Online 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.
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 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.
EP really enjoyed the games! I like the calming box idea and the tips to help her during difficult times.
Parent of an 8 year old
Jul 22, 2026
Tracey-Ann Hutchinson, LMHC
She was very understanding and sweet toward my daughter during their session. She was understanding to our reasons for having to switch providers, and made it work very easily with our future schedule.
Parent of a 9 year old
Jul 22, 2026
Korina Herrera, LMHC
Mrs. Johnson is a wonderful and safe space for my daughter’s healing.
Parent of a 9 year old
Jul 22, 2026
Tameka Johnson, LPC
She provided great information, was transparent throughout the entire process, and took the time to make sure she would be a good fit for my daughter before moving forward. That really gave me confidence that her priority was making sure my daughter received the support she needed. My daughter also felt comfortable with her right away, which made the experience even better.
Parent of an 8 year old
Jul 22, 2026
Katennia Thomas, LPC
Great experience - she listened and provided helpful tools
An Adult client
Jul 21, 2026
Treshana Lewis, LCSW
He is so helpful.I mean, I appreciate everything he does for my family
Parent of a 7 year old
Jul 21, 2026
Bart Liles, LPC. LMFT
Lana was amazing with my daughter. My daughter felt heard, validated, and supported.
Parent of a 10 year old
Jul 21, 2026
Lana Rodriguez, LPC
Very open and transparent, didn't tell me what I waned to hear but what I needed to hear. Very comforting and understanding and does what she can to come to a shared agreement about medication route.
An Adult client
Jul 21, 2026
Shannon Anes, PMHNP
Jahn Quattlebaum, our family therapist, has been an absolute gamechanger, by providing us with a safe, compassionate space to communicate and truly hear one another.
An Adult client
Jul 21, 2026
Jahn Quattlebaum, LPC
It was a great session. Nico practiced expressing his feelings to his dad when he felt sad and hurt. He was standing up for himself.
Parent of a 6 year old
Jul 21, 2026
Jacqueline Castaneda, LPC
She was wonderful and my daughter responded well and was able to talk openly. Alyssa gave us some techniques that we both are excited to try. My daughter was nervous before she began but now she is looking forward to her next session.
Parent of a 9 year old
Jul 21, 2026
Alyssa Jimenez-Solis, LCSW
Great listener and helped set realistic goals to help achieve more positive outcomes!
An Adult client
Jul 21, 2026
Paola Oseguera, LPC-Associate
Very personable, makes the session welcoming and comfortable place to be
An Adult client
Jul 21, 2026
Kayla Goodwin, LPC
Teah is very patient and attentive; her demeanor makes it possible to process and communicate in a very comfortable and safe environment.
An Adult client
Jul 21, 2026
Teah Polvado, LCSW
I feel like my therapist is very good at what she does, and is very kind. I go into each meeting expecting a welcoming environment, and I get what I expected and more. (From the 15yo)
Parent of a 15 year old
Jul 20, 2026
MaryBeth Borreca, LCMHC, LMHC
Charlene is always so welcoming and provides helpful strategies to manage ADHD and anxiety. She helps my 9 year old get focused and makes the session bith informative and fun. Her breathing techniques help him relax.
Parent of a 9 year old
Jul 20, 2026
Charlene Childs, LPC-A
Ms. L. Williams was amazing with my child. In the first session she helped her to understand and have clarity of our concerns.at this point she will definitely continue to work with her.
Parent of a 15 year old
Jul 20, 2026
Leah Williams, LPC-A
Amazing service! Jennifer was super helpful, attentive, and understanding of our needs!
Parent of a 2 year old
Jul 20, 2026
Jennifer Clark, 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.
