13 Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) - Alcohol & Drug Rehab Centers in Pasadena, California, United States

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a widely used, evidence-based talk therapy that helps people manage intense emotions, originally developed for borderline personality disorder but now effective for conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance use disorder. By combining individual and group sessions, DBT teaches skills in distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness, validating emotions while guiding healthier ways to process and express them. Treatment usually lasts six months to a year, with ongoing care often needed for severe symptoms or relapse prevention in addiction recovery. Research shows DBT can reduce self-harm, improve coping, and address the root emotional triggers of substance abuse, making it a valuable part of both mental health and addiction treatment programs.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) – An In-depth Guide