Treatment Guide · Emotional Regulation

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical Behavior Therapy is an evidence-based treatment originally developed for borderline personality disorder that has proven highly effective for addiction, especially when emotional dysregulation drives substanc...

Last reviewed Apr 29, 2026 SAMHSA & NIDA sourced RehabHive Editorial Team
Duration
6-12 months
Typical cost
$150 - $300 per session
Insurance
Covered (may need pre-authorization)
Success rate
45-55%
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Overview

Dialectical Behavior Therapy is an evidence-based treatment originally developed for borderline personality disorder that has proven highly effective for addiction, especially when emotional dysregulation drives substance use. DBT teaches four core skill sets: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.

Who Is It For?

DBT is particularly beneficial for individuals who struggle with intense emotions, have borderline personality traits, a history of self-harm, or trauma-related emotional dysregulation. It is effective for those whose substance use is primarily a coping mechanism for overwhelming feelings.

What Does It Include?

  • Individual therapy sessions
  • Group skills training
  • Mindfulness practice
  • Distress tolerance techniques
  • Emotion regulation skills
  • Interpersonal effectiveness training
  • Daily diary cards
  • Phone coaching between sessions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is dialectical behavior therapy (dbt)?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy is an evidence-based treatment originally developed for borderline personality disorder that has proven highly effective for addiction, especially when emotional dysregulation drives substance use. DBT teaches four core skill sets: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.

Who should consider dialectical behavior therapy (dbt)?

DBT is particularly beneficial for individuals who struggle with intense emotions, have borderline personality traits, a history of self-harm, or trauma-related emotional dysregulation. It is effective for those whose substance use is primarily a coping mechanism for overwhelming feelings.

How long does dialectical behavior therapy (dbt) last?

Typical duration is 6-12 months. Length should be individualized based on clinical assessment and progress.

How much does dialectical behavior therapy (dbt) cost?

Average cost is $150 - $300 per session. Covered (may need pre-authorization). Many facilities offer sliding-scale fees. Call (833) 546-3513 to verify coverage.

What is the success rate?

Success rates are approximately 45-55%. Success improves with longer treatment, aftercare, and addressing co-occurring disorders.

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Medical Disclaimer

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Treatment decisions should be made with a qualified healthcare provider. For immediate help, call SAMHSA National Helpline 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or 911 in an emergency. For confidential benefits verification, call (833) 546-3513.

Find Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) by state

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Verified providers

50 Centers Offering Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

SAMHSA-verified facilities providing dialectical behavior therapy (dbt) programs. Listed alphabetically by state. Call (833) 546-3513 to verify coverage at any center.

