How to Find a DBT Certified Therapist Near Me

By Jared Levenson - Updated, Reviewed, and Fact-checked on March 16, 2023

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Are you looking for a DBT-certified therapist near you, but having a hard time finding one?

Many mental health care seekers struggle to find an experienced and qualified therapist who offers Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) sessions.

As a professional counselor who appreciates the evidence-based approach of DBT, I understand how difficult it can be to locate a quality provider. In this blog post, I’ll provide some tips on how to find a DBT-certified therapist within your area.

If you’re looking for a DBT-certified therapist near you, there are two main ways to find one – through online resources or by asking around your local community. Let’s look at both of these methods in more detail. 

Online Resources 

There are several websites dedicated to helping people find qualified therapists in their area. Here are some of the best: 

  • Psychology Today (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists): This website has an extensive directory of both licensed and unlicensed therapists in the US who specialize in DBT. You can search for therapists based on location, specialty, payment type, insurance coverage, and other criteria. 
  • GoodTherapy (https://www.goodtherapy.org/): This website also has an extensive database of qualified therapists who offer DBT services in the US. You can narrow down your search results using a variety of filters such as location, gender identity, language, payment type, etc. 
  • DBTProviders (https://dbtproviders.com/): This website specializes in helping people find DBT-certified practitioners near them. You can search for therapists by zip code or city/state and view their profiles which include information about their experience, specialties, fees, session lengths, etc.  
  • You can search for certified clinicians on the DBT-Linehan Board of Certification website (https://dbt-lbc.org/). This is the official website of DBT by Marsha Linehan.

How To Find Latinx Therapy For DBT Near Me

If you are looking for Latinx therapy for DBT near you, there are a few options to consider.

You can search online for Latinx therapists in your area who specialize in DBT or look into local mental health clinics and centers that offer culturally adapted DBT services.

Additionally, there are organizations such as Mental Health Match2 and Therapy for Latinx3 that provide directories of qualified professionals who specialize in providing culturally competent care.

It is important to research each therapist’s credentials and experience before making an appointment.

Additionally, it is beneficial to find a therapist who has experience working with the Latinx community and understands the unique cultural challenges faced by this population.

How To Find DBT Black Female Therapists

Finding a DBT Black Female Therapist can also be a daunting task, but with the right resources and knowledge, you can find the perfect fit for your mental health journey.

Many online directories provide a list of Black Female Therapists in your area such as:

Additional Resources To Find DBT Therapy For Black Men and Women

Finding DBT therapy for Black men and women can be an important step in improving mental health.

You can find a therapist through a variety of sources, such as:

  • Alkeme Health (https://alkemehealth.com/resources): A digital platform with a lot of content from Black mental health and wellness professionals. For Black people in need of services, check out Alkeme’s list of resources.
  • The Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective, or BEAM (https://wellness.beam.community/): This organization, which is made up of “advocates, yoga teachers, artists, therapists, lawyers, religious leaders, teachers, psychologists, and activists,” provides a list of Black therapists who are certified to provide telehealth services.
  • Black Men Heal (https://blackmenheal.org/): A non-profit that tells you how to get free therapy sessions from certain providers.
  • The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation (https://borislhensonfoundation.org/) was started by actress Taraji P. Henson and named after her father. It helps people find licensed therapists of color. There is also information on the availability of free therapy.
  • Melanin and Mental Health (https://www.melaninandmentalhealth.com/directory-therapists/): This group works to connect Black and Latinx clients with licensed and culturally competent mental health professionals. To find therapists of color, start here.

I’ve Found a Therapist. Now What?

Congratulations on finding a therapist! Now that you have some names and numbers of DBT Providers, it’s time to make the call. Here are some tips to help you prepare for your first session:

  • Make sure you understand what type of therapy the provider offers and if it is right for you.
  • Write down any questions or concerns that you may have so that you can discuss them with the provider.
  • Be prepared to provide information about yourself, such as your medical history and current medications.
  • Ask about the provider’s experience and qualifications.
  • Ask about their fees and payment policies. Remember, it is important to find a therapist who is a good fit for you and your needs. With the right support, therapy can be an invaluable tool in helping you achieve your goals.

Asking Around Your Local Community 

If you don’t feel comfortable searching online for a therapist or if you want to get recommendations from friends or family members, then you can ask people around your local community if they know of any qualified therapists who offer DBT services.

