THERAPIES
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Skills-based therapy for intense emotions, impulsive behavior and self-harm.
How it works
DBT teaches four skill sets—mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness—usually through individual therapy plus a weekly skills group, with between-session coaching.
What the evidence says, use by use
Evidence is specific to the condition, population and—for devices—the exact product. One label never covers everything.
Across conditions: Reducing self-harm in young people with significant emotional dysregulation
EstablishedUK self-harm guidance recommends considering DBT adapted for adolescents (DBT-A) for young people with significant emotional dysregulation who repeatedly self-harm.
Sources: NICE (UK)
Who usually provides it
DBT-trained teams (individual therapist + skills group).
Cautions & things to know
- Full DBT is a significant time commitment; 'DBT-informed' programs vary widely.
Questions for a clinician
Conversation prompts, not a treatment plan.
- Is this comprehensive DBT or DBT skills only?
- Is phone coaching included?
Educational, not medical advice. NeuroCoach is an educational and care-navigation resource, not a medical provider. Information about medications, supplements, therapies, devices, clinical trials and community experiences is provided for education and exploration and is not a recommendation, diagnosis or treatment plan. Evidence varies substantially among interventions. Decisions about medical or mental-health treatment should be made with an appropriately qualified healthcare professional. Do not start, stop or change medication, supplements or treatment based solely on information found here.
Sources
Sources checked October 5, 2026. Links support this page; they don’t imply endorsement of NeuroCoach.