Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is defined by the American Psychological Association (APA) as “a flexible, stage-based therapy that combines principles of behavior therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, and mindfulness.” It was developed by psychologist Marsha M. Linehan in the late 1980s as a means to better treat individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD), suffering from chronic suicidal ideation. DBT emphasizes the psychosocial aspects of treatment and promotes the systematic learning of new emotional coping skills. DBT is comprised of three distinct therapeutic settings, including weekly individual therapy sessions; weekly DBT skills training group therapy sessions, and as-needed phone coaching. This allows participants to engage in individualized and collective treatment by focusing on the four modules of DBT, which are: core mindfulness (focusing skills), distress tolerance (crisis survival skills), emotion regulation (de-escalation skills), and interpersonal effectiveness (social/ relationship skills). DBT can be effective for individuals of all ages, and although it was originally developed to treat individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, evidence has shown it to be a successful treatment method for individuals struggling with other mental health conditions.
Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness
According to Behavioral Tech, DBT is effective because it “assumes that many of the problems exhibited by clients are caused by skills deficits, [and] it successfully increases clients’ ability to use effective coping skills, particularly strategies for expressing, experiencing, and regulating intense emotions.” Findings from multiple studies reflect the efficacy of DBT some of which are highlighted below:
- Unlike many types of therapy, DBT appears to have a low drop-out rate (meaning that most who enter treatment will complete it), which directly corresponds to its effectiveness.
- Significantly reduces hospital stays, self-injurious behaviors, and the severity of borderline personality disorder symptoms.
- Increases self-worth and self-respect.
- Improves in emotion regulation.
- Reduces experiential avoidance.
- Minimizes assertive anger.
- Decreases maladaptive behaviors and thoughts affecting quality of life and relationships.
The efficacy of a mental health intervention is determined by several contributing factors, including the micro and macro financial implications. The Irish Journal of Medical Science published a paper that investigated the cost-effectiveness of DBT for treating individuals with borderline personality disorder in a community setting. Findings in this study show a low incremental cost-effectiveness ratio that established DBT as cost effective in the short term. In each scenario analyses considered, the probability that DBT is cost effective was greater than 50%. Ultimately, the baseline analysis indicated in this paper revealed that DBT was both more expensive and more effective than routine clinical care without DBT.
Treatment In Calabasas
Calabasas is a city in California. It is a well-known suburb of Los Angeles, located west of the San Fernando Valley and north of the Santa Monica Mountains. Over the past decade, the city of Calabasas has grown in its reputation for luxury as well as for privacy which makes it a hidden gem for residential living for society’s elite, and one of the most desirable destinations in Los Angeles County. It is also home to a plethora of highly qualified mental health clinicians providing an array of therapeutic services and treatment options.
The information above is provided for the use of informational purposes only. The above content is not to be substituted for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment, as in no way is it intended as an attempt to practice medicine, give specific medical advice, including, without limitation, advice concerning the topic of mental health. As such, please do not use any material provided above to disregard professional advice or delay seeking treatment.
