DBT-FST Information*

What Is It

A DBT skills training program* that is aimed to help enhance one's capabilities. There are four sets of skills taught in DBT:
Distress Tolerance: To better tolerate pain and reduce suffering​​
Mindfulness: To build present moment awareness an approach life effectively​
Interpersonal Effectiveness: To learn how to more skillfully manage relationships, ask for what you need, and maintain one's self-respect.​
Emotion Regulation: To understand one's emotions, change unwanted emotions, and reduce vulnerability to emotions. ​​  

How Much

$50 per group. Some insurances accepted (click HERE for more information regarding insurance).  ​

Who It's For

Adults (18+) on our waiting list for comprehensive DBT.

What's Included

Weekly 90 minute group of DBT skills training for up to a period of 24 weeks, and 1 thirty-minute check in every other week with a skills trainer for individual skills coaching where applicable. 

What Else Is Required

1) an outside individual provider who is clinically responsible for your overall care (i.e. an individual therapist, a psychiatrist, etc.), and
​2) a crisis plan you follow with your outside provider where applicable (we can help put one together with you if needed).

*It is NOT a comprehensive DBT program (which includes individual therapy, 24/7 phone coaching, etc.)

Comprehensive Waitlist Positions

Participation in the DBT FST program is currently being offered only to those on the Ebright waitlist. Your waitlist position will not be affected by joining this program! Pending the effectiveness of this program for you, you are free to stay in the program or transfer to the comprehensive DBT program when available.​

Experimental Nature of the EST Workshop

This program was developed in large part due to the scarcity of comprehensive DBT that is offered in the community. As such, wait lists up to 6 months or longer are commonplace. This is unacceptable and we are doing everything we can to address it. One solution was to offer a less resource intensive treatment for those on the waiting list until comprehensive DBT is available. 

An important DBT research study was completed in 2010 by Dr. Linehan and her colleagues. The purpose of this study was to examine differences in clinical outcomes if patients received comprehensive DBT as opposed to DBT skills or DBT individual therapy. Results from this study found few differences between those who received comprehensive DBT vs. DBT Skills Training. (see https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00183651​). This study, in combination with numerous other published research studies on the benefits of DBT skills (see this CHART for more information), make a strong case for the DBT Foundational Skills Training program we are offering.

While we are optimistic that the DBT FST program will be clinically helpful to you, it is still experimental. We will be carefully monitoring the program and tracking participants’ outcomes over time.

Getting Started 

Before you join the DBT FST program, we will make sure the following areas are covered to ensure a smooth transition. ​
- A formal intake
- A Crisis plan in place that is monitored by your primary treatment provider where applicable
- Orientation to the group format and DBT skills book (click HERE to order the book online)
- All relevant forms signed (e.g., consent form), scheduling, and billing attended to

Any Questions? Reach out!