Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Programs for Treatment and Counseling

A MISSION FOR MICHAEL

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Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a mindfulness-based therapy that can help you gain emotional regulation and distress tolerance skills to manage your psychological distress. DBT is a commonly used approach within A Mission From Michael (AMFM) Mental Health Treatment Centers in California, Washington, and Virginia.

AMFM provides comprehensive care that is tailored to treat various mental health conditions and dual diagnosis. This article will focus on helping you understand how mental health treatment providers use DBT and its application for conditions like borderline personality disorder.

What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for Mental Health Treatment?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a structured therapy that combines cognitive behavioral therapy techniques with mindfulness practices so that you can learn to better cope with your emotions and stress. Though DBT was originally developed for treating Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), we now know that it is effective for a variety of other mental health conditions.

The four key components associated with DBT are mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. These skills can help you feel empowered and confident in navigating intense emotions, including sadness, worry, fear, and anger. Over time, you can improve your interpersonal communication and relationships.

What is a Mental Health DBT Treatment Program?

DBT can be used in a variety of behavioral health treatment programs. DBT treatment often includes a combination of individual therapy, skills training, and phone coaching. These programs can involve more than one mental health professional, ensuring that you receive well-rounded care.

Your treatment will incorporate the four components of DBT and help you implement their strategies into your life. Treatment programs are tailored to your needs in a structured and supportive environment. Your clinical team will work with you to ensure that you have been implementing the new skills you have learned and that they help you manage distress. To learn more about DBT mental health treatment programs, we encourage you to contact A Mission For Michael (AMFM).

How Successful is DBT in Supporting Mental Health Treatment?

DBT is a highly effective approach for treating several mental health disorders because it can help you manage intense emotions, reduce self-harm, and improve relationships. Studies have proved that DBT is also impactful for those living with mood disorders, substance use disorders, and PTSD, with its focus on emotional regulation and coping skills.

DBT’s success stems from its structured approach combining mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness skills. With a focus on acceptance and change, DBT provides you with the internal resources needed to manage emotional distress, make healthier decisions, and maintain behavioral changes.

What Are the Differences Between DBT and CBT?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) share characteristics because they are both cognitive therapies. There are, however, set differences between the two. Differences between DBT vs CBT can be found in their focus, therapy components, views of emotions, and the conditions they are most effective in treating.

DBT is used to help you learn to manage your emotions healthily while trying to improve relationships. CBT, on the other hand, focuses on changing your negative thought patterns that contribute to challenging emotions and unwanted behaviors. DBT focuses on emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness. CBT uses cognitive restructuring and behavioral modification to address unhealthy behaviors. DBT was initially developed to treat borderline personality disorder and, like CBT, is now used to treat a variety of conditions.

Information on DBT for Mental Health Treatment in the US

DBT is an evidence-based treatment that can be used to effectively treat various mental health conditions. This treatment approach can be effective in both inpatient and intensive outpatient treatment settings. This flexibility allows you to receive personalized care tailored to your symptoms.

A study on individuals with borderline personality disorder found that a 12-month DBT program positively impacted their long-term recovery. Additionally, a clinical trial revealed that DBT with skills training was more effective in reducing suicidality than DBT without it. DBT is also more effective than other therapeutic approaches for those living with ADHD and has been found to decrease depressive symptoms for those living with bipolar disorder.

How Do I Know if Dialectical Behavior Therapy is Right for Me?

If you find that you struggle to cope with intense emotions like anger, sadness, fear, or worry, you may benefit from DBT counseling services. DBT can also be helpful if you have noticed a pattern of unhealthy relationships. Treatment can focus on improving communication patterns, learning to cope with interpersonal distress, and bringing awareness to unconscious patterns within relationships.

A lot of what we learn about relationships comes from those who were around us at a young age. What we see is our “normal,” whether it’s healthy or not. DBT can help you recognize patterns in your relationships and unlearn natural behaviors that are hurting your relationships with others. For some, this may mean learning to be comfortable alone. To determine if dialectical behavior therapy is right for you, contact AMFM for a free assessment today.

What Common Mental Health Disorders Does Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Treat?

