Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based therapeutic approach to mental health treatment. For decades, it has effectively treated various mental health disorders by helping individuals change negative thinking and regulate emotions, ultimately leading to lasting changes in behavior.
Imagine Lincoln offers adolescent mental health programs for individuals aged 12 to 18 in Lincoln, Nebraska, and the surrounding communities. Our treatment programs address a wide variety of mental health issues common to teens and adolescents. Get in touch to learn more about our programs and services or to get started today.
What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) based on dialectics, which recognizes that contradictory forces exist in all things. DBT focuses on helping individuals identify, understand, and change thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to better manage difficult situations. The ultimate goal of DBT is to help individuals develop healthier ways of coping with the problems and stressors in their lives.
How Does DBT Work?
DBT sessions involve learning new skills such as mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. Each treatment plan consists of individual and group psychotherapy sessions where participants learn and practice these skills. Individual sessions focus on understanding and accepting one’s emotions to create positive change, while group sessions focus on developing interpersonal relationships with others.
What Mental Health Conditions Are Best Suited to DBT Treatment?
Dialectical behavior therapy is often used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, including:
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
DBT is particularly helpful for those having difficulty regulating emotions, which is especially prevalent in teens and adolescents. The therapy is tailored to each individual based on their needs and challenges to ensure effectiveness.
How Does DBT Help Teens and Adolescents with Mental Health Issues?
DBT helps teens and adolescents by teaching them the skills needed to manage their emotions, thoughts, behaviors, and interpersonal relationships in healthier ways.
Through DBT, teens and adolescents learn techniques such as:
- Mindfulness practices
- Distress tolerance strategies
- Emotion regulation skills
- Interpersonal effectiveness tools
These skills help individuals address the underlying causes of their problems, leading to lasting changes in their lives. Additionally, DBT helps teens develop better communication skills, enabling them to express themselves and their needs more effectively.
Imagine Lincoln Offers Dialectical Behavior Therapy in Nebraska
At Imagine Lincoln, we provide mental health treatment for teens aged 12 to 18. Our treatment programs use evidence-based therapeutic approaches, like DBT, and customize treatment plans based on each patient’s needs and goals.
We offer an outpatient, partial hospitalization program (PHP) that provides a highly structured treatment schedule and supportive care. Patients who complete the PHP may step down to a less demanding, more flexible intensive outpatient program (IOP). Additionally, we offer trauma-informed care and medication management services.
Mental health is as crucial to overall well-being as physical health. The stigma surrounding mental health is lessening, and treatment is gaining acceptance as we learn more about the connection between mental health and emotional well-being. If you live in the Lincoln, Nebraska area and your child or adolescent is struggling with mental health issues, Imagine Lincoln can help.
Call today to speak with our caring, professional staff. We can answer any questions regarding our programs and services.