How long does DBT treatment take?

Traditional DBT is designed as a one-year commitment, but at MVBH, the length of DBT-informed treatment depends on your program level and progress. Full Day Treatment (PHP) and Half Day Treatment (IOP) typically last several weeks to a few months. Outpatient therapy can continue as long as it is helpful. Your treatment team will work with you to determine the right timeline.

Is DBT only for borderline personality disorder?

No. While DBT was originally developed for BPD, it is now widely used to treat emotional dysregulation, self-harm, substance use disorders, PTSD, eating disorders, and relationship conflict. If you struggle with intense emotions or harmful coping behaviors, DBT may be a good fit.

What if I can't attend in person?

MVBH offers Virtual IOP, which provides DBT skills training and individual therapy online. This option is available to adults across Massachusetts who need flexibility or cannot travel to Amesbury.

Do I need to do DBT homework?

Yes. DBT requires practice outside of therapy sessions. You'll complete diary cards to track emotions and behaviors, practice skills in real-life situations, and bring examples back to therapy. The more you practice, the more effective the treatment becomes.

Can I do DBT if I'm also in treatment for substance use?

Yes. MVBH specializes in dual diagnosis care, which means DBT is integrated into treatment for co-occurring substance use and mental health conditions. DBT skills can help reduce substance use by addressing the emotional pain, impulsivity, and interpersonal triggers that often drive addiction.

What if DBT doesn't feel like the right fit?

Your treatment team will assess your needs and recommend the best approach. If DBT is not the right fit, other therapies like CBT, or trauma-focused therapy may be more appropriate. Treatment is tailored to you, not the other way around.

Will my insurance cover DBT at MVBH?

Coverage varies by insurance plan. MVBH is a DPH-licensed outpatient facility, and many plans cover DBT as part of mental health and substance use treatment. Contact MVBH at 978-233-9597 to confirm your benefits and discuss payment options.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in Amesbury, MA

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based psychotherapy that teaches practical skills to manage intense emotions, improve relationships, and reduce harmful behaviors. At Merrimack Valley Behavioral Health (MVBH) in Amesbury, Massachusetts, DBT is integrated into all levels of outpatient care—Full Day Treatment (PHP), Half Day Treatment (IOP), Outpatient (OP), and Virtual IOP. Treatment combines individual therapy, skills training groups, and real-world practice. DBT is designed to help adults across Massachusetts struggling with emotional dysregulation, self-harm, borderline personality disorder, substance use, and co-occurring conditions.

What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a structured, evidence-based psychotherapy originally developed to help individuals with intense emotional distress and self-harming behaviors. It teaches practical skills to manage overwhelming feelings, improve relationships, and build a life worth living. The word "dialectical" refers to the balance between acceptance and change—DBT helps you accept yourself as you are while also working toward meaningful growth.

DBT was created by psychologist Marsha Linehan in the late 1980s and has since become one of the most researched and effective treatments for borderline personality disorder, chronic suicidal ideation, self-harm, and emotional dysregulation. Today, DBT is widely used to treat a range of mental health and substance use conditions in adults seeking outpatient care.

At Merrimack Valley Behavioral Health in Amesbury, Massachusetts, DBT is a core component of treatment across all program levels. Whether you attend Full Day Treatment (PHP), Half Day Treatment (IOP), Outpatient (OP), or Virtual IOP, you will have access to DBT skills training, individual therapy, and real-world coaching to help you apply what you learn.

Calm therapy room at Merrimack Valley Behavioral Health in Amesbury MA where DBT skills are practiced

How DBT Works: Skills, Structure, and Support

DBT is built on four core skill modules: Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness. Each module teaches specific techniques to help you navigate difficult moments, understand your emotions, and communicate effectively.

Treatment typically includes weekly individual therapy sessions, skills training groups, and phone coaching for crises or difficult situations between sessions. The goal is to practice new behaviors in real life and bring what you learn back to therapy to refine and troubleshoot.