There is a lot of research supporting the use of DBT for mental health treatment. It can be an effective approach for various psychiatric concerns and disorders. With applications in inpatient and outpatient treatment programs, DBT can be used to treat conditions ranging in severity. Conditions that commonly benefit from DBT treatment include:

Depression

Depression is known for persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness. DBT treatment for depression can focus on crisis survival skills and emotion regulation skills. This can help you decrease the presence of negative thinking that contributes to your depressive symptoms. Over time, this can improve your mood and overall emotional well-being.

OCD

DBT can be used to treat OCD by helping you learn distress tolerance skills. When this is combined with mindfulness skills, you can reduce the frequency of compulsive behaviors. Radical acceptance is a strategy that can help you accept intrusive thoughts as thoughts and begin using coping skills to respond to obsessive urges.

Drug or Alcohol Addiction

DBT is commonly incorporated into substance abuse or dual diagnosis treatment programs. DBT can help you manage cravings and cope with triggers with the use of distress tolerance skills. With the use of emotional regulation and self-soothing skills, you can begin to respond to challenges without turning to substances. This approach promotes long-term sobriety.

Anxiety Disorders

DBT can help those living with anxiety disorders learn to manage overwhelming emotions with the use of mindfulness and distress tolerance skills. DBT can also help reduce the presence of avoidance behaviors and improve your confidence as you’re successfully able to cope with situations that provoke your anxiety symptoms.

Anger Problems

For those who struggle with anger, DBT can help you understand the triggers that contribute to your emotional distress. You can learn healthy ways to regulate your emotions and how to respond to anger when it does come up. Regular use of mindfulness practices can reduce the intensity and frequency of angry outbursts.

Eating Disorders

Dialectical behavior therapy focuses on emotional regulation and distress tolerance skills that can be used to address triggers and urges tied to disordered eating. DBT can also help you work towards self-acceptance and strengthen your relationship with yourself and food.

Mood Disorders

Mood disorders, including bipolar disorder, often benefit from DBT treatment. DBT can teach you ways to manage extreme mood swings and tolerate emotional distress. With regular use, this can decrease the severity of your mood symptoms and improve your overall level of functioning.

Are There Treatment Centers for Dialectical Behavior Therapy Near Me?

A Mission For Michael offers a variety of holistic therapy programs, including DBT treatment programs. With psychotherapy and the use of behavioral therapy techniques, we can help you develop the coping skills you need to effectively manage the psychological distress you experience. Dial (866) 478-4383 to learn about our mental health counseling programs.

What Are the Six Main Points of Dialectical Behavior Therapy?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) has six main points that are essential in helping you learn to regulate emotions, handle stress, and improve relationships. Continue reading for an understanding of these six points and their role in effective DBT treatment programs:

Dialectics for Mental Health

Dialectics is used to find a balance in opposites. You'll learn to accept your current reality while knowing that you’re actively working toward change. This can help you see situations from different perspectives, which can decrease the presence of rigid thinking patterns. You may notice an improvement in your overall emotional wellness.

Behavioral Strategies for Well-Being

DBT uses a variety of behavioral strategies that encourage positive behaviors and discourage unhealthy ones. This can include problem-solving, reinforcing healthy behaviors, and modifying unwanted behavior patterns. Your counselor will help you identify practical things that you can do daily that work towards your goals.

Emotion Regulation for Behavior

Emotion regulation is a core component of DBT and teaches you how to recognize, understand, and regulate your emotions. With this knowledge, you can respond to challenging situations more effectively. This can reduce emotional volatility and impulsive reactions over time. Emotion regulation skills are helpful for those struggling with anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders.

Distress Tolerance for Resilience

Distress tolerance skills are another pillar of DBT. These skills focus on learning to manage and cope with emotional or challenging situations without using unhealthy coping mechanisms. This can include skills like distraction, self-soothing, and mindfulness. Resilience can help you manage the challenges that you experience.

Mindfulness for Mental Growth

Mindfulness can help you learn to stay present and to observe thoughts and feelings without judgment. It can bring your attention to the here and now, which is ideal for those struggling with sadness, worry, fear, and other intense emotions. Examples of common mindfulness practices include meditation, breathing exercises, and utilizing your five senses.

