Adult Comprehensive DBT Program

We are one of the few clinics in Southern California offering full standard DBT with all of its necessary components. DBT is designed to be a comprehensive treatment to address the needs of clients with severe and complex emotion dysregulation problems, and skills training alone is generally not sufficient. We apply a broad range of strategies to help you find more balance and meaning in your life.

Our adult DBT program is for individuals 18 and older. No diagnosis is necessary - we will provide a diagnostic assessment upon entry into the program and collaboratively determine the targets for therapy.

Program Components for Adult DBT

Individual DBT Therapy (weekly)
Focused on effective coping and problem-solving of specific life challenges and targeted behaviors.

DBT Skills Training Group (weekly class)
Focused on enhancing clients’ capabilities through behavioral skills training. Skills group is run like a class and covers the following four modules:

• Mindfulness - staying present in the moment without judgment
• Distress Tolerance - getting through the tough times without making things worse
• Emotion Regulation - learning to understand and manage your emotions
• Interpersonal Effectiveness - asserting your needs, communicating effectively and maintaining relationships

Phone Coaching (between sessions)
Help with applying the skills to your real-life challenges and crises when they occur.

Therapist Consultation Team (weekly)
Focused on helping therapists solve treatment obstacles, stay competent and motivated, and provide the best treatment possible. The consultation team consists of all individual therapists and group leaders, and they share responsibility for client care.

Optional Components

Biofeedback Training
Resonant frequency breathing training to enhance emotion regulation and increase resilience to stressors. You may choose to add our 10-session training program to your therapy.

Couples or Family Sessions
Focused on improving the interpersonal dynamics of the close-knit relationships in your life. You may choose to include your partner or family in your therapy.

Preparing for Therapy

Please fill out our inquiry form to request help at DBTCSD. We will contact you within 1-2 business days to discuss your needs and schedule your first session.

Please complete the following forms and questionnaires prior to your first session. These forms and questionnaires are necessary for us to make conclusions about your diagnoses and to begin your therapy. If you prefer, you may arrive early and complete these forms in our waiting room or during your first session. Filling them out ahead of time allows us to start your therapy more quickly.

Patient Information form
Personal History form
Interests and Hobbies (optional)
Consent form (read only - we will provide a copy for you to sign at your first session)

BSDS
SBQ
QIDS
BSL
SPDQ
PCL
GADQ
PSWQ
PDSR
SVQ

Authorize your other mental health providers to send us your information:

Release of Information (former) - records from your former therapist or hospital
Release of Information (current) - records from your current psychiatrist

Watch these videos:

What is DBT?
Diary card self-monitoring
How DBT helps with emotions

Before your first skills group listen to the group orientation and get the skills handouts/worksheets:

Adult DBT skills manual
Skills group orientation
DBT skills overview