Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Children (DBT-C)

Supportive, skills-based therapy that helps children manage emotions, reduce impulsive behaviors, and build healthy coping tools through structured, age-appropriate programs.

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Helping Children Thrive with Dialectical Behavior Therapy

A compassionate, skills-based program that supports young children in building resilience, improving emotional control, and feeling safer at home and school.

Best for

Children with emotional dysregulation, behavioral challenges, anxiety, or early signs of self-harm

Session format

Individual + Group + Parent/Family coaching, In person or Virtual

Typical cadence

Weekly individual sessions + weekly group skills sessions, Session length: 45–90 minutes

Duration

3–12 months, depending on needs

Often combined with

School-based support, family therapy, social skills training, trauma-focused interventions

Evidence base

Research-supported adaptation of DBT for children proven effective in improving emotional regulation and reducing risky behaviors.

What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Children (DBT-C)?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Children is a specialized form of DBT designed to help young children manage strong emotions, behavioral challenges, and early signs of self-harm or anxiety. It adapts DBT’s core skills including mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness into a child-friendly format, often with meaningful parent and family involvement to reinforce skills at home and school.

A central principle of DBT-C is collaborative skill-building. Children learn how to identify and manage difficult emotions while caregivers offer guidance, structure, and positive reinforcement. Rather than using punishment or shame, DBT-C focuses on teaching practical coping skills, building resilience, and supporting long-term emotional growth.

How Dialectical Behaviour Therapy for Children Helps

Teaching emotional skills, healthy coping, and resilience for lifelong growth

Builds emotional regulation

Teaches children to recognize and manage strong feelings in healthy ways

Strengthens coping skills

Provides alternatives to acting out or risky behaviors when emotions feel overwhelming

Supports safe behavior

Focuses on safety planning, problem-solving, and managing conflict effectively

Encourages long-term growth

Combines emotional, social, and behavioral skills to promote resilience and development

What to Expect in Sessions

DBT-C includes the full structure of Standard DBT adapted for children, with additional parent and family support:

Individual therapy: Weekly sessions focused on emotional regulation and personal goals
Group skills training: Learning DBT’s four core modules mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness
Parent/family coaching: Guidance for caregivers to reinforce skills and support progress at home
Therapist consultation teams: Clinicians meet to coordinate care and ensure consistent support
Child-specific skills: Targeting coping with strong emotions, reducing risky behaviors and building resilience

Who Benefits from Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Children? (DBT-C)

Supporting Children and Families Facing Emotional, Behavioral, and Social Challenges

Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Children is designed for kids who struggle with intense emotions, behavioral outbursts, difficulties in relationships, or challenges with impulse control. DBT-C helps children build emotional awareness, calming strategies, and problem-solving skills, while also teaching parents tools to support their child’s growth at home and in daily life.

For Those Seeking Practical Coping Tools

Children experiencing intense emotions, anxiety, or mood dysregulation

For People in Recovery from Addiction or Trauma

Kids showing behavioral challenges, impulsivity, or early signs of self-harm

For Individuals Managing Stress and Anxiety

Families seeking structured support to help children develop healthy coping skills

For Families Supporting Loved Ones’ Recovery

Caregivers wanting guidance on reinforcing emotional and social skills

For Anyone Wanting Structured Skill-Building

Helping Children Build Emotional and Behavioral Skills with Supportive Guidance

Why TruPaths Highlights Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Children (DBT-C)

Bridging Emotional Growth and Behavioral Support for Children and Families

TruPaths highlights DBT-C because it bridges the gap between emotional growth and behavioral support for children. It’s compassionate yet practical, helping kids learn to manage strong emotions while giving families the tools to guide them through challenges without judgment. Programs we feature integrate DBT-C with school support, family therapy, social skills training, and trauma-focused interventions.

FAQs About Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Training (DBT)

How is DBT-C different from Standard DBT?

DBT-C uses the same core structure but adapts skills for children, incorporating parent/family coaching, school support, and child-friendly strategies

Can DBT-C be combined with other therapies?

Yes! DBT-C can be combined with therapies like individual or family therapy, medication management, and school-based supports to provide a well-rounded approach to a child’s mental health.

Does DBT-C support families? 

Yes! DBT-C supports families by teaching caregivers skills to understand, reinforce, and model emotional regulation, improving communication and overall family functioning.

Does insurance cover DBT-C? 

Insurance often covers DBT-C (Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Children), but coverage varies based on your insurance plan and provider.

How long does DBT-C last? 

DBT-C usually lasts 6 to 12 months, depending on the child’s needs and progress. Some children may continue with booster sessions or ongoing skills practice after the main program ends.

Is DBT-C appropriate for children with ADHD or emotional dysregulation?

Yes, DBT-C can help children with ADHD or emotional dysregulation by teaching skills for focus, emotional control, and coping.

Find Support Options Offering DBT-C

Healthy emotional growth is possible. DBT-C offers structure, compassion, and practical tools to help children manage emotions and behaviors. Explore programs that integrate DBT-C with school support, family therapy, social skills training, and trauma-focused interventions.