Interpersonal Effectiveness for Mindset

Interpersonal effectiveness skills can help you begin communicating your needs, establish healthy boundaries, and maintain balanced relationships. These skills promote assertiveness in ways that are not aggressive, which can reduce conflict within your relationships. Other benefits include improved relationships and a decrease in loneliness and isolation.
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    We accept most major insurance providers and can check your coverage levels for you.

    If we are not an appropriate provider for care, we will assist in finding a care provider that can help. 

    Do Private Health Insurance Plans Cover DBT?

    Yes, private health insurance plans often provide coverage for Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). The coverage that you receive is dependent on your mental health symptoms and the details of your insurance plan. Insurance coverage varies among different carriers and even among different brands and services with the same company. 

    Discover the specifics of your insurance coverage with AMFM Mental Health Treatment Center’s straightforward verification form. By completing this form, you’ll gain insights into your coverage rates, potential out-of-pocket expenses, and any limitations or exclusions that may apply.

    How Much Does DBT Counseling Cost with Commercial Insurance?

    The overall cost of DBT treatment is dependent on several factors. This includes your current symptoms, the treatment provided, facility location, and your use of specialized treatment services. Additionally, the details of your insurance plan also have a direct effect. Your plan may have specific copayments or deductibles, as well as limitations and required authorizations.

    Insurance companies are required to provide coverage for some mental health treatment programs, even for those with prior diagnoses and treatment episodes. To begin learning about the scope of your coverage, we encourage you to complete our insurance verification form. This allows us to contact your insurance company and inquire about the details of your coverage.

    How Much Does DBT Cost Without Private Health Insurance Assistance?

    The cost of DBT treatment is dependent on the details of the care you receive. DBT generally includes a combination of individual therapy, skills group, and phone coaching. Harvard Health indicated that therapy sessions can cost from $250 to $300 per hour, and skills groups are generally around $100 per hour.

    Those who receive DBT treatment in an inpatient or residential setting may have higher expenses for treatment due to their immersive care environment. To receive a personalized quote for the cost of DBT treatment, we encourage you to speak with A Mission For Michael by calling us today. We can review options for paying for mental health treatment, specifically DBT.

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    Do Mental Health Treatment Programs Offer DBT Near Me?

    Yes, it is common for mental health treatment programs to offer DBT treatment options. This is a widely used evidence-based approach known to treat various conditions. DBT can be used in inpatient and outpatient treatment settings, providing options for those struggling with borderline personality disorder, mood disorders, addiction, anxiety, and more.

    AMFM’s Mental Health Treatment Centers offer DBT treatment for those struggling with an assortment of mental health conditions. Our holistic therapy programs focus on developing long-lasting skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. To learn if a DBT program would be effective for you, contact AMFM for professional recommendations and guidance. 

    What Are Therapeutic Techniques Used in DBT Near Me?

    DBT interventions tend to fall within the four categories of emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness skills. Each of these has its own set of techniques and interventions. The components that are used in your treatment will be based on your symptoms, treatment goals, and overall level of distress.

    Examples of specific DBT techniques that may be incorporated into your care include: 

    • Opposite Action: This involves doing the opposite of what you’re feeling. As an example, do something that you enjoy when you’re feeling down.
    • Checking the Facts: This entails checking to see if your emotional reactions are based on facts or assumptions.
    • TIP Skills: This acronym brings your attention to techniques that can help your body calm when you’re overwhelmed. It stands for temperature, intense exercise, and paced breathing.
    • Self-Soothing: This includes honing in on your senses to find calmness. Examples include listening to music, lighting a candle, and taking a bath.
    • Radical Acceptance: This refers to accepting reality as it is without trying to change it. This can reduce your level of distress because you won’t be fighting against the situation and can focus on moving forward.
    • DEAR MAN: This acronym focuses on maintaining healthy boundaries and stands for describe, express, assets, reinforce, mindful, appear confident, and negotiate.
    • Non-Judgmental Stance: Your clinician will encourage you to let go of judgments you’re carrying about yourself, others, and situations.

