DBT in Residential Care: Intensive Support for Teens

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based therapy, recognized by the American Psychological Association as a first-line approach to treatment for borderline personality disorder (BPD) and complex trauma.  However, it has been adapted to also treat a wide range of mental health challenges in teens, such as attachment issues, complex trauma, depression, bipolar disorder, substance abuse, and low self-esteem [1]. 

Teens often attend DBT in outpatient settings, meeting individually with a therapist once or twice a week. However, for teens with more severe behavioral health problems or deep-rooted emotional issues, DBT may be attended as part of a residential program. This includes daily individual DBT therapy sessions and group skills training to practice skill implementation in real-world situations. 

DBT in residential treatment for teens provides them with tools to get emotionally stabilized and contribute to a foundation that supports their long-term recovery. Read on to explore what DBT is and how it supports teens recovering from substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders. 

What is DBT and How Does It Help Teens? 

DBT is a structured, evidence-based treatment approach to complex emotional issues and mental health disturbances in teens. It focuses on reducing the impact that negative emotions can have on their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It also emphasizes the importance of social connection and strong relationships. 

DBT has years worth of peer-reviewed studies showing how it supports teens in several ways [1]:

• Reduces self-harm and suicidal thoughts among adolescents. 
• Improves emotional regulation by teaching teens to identify and manage their emotions, resulting in increased mood stability and improved impulse control. 
• Increases distress tolerance by helping teens build coping skills to overcome challenges. 
• Strengthens relationships with family and peers by helping teens communicate more effectively. 
• Enhances self-awareness and confidence by promoting self-reflection and self-acceptance.  

Core Skills Taught In DBT for Teens 

DBT is flexible and can be tailored to meet the unique needs of each teen. However, there are some key skills taught. 

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Why Choose Residential DBT Programs for Teens? 

Residential DBT programs for teens are structured, intensive residential treatment programs where teens participate in DBT therapy and skill-building workshops. Teens with severe mental health challenges or substance abuse disorders may benefit from a more structured form of DBT, rather than in a flexible outpatient setting. 

Parents should consider a residential DBT program for their teen if they recognize signs such as: 

• Self-harm (cutting, burning, or intentionally harming oneself) 
• Drug or alcohol abuse 
• Violent, aggressive outbursts or constantly getting in fights with peers, teachers, and members of the community 
• Risky or impulsive behavior that is dangerous to themselves or others (speeding or reckless driving, running away from home, unsafe sex practices) 
• Legal troubles or antisocial behaviors (vandalism, theft, arson) 

Success Stories and Long-Term Outcomes of DBT for Teens

“We saw her struggling and staying stuck with certain behaviors. We tried different interventions. And as you know, DBT is really good for extreme behaviors. DBT was like the missing link for her. She came into the group and bought in immediately.” —Mother of 17-year-old, Sasha 

DBT is a highly effective therapy with proven successful treatment outcomes for youth. One study found that teens who finished the entire course of DBT treatment had 67% improvement in self-harm behaviors in a one-year follow-up. In another study, researchers found DBT reduced the risk of suicide attempts in teens by nearly 54% [2]. 

Key Features of Lotus Behavioral Health Residential Program

In Lotus Behavioral Health's residential program, teens can participate in regular, intensive DBT sessions with a qualified therapist. This course of treatment can help teens with substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders see an improvement in symptoms in four to six weeks. 

Other key features offered in Lotus Residential Treatment for teens include: 

• Weekly individual therapy sessions that may include DBT or another evidence-based therapy.  

• Group therapy sessions to connect with others and foster a sense of community.  

• Initial and weekly medication management under the supervision of a clinical psychiatrist.  

• Aftercare and transition services to help prevent relapse and increase long-term recovery. 

• Family therapy and involvement can increase successful treatment outcomes. 

• Academic support and access to technology so teens don’t fall behind in school. 

• Consistent and structured daily routines to help build stability. 

• Access to a gym, fitness classes, and time for regular exercise to improve mental well-being and encourage daily movement. 

• Nutritious meals prepared by dietitians to support the healthy development of growing teens. 

• Social opportunities such as game nights, art projects, movie nights, and therapeutic outings to foster connections and help teens overcome feelings of isolation.  

DBT Residential Treatment for Teens in Florida  

Lotus Behavioral Health is a residential treatment facility for teens located in Florida. Our programs are designed to support teens and their families with the tools they need to recover from substance abuse & co-occurring mental health disorders.

We offer DBT for teens to help manage negative emotions, practice mindfulness, develop positive coping strategies, and strengthen relationships. 

Sources

[1] Wergeland, J., et al. (2024). Evaluation of dialectical behavior therapy for adolescents in routine clinical practice: a pre-post study. BMC psychiatry, 24(1), 447.

[2] Linehan, M. M. (2018). Efficacy of Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Adolescents at High Risk for Suicide: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA psychiatry, 75(8), 777–785.