What is DBT-A? Who Benefits from DBT-A?
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for adolescents (DBT-A) is an evidence-based therapeutic approach branching from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Originally developed by clinical psychologist Marsha Linehan, the DBT approach to therapy is walking a balance between having clients engage in self acceptance of their own behaviors and thoughts while also helping them take proactive steps to change maladaptive patterns affecting their quality of life. By successfully managing these two opposing forces, DBT aims to help clients “build a life worth living”.
The DBT approach has been proven to help client populations struggling with severe mental health problems. Since it’s beginning DBT been developed to specifically cater to the needs of individuals who frequently experience strong emotions, show a pattern of aggressive, threatening behavior and have a history of self-harm (including self injury and suicidal ideation/behavior). Both DBT and DBT-A share many of the same fundamental components and goals, however DBT-A works specifically within the adolescent population.
About Our Adolescent DBT Program?
When: Beginning January 9th, 2026
Where: Falmouth at 100 Gray Rd
What: We will provide individual therapy, phone coaching, a weekly multifamily group (Fridays from 4-6pm) and a consultation group
Adolescent DBT TEAM:
Adolescent DBT FAQ:
Q: What are the core components of DBT-A? What do the services of DBT-A look like?
Q: How effective is DBT? What are the benefits DBT- A clients will receive from DBT specific programs?
Q: How is DBT-A different from DBT?
Q: What does the registration process look like for the DBT-A program?
Q: How long does a DBT program last?
Q: Do I have to share my past experiences or trauma during the group therapy sessions?
Q: What will be expected of me as a DBT program participant?
Q: Can this program be reimbursed through my insurance?
Q: How do I know if my adolescent needs DBT?
Adolescents who experience highly strong emotions or have a history of self-injurious or suicidal behaviors are best suited for DBT-A programs. Adolescents tend to have at least one formal diagnosis, however many have comorbid diagnoses.
Q: What are the modules of DBT? How long does each module last?
There are five major modules of DBT including: mindfulness skills, distress tolerance, walking the middle path, emotional regulation skills and interpersonal effectiveness skills. Each module will be equally split across the 24 week program.
Q: Single Case Agreements? What are they, how do they work, what do you need to do?
A single case agreement (SCA) is a temporary contract between an insurance company and an out-of-network healthcare provider, like Peace Behavioral Health, for a specific patient. This agreement allows the patient to use their in-network benefits with that out-of-network provider for a set period, which is common when the necessary specialist or service isn’t available through the insurance company’s in-network options. If this is how you would like to cover the expenses of the DBT-A program we will schedule an initial meeting between your child and one of our team members. During this meeting our staff will conduct a clinical summary, that we will then submit to your insurance company. While our team will initiate the process by submitting the necessary clinical documentation and justification for your family needing DBT-A, your role will be to continue checking in with your insurance company to see how your SCA is progressing.
Q: What is a multifamily group format?
Multifamily group format is the type of group therapy the DBT-A program utilizes for all group sessions. These group sessions occur in-person (unless the weather permits us from meeting in-person, then the session will be held online) each week for about 2 hours. The multifamily group format involves both the adolescent and their caregiver to attend group sessions alongside the other participants and their families. Here all involved family members and adolescents participate in group activities, reflect on the assigned homework and engage in the new coping skills taught by our licensed group leaders.
Q: What is expected of my role as a caregiver to a DBT-A participant?
As a caregiver, you will be expected to attend all group therapy sessions alongside your adolescent and the other DBT-A families. Each week not only will your adolescent need to complete the necessary homework for these groups, but you will also need to practice and prepare any homework assigned to you for the week. While caregivers are expected to play a proactive role in the group sessions other resources, such as individual therapy, will be reserved for your adolescent.
Q: What materials do I need for this program?
You will be provided with all the materials that you will need to complete the program. Our modules as well as the majority of our handouts and worksheets will come from the DBT Skills Manual for Adolescents by Jill Rathus, Alec Miller and Marsha Linehan.
Q: What are some main takeaways I can expect after completing this DBT-A program?
All participants (including both adolescents and caregivers) who complete the program should walk away with a new set of coping skills specifically tailored to handle emotional escalation and self-injurious behaviors both in community and home environments. The primary goal for our DBT adolescents is to help them walk a balance between self-acceptance and striving for positive change in an effort to survive. Our mission is that by equipping our clients with the right coping skills, and helping them navigate this balance between self-acceptance and change, they can take what they have learned into the future and begin to “build a life worth living”.