What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is especially beneficial for individuals experiencing ongoing struggles with emotional dysregulation, persistent intense emotions, and behaviors that interfere with their well-being or relationships. Designed initially for individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD), DBT has since expanded to support a wide variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, and trauma-related diagnoses.

DBT is helpful for people navigating:

• Severe mood swings or difficulty controlling anger
• Chronic anxiety, depression, or emotional numbness
• Patterns of self-harm, suicidal ideation, or self-destructive behaviors
• Relational conflict, social isolation, or relationship instability
• Substance use disorders, particularly among opioid-dependent women
• Diagnoses of BPD or other personality disorders
• PTSD and trauma-related challenges
• Difficulty tolerating distress without unhealthy coping

What sets DBT apart from other forms of behavior therapy is its focus on skills training. Clients work closely with a licensed DBT therapist to develop skills in emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness. Through a combination of individual therapy, group sessions, and real-world practice, clients build resilience, improve functioning, and experience greater self-control.

DBT is particularly powerful for individuals who haven’t responded to traditional talk therapy or who need more hands-on tools to manage day-to-day emotional fluctuations. Whether you’re working to reduce self-harm, improve communication, or better regulate emotions, DBT offers clear, structured pathways for progress.

One of the defining features of DBT is its ability to meet individuals where they are—emotionally, psychologically, and behaviorally. People living with mental health challenges like BPD, trauma-related disorders, or chronic suicidal ideation often struggle to find treatment that helps them feel seen and empowered. DBT focuses on creating a safe, structured space for both acceptance and change.

The approach is rooted in the idea that two seemingly opposing things can be true at once: you can accept yourself and still work toward growth. This dual awareness is particularly effective for clients who:

• Experience feelings of invalidation or hopelessness
• Frequently resort to impulsive behaviors when distressed
• Are navigating identity confusion or deep-seated shame
• Have been misunderstood in past therapy settings

By teaching mindfulness skills to build present-moment awareness, distress tolerance tools to survive crisis, and emotional regulation skills to manage long-standing triggers, DBT helps individuals stabilize from the inside out. It offers a scaffolded system that promotes self-awareness, emotional clarity, and a return to meaningful living.

Whether you’re navigating mental health conditions like BPD, PTSD, or generalized anxiety disorder, or looking for a way to gain better control over trauma-related behaviors, DBT may be the treatment model that brings structure, compassion, and lasting change.

Accessing high-quality dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) shouldn’t be limited by geography, mobility, or schedule. For many individuals facing mental health conditions such as borderline personality disorder, depression, or suicidal behavior, virtual DBT therapy provides a flexible and effective way to begin or continue treatment.

Online DBT therapy follows the same structured, skills-based format as in-person sessions and is grounded in the same principles proven effective through clinical trials and clinical psychology research. Whether you’re attending individual therapy or participating in skills training groups, you’ll still receive guided support, personalized feedback, and regular accountability from a licensed mental health professional.

What Virtual DBT Therapy Offers

With the support of a trained therapist, virtual DBT can help individuals:

• Learn and practice skills for managing intense emotions
• Reduce suicidal behavior, self-harm, and impulsive reactions
• Apply mindfulness techniques to navigate overwhelming thoughts
• Improve emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness
• Identify and reframe negative thoughts that contribute to suffering
• Access real-time coaching or support between sessions, depending on the program

Virtual DBT therapy platforms often include video conferencing for one-on-one sessions, access to skills training groups, secure messaging, and homework tools to reinforce behavioral techniques. Some programs also offer evening or weekend options to accommodate work, school, or caregiving responsibilities.

These virtual options have shown to be an effective treatment for many populations, including individuals with other mental health conditions like PTSD, eating disorders, anxiety, or substance use.

How We Help You Get Started

At Mental Health Resource, we connect individuals with licensed DBT therapists offering both online and in-person care. Whether you’re new to DBT-focused treatment or seeking to continue care after a move or life transition, we’ll help match you with a provider who understands your needs and meets your comfort level.

You’ll receive:

• Referrals to trusted therapists trained in DBT behavioral techniques
• Guidance on choosing between individual therapy or group-based options
• Help navigating insurance or private-pay questions
• Flexible therapy pathways that fit your schedule, goals, and clinical needs

Online therapy opens doors for many people who may otherwise go without support. If you’re ready to explore DBT and want to do so from the comfort and safety of home, we’re here to guide you toward care that works.