Word-of-mouth recommendations are often more reliable than online reviews since they come from people whom you trust and have interacted with in person.  

Who Are DBT Providers?

DBT providers are mental health professionals or DBT Clinics that specialize in providing this type of therapy. They can help you develop skills to better regulate your emotions, increase positive behaviors, and improve communication with others.

These skills can be used in various situations such as managing stress or improving relationships. With the help of a qualified DBT provider, you can learn how to better manage difficult emotions and behaviors so that you can live a more fulfilling life.

When looking for a DBT provider, it is important to make sure they are licensed and have experience working with the specific issues you are facing. You should also learn about the costs of DBT.

You should also look for someone who is familiar with the latest research on DBT and has a good understanding of how to apply it in practice. Additionally, it is important to find someone who you feel comfortable talking to and trust.

The DBT-Linehan Board Certification Process

The DBT-Linehan Board Certification Process is a comprehensive way to certify individual therapists in their competency to deliver Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) effectively.

Therapists must meet certain prerequisites, pass a knowledge exam on information related to the model of DBT developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan and her colleagues, and demonstrate that you have the requisite knowledge and skills to deliver DBT with adherence to the model.

The certification process requires participation in one or more DBT consultation teams for at least 12 months, as well as current participation on a DBT Team.

To find certified clinicians, you can visit the DBT-Linehan Board of Certification website1.

How To Find Inclusive DBT Therapists Near Me

Finding an inclusive DBT therapist near you can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right resources, you can find a qualified and experienced DBT therapist that meets your needs.

  • To start, try using online directories like Psychology Today which offer comprehensive listings of therapists in your area.
  • You can also search for DBT providers on the DBT Provider Directory or Behavioral Tech’s Find A Therapist tool.
  • Additionally, the DBT-Linehan Board of Certification provides a list of certified clinicians who specialize in Dialectical Behavior Therapy.

When looking for an inclusive therapist, make sure they are knowledgeable about diversity and inclusion issues and have experience working with people from different backgrounds.

Ask questions about their experience and training to ensure they are the right fit for you. Finally, don’t forget to check if your insurance covers therapy sessions with them before making an appointment.

What Does It Mean To Be Certified In DBT?

Being certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) means that you have been trained to use the evidence-based treatment methods developed by Marsha Linehan.

DBT is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that combines strategies like mindfulness, acceptance, and cognitive restructuring to help people manage their emotions more effectively.

As a certified DBT practitioner, you will be able to provide your clients with skills for managing difficult emotions, tolerating distress, and improving relationships. You will also be able to help them identify and modify maladaptive behaviors that interfere with their goals.

To become certified in DBT, you must complete specialized training in the principles of DBT as well as its clinical applications.

This includes attending workshops or seminars on topics such as emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, distress tolerance, and mindfulness.

Additionally, you must have experience providing individual therapy using DBT techniques and participate in consultation teams led by an experienced DBT therapist.

Do You Have To Be Trained To Use DBT?

Yes, you have to be trained to use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). It is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that combines strategies like mindfulness, acceptance, and emotional regulation.

DBT is based on cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) but has been specially adapted to treat individuals who suffer from extremely intense emotions.

To become a certified DBT therapist, you must complete an intensive training program and demonstrate mastery of the skills necessary to provide effective treatment.

To practice DBT, you need to understand the core concepts and principles of this approach and be able to apply them in your work with clients. You should also be familiar with the four modules of DBT:

  1. Mindfulness
  2. Distress Tolerance
  3. Emotion Regulation
  4. Interpersonal Effectiveness.

Overall, DBT is an evidence-based form of psychotherapy that has been proven effective in treating individuals with borderline personality disorder as well as other mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, substance abuse issues, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

With the help of a qualified therapist who has received specialized training in DBT techniques, you can learn how to manage your emotions more effectively and develop healthier coping strategies for dealing with difficult situations.

How Long Does It Take To Learn DBT?

Becoming a certified Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) therapist can be a lengthy process, but it is well worth the effort. You must first become a licensed professional in good standing, and then complete three courses that will take about six months to complete.

According to the Linehan Institute, the full DBT skills curriculum takes twenty-four weeks longer to complete. Behavioral Tech offers comprehensive training that will allow you to meet the minimum of 40 didactic training hours specific to DBT.

The length of time the program of treatment will take depends on the treatment targets agreed upon by you and your therapist.

