How to find a therapist specialized in dialectical behavior therapy?

1. Search through specialized directories
   

Some trusted places to find qualified DBT providers include:

• • Behavioral Tech’s Find a Therapist tool

• • • Behavioral Tech Directory (Behavioral Tech was founded by Marsha Linehan, the creator of DBT.)

• • DBT-Linehan Board of Certification Directory

• • • DBT-LBC Directory (Lists therapists certified in DBT, meaning they passed a tough evaluation.)

• • Psychology Today

• • • Go to Psychology Today → Search for Therapists → Use the filter for “Dialectical Behavior Therapy” under “Treatment Orientation.”

• • Local hospitals and mental health clinics

• • • Many psychiatric hospitals and community mental health centers have full DBT programs, especially for more intensive needs.

2. Check their credentials
   
   

Not every therapist who says they “use DBT skills” is trained in comprehensive DBT.

To make sure they’re legit, ask:

• • Where did you receive your DBT training?

Ideally, from Behavioral Tech, DBT-LBC, or a university program known for DBT.

• • Do you offer full-model DBT (individual therapy, skills group, phone coaching, consultation team)?

If not, they might be DBT-informed, which is helpful but different.

• • Are you part of a DBT consultation team?

In true DBT, therapists meet regularly with a team to maintain quality.

3. Consider what format you want

• • Full DBT program

Good if you struggle with high-risk behaviors like self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or intense emotional instability.

• • DBT-informed therapy

Excellent if you want to learn DBT skills but don’t necessarily need the full structure (common for depression, anxiety, or emotional sensitivity).

You can also choose between:

• • • In-person therapy.

• • • Telehealth (online DBT programs and therapists).
      

Online DBT programs have exploded recently, and many offer legit, structured care if you don’t have access nearby.

4. Ask about cost and insurance

• • DBT can sometimes be more expensive because of its intensive format.

• • Some therapists take insurance while others don’t.

• • Some clinics offer sliding scale fees based on income.

You can also look into university-affiliated clinics, non-profits, or group skills classes, which tend to be cheaper if cost is a concern.

5. Trust the fit

Once you find a potential DBT therapist:

• • Book an initial consultation (many offer a free 15–20 min call).

• • Pay attention to how you feel since DBT therapists should be warm, validating, non-judgmental, and practical.

• • Remember that feeling safe and respected is crucial for the work ahead.

Join our forum and Facebook

Please consider joining our forum and Facebook if you enjoyed reading this and would like to chat with like-minded peers about anything depression related.

It would certainly go a long way toward making my dream of creating a thriving, supportive community a reality!