Online DBT therapy for teens and parents
Skills-based therapy for intense emotions and self-destructive behaviors
Dialectical Behavior Therapy teaches teens and adults to regulate overwhelming emotions, tolerate distress, and build healthier relationships.
Insurance accepted. Appointments often available within days.
Covered by insurance · Licensed clinicians · Start within 48 hours
Covered by insurance · Licensed clinicians · Start within 48 hours
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 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.
Great recommendations to help me have a better communication with my wife , thank You so much !!
An Adult client
Sep 5, 2026
Paola Oseguera, LPC
It was good like someone understanding me
Parent of a 10 year old
Sep 5, 2026
Jasmine Eubanks, LPC
Dr. Apree addressed our fears and concerns regarding our daughter’s evaluation. She is so thoughtful. I feel like our daughter will have a ton of support.
Parent of a 15 year old
Sep 4, 2026
Dr. Apree Clicque, PsyD
She was amazing my son loved her and she made us feel heard!!
Parent of a 14 year old
Sep 4, 2026
Elizabeth Lopez, LCSW
She was just really nice and I appreciated that.
Parent of a 13 year old
Sep 4, 2026
Megan Lundy, LCSW
Another wonderful session. I feel truly blessed with Elsie. She is extremely an amazing person.
Parent of a 12 year old
Sep 4, 2026
Elsie Peña, LPC
Eduardo was an amazing Therapist. I felt the great vibe and connection with him on our 1st visit. I’m really looking forward to seeing him again and our progress we’ll make throughout the Journey. I would rate him a 10/10 and would recommended him to anyone.
An Adult client
Sep 4, 2026
Eduardo Santana, LCSW
It’s hard for me describe my inner experience. I still felt heard and seen though I struggled during our call. I felt emotionally supported and reassured. I feel hopeful that this was a step in the right direction.
An Adult client
Sep 4, 2026
Dr. Liz Nitsch, PsyD
Dr. Clicque makes me feel very comfortable and supported during our sessions. I feel that she creates a safe, nonjudgmental environment where I can openly express my thoughts and feelings. She is attentive, understanding, and genuinely listens to me. I feel that her approach has made it easier for me to feel comfortable opening up.
An Adult client
Sep 4, 2026
Dr. Apree Clicque, PsyD
I love how the provider made me feel comfortable, accepted, and heard. Did not rush me off, listened and provided great feedback.
An Adult client
Sep 4, 2026
Shannon Anes, PMHNP
Daniel focused on my daughter‘s strengths and was very tactful in leading the conversation about medication and diagnosis in front of my child.
Parent of a 10 year old
Sep 4, 2026
Danielle Abali, RCSWI
I like that she listens to my son. She also gives him things to think about in regard to his actions and how he feels about consequences of his actions. She really does give him opportunity to think it through and understand how he could have handled things.
Parent of a 10 year old
Sep 4, 2026
Melinda Labbe, LMHC
Paola was wonderful, extremely empathetic and showed genuine care. Never rushed for me to speak and really took in what I was saying. Made me feel very at ease.
An Adult client
Sep 4, 2026
Paola Bezek, RCSWI
Good tempo and pace so far. AJ had some good probing questions for both Nadia and myself that made the session feel worthwhile. It was our first therapy session so there was some healthy amount of awkwardness but it felt needed and productive.
Parent of a 12 year old
Sep 4, 2026
AJ Briggs, LCSW
Catherine is very kind and empathetic. She listens carefully, takes the time to understand your situation, and genuinely tries to connect with you in order to find the best possible support and help. I truly appreciate her patience, compassion, and willingness to help.
An Adult client
Sep 4, 2026
Catherine Campos, LCSW
Elise is the sweetest. My daughter is new to online therapy so she is a bit hesitant at times. Elise is patient with her and moves at my daughters pace. I enjoy her talks as well and have learned several positive ways to help my daughter when she is struggling with big emotions.
Parent of an 8 year old
Sep 4, 2026
Elise McDonald, LPC
Salem loves the session today. She really loved the grounding activity and drawing.
Parent of an 11 year old
Sep 4, 2026
Charricka Hewitt, LPC-A
Very helpful with easing into this new chapter & getting to know one another.
Parent of a 12 year old
Sep 4, 2026
Katia Torres, LCSW
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.
