DBT for Teens & Families

Evidence-Based Support for Teens—and the Families Who Love Them

Watching your teen struggle with intense emotions, impulsive behavior, or disconnection can feel heartbreaking—and exhausting. You don’t have to navigate this alone. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a deeply researched, structured, and compassionate approach that helps teens gain control over their emotions, improve relationships, and build a life worth living. With support for both teens and their families, our program guides you step by step toward lasting change.

‍What is Comprehensive DBT for Teens?
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For Teens:
Teens attend weekly individual therapy and a structured DBT skills group where they learn mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. They also have access to 24/7 phone coaching with their individual therapist for in-the-moment support. Our clinicians meet weekly as a DBT consultation team to ensure every teen receives collaborative, high-quality care.

For Parents:
‍Parents are invited to join a separate 10-week parent support and skills group. This workshop offers practical tools for reducing conflict, improving communication, and supporting your teen’s growth. We also offer optional parent coaching or family sessions as needed. This parallel structure helps families heal together and build lasting change at home.

DBT Skills That Help Teens—and Families—Thrive

Helping your teen slow down in the moments that matter most

‍Mindfulness helps teens notice what they’re feeling in the moment without becoming overwhelmed by it. This awareness is key to reducing impulsive behaviors and making more thoughtful choices—especially during emotionally charged situations at home, school, or with peers.

Your teen learns to pause instead of yelling, shutting down, or acting impulsively

They begin to notice emotions before they take over

You see more thoughtfulness and fewer snap reactions in daily life

You’ll also learn how to model and reinforce mindfulness skills at home—especially during tough moments

Helping your teen survive emotional storms without making things worse
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‍Distress tolerance gives teens the tools to get through intense emotions or crises—without turning to self-harm, risky behaviors, or explosive outbursts. These skills help your teen stay safer and more grounded in moments that used to spiral out of control.

Your teen learns how to get through tough moments without acting impulsively

They gain safer alternatives to self-harm, substance use, or running away

You notice more stability, even during high-stress situations

We support parents in responding effectively when emotions run high so the whole family stays grounded

Helping your teen understand and manage big emotions
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‍Emotion regulation skills teach teens how emotions work and what to do when feelings get intense. Instead of being swept away by anger, anxiety, or sadness, they learn how to stay grounded and respond with more control. Over time, they gain confidence in their ability to manage emotions without shutting down or lashing out.

Your teen becomes more aware of their mood shifts and triggers

They learn practical tools to manage emotional overwhelm

You see fewer blow-ups and more emotional balance day to day

You’ll gain insight into your teen’s emotional world—and tools to avoid escalating patterns at home

Helping your teen build stronger relationships and set healthier boundaries

‍Interpersonal skills help teens express themselves more clearly, ask for what they need, and say no without damaging relationships. They learn how to navigate peer pressure, advocate for themselves, and respond to conflict with less drama and more confidence.

Your teen improves communication with family, teachers, and peers

They practice assertiveness without aggression or shutdowns

You notice more honest conversations and less conflict at home

Parents also learn how to set boundaries, validate effectively, and rebuild trust—one interaction at a time

DBT: Creating Change That Reaches the Whole Family

More Calm at Home

Teens learn to manage big emotions without escalating or shutting down, helping reduce chaos and restore stability at home.

Growing Confidence

As your teen builds emotional control and practical skills, they feel more capable—and you feel more hopeful.

Teen and her mom smiling at each other in bed

Stronger Connection

With improved communication and trust, DBT helps repair strained relationships and deepen your connection as a family.

DBT For Teens & Families

Evidence-Based Support for Teens—and the Families Who Love Them

DBT Skills That Help Teens—and Families—Thrive

DBT: Creating Change That Reaches the Whole Family

Curious whether DBT might help your teen or family?