MindfulnessLearning to stay present, observe thoughts without judgment, and reduce reactivity.
Distress ToleranceBuilding tools to survive crises without making things worse—skills for when you can't fix the situation right away.
Emotion RegulationUnderstanding and managing intense emotions, reducing vulnerability to emotional swings, and increasing positive experiences.
Interpersonal EffectivenessCommunicating needs clearly, setting boundaries, and maintaining self-respect in relationships.

What DBT Can Help With

DBT is designed to support adults struggling with emotional intensity, harmful behaviors, and relationship difficulties. It is particularly effective for co-occurring mental health and substance use conditions.

Borderline Personality Disorder

DBT is the gold-standard treatment for BPD, helping individuals reduce self-harm, stabilize emotions, and improve relationships.

Learn more

Self-Harm and Suicidal Ideation

DBT teaches safer ways to cope with emotional pain and builds reasons for living. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or dial 911.

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Emotional Dysregulation

For individuals who feel overwhelmed by intense emotions—anger, sadness, shame, or fear—that shift rapidly and feel uncontrollable.

Substance Use Disorders

DBT helps reduce substance use by addressing the emotional pain, impulsivity, and relationship conflict that often fuel addiction.

PTSD and Trauma

DBT can be combined with <a href="/therapies/trauma/">trauma therapy</a> to help individuals tolerate trauma-related emotions and engage in processing work safely.

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Relationship Conflict

For individuals whose emotional intensity or communication patterns strain relationships with family, partners, or friends.

DBT Across MVBH Program Levels

Level of care	Schedule	Best for
Full Day Treatment (PHP)	5-6 days/week, 6+ hours/day	Intensive DBT skills training, daily individual therapy, and structured practice for adults needing high support while living at home.
Half Day Treatment (IOP)	3-5 days/week, ~3 hours/day	Continued DBT skills work with time for school, work, or family. Includes group skills training and individual therapy.
Outpatient (OP)	1-2 sessions/week	Ongoing DBT-informed individual therapy and skills coaching for adults maintaining stability.
Virtual IOP	Online, 3-5 days/week	Statewide access to DBT skills training and therapy from home for adults across Massachusetts.

How DBT Connects to Your Treatment Plan

1
Assessment and Goal-Setting
During intake, your treatment team will assess whether DBT is a good fit for your needs. Together, you'll identify target behaviors—things you want to change or reduce, such as self-harm, substance use, or emotional outbursts.
2
Skills Training and Practice
You'll attend group therapy sessions focused on one DBT skill module at a time. You'll practice skills in real life, track your progress, and bring examples back to group and individual therapy.
3
Individual Therapy Sessions
Weekly one-on-one therapy helps you apply DBT skills to your specific challenges. Your therapist will review diary cards, celebrate small wins, and troubleshoot obstacles as they arise.
4
Real-World Application
DBT is about using skills outside the therapy room. You'll practice mindfulness at home, use distress tolerance skills during conflict, and test interpersonal effectiveness strategies in relationships.

Core Skill Modules

5.0

Average Google Rating

Adults 18+

Population Served

Statewide

Virtual IOP Access

How DBT Works With Other Therapies at MVBH

DBT is often combined with other evidence-based approaches to address the full picture of your mental health and recovery.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

<a href="/therapies/cbt/">CBT</a> focuses on changing thought patterns that drive distress. DBT builds on CBT by adding acceptance, mindfulness, and skills for tolerating distress.

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Medication Management

For co-occurring conditions like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder, medication management can support DBT by stabilizing mood and reducing symptoms.

Your path to personalized mental wellness starts here.

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Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in Amesbury, MA

What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?

How DBT Works: Skills, Structure, and Support

What DBT Can Help With

Borderline Personality Disorder

Self-Harm and Suicidal Ideation

Emotional Dysregulation

Substance Use Disorders

PTSD and Trauma

Relationship Conflict

DBT Across MVBH Program Levels

How DBT Connects to Your Treatment Plan

Assessment and Goal-Setting

Skills Training and Practice

Individual Therapy Sessions

Real-World Application

How DBT Works With Other Therapies at MVBH

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Medication Management

Your path to personalized mental wellness starts here.