Center for DBT

Center for DBT-A

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.

Center for DBT

About Our DTB-A 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

 

DBT-A TEAM:

Center for DBT

Dr. David Walter: DBT-A Team Leader

Dr. David Walter, DO is a board certified child and adolescent psychiatrist with over 25 years of experience working with youth, families and care teams throughout Maine. His work includes hospital psychiatry, residential programs, community mental health, eating disorder services and long term care for young people with chronic illness.

Dr. Walter attended the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He did his residency at Pennsylvania Hospital and fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at Maine Medical Center. He co-founded Greater Portland DBT to increase access to evidence based treatment for teens, adults and parents across the state.

He takes a collaborative and thoughtful approach to each patient, grounded in his clinical experience and commitment to working with families. He is committed to increasing mental health access in Maine. Outside of his clinical work Dr. Walter is involved in advocacy and patient driven research. He is a leader with the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, IBD Partners and the IgAN Nephropathy Foundation Ambassador Program.

 

Center for DBT

Colin Routh, LCSW: Group Facilitator & Individual Therapist

Colin Routh is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Colin began working with children, teens and families in a day treatment and residential program focusing on emotional awareness, regulation and family cohesion. He has since expanded treatment focus to DBT supporting with adolescents and adults in the community suffering from emotional dysregulation and ineffective behavioral patterns. Colin has received intensive training for DBT for the general population as well as focused trainings for DBT-Adolescent and DBT-Child Focus. He has experience running DBT skills group, DBT individual sessions and DBT skills coaching. He has presented his knowledge and skill to DBT-Linehan Board of Certification and received their accreditation for ability to practice DBT effectively within its researched based manner. Colin feels a personal connection with the fundamental principles within this practice that state we are, at any given time, doing the best we can and there is always more to learn and changes to make to improve our lives.

Center for DBT

Dr. Ashley Shaw: Individual Therapist

Dr. Ashley Shaw PhD is a licensed clinical psychologist who is passionate about helping adolescents and adults who struggle with strong emotions, such as anxiety and depression. She strives to help her clients gain self-efficacy about their ability to cope with strong emotions and stressors. Dr. Ashley Shaw has extensive clinical training in cognitive-behavioral (CBT) and dialectical behavioral (DBT) treatments for adolescents and adults, with a special emphasis on emotional disorders (including obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, depression, and hoarding) and is licensed in both Florida and Maine.

Center for DBT

Alix Buckvar, LCSW: Individual Therapist

Alixandra Buckvar (Alix) received her Masters in Social Work from New York University. She specializes in children, adolescents and young adults. She brings with her 10+ years as a child and adolescent therapist, who has worked extensively with teens who have experienced trauma and mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, abuse/neglect, sexual violence, drug use, self-harm, and suicidal ideation. Alix utilizes evidence based therapeutic modalities such as CBT, DBT, mindfulness, & EMDR and often integrates the use of creativity and art or sand tray to complement traditional therapeutic approaches when working with children.

Center for DBT

Chloe Reichenbach, LCSW: Individual Therapist

Chloe Reichenbach, LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in supporting adolescents, young adults, and families. She attended the University of Maine where she obtained her Master of Social Work. She has over four years of experience working with youth who have experienced trauma and are navigating mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, self-harm, substance use, and adverse life experiences. . Chloe specializes in eating disorders and utilizes Family Based Treatment (FBT) to treat eating disorder symptoms. She draws from a range of evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Family Based Treatment (FBT), and Structural Family Therapy. Her therapeutic style is mindfulness-oriented, strengths-based, and empowering, with a focus on helping clients and families strengthen relationships, build resilience, and create meaningful change. She is passionate about creating a collaborative, supportive environment where adolescents, young adults, and families feel heard and understood.

DBT-A FAQ:

Q: What are the core components of DBT-A? What do the services of DBT-A look like?
DBT-A programs provide concentrated client care that involves therapy through multiple different forms. The four fundamental services of the program include over the phone coaching, weekly multifamily meetings, consultation group sessions and individual therapy.
Q: How effective is DBT? What are the benefits DBT- A clients will receive from DBT specific programs?
Extensive evidence based research has been conducted on the practice of DBT as well as the benefits it can offer clients. DBT has been proven to improve client quality of life and increase their ability to adaptively function day to day. Over the course of the program clients will develop and strengthen skills in emotional regulation, mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness and distress tolerance.
Q: How is DBT-A different from DBT?
The goals and core components of DBT and DBT-A remain very similar if not the same however, the client demographics of the two program types differ. DBT-A  was designed and customized for adolescents ages 13-19, while DBT is tailored for an adult client population.
Q: What does the registration process look like for the DBT-A program?
Further logistical information and program details can be found using the links included at the bottom of this page. If the program seems like a good fit for your family, then next step inquiries can be made by contacting our office via phone or email. Our staff will guide you through pricing details, collect contact information and answer any questions you may have. Potential clients will then go through a screening process and the clinic will contact you with a decision about whether or not we feel the program is a good fit.
Q: How long does a DBT program last?
The length of time a DBT program runs for does vary from clinic to clinic. However, DBT programs in general are a serious commitment and tend to run at least a couple of months. In order to maximize the benefits of DBT-A therapeutic program here at Peace Behavioral Health the duration of our intensive DBT-A program is 6 months.
Q: Do I have to share my past experiences or trauma during the group therapy sessions?
No, within group therapy sessions participants are not expected to share past experiences or trauma. The main goals of these group meetings are to create a set of healthy coping skills and build upon these skills as the program progresses.
Q: What will be expected of me as a DBT program participant?
Participants are expected to attend, participate and share insights during all in-person program activities and group sessions. To further maximize program time and benefits, weekly homework is often assigned to clients and families. It is expected that this will be worked on in between therapy sessions.
Q: Can this program be reimbursed through my insurance?
Yes!  Most of our patients are able to get reimbursed at their insurance companies out-of-network rates. In order to get reimbursed we can submit a claim on your behalf via Reimbursify or you can submit the claim yourself using a superbill. For more information please reach out to the office at 207-200-4789.           

Reach Out Today!

(207) 200-4789
or email us at
Office@peaceBH.com
with the subject line DBT-A

 

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