At Buckhead Behavioral Health in Atlanta, we offer comprehensive Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) programs designed to help individuals develop the skills they need to build meaningful, fulfilling lives.

Our evidence-based approach combines compassionate care with proven therapeutic techniques to support lasting recovery and emotional wellness.

Call us today at (470)460-6789 to learn more about our mental health and addiction services in Atlanta.

What is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)?

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy is a highly structured, skills-based form of cognitive behavioral therapy that teaches practical strategies for managing difficult emotions, improving relationships, and reducing harmful behaviors.

Originally developed for individuals with borderline personality disorder, DBT has proven effective for treating a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, eating disorders, and substance use disorders.

The History of DBT

DBT was developed in the late 1980s by psychologist Dr. Marsha Linehan at the University of Washington. Initially created to treat individuals with borderline personality disorder who were at high risk for suicide, Dr. Linehan combined elements of cognitive behavioral therapy with mindfulness practices drawn from Eastern philosophy and Zen Buddhism.

Her groundbreaking work emerged from recognizing that traditional therapeutic approaches often fell short for individuals who experienced intense emotional dysregulation.

The Components of DBT in Atlanta

Comprehensive DBT treatment in Atlanta consists of two primary components, each designed to reinforce and support the others:

• Individual Therapy Sessions: Individual psychotherapy provides personalized, one-on-one work with a licensed therapist. These sessions focus on applying DBT skills to specific life challenges, addressing individual treatment goals, and working through personal barriers to using the skills effectively.
• Skills Training Groups: These are structured group therapy sessions where participants learn and practice the four core DBT skill modules. These groups provide a supportive environment for learning alongside others who face similar challenges, fostering both skill development and peer connection.

Our Programs That Offer DBT in Atlanta

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) provides intensive daily treatment for individuals who need comprehensive support while maintaining the ability to return home each evening. Our PHP offers six hours of programming daily, five days per week, combining individual therapy, DBT skills groups, psychiatric care, and additional therapeutic modalities. This level of care is ideal for individuals stepping down from inpatient treatment or those who need intensive support to prevent hospitalization.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) delivers structured treatment three hours per day, three to four days per week, allowing participants to maintain work, school, or family responsibilities while receiving focused therapeutic support. Our IOP includes individual therapy sessions, DBT skills training, group therapy, and psychiatric services, providing comprehensive care with greater scheduling flexibility.

Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (Virtual IOP)

Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (Virtual IOP) offers the same comprehensive treatment as our traditional IOP through secure, HIPAA-compliant online platforms. This program provides accessibility for individuals who face transportation barriers, live in remote areas, or prefer the comfort and convenience of receiving treatment from home while maintaining the same high standards of care and group interaction.

Evening Intensive Outpatient Program (Evening IOP)

Evening Intensive Outpatient Program (Evening IOP) accommodates individuals whose work or school schedules conflict with traditional daytime programming. Meeting in the early evening hours, this program provides the same intensive level of care as our standard IOP, including DBT skills training, individual therapy, and group support, designed specifically for working professionals and students.

Outpatient Rehab

Outpatient rehab offers flexible, individualized treatment for those who need ongoing support but don’t require intensive programming.

What To Expect During DBT in Atlanta

Beginning DBT treatment starts with a comprehensive assessment to understand your specific needs, treatment goals, and current challenges.

Your treatment team will work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan that incorporates the most appropriate combination of DBT components for your situation.

In individual therapy sessions, you’ll work one-on-one with your therapist to address personal challenges, practice applying DBT skills to real-life situations, and process experiences from your skills training groups. These sessions provide personalized support and help you integrate the skills into your daily routine.

Skills training groups focus on learning and practicing the four core DBT modules. You’ll learn mindfulness techniques for staying present and aware, distress tolerance skills for managing crisis situations without making them worse, emotion regulation strategies for understanding and managing intense feelings, and interpersonal effectiveness tools for maintaining relationships while respecting your own needs.

How Effective Is DBT?

For individuals with borderline personality disorder, research shows DBT reduces suicide attempts by approximately 50% and significantly decreases self-injurious behaviors.

DBT’s effectiveness extends to substance use disorders, with research showing improved treatment retention, reduced substance use, and better overall outcomes when DBT is integrated into addiction treatment programs.

Additionally, studies have found DBT helpful for individuals with PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorders, particularly when these conditions involve emotional dysregulation or self-destructive behaviors.

Therapies That Complement DBT

DBT is highly effective as a standalone treatment, however, it often works synergistically with other therapeutic approaches to provide comprehensive care. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) complements DBT by addressing thought patterns and cognitive distortions that may contribute to emotional difficulties.

Trauma-focused therapies, such as brainspotting therapy, work well alongside DBT for individuals whose emotional dysregulation stems from traumatic experiences. These therapies can be integrated into treatment planning to address both trauma symptoms and emotional regulation skills.

Family therapy and couples therapy often enhance DBT outcomes by helping improve communication patterns and relationships with loved ones. Since interpersonal effectiveness is a core component of DBT, involving family members or partners in treatment can reinforce skill development and improve overall family dynamics.

Medication management and psychiatry, when appropriate, can support DBT treatment by helping stabilize mood, reduce anxiety, or address co-occurring mental health conditions. Our integrated approach ensures that psychiatric care works in coordination with DBT therapy to optimize treatment outcomes.

Why Buckhead Behavioral Health?

At Buckhead Behavioral Health, we combine evidence-based DBT treatment with compassionate, individualized care in a supportive Atlanta environment. Our team consists of extensively trained and licensed therapists who maintain ongoing education and consultation to ensure the highest quality treatment delivery.

We understand that seeking mental health and addiction treatment requires courage, and we’re committed to creating a safe, non-judgmental space where healing can occur. Our comprehensive approach addresses not just symptoms, but the whole person, recognizing that lasting recovery involves developing skills, building relationships, and creating meaning in life.

Our Atlanta location provides convenient access to quality mental health care, and our range of program options ensures that we can meet individuals wherever they are in their recovery journey. From intensive daily programming to flexible outpatient support, we work with you to find the level of care that best fits your needs and circumstances.

We accept most major insurance plans and provide support navigating insurance benefits to make treatment as accessible as possible. Our admissions team is available to answer questions, verify insurance coverage, and help you take the first step toward getting the support you deserve.

Begin DBT Therapy in Atlanta, Georgia Today

You don’t have to face emotional challenges alone. At Buckhead Behavioral Health, our DBT programs provide the skills, support, and hope you need to build a life worth living. Our compassionate team is ready to work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs and goals.

Visit our admissions page today to learn more.