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.

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4.94

10k+ satisfied kids,
teens, & families

A smiling teen with curly hair and a nose piercing looks directly at the camera against a gradient green and orange background. They wear a ribbed shirt with a black star design, conveying a friendly and positive mood.

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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.

teen girl smiling during her online therapy session

Youn teen on her laptop sitting on an orange couch

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.

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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.

Learn More

Core DBT skill modules

Four key skills your teen will learn.

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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.

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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.

Find Care

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.

Ms. Anes understood exactly where we were coming from and how to help us when it came to our daughter. Totally recommend her!!

Parent of a 9 year old

5 hours ago

Provider:

Shannon Anes, PMHNP

Amazing! My daughter gets so happy when it is a therapy day. Ms. Christi has made my daughter so comfortable and provides a safe place for her to be open and honest, free of judgement. I am so grateful that she is my child's therapist.

Parent of a 9 year old

7 hours ago

Provider:

Christi Ford, LPC-A

TaKayah is awesome! Feels like talking to a friend.

An Adult client

10 hours ago

Provider:

Takahya Mcintyre, LCSW

Laquana is the best of the best!

Parent of a 7 year old

10 hours ago

Provider:

Laquana Richmond, LCMHC LPC LMHC LCAS CCS

Mrs. Katie is such a blessing. Thank you.

Parent of an 8 year old

12 hours ago

Provider:

Katie Jones, CPNP-PC, PMHNP-BC

I think just hearing the confirmation was a bit challenging as well as emotional. I love the Drs kindness and patience, it’s something I don’t get to experience often. I like the descriptions provided in the paperwork as well.

An Adult client

18 hours ago