Adult Comprehensive DBT Program

We are one of the few clinics in Southern California offering full standard DBT with all of its necessary components. DBT is designed to be a comprehensive treatment to address the needs of clients with severe and complex emotion dysregulation problems, and skills training alone is generally not sufficient. We apply a broad range of strategies to help you find more balance and meaning in your life.

Our adult DBT program is for individuals 18 and older. No diagnosis is necessary – we will provide a diagnostic assessment upon entry into the program and collaboratively determine the targets for therapy.

One of few clinics in Southern California to offer DBT, we provide comprehensive treatment for clients with emotion dysregulation problems.

Program Components for Adult DBT

Focused on enhancing client motivation and helping clients to apply the skills to specific challenges and events in their lives. Standard DBT individual therapy occurs once a week for as long as the client is in therapy and runs concurrently with skills groups.

Focused on enhancing clients’ capabilities by teaching them behavioral skills. The group is run like a class where the group leader teaches the skills and assigns homework for clients to practice using the skills in their everyday lives. Groups meet on a weekly basis and it takes about 25 weeks to get through the full skills curriculum, which is often repeated to create a 1-year program. Briefer schedules that teach only a subset of the skills have also been developed for particular populations and settings.

The skills taught in DBT are:

  • Mindfulness – staying present in the moment without judgment
  • Distress Tolerance – getting through the tough times without making things worse
  • Emotion Regulation – learning to understand and manage your emotions
  • Interpersonal Effectiveness – asserting your needs, communicating effectively and maintaining relationships

Our adult skills training groups currently take place at the following times (choose one):

  • Tuesdays, 12:00-1:30pm (virtual/telehealth)
  • Wednesdays, 5:30-7:00pm (virtual/telehealth)
  • Thursdays, 5:30-7:00pm (at the clinic)

Focused on providing clients with in-the-moment coaching on how to use skills to effectively cope with difficult situations that arise in their everyday lives. Clients can call their individual therapist between sessions to receive coaching at the times when they need help the most.

Intended to support DBT providers in their work with people with severe, complex, difficult-to-treat disorders. The consultation team is designed to help therapists stay motivated and competent so they can provide the best treatment possible. Teams typically meet weekly and are composed of individual therapists and group leaders who share responsibility for each client’s care.

Resonant frequency breathing training to enhance emotion regulation and increase resilience to stressors. You may choose to add our 10-session training program to your therapy.

Focused on improving the interpersonal dynamics of the close-knit relationships in your life. You may choose to include your partner or family in your therapy.

Preparing for Therapy

Please fill out our inquiry form to request help at DBTCSD. We will contact you within 1-2 business days to discuss your needs and schedule your first session.

Please complete the following forms and questionnaires prior to your first session. These forms and questionnaires are necessary for us to make conclusions about your diagnoses and to begin your therapy. If you prefer, you may arrive early and complete these forms in our waiting room or during your first session. Filling them out ahead of time allows us to start your therapy more quickly.

One of few clinics in Southern California to offer DBT, we provide comprehensive treatment for clients with emotion dysregulation problems.