    Alternative Ways to Find DBT Programs Near Me

    There are several steps involved in finding a DBT mental health treatment program. You can start with a simple online search using phrases like “Dialectical behavior therapy near me,” “DBT therapy near me,” or “DBT mental health counseling near me.” Websites like Google and Bing will provide you with a generated list.

    To help narrow down your results, verify the credentials and license for the DBT mental health programs. From there, you can compare available treatment options, including specialized therapies and services. If you’re planning to use insurance, you can contact your insurance company and inquire about in-network providers. The location of the treatment center is an important detail to be mindful of to ensure that it is easily accessible, given your access to transportation. Some treatment providers allow you to visit their facility for a first-hand experience before you begin treatment.

    Statistics on Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) in the US

    • Research has indicated that DBT was more effective in treating ADHD compared to other therapeutic approaches.
    • Research has indicated that there is no statistical difference in results between an eight and 12-week DBT mental health treatment program when in an inpatient treatment setting.
    • DBT can also be effective when used in intensive outpatient facilities.
    • In a study examining the long-term experiences of individuals previously diagnosed with borderline personality disorder who self-reported benefiting from a 12-month DBT treatment, the findings revealed that DBT had a positive impact on participants’ lives and supported their recovery in the years following the program.
    • A randomized clinical trial and component analysis found that interventions incorporating skills training as part of the treatment were more effective in reducing suicidality compared to DBT without the skills training component.

    Check if your health insurance will cover the cost of mental health treatment.

    AMFM's DBT therapy offers specialized strategies to manage intense emotions, build resilience, and improve relationships.

    Ever feel like your emotions are running the show instead of you? Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an approach that was created to help people deal with overwhelming emotions, giving them back control of their lives. 

    DBT focuses on finding the balance between accepting yourself and changing. A lot of people find this therapy helpful when they have a lot of emotional pain and struggle with behaviors that cause problems in their daily lives and relationships. 

    With AMFM’s DBT program, you’ll be able to control your emotions, handle distressing situations without getting overwhelmed, and stay present in the moment.

    The Evidence Behind DBT

    There’s a lot of evidence that DBT works, especially any struggles that involve intense emotions. Research shows that DBT can reduce distress symptoms, improve emotional regulation, and improve quality of life. Among mental health professionals, DBT is widely respected for its success in producing lasting change- which is why AMFM uses DBT as one of the evidence-based approaches available to clients.

    How DBT Works

    Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) has multiple components used to help people manage intense emotions and improve their quality of life. 

    The DBT Process Explained

    DBT unfolds in stages, each one building on the last to provide a complete treatment program:

    Behavioral Stabilization

    First, you and your therapist will work on behaviors that might cause you harm or significant distress, so you’re safe and stable.

    Emotional Regulation

    Once you feel safe enough, you’ll start learning how to manage your emotions better, so you can react to life’s challenges more calmly.

    Interpersonal Effectiveness​

    The next step is improving your relationships. You’ll learn skills to communicate better, set healthy boundaries, and interact in more positive ways.

    Self-Acceptance and Change

    The final stage is all about finding a balance between accepting yourself as you are and recognizing areas for growth and change.

    Skills Training Focus

    DBT relies on four key skill sets, each focused on something different:

    Benefits of DBT

    Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) at AMFM means gaining practical skills for a more balanced life. Those who undergo DBT often enjoy benefits like:

    Enhancing Emotional Control:

    DBT helps you keep your cool, giving you the upper hand in managing intense feelings.

    Improving Relationships:

    You’ll learn clear ways to communicate and set boundaries, making for healthier and happier interactions with others.

    Reducing Self-Destructive Behaviors:

    Find new ways to cope with difficult emotions, steering clear of actions that you’ll regret later on.

    Increasing Resilience:

    Grow your ability to face setbacks with a stronger, more positive outlook.

    Fostering Mindfulness:

    Embrace the present moment, reducing stress and enhancing your enjoyment of life.

    Healthier Decision Making:

    Make choices based on your goals and values, thanks to a clearer understanding of what’s important to you.