Home | Teen Therapies | Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) for teens

If your teen is struggling with substance abuse or mental health issues, there is hope. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) for teens has been shown to be an effective treatment. DBT can help your teen learn how to manage their emotions, regulate their behavior, and connect with others. With DBT, your teen can learn the skills they need to live a healthier and happier life.

DBT is designed to help teens navigate intense emotions, improve interpersonal skills, and reduce harmful behaviors through structured, evidence-based sessions in a supportive therapeutic environment.

Medically Reviewed By Dr. Elnaz Mayeh PhD, LMFT

8 min read

Updated July 2, 2025

What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?

Dialectical behavior therapy is a type of therapy that helps teens learn how to manage their emotions, deal with difficult situations, and develop healthier coping skills. DBT exists on the belief that two opposing thoughts or ideas can exist at the same time, and both be true. By coming to terms with this, adolescents learn to accept themselves for who they are while also changing their behavior. This can be particularly beneficial for parents wondering what to do with a troubled teenager.

DBT was originally developed to help treat people with borderline personality disorder (BPD), but it has since been shown to be effective for treating a variety of adolescent mental health disorders, including substance abuse.

How Does DBT for Teens Work?

DBT for teenagers consists of three main components each of which benefit your child in different ways.

Individual therapy sessions: In these sessions, your teen will work one-on-one with a therapist to identify and address their individualized treatment goals. Various DBT techniques and activities will be used to help your child process their emotions, manage stress, and improve relationships.
Group skills training: In group skills training, your teen will learn and practice specific DBT skills with other teens who are also in treatment. This allows your teens to continue working on improving interpersonal relationships and learn from teens going through the same things as them.
Phone coaching: Phone coaching is available between sessions to provide support and guidance when needed. This allows teens to utilize skills learned in DBT while they are in crisis.

Support Your Teen with DBT at Key Healthcare

If your teen is struggling with emotional regulation, impulsivity, or relationship challenges, dialectical behavior therapy can help. Our DBT program provides teens with practical tools and compassionate guidance to build emotional resilience and lasting change. Contact us today to learn more or schedule an assessment.

DBT Skills and Techniques for Teens

There are four main DBT skills that your teenager will learn in treatment. These skills are learned through various DBT activities for teens in individual and group therapy sessions.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness, also known as Middle Path, is the practice of being present in the moment and accepting thoughts and emotions without judgment. This core skill helps adolescents to stop and think before reacting to a situation, preventing them from making impulsive decisions or engaging in risky behavior.

Distress Tolerance

Distress tolerance skills help teens cope with difficult emotions and situations in the moment without making them worse. This can include activities such as deep breathing and visualization.

Interpersonal Effectiveness

Interpersonal effectiveness skills help teens to communicate their needs, set boundaries, and assert themselves in interpersonal relationships. These skills can be especially helpful for teens who are struggling with peer pressure or conflict.

Emotion Regulation

Emotion regulation skills help teens to manage their emotions in a healthy way. This can include activities such as identifying emotions, recognizing triggers, and using coping skills.

Our goal in developing Key Healthcare was to create programs that gave teens the guidance they needed to draw on their strengths and realize their potential to live fulfilling happy lives. Based on our own experiences, we believe that everyone has the ability to change if given the proper structure and connection

Ryan Blivas & Evan Powell

Founders of Key Healthcare

Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Teenagers in Los Angeles, CA

Key Healthcare provides DBT for teenagers as a part of our teen treatment programs. Teens will participate in individual and group therapy sessions that utilize DBT to treat their mental health condition(s) and dual diagnosis substance abuse.

In addition to these, we also offer a comprehensive residential treatment program for teens that provides a supportive and structured environment for adolescents to overcome their challenges. To learn more about our intensive outpatient, partial hospitalization, residential, and extended care programs, contact us today.

It might feel like a big step, but remember why you're here—you’re looking for a way forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Duis bibendum vulputate sodales. Donec dictum condimentum posuere. Pellentesque cursus metus ut tempor rutrum. Aliquam erat volutpat. Proin nec pharetra ipsum. Duis nisl odio, faucibus sed sapien at, convallis pellentesque nisl. In accumsan ac ex in pellentesque. Mauris scelerisque in mauris eu posuere. Aenean consequat erat ac enim molestie,

What is the purpose of the insurance verification form?

Our secure, HIPAA-compliant form helps you determine whether your health plan covers care at Key Healthcare. Once you submit it, our admissions team will review your benefits and personally walk you through your options—without sharing any information with your insurance provider.

What happens after I submit the form?

We’ll review your submission and contact you—typically within the hour—to go over your coverage details and the next steps in the process. Rest assured, we do not notify your insurance provider.

Why should I check my insurance?

Understanding your coverage makes planning easier. Most families find that their plan covers at least part of our programs. Even if it doesn’t, we’ll explore alternate options together.

How much will care cost with insurance?

Costs vary depending on your plan, the type of care needed, and treatment length. Our team will interpret your benefits for you and explain any potential out-of-pocket expenses so you’re never caught off guard.

Request a Call

Is your teen struggling with mental health or substance use challenges?

Request a confidential call today – our team will walk you through the admissions process, treatment options, costs, and what to expect. Reaching out is a powerful first step toward a healthier future for your teen and your family.

"*" indicates required fields

Insurances we Accept

Key Healthcare works with a majority of health insurance providers and depending on your plan, 100% of the costs may be covered. Verify your insurance to get more information about your coverage.

Get in touch with Key Healthcare

Get in touch with Key Healthcare to learn how our teen-focused mental health and addiction treatment programs can support your family. Our compassionate team is here to answer your questions, guide you through the admissions process, and help your teen take the first step toward lasting recovery.

If you are ready to get help for your child, we are here to help. Feel free to call us, email, or fill out our contact form to get started today. You can also verify your insurance to begin the process.

Check Insurance

Structure, support, and a path forward. See how programs at Key Healthcare help teens thrive.

Take the first step by verifying your insurance today and finding out what coverage options are available for your family. Our team will review your benefits and help you understand how to access the care your teen needs.

Medical Reviewer

Dr. Elnaz Mayeh PhD, LMFT

As Executive Director, Dr. Mayeh is dedicated to maintaining Key Healthcare’s reputation as a premier adolescent treatment center, fostering a stable and supportive environment for both clients and staff. Her leadership focuses on clinical integrity, staff development, and creating a culture of compassion and growth.