“There’s power in allowing yourself to be known and heard, in owning your unique story, in using your authentic voice.”

—Michelle Obama

Adolescent DBT

In recent years, DBT has emerged as a first-line treatment for multi-problem adolescents. As a modification of Linehan’s treatment for adults with BPD, psychologists Jill Rathus and Alec Miller developed DBT-A which specifically targets behaviors of emotion dysregulation including suicidal thinking and behavior, self-harm, eating disorders, substance abuse and aggression.

In addition to helping the teen reduce dysregulation and high-risk behavior, the treatment addresses the parent-child transaction and equips parents with specific skills for improving the relationship and setting limits.

Adolescent DBT Includes:

  • Weekly Individual Therapy

  • Weekly Group Skills Training

  • Phone Coaching between sessions for both parents and teens

  • 14-week Parent Skills Training Group

  • Parent Consultation as needed

  • Family Therapy as needed

For more on “What is DBT-A,”

Please watch this video

created by Esme Shaller, Ph.D.

The adolescent DBT program at EBTP is available in all locations and is offered in-person in both Orange County and Los Angeles locations.

“Inspiration usually comes during work rather than before it.”

—Madeline L'Engle