Community Connections Ketchikan logo AK

Community Connections Ketchikan

Ketchikan, AK

South Peninsula Behav Health Services The Center logo AK

South Peninsula Behav Health Services The Center

Homer, AK

Sitka Counseling and Prevention Services logo AK

Sitka Counseling and Prevention Services

Sitka, AK

Hope Community Resources logo AK

Hope Community Resources

Anchorage, AK

Alaska Behavioral Health Anchorage - Anchorage Medical Department AK

Alaska Behavioral Health Anchorage - Anchorage Medical Department

Anchorage, AK

AK

Discovery Cove Recovery and Wellness Center

Eagle River, AK

AK

Alaska Family Services Behavioral Health Treatment Center

Wasilla, AK

AK

True North Recovery Vita Nova

Wasilla, AK

Family Centered Services of Alaska Residential Treatment Center logo AK

Family Centered Services of Alaska Residential Treatment Center

Fairbanks, AK

Juneau Behavioral Health SEARHC logo AK

Juneau Behavioral Health SEARHC

Juneau, AK

Alaska Behavioral Health Anchorage - Adult Outpatient Clinic AK

Alaska Behavioral Health Anchorage - Adult Outpatient Clinic

Anchorage, AK

Tanaka Chiefs Conference Addictions Program logo AK

Tanaka Chiefs Conference Addictions Program

Fairbanks, AK

Volunteers of America Supportive Housing logo AK

Volunteers of America Supportive Housing

Anchorage, AK

North Star Residential Debarr Campus AK

North Star Residential Debarr Campus

Anchorage, AK

Sound Alternatives Behavioral Health Clinic logo AK

Sound Alternatives Behavioral Health Clinic

Cordova, AK

Denali Family Services logo AK

Denali Family Services

Wasilla, AK

Klawock Behavioral Health SEARHC logo AK

Klawock Behavioral Health SEARHC

Klawock, AK

Akeela Gateway Center for Human Services AK

Akeela Gateway Center for Human Services

Ketchikan, AK

AK Child and Family AK

AK Child and Family

Anchorage, AK

Petersburg Mountainside Behavioral SEARHC logo AK

Petersburg Mountainside Behavioral SEARHC

Petersburg, AK

Wasilla Behavioral Health Services Outpatient logo AK

Wasilla Behavioral Health Services Outpatient

Wasilla, AK

Mat Su Health Services logo AK

Mat Su Health Services

Wasilla, AK

AK

Peninsula Community Health Services of Soldotna

Soldotna, AK

AK

Kodiak Area Native Association

Kodiak, AK

AK

Chugachmiut Chugachmiut Behavioral Health Dept

Anchorage, AK

AK

Peninsula Community Health Services Kenai

Kenai, AK

Community Connections Craig Offices logo AK

Community Connections Craig Offices

Craig, AK

Wrangell Behavioral Health SEARHC logo AK

Wrangell Behavioral Health SEARHC

Wrangell, AK

AK

RYC Long Term Residential Spruce Lodge

Ketchikan, AK

AK

Family Centered Services of Alaska Outpatient Mental Health and Substance

Fairbanks, AK

Fairbanks Native Association Ralph Perdue Center logo AK

Fairbanks Native Association Ralph Perdue Center

Fairbanks, AK

Denali Family Services logo AK

Denali Family Services

Anchorage, AK

Bartlett Regional Hospital Mental Health Unit logo AK

Bartlett Regional Hospital Mental Health Unit

Juneau, AK

Alaska Behavioral Health logo AK

Alaska Behavioral Health

Fairbanks, AK

Alaska Psychiatric Institute AK

Alaska Psychiatric Institute

Anchorage, AK

Alaska Behavioral Health Anchorage - Adult Intensive Services & Assertive Community Treatment AK

Alaska Behavioral Health Anchorage - Adult Intensive Services & Assertive Community Treatment

Anchorage, AK

Haines Mountainside Behavioral Health SEARHC logo AK

Haines Mountainside Behavioral Health SEARHC

Haines, AK

Anchorage Comprehensive Treatment Center AK

Anchorage Comprehensive Treatment Center

Anchorage, AK

SEAK Behavioral Health and Addiction logo AK

SEAK Behavioral Health and Addiction

Wrangell, AK

CoOccurring Disorders Institute (CODI) DBA Compassionate Directions logo AK

CoOccurring Disorders Institute (CODI) DBA Compassionate Directions

Palmer, AK

Providence Alaska Medical Center Mental Health/4W logo AK

Providence Alaska Medical Center Mental Health/4W

Anchorage, AK

Providence Health and Servs Alaska DBA Providence Valdez Counseling logo AK

Providence Health and Servs Alaska DBA Providence Valdez Counseling

Valdez, AK

AK

RYC Hill House Hemlock Lodge

Ketchikan, AK

Maniilaq Counseling and Recovery logo AK

Maniilaq Counseling and Recovery

Kotzebue, AK

AK

Gathering Place

Barrow, AK

Arctic Recovery AK

Arctic Recovery

Anchorage, AK

Tanana Chiefs Conference Behavioral Health logo AK

Tanana Chiefs Conference Behavioral Health

Fairbanks, AK

AK

North Slope Borough DHSS/Integrated Behavioral Health

Barrow, AK

Cherokee Etowah Dekalb CMHC White/Parker Home Specialized logo AL

Cherokee Etowah Dekalb CMHC White/Parker Home Specialized

Centre, AL

AL

SpectraCare Health Systems Dale County/Clinic and Day Treatment

Ozark, AL

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