What is DBT (dialectical behavior therapy)?
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based therapy that teaches concrete skills in four areas — mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Originally developed for borderline personality disorder and self-harm, it now helps anyone who struggles with intense emotions. Full DBT combines individual therapy with a skills group.
How DBT works
DBT balances acceptance and change: it validates your experience while teaching skills to manage overwhelming emotions and reduce harmful behaviors. Comprehensive DBT includes weekly individual sessions plus a skills-training group, and often phone coaching for moments of crisis.
Who DBT helps
DBT has the strongest evidence for borderline personality disorder, chronic suicidality, and self-harm, and also helps with emotion dysregulation, some eating disorders, and PTSD. If you struggle with intense, fast-changing emotions, DBT's skills can be especially useful. In crisis, call or text 988.
Common questions
What is the difference between CBT and DBT?
DBT grew out of CBT but adds a strong focus on accepting difficult emotions and on specific skills — mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. CBT centers on changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors; DBT balances change with acceptance and is often used for intense emotions and self-harm.
Find verified DBT therapists
0 license-verified DBT therapists have a provider-reported capacity status dated within 14 days. A recent report is not live calendar inventory and does not guarantee an opening, response, appointment, or fit.