Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

By combining aspects of cognitive-behavior therapy with the Zen Buddhist concept of mindfulness, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) provides effective treatment for many mental health issues. DBT has been proven especially effective in reducing suicidal ideation and self-harming behaviors common to those diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, and has also been shown to improve clients’ abilities to curb impulsive acts in stressful situations.

For clients struggling with anxiety, addiction, thought disorders, and/or a borderline personality disorder diagnosis, Sanctuary Centers offers the only specialized, psychosocial DBT treatment program to be found between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Common symptoms of clients who participate in our DBT treatment program include impulsivity, self-injurious behaviors, or frequent suicide attempts or suicidal thoughts. Participants in the program may also exhibit extreme emotional reactions to what others perceive as mildly stressful situations. Many of our clients who have been frustrated by other models of therapy find DBT to be very rewarding and productive. In our DBT Program, clients are encouraged to set healthy, attainable goals.

Program Goals

Clients will be supported and bolstered as they:

• Achieve control over the behaviors causing problems in their lives.
• Resolve to build the foundational structures for a happy and successful life.
• Develop life-altering skills, in four categories:
  • Mindfulness: the habit of being fully aware and present in each moment, rather than focusing on the past or future.
  • Distress Tolerance: the practice of learning to tolerate pain in difficult situations, rather than attempting to change or resist.
  • Interpersonal Effectiveness: the process of finding the courage to ask for the things you want and learning how to say no in a way that respects yourself and others.
  • Emotion Regulation: the acceptance of the idea that you have the power to consciously change your emotions.

Services Include

• Psychosocial skills training groups. Each session includes homework review, introduction of new skills, and an opportunity to role play or otherwise practice the skills.
• Additional psychosocial skills training groups, available to individuals with a co-occurring disorder, that emphasize regulating addictive impulses, emotional soothing, and other issues specific to addiction.
• One-on-one psychotherapy with a DBT therapist: Individual sessions focus on helping clients apply the skills they are learning in DBT to specific potential situations that relate to their personal goals in life.

How Much Does It Cost for DBT Services?

DBT services are included in Mental Health Inpatient Care.

For Mental Health Outpatient Care, a DBT Individual Session is $90 per session (private pay) and DBT Group Therapy is $75 per session (private pay). We also offer flat fee service packages that may include DBT services.

Getting Started With DBT Services

Contact Us (805) 569-2785