Adolescent Comprehensive DBT Program

We are the only clinic in Southern California offering full standard DBT with all of its necessary components for adolescents with severe and complex emotion dysregulation problems. DBT is a comprehensive treatment that thoroughly addresses both the underlying struggles with emotion and the difficult behaviors such as self-injury, suicide attempts, aggression, and oppositional/defiant behaviors, by applying scientifically-established principles of behavior change.

Beyond the four standard components of DBT, our adolescent program is structured to facilitate a high degree of parent involvement to help their child switch from his or her usual dysfunctional behaviors to more effective coping behaviors. Including the whole family unit is vital to the effectiveness of adolescent DBT.

Our adolescent DBT program is for teens aged 13-17 and their families. No diagnosis is necessary – we will provide a diagnostic assessment upon entry into the program and collaboratively determine the targets for therapy.

Our adolescent program is structured to facilitate a high degree of parent involvement help their child create effective coping behaviors.

Program Components for Adolescent DBT

Focused on effective coping and problem-solving of specific life challenges and targeted behaviors. Standard DBT Teen individual therapy occurs once a week for as long as the client is in therapy and runs concurrently with skills groups.

Focused on overall improvement of relationships within the family system on a as needed basis.

Focused on enhancing clients’ capabilities with parents and teens through behavioral skills training. Skills group is run like a class (90 minutes) and covers the following four modules:

  • Mindfulness – staying present in the moment without judgment
  • Distress Tolerance – getting through the tough times without making things worse
  • Walking the Middle Path- Navigating family conflict and dilemmas during teen years
  • Emotion Regulation – learning to understand and manage your emotions
  • Interpersonal Effectiveness – asserting your needs, communicating effectively and maintaining relationships

Two Group options (choose one)

  • Mondays, 6:00-7:30pm (at the clinic)
  • Tuesdays, 6:00-7:30pm (virtual/telehealth)

Focused on managing problem behaviors and improving communication skills. Parents may choose to attend parent training in one-on-one sessions if they prefer. Parents need to watch this parent training orientation video before their first parent training group.

Group is held Wednesdays, 5:30-6:30pm.

Help with applying the skills to your real-life challenges and crises when they occur. Both parents and teens have access to phone coaching between sessions.

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.

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.

These forms and questionnaires are necessary for us to begin therapy with you. Filling them out ahead of time will allow us to start your therapy more quickly. If you prefer, you may arrive early and complete these forms in our waiting room or during your first session.

The parents should complete the forms and questionnaires prior to the intake first session.

Our adolescent program is structured to facilitate a high degree of parent involvement help their child create effective coping behaviors.