Evidence-Based DBT for Teens at Clearfork Academy
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based talk therapy for children, teenagers, and adults that helps manage intense emotions that lead to problematic behaviors. Our licensed DBT therapists help your teen reduce distress and build emotional resilience to recover from substance abuse and co-occurring mental health challenges such as complex trauma and self-harm behaviors.
Substantial research has been carried out on dialectical behavior therapy as an effective mental health treatment for teens and young adults. It is a great option to assist families who want to help their children manage intense and painful emotions because it teaches actionable, long-term DBT skills.
What Does DBT Treat?
DBT helps teens who are experiencing trouble managing their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. It also focuses on dealing with and decreasing post-traumatic stress responses from trauma. Even adolescents who require improvement in their self-confidence and self-esteem will benefit from a DBT program.
At Clearfork Academy, we provide comprehensive treatment for several disorders including:
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression and mood disorders
- Substance abuse disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder and trauma
- Self-Harm
- Suicidal ideation
Inpatient and Outpatient DBT for Teens
Dialectical behavior therapy is well-adapted to meet the care level that an adolescent may require. This ranges from general skills training groups to high-level clinical care. A psychiatrist will help determine which approach is best for your teen.
Residential/Inpatient Treatment
A residential DBT treatment program will require your teen to stay at our facility and individual therapy will be prioritized. In these sessions, therapists will focus on a small selection of specific skills that your teen can benefit from to make sure that they are learned well enough to be practiced when the program ends.
Outpatient
An outpatient program is a major component of delivering traditional DBT. Valuable DBT skills can be taught in individual therapy, a group setting, or through phone coaching. Outpatient therapy is for children and adolescents who are struggling with their mental health but are stable and safe enough between sessions not to require intensive inpatient care.
How Does Clearfork Adapt DBT for Teens?
We adapt the DBT treatment process for teens by including parents or caregivers in skills training sessions. We also understand the unique challenges faced by teens, such as peer pressure, academic stress, puberty, and identity exploration.
Additionally, DBT for teens tends to be more hands-on with individual and group therapy, giving examples that teens can relate to.
The Four DBT Skills for Teens
In sessions led by a certified DBT therapist, adolescents are taught skills from one out of four different DBT techniques; emotion regulation, mindfulness, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.
- Emotion Regulation: This technique teaches teens to regulate their emotions by choosing a more positive action when faced with a situation that triggers a negative emotion. It also encourages them to focus on the positives of any experience instead of the negative.
- Mindfulness: In DBT, this technique is used to help teens learn to be more aware of, and accept their emotions without self-judgment. This allows them to better manage stress and experience higher satisfaction.
- Distress Tolerance: This technique teaches teens to be less reactive while experiencing uncomfortable emotions. They will be able to accept situations they can’t control and feel less anxiety, sadness, and anger when dealing with them.
- Interpersonal Effectiveness: This technique focuses on helping teens understand how their behavior affects their relationships so they can positively change them.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for Adolescent Relationship Building
To strengthen teen relationships, there are three approaches at Clearfork included in the interpersonal effectiveness DBT skills training. We will provide the youth with scripts for each approach when receiving DBT worksheets.
- DEARMAN (Describe – Express – Assert – Reinforce – Mindfulness – Appear Confident – Negotiate): a script of reminders of what to say when requesting a want or need. This approach encourages teens to consider mutual benefits instead of just self-benefits.
- GIVE (Gentle – Interested – Validate – Easy): This approach gives teens guidance on how to healthily communicate during a conflict with someone, with the goal of maintaining the relationship.
- FAST (Fair – Apologies – Stick to Values – Truthful): This approach teaches teens to reinforce their self-respect by encouraging them to remember their values, stay truthful, and avoid double standards. It allows them to put themselves in someone else’s shoes and engage empathetically.
Why Clearfork Academy?
- Licensed and Accredited Treatment Center
- Specializing in Youth Mental Health
- Supervised Medical Detox
- Trauma-informed Care
- Focus on Aftercare and Relapse Prevention
- Access to Outdoor Recreation
- 24/7 Safety and Supervision
FAQ about DBT for Teens
Below are some commonly-asked questions about Clearfork Academy and the typical teen experience during treatment. If you don’t see your question below, please click here to see all FAQs or reach out to us directly for more information.
Yes, DBT is an effective treatment for children and teenagers. With the helpful combination of mindfulness and effective problem-solving skills, DBT gives emotionally reactive teens the right tools to respond healthily to stressful life situations.
Dialectical behavior therapy is an effective, evidence-based treatment for borderline personality disorder and many other mental health issues that involve intense emotional disturbances.
DBT is a comprehensive treatment for all teenagers experiencing a great deal of trouble managing their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.
Some aspects of DBT to consider are:
- DBT requires full commitment
- Some skills in DBT may be harder to learn if someone is still struggling out of treatment
- DBT has structured boundaries that need to be followed in order to get the best treatment
Medication management is not required for DBT but is offered when needed.
As DBT treats intense emotional dysfunction, treatment can be pretty long. Standard outpatient DBT treatment once a week can last from 6 months to a year. Teens can expect to see improvement after six months if they are reinforcing their learned skills at home.
As DBT is a psychotherapy treatment, your insurance will cover it if your plan includes psychotherapy or behavioral medicine. However, your insurance may only cover a specific amount of sessions
DBT For Teens in Fort Worth, TX
If you find your teen is engaging in destructive behaviors or suffering with their emotional regulation, you should emphasize compassion and help them seek effective treatment. At Clearfork Academy, we’re here to ensure that your teen gets the support they need. Contact us today for a free screening.
