Program Description
DBTeens is an entirely online mental health 12-week comprehensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) intensive intermediate service program for youth between the ages of 12 and 18. We are an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). We provide teens and their families with the following services EACH WEEK:
- Individual Therapy with Licensed Clinician (50 min).
- Group Skills Training for teen Co-Facilitated by Licensed Clinician and Skills Coach (75 min).
- Group Skills Training for adult partner Co-Facilitated by Licensed Clinician and Skills Coach (75 min).
- 2 Group Skills Coaching group with Skills Coach for teen (75 min each).
- Skills Coaching session with Skills Coach for adult partner (40 min).
- Evening Coping Skill Sessions, from 4:45 – 8 PM, Sunday through Thurdays, with Licensed Clinicians, Staff and Special Providers (daily).
- Over 16 hours/week of service led by staff.
Our goal is to provide at risk youth and their families a strong package of service for 12 weeks to decrease risk of hospitalization and facilitate coping to strengthen overall emotion regulation. We aim to provide daily service to teens and families for 12 weeks, all through telehealth, during convenient after school, evening, and weekend times.
Each teen’s 12-week treatment will be lead by a licensed clinician. The clinician and family will be supported by group therapists and skills coaches. All treatment will be overseen by experienced DBT Team Leaders.
Starting in week 6, the teen’s clinician and team will begin planning discharge, to include facilitation with outside mental health and school supports, and community referrals, as needed.
All DBTeens treatment is aimed at helping teens and families strengthen emotion regulation, interpersonal communication, self awareness, and distress tolerance skills. We use the evidence-based DBT model to provide effective, professional, safe treatment.
We emphasize the need for young people to practice skills daily, with staff guidance, in order to increase motivation and develop a strong foundation. We also support and educate adult partners in how to better understand, validate, and assist their young person with problem solving. We believe it is essential for teens and adult partners to participate together in a caring community setting in order to receive the treatment they need to build a life worth living.