges that teens experience.
Why DBT® therapy for teens makes a difference
Teenagers often grapple with identity formation, emotional regulation, and peer relationships. Our DBT® therapy for teens teaches adolescents (aged 12-17) practical skills such as distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Additionally, the modular framework of our teen DBT® program enables our therapists to address a range of issues while still providing clear structure.
Learn about our DBT® program for teens
Our Teen DBT® program for 12-17 year olds focuses on helping them learn skills and how to apply them in daily life.
- Individual therapy occurs weekly with a therapist who is highly trained and adept at understanding your family and teen’s dynamics. The parent typically does not participate in the individual session; rapport and trust between client and therapist are paramount.
- Teens will be asked to complete a diary card to record their moods and behaviors, a tool for accurate reporting in individual therapy.
- The Teen DBT® Skills Training Classes provide an environment for them to learn and refine skills for daily coping.
- In addition to weekly therapy, teens in our program will have access to phone coaching. Phone coaching is a component to the comprehensive DBT® program in which teens have opportunity to contact their therapist outside of sessions.
What to expect in our DBT® therapy for teens
A 90-minute intake assessment is conducted by a licensed DBT® clinician. During this time, the clinician will assess your teen’s history, needs, and goals in order to identify the best course of treatment for you. You will learn more about the DBT® modality of treatment and what to expect so that you can determine if DBT® is a fit for you.
The initial intake assessment fee is $150.
Once you and your teen have completed the intake assessment (and are oriented to a group skills class, if that’s a part of your treatment plan), you will begin recurring sessions, usually at a weekly pace. Weekly individual sessions last 50 minutes. Weekly group sessions last 90 minutes.