Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Adolescents (DBT-A)

A family-centered therapy approach that helps teens manage emotions, strengthen relationships, and build long-term stability.

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Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Adolescents

A structured, 16–24 week program that strengthens coping skills, reduces crisis behaviors, and supports healthier communication for teens and their families.

Best for

Teens (ages 12–18) with emotional dysregulation, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, substance use, or high conflict at home.

Session format

Individual therapy + Group skills training (with parents/caregivers), In person or Virtual.

Typical cadence

Weekly individual sessions + weekly group sessions, Session length: 45–120 minutes

Duration

16–24 weeks (shorter than Standard DBT)

Often combined with

Family therapy, trauma-informed therapy, psychiatry, school-based support

Evidence base

Adapted from Standard DBT, proven effective for reducing self-harm and improving family relationships in teens

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What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Adolescents (DBT-A)?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Adolescents (DBT-A) is a shorter, family-centered adaptation of DBT designed specifically for teens experiencing intense emotions, impulsivity, self-harm, or relationship conflict. It provides structured skills and support to help adolescents build emotional stability and healthier decision-making.

Unlike the adult model, DBT-A places strong emphasis on caregiver involvement. Parents or guardians participate in group skills sessions alongside their teen, learning the same tools and strategies. This shared learning strengthens communication, improves consistency at home, and helps families create a safer, more supportive environment for recovery.

How Dialectical Behaviour Therapy for Adolescents Helps in Recovery

Building resilience, emotional regulation, and healthier coping skills for teens

Reduces self-harm and risky behaviors

Reduces self-harm and risky behaviors

Teaches safer coping strategies for overwhelming emotions

Improves family communication

Improves family communication

Parents and teens learn skills together to reduce conflict

Supports school and social stability

Supports school and social stability

Skills help teens navigate friendships and academics

Builds resilience

Builds resilience

Encourages mindfulness and problem-solving into adulthood

What to Expect in Sessions

A typical DBT-A program includes:

  • Individual therapy for the teen (weekly): to set goals and build coping skills
  • Multi-family skills groups (weekly, 90–120 minutes):
  • Coaching support: Teens and parents can access coaching between sessions to apply skills during crises
  • Coaching Family collaboration: Therapists work directly with caregivers to support consistency at home

    • This format empowers both teens and families, creating a unified approach to recovery.

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Who Benefits from Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Adolescents? (DBT-A)

Support for Teens Navigating Self-Esteem, Identity, Relationships, and Emotional Challenges

Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Adolescents is designed for teens who experience intense emotions, impulsive behaviors, relationship struggles, or identity-related stress. DBT-A equips young people with practical skills to regulate emotions, build self-confidence, strengthen communication, and create healthier patterns at home, school, and in their social lives.

Support for Self-Harm & Suicide Risk

Support for Self-Harm & Suicide Risk

Teens experiencing self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or risky behaviors

Help with Emotions & Mental Health

Help with Emotions & Mental Health

Adolescents with emotional dysregulation, depression, anxiety, or trauma

Guidance for Families in Conflict

Guidance for Families in Conflict

Families struggling with constant conflict, stress, or communication breakdowns

Recovery from Substance Use

Recovery from Substance Use

Teens in recovery from substance use or co-occurring disorders

Support for Parents & Caregiving

Support for Parents & Caregiving

Parents seeking guidance and structure to better support their child

Why TruPaths Highlights Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Adolescents (DBT-A)

Tailoring proven DBT methods to meet the needs of adolescents

TruPaths highlights DBT-A because adolescence is a critical period where emotional instability can escalate without intervention. Programs offering DBT-A give teens and families tools to prevent crisis, improve communication, and build healthier futures together.

FAQs About Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Adolescents (DBT-A)

DBT-A is shorter (16–24 weeks) and strongly involves caregivers in group skills sessions.
Yes. Many providers offer family-based DBT groups online.
Yes. Caregiver involvement is essential to reinforce skills at home and reduce conflict.
Often, yes. It’s typically billed as family and group therapy. TruPaths providers share accepted plans and payment options.
No. It also supports teens with anxiety, depression, trauma, or general emotional instability.
Yes, DBT-A can reduce school stress and improve behavior by teaching teens skills for emotional control and problem-solving.

Find Recovery Options Offering DBT-A

Stronger families, stronger teens. If your teen is struggling, DBT-A provides practical skills and shared support for lasting change.

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About TruPath's Recommendations

Recommendations are based on your location and recovery needs, including the programs you've explored, the services you've saved, and the filters you've used. We use this information to highlight similar treatment options so you never miss a trusted path forward.

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