DBT for Adults and Adolescents

What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?

DBT is a comprehensive, evidence-based treatment that combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices to help people manage difficult emotions and improve relationships. Originally developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan for treating borderline personality disorder, DBT has proven effective for a wide range of challenges, including suicidality, self-harm, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and emotional dysregulation. The term "dialectical" reflects DBT's core principle of balancing acceptance and change – learning to accept yourself while working to change behaviors that aren't serving you well.

Through individual therapy, skills training groups, and out-of-session skills coaching, DBT teaches four essential skill sets: mindfulness (staying present and aware), distress tolerance (handling crises), emotion regulation (managing intense feelings), and interpersonal effectiveness (building healthier relationships). This structured approach helps clients develop practical tools to create a life worth living while building resilience and emotional well-being.

Why Choose Our DBT Program?

At Turn the Mind, we don't just practice DBT – it is the foundation of everything we do. Our program stands at the forefront of dialectical behavior therapy, offering evidence-based treatment from some of the field's most qualified specialists.

  • An Experienced, Seasoned Team

    • DBT-LBC™ Certified Therapists deliver your care with precision and expertise

    • Latest updated techniques through Dr. Richardson's role on the DBT-LBC™ board

    • Advanced Training ensures every therapist masters the latest DBT techniques

  • Our Specialized DBT Groups

    • Our Multi-Family Teen DBT Skills Groups help families build skills together in a supportive environment. Families can learn from other families' experiences, and practice real-time techniques with expert guidance. Parents get the attention and support they need to help their teens. We can help you transform your family dynamics to reduce arguments and conflicts and create a home life that is more peaceful and effective for everyone.

      • In-Person Multi-Family Group (New Jersey)

      • Virtual Multi-Family Group (NY, NJ, PA)

  • Virtual Adult DBT Skills Groups help adults build skills together in a supportive environment—flexible scheduling for working professionals. In the groups, clients will master core DBT skills.

  • DBT Skills Group (NY, NJ, PSYPACT States). This group is a standard 26-week DBT Group, teaching one skill per week. Entry points are in between modules and clients can join during any module.

  • Eating Disorder DBT Skills Group (NY, NJ). In this group, we integrate DBT skills with ED recovery. We help you build a healthier relationship with food while doing the full DBT program.

Choose What Works for You

A comprehensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) program includes several key components

  • Individual therapy sessions focus on personalized goals which allow clients to explore their unique experiences and apply DBT principles in their lives.

  • DBT Skills Groups teach approximately one skill per week in a group format. They include assigning home practice so that the client can master the skills.

  • Free out-of-session coaching offers immediate support during moments of crisis, enabling clients to utilize their skills in real time. This coaching helps the client take the skills from the therapy room into the real world successfully and with support from their therapist.

  • The entire process is supported by a dedicated team of professionals who collaboratively work on each individual’s case, ensuring a holistic and coordinated approach that addresses diverse needs while promoting overall well-being.