Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Treatment Centers

At Rainier Rehab, we connect you with treatment centers offering Dialectical Behavior Therapy—a powerful approach for individuals who struggle with intense emotions and have found other treatments less effective.

Understanding DBT

DBT was developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan for borderline personality disorder but has proven highly effective for addiction, especially when substance use is driven by difficulty managing emotions. DBT balances acceptance of where you are with motivation to change.

The Four Core DBT Skills

• Mindfulness: Developing present-moment awareness without judgment
• Distress Tolerance: Surviving crisis situations without making them worse
• Emotion Regulation: Understanding and managing intense emotions
• Interpersonal Effectiveness: Communicating needs and maintaining relationships

Who Benefits from DBT?

DBT is particularly helpful for individuals who:

• Experience intense, rapidly changing emotions
• Have difficulty managing anger, anxiety, or depression
• Engage in self-destructive behaviors
• Have borderline personality disorder or traits
• Have experienced trauma (PTSD)
• Have eating disorders alongside addiction
• Have not responded well to other treatments

DBT Treatment Structure

Comprehensive DBT typically includes:

• Weekly individual therapy sessions
• Weekly skills training groups
• Phone coaching for crisis situations
• Diary cards to track behaviors and skill use

DBT in Addiction Treatment

When adapted for addiction, DBT helps individuals understand the function substance use serves (often emotional regulation), develop healthier alternatives, and build a life worth living without substances. It complements other approaches like medication-assisted treatment and 12-step programs.

Learn more about DBT:

• Behavioral Tech - DBT FAQs