DBT therapy for teens & young adults
Skills-based therapy for intense emotions and self-destructive behaviors
Dialectical Behavior Therapy teaches teens and young adults to regulate overwhelming emotions, tolerate distress, and build healthier relationships.
Insurance accepted. Appointments often available within days.
teens, & families
DBT for teens, at a glance
46% stop self-harm
Adolescents receiving DBT cease self-harm behaviors entirely, per the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.
24-52 weeks
Typical length of a comprehensive DBT program, with skills training built into each phase.
77% fewer attempts
Reduction in suicide attempts among adolescents in DBT trials compared to standard treatment.
What is DBT?
How dialectical behavior therapy works for young people.
DBT was designed for people with intense emotions. It combines thinking strategies with mindfulness and acceptance.
DBT teaches a key idea: accept yourself as you are AND work to change harmful behaviors at the same time.
DBT has four main skill areas: mindfulness, handling crisis, managing emotions, and building better relationships. Kids learn these in one-on-one sessions and group classes.
Evidence-Based
Backed by clinical research and validated outcomes.
DBT was designed for people with intense emotions. It combines thinking strategies with mindfulness and acceptance.
DBT teaches a key idea: accept yourself as you are AND work to change harmful behaviors at the same time.
DBT has four main skill areas: mindfulness, handling crisis, managing emotions, and building better relationships. Kids learn these in one-on-one sessions and group classes.
Core DBT skill modules
Four key skills your teen will learn.
Mindfulness
- Notice thoughts and feelings without judging them
- Stay present in the moment
- Balance your emotions with logic
- Recognize what sets off strong feelings
Handling Crisis
- Quick tools to survive intense moments
- Calm your body using your five senses
- Accept painful situations you can't change
- Weigh the good and bad sides of urges
Emotion Regulation
- Name your emotions accurately
- Become less reactive to feelings
- Act differently when you have harmful urges
- Build good experiences
Building Better Relationships
- Speak up clearly about what you need
- Keep your self-respect in relationships
- Balance your needs with others' needs
- Handle conflicts without hurting relationships
How DBT helps
Real results for teens.
- Reduces self-harm and suicidal thoughts
- Teaches practical skills for emotional crises
- Improves family talking and relationships
- Fewer hospital visits and ER trips
- Builds lasting emotional strength
- Parents learn the same skills
Who benefits from DBT
What DBT helps with.
Trouble Managing Emotions
- Sudden mood changes
- Self-harm behaviors
- Suicidal thoughts
- Intense emotional reactions
Behavioral Challenges
- Impulse control problems
- Substance use
- Unhealthy eating
- Constant relationship conflict
Why families choose Emora for DBT
Emora's DBT specialists vs. other providers.
General providers
DBT-LBC certified or intensively trained therapists
Therapists may use 'DBT-informed' approaches without formal training
Structured DBT protocol with all four skill modules
Incomplete skill module coverage
Family skills training included
Parents not actively included in skills training
Between-session coaching support
No between-session support available
Outcome tracking built into every phase
Limited progress measurement
Get started in minutes
Three simple steps to connect with the right clinician.
- 1
Share what's going on
Tell us about your teen's emotional challenges and goals.
- 2
Verify coverage
See insurance estimates and available appointment times.
- 3
Start therapy
Meet your matched DBT therapist and begin skills training.
Frequently asked questions
What parents and young adults ask most about DBT.
DBT works for teens ages 12+, usually 13-18. For younger kids, CBT or other methods work better.
CBT focuses on changing thoughts. DBT adds mindfulness, handling crisis, and accepting what you can't change. DBT is for intense emotions and harmful behaviors.
The full DBT program has both one-on-one sessions and group classes. At Emora, groups are online and optional if needed.
Most programs run 6 to 12 months. Some teens improve in 3 months, others need the full time to learn all four skills.
Yes. Parents learn the same DBT skills their teen is learning. This creates support at home and better family communication.
Real stories of growth
Every session is rated by parents. Our therapists maintain a 4.9+ average, because results matter.
The testing process for my child with Dr. Bunker went really well. Just like how she explained it would go.
Parent of a 7 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Dr. Nacona Bunker, PsyD
Korina has been very helpful with the therapy process for my child.
Parent of a 7 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Korina Herrera, LMHC
Korina is very patient even when my child is having a difficult time with the therapy session.
Parent of a 7 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Korina Herrera, LMHC
This was our initial visit with Dr. Bunker. She did a great job with explaining how the process would go. She also had great interaction with my child during the visit.
Parent of a 7 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Dr. Nacona Bunker, PsyD
Korina has been doing a great job with helping my child!
Parent of a 7 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Korina Herrera, LMHC
She was really extensive and didn’t leave anything out.
An Adult client
Jun 6, 2026
Dr. Apree Clicque, PsyD
The session was great! All of our concerns were addressed, we felt very heard, and it was an overall great experience
Parent of a 10 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Deann Harrison, PMHNP-BC
Ms Richardson took her time to listen to my son's perspective and concerns as well as my own. She is open-minded and patient. We appreciated her help today
Parent of a 15 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Runako Richardson, PMHNP
When she allowed both of us to speak and explained the next steps for our meeting in the future that was great . Thank you.
Parent of a 7 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Korina Herrera, LMHC
My daughter feels Dr. Jon has helped her more than any of her previous therapists. He does a great job with her.
Parent of a 10 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Dr. Jon Skidmore, PsyD
Dr. Williams truly gets me and he makes me feel like I can take care of myself without having to worry about it.
An Adult client
Jun 5, 2026
Franklin Williams, LCMHC
Navigating a separation from my spouse including children. Victoria does a great job helping us work through and process this.
An Adult client
Jun 5, 2026
Victoria Coffman, LPC-A
Elise is going above and beyond to understand my daughter so she can help her in the best way possible.
Parent of an 11 year old
Jun 5, 2026
Elise McDonald, LPC
Catherine was kind, empathetic, and a great listener. She balanced hearing our thoughts as parents while also ensuring our child was heard and valued.
Parent of a 12 year old
Jun 5, 2026
Catherine Campos, LCSW
So kind and a great listener. She has great patience with him.
Parent of a 10 year old
Jun 4, 2026
Erica Richardson, LCSW
My daughter instantly connected! She’s very excited to work with her
Parent of a 13 year old
Jun 4, 2026
Brianna Doran, LMHC
Dr.Bowes is awesome and a personable provider.
An Adult client
Jun 4, 2026
Dr. Jaclyn Bowes, PsyD
My son feels that this Dr is a great fit. First session and he’s already doing the 10 finger breathing exercise while feeling overwhelmed.
Parent of an 11 year old
Jun 4, 2026
Dr. Jon Skidmore, PsyD
Intense emotions don't have to control your teen's life
DBT gives teens concrete skills to manage overwhelming emotions and build fulfilling lives.
Not sure where to start? Book a clinical matching session.
