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.
DBT for teens, at a glance
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.
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.
We love Amanda! It's been over a month- seeing positive results
Parent of an 11 year old
1 hour ago
Amanda Crabtree, LMHC
Evelyn said she was really happy with the session.
Parent of a 9 year old
6 hours ago
Dr. Maritza Rodriguez, LPC-S, CCST
I like the fact that she suggested that we should do ADHD testing and I like that she was asking him questions that were making him think a little about his answers. It was very helpful and it sparked discussion for us afterwards
Parent of a 12 year old
7 hours ago
Shannon Anes, PMHNP
I love Quenton Kayd! I’ve had 18 sessions with him and he has helped me so much! He also takes the time to see things from my perspective and it means so much!
An Adult client
10 hours ago
Quenton Kayd, LPC
Ann is an excellent therapist. She’s been helping my daughter through her anxiety and her thoughtful and insightful guidance has had a meaningful impact on my daughter and managing her anxiety.
Parent of an 11 year old
23 hours ago
Ann Marie Driver, LCMHC-A
She’s very charismatic and easy to talk to. My daughter told me she likes her
Parent of a 13 year old
1 day ago
Katherine Vasquez Lugo, RMHCI
Catherine was warm and welcoming!
Parent of a 10 year old
1 day ago
Catherine Campos, LCSW
My therapist was absolutely amazing I already can tell she is going to help me a lot!
An Adult client
1 day ago
Laura Doocy, LPC-A
Milton is very understanding and listened to my son rattle on and on lol and they're was no rush.
Parent of an 11 year old
1 day ago
Milton Hernandez, LPC
JoeAnn Allen gave us key ways to handle some problems, we appreciate her very much
Parent of a 14 year old
1 day ago
JoeAnn Allen, RMHCI
Rating on behalf of my daughter. She's always in a better mood when she talks with Korina! ✨
Parent of a 14 year old
1 day ago
Korina Herrera, LMHC
My son connects so well with Nathalie. He was skeptical at first now he sets up 10 mind before the session in anticipation for their talk time.
Parent of a 10 year old
2 days ago
Nathalie Fernandez Mendez, LCMHC-A, LMHC
Richard was excellent during my child´s session today. He was very informative, attentive, and truly focused on our specific needs. You can tell he genuinely cares and takes the time to listen and understand. We’re looking forward to future appointments and seeing growth with his support.
Parent of a 6 year old
2 days ago
Richard Reyes, LPC-Associate
The coping mechanism you gave me felt extremely helpful
An Adult client
2 days ago
Marise Jimenez, RMHCI
Very attentive and caring. Took the time out to help us find the right therapist.
Parent of a 16 year old
2 days ago
Jennifer Guzman, LPC
great person easy to talk to. very attentive.
An Adult client
2 days ago
Dr. Joel Bell, PsyD
Sarah is incredible with my 7 year old. So great at building rapport and bringing in coping strategies.
Parent of a 7 year old
2 days ago
Sarah Newton, LMSW
Helped my child open up and feel more self confidence
Parent of a 6 year old
2 days ago
Korina Herrera, LMHC
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.