Overall, becoming a certified DBT therapist requires dedication and commitment, but it is possible with proper guidance and resources.

Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy The Same as DBT?

No, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and DBT are not the same. CBT is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on helping you recognize and change negative thought patterns and behaviors.

On the other hand, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is based on CBT but has a greater focus on emotional and social aspects. It was developed to help people cope with extreme or intense emotions and improve their relationships with others.

When it comes to treating mental health issues, both CBT and DBT are effective in managing symptoms such as depression, anxiety, anger, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), eating disorders, substance abuse, and more.

However, DBT may be more suitable for those who struggle with intense emotions or have difficulty regulating their emotions.

You should speak with your healthcare provider about which type of therapy would best suit your needs. They can provide you with further information about the differences between CBT and DBT so that you can make an informed decision about which treatment option is right for you.

What Does It Mean To Be DBT Certified?

Being DBT certified means that you have demonstrated the necessary knowledge and skills to provide Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) with adherence to the model as developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan and colleagues.

The DBT-Linehan Board of Certification is the only certification program in the U.S. endorsed by Dr. Linehan, and it requires that an individual completes a training program, passes an exam, and meets other criteria before they can be certified.

The certification process includes a comprehensive assessment of your knowledge of the theory and practice of DBT, as well as your ability to apply this knowledge in clinical settings.

It also requires that you demonstrate competency in areas such as ethical standards, professional development, and research methods related to DBT.

Once you are certified, you will be able to provide evidence-based treatment for individuals with complex mental health needs who may benefit from DBT interventions.

By becoming certified in DBT, you will join a community of professionals dedicated to providing quality care for those who need it most.

As a certified practitioner, you will have access to resources such as continuing education opportunities and support networks that can help you stay up-to-date on best practices in DBT treatment.

Is DBT Accredited?

Yes, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is accredited.

  • The DBT-Linehan Board of Certification provides accreditation to the public and relevant stakeholders.
  • The Association for Psychological Therapies offers three levels of accreditation: basic, advanced, and comprehensive.
  • Additionally, the Society for Dialectical Behaviour Therapy offers accreditation to those practicing in the UK or Ireland.
  • You can also receive certification from Virtued Academy International after completing comprehensive training in DBT.
  • All of these organizations assure that you are receiving DBT to a recognized standard.

Who is DBT Not For?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of psychotherapy that can be used to treat a wide range of mental health issues. It is not suitable for everyone, however, and it is important to understand who DBT is not for before deciding if it is the right treatment option for you.

  • Generally speaking, DBT may not be appropriate for those with severe mental illnesses such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, or those who are actively suicidal or engaging in self-harming behaviors.
  • Additionally, DBT may not be suitable for those with substance abuse problems that have not been addressed yet.

It is important to discuss your individual needs and circumstances with your doctor or therapist before deciding if DBT is the right choice for you.

If you are unsure whether DBT would be beneficial to you, consider talking with a qualified mental health professional about your options.

How To Find a DBT Certified Therapist Near Me Conclusion:

Whether you choose to search online or ask around your local community for recommendations on finding a DBT-certified therapist near you is up to you – both methods have their pros and cons that should be weighed before making a decision.

You should also know DBT is the recommended treatment, and there are high-quality, affordable DBT therapy groups available online. Our favorite is Grouport Therapy. In our Grouport Therapy review, we noted the pros and cons of DBT, the costs of DBT, and DBT intensive care.

Our team invites you to share your thoughts in the comments section below. Let us know which mental health software products, apps, or courses that Online Mental Health Reviews should explore and review next.

No matter which routes you choose, make sure to do your research and read reviews before selecting a therapist that’s right for you so that they can help guide you through the therapeutic process successfully!

Sources:

  1. DBT®-Linehan Board of Certification – WELCOME. (n.d.). DBT®-Linehan Board of Certification – WELCOME. https://dbt-lbc.org/
  2. Mental Health Match – Best Way to Find the Therapist Right for You. (n.d.). Mental Health Match. https://mentalhealthmatch.com
  3. The Best Mental Health Professionals in United States Rated By Past Clients. (n.d.). Therapy for Latinx. https://www.therapyforlatinx.com/united-states
  4. for Psychological Therapies, T. A. (n.d.). DBT Accreditation | APT. DBT Accreditation | APT. https://www.apt.ac/accreditation/dbt-accreditation.html

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