Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

Support for managing strong emotions and building healthier relationships 

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based therapy that helps people who struggle with intense emotions, impulsive behaviors or relationship difficulties. Banner Health offers DBT through outpatient behavioral health services led by specially trained therapists who focus on practical skill-building and lasting change. 

If you’re facing overwhelming emotions or coping in ways that don’t feel healthy, DBT can help you learn new strategies to feel more in control and improve daily life. 

If you’re in immediate danger or thinking about harming yourself, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. 

For 24/7 confidential mental health support, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. 

What is DBT? 

DBT is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) designed for people who experience strong emotions that are difficult to manage. It brings together two ideas: 

• Acceptance – understanding and validating your experiences 
• Change – learning skills to improve behaviors and coping 

DBT is collaborativeYou learn and practice skills with guidance from therapists and support from peers. Over time, you build tools to handle emotional situations and develop healthier relationships with others and with yourself. 

Benefits can include: 

• Improved mood and motivation 
• Less impulsive behaviors 
• Reduced crisis moments 
• Better communication and problem-solving 
• Increased confidence and self-worth 

What skills does DBT teach? 

Banner Health’s DBT program includes four core skill areas: 

• Mindfulness: Helps you stay present, notice thoughts and feelings without judgment and respond more calmly during emotional moments. 
• Distress tolerance: Provides healthy coping strategies to get through crises safely without acting on urges or making situations worse. 
• Emotion regulation: Teaches you how to understand your emotions, reduce vulnerability to stress and increase positive experiences in daily life. 
• Interpersonal effectiveness: Helps you set boundaries, express your needs, handle conflict and strengthen important relationships. 

Who can DBT help? 

DBT was originally developed for borderline personality disorder, but it has been shown to help people with many behavioral health concerns, including: 

• Anxiety disorders 
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) 
• Binge eating or bulimia 
• Bipolar disorder 
• Depression 
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 
• Self-harm behaviors 
• Substance use concerns 

Your care team will assess your goals, symptoms and history to determine if DBT is the right approach for you. 

What to expect in DBT treatment 

DBT typically includes: 

Individual therapy

Weekly one-on-one sessions focused on applying DBT skills to your current challenges and building healthy coping patterns. 

Skills groups

Weekly group sessions led by a trained therapist where you learn and practice DBT skills with others working toward similar goals. 

Phone coaching

Some programs offer brief support between sessions to help apply skills in real-life situations when emotions are high. 

A full DBT program often lasts about six months, but your treatment is personalized based on your needs. 

How to prepare for DBT 

You don’t need to have everything figured out before starting. To help you feel ready: 

• Think about your goals and what you hope will get better 
• Be open to learning and trying new skills 
• Commit to attending sessions regularly 
• Practice skills outside of therapy, even when it feels challenging 
• Take care of yourself as change can take time 

Your therapist will support you throughout the process. 

Why DBT works 

DBT focuses on practical tools you can use every day. You learn to: 

• Slow down emotional reactions 
• Choose more effective responses 
• Break cycles that create conflict or distress 
• Build a life that feels more stable and fulfilling 

By strengthening both self-acceptance and positive change, DBT supports long-term progress and improved well-being. 

How to get started with DBT 

If you or a loved one may benefit from DBT: 

Call Banner Behavioral Health – 602-254-4357
For DBT program availability and schedules – 602-865-4862 

Our team is here to help you take the next step toward a healthier and more hopeful future.