Rehab Centers That Offer Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that emphasizes a better understanding and control over thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It has been clinically proven to benefit a variety of issues including substance use disorders. Treatment programs that offer DBT help participants learn how to reduce and manage intense emotions that often promote substance abuse.

This article explores what dialectical behavioral therapy is and DBT benefits, what to expect when attending an inpatient or outpatient addiction treatment center that offers DBT, and some of the top drug rehabs that incorporate this type of therapy into their recovery approach.

Dr. Marsha Linehan founded dialectical behavioral therapy in the 1970s to better help clients struggling with borderline personality disorder (BPD). DBT is the first mental health treatment approach that integrates mindfulness into practice. Since its initial development, DBT has proven to be an evidence-based treatment approach for not just BPD but a variety of other mental health conditions.

Common conditions that may improve with this therapeutic intervention include:

• Borderline personality disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Alcohol and drug addiction
• Eating disorders
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Self-harm
• Bipolar disorder

Many of these mental health conditions stem from an inability or poor ability to cope with extreme emotions.

The core components of DBT include:

• Mindfulness – This DBT skill assists individuals in accepting the present moment and remaining grounded when experiencing strong or negative emotions.
• Distress Tolerance – Distress tolerance focuses on providing individuals with the tools needed to move through a tough situation without becoming overwhelmed. As a result, you can make better decisions and reduce intense emotional reactions.
• Emotion Regulation – Skills related to emotional regulation equip individuals with the ability to handle strong emotions without a drastic increase in stress levels.
• Interpersonal Effectiveness – This component of dialectical behavioral therapy aids people in communicating effectively with others for better and healthier relationships.

While people with certain mental health conditions and substance use disorders can benefit from DBT, this form of psychotherapy is helpful for anyone looking to improve their emotional regulation.

Dialectical behavioral therapy can help address those seeking drug and alcohol addiction treatment by teaching them essential coping skills for managing intense emotions. Additionally, many individuals struggling with addiction also have co-occurring disorders such as BPD. A DBT therapy program works to address various aspects of emotional dysregulation that contribute to substance abuse and worsened mental health disorders.

Some benefits of using DBT in inpatient and outpatient programs for addiction recovery include:

• Reduced cravings for drugs and alcohol
• Improved ability to cope with the discomfort associated with abstinence
• Increased willingness to avoid situations and people that would cause temptation
• Improved symptoms of other behavioral health disorders

DBT is a holistic approach incorporating coping skills training to assist patients long after completing inpatient or outpatient treatment. It differs from other therapeutic treatment options by focusing on both the acceptance of the present situation as well as the willingness to change.

Rehab centers that offer DBT programs typically incorporate dialectical behavioral approaches in both group therapy and individual therapy. Depending on the center, patients may attend therapy once or multiple times a day. For example, someone may have individual therapy in the morning and group therapy in the afternoon at a residential rehab program.

The therapists who offer DBT are typically trained specifically in this treatment modality. Providers focus on the four DBT modules discussed earlier, which include mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.

Dialectical behavioral therapy may also incorporate skills groups in which multiple people are part of the therapy and work on gaining specific new skills.

There are several factors to consider when selecting intensive outpatient or residential treatment for substance abuse.

When looking for a treatment facility that offers DBT, some things to look into include:

• Accreditation: One important factor to consider is whether the program is accredited. Centers with a good reputation are often accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities and/or The Joint Commission.
• Clinician Licensure and Credentials: The clinicians employed by a reputable substance use disorder treatment facility often hold nationally recognized licensure and credentials. Facilities that offer DBT often have therapists who have specific credentials in DBT training.
• Healthcare and Mental Health Services: In addition to addiction treatment, a reputable facility should also offer comprehensive care including health and mental health services.
• Detox Programs: Some inpatient centers offer on-site detox programs that allow patients to begin their recovery journey immediately. This can make the transition into a residential program more comfortable and seamless.
• Success Rates and Patient Reviews: Reviewing the available success rates and patient reviews for the center can also help you determine whether the facility is an appropriate choice for you or your loved one.

In addition to certified DBT programs and therapists, a well-rounded treatment center may also offer dual diagnosis treatment, family therapy, and other forms of therapy proven to help addiction recovery such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing.

Every treatment center is different and will have various offerings to support long-term recovery.

A few top-rated rehab centers offering DBT therapy include:

• Hope Harbor Wellness: Located in Atlanta, Georgia, Hope Harbor Wellness offers various programs to address addiction including partial hospitalization, inpatient, and outpatient treatment. They provide a holistic approach to recovery and incorporate DBT as well as other therapeutic modalities in their programs.
• Harmony Hills: Harmony Hills is a facility in Altoona, Florida, that provides various treatment options for those seeking recovery from addiction. The center boasts resort-style amenities and a 67-acre ranch.
• Sandstone Care: Sandstone Care has several facilities throughout the U.S., including in Colorado, Maryland, Virginia, and Illinois. They offer detox, mental health, addiction, and transitional programs that incorporate DBT into their recovery approach.

These are just a few of the many DBT-focused rehab facilities in the United States. When choosing a center, it’s important to consider your or your loved one’s unique needs.

While each center is different, most rehab facilities that offer DBT provide a specific approach to this type of treatment.

Things to expect when receiving DBT-focused substance abuse treatment include:

• Initial Assessment and Personalized Treatment Plan: Before you start therapy, you will likely meet with a clinician to go through an initial assessment. The therapist will use this information to develop a personalized treatment plan based on your unique needs and goals.
• Individual Therapy Sessions: This is when you meet with your therapist one-on-one to work on enhancing your ability to accept current circumstances, your willingness to change, and your motivation to get and stay sober.
• Group Therapy Sessions: Group DBT therapy sessions focus on practicing DBT skills and getting support from others.
• Ongoing Support and Aftercare: Once you’ve completed the program, you may have the ability to participate in phone coaching with your therapist to continue working on your DBT skills.

The following are statistics related to the success of dialectical behavioral therapy for addiction treatment:

• One study determined that 87.5% of individuals who received DBT treatment got and stayed sober for a minimum of four weeks.
• DBT is the current evidence-based therapy of choice for those struggling with co-occurring substance addiction and borderline personality disorder.
• One study found that women diagnosed with BPD and substance use disorder had a higher decrease in substance abuse while receiving treatment over a year.

While DBT treatment can provide success, it can also come with potential challenges that are important to be aware of.

These may include:

• Format: Dialectical behavioral therapy is highly structured and may be more difficult for those who prefer less structure in a therapeutic setting.
• Skill Development: DBT incorporates the development of several skills, which can be complex and potentially overwhelming for some.
• Time: DBT requires individuals to commit a significant amount of time to learning and developing the skills.
• Religion: Dialectical behavioral therapy includes Zen Buddhist teachings, which some individuals may be less receptive to than others depending on their religious beliefs.

The following are commonly asked questions related to DBT therapy in addiction treatment centers:

Dialectical behavioral therapy is an excellent evidence-based approach to treating substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health disorders. This approach can help improve motivation, mindfulness, well-being, and emotional regulation, all of which support long-term recovery.

If you or a loved one is interested in finding a reputable DBT rehab center, reach out to our helpline today.