DIALECTICAL BEHAVIOR THERAPY (DBT)
Navigating Intense Emotions, Reducing Anxiety, and Building Lasting Resilience
Looking for proven strategies to help your teenager manage intense emotions, reduce harmful behaviors, and build stronger relationships? McCaskill Family Services provides evidence-based Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for teens and families across Michigan.
Whether you are looking for online DBT therapy in Michigan or prefer in-person therapy at our Plymouth or Brighton offices, we offer flexible individual and group formats tailored to your family’s needs. Led by licensed psychologists, our structured 8-week DBT skills group is ideal for adolescents (ages 13–18) struggling with:
- Severe anxiety and depression
- Emotional dysregulation and mood swings
- Self-harming behaviors or suicidal ideation
- Chronic relationship conflicts
What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an empirically supported treatment that teaches skills and strategies to help regulate emotions and improve relationships. Many of our McCaskill therapists utilize DBT therapy techniques in individual therapy, but sometimes, a more intensive or group intervention is the best treatment option. McCaskill Family Services offers DBT therapy online and in group classes to help improve the quality of life for those with mental health struggles such as borderline personality disorder, social anxiety, depression, suicidal behaviors, and more.
DBT Skills List
There are four main categories of DBT skills that a DBT therapist focuses on. These are mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.
- Mindfulness: A practice commonly used by Buddhists, mindfulness aims to slow the mind by focusing on the present. When we learn to focus on the here and now, we pay less attention to past mistakes or future worries.“
- Distress Tolerance: One of DBT’s core focuses is to help individuals handle significant distress in their everyday lives. You’ll learn to develop skills to deal with such discomforts.
- Emotion Regulation: DBT provides education on the importance of emotions. Once you know how they work, you can learn to manage them rather than letting them manage you.
- Interpersonal Effectiveness: Relationships are one of the most stressful (but rewarding) parts of our lives. Interpersonal effectiveness is a DBT skill that helps people create and maintain healthy relationships with others by learning to communicate more effectively and navigate conflict.
DBT vs. CBT: Understanding the Difference
While exploring mental health services in Plymouth, MI, or Brighton, MI, you might encounter both Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). While DBT is an evolution of CBT, they serve distinct clinical needs. Here is a quick guide to help you identify which path aligns with your personal goals:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Rooted in logic and reason. Focuses on rational restructuring of faulty thinking.
- Asks the question: “Is this thought accurate, and how can I reframe it?”
- Best for anxiety, depression, phobias, panic attacks, and targeted life stressors.
- Short-to-medium term commitment (typically 3–5 months); individual-focused sessions.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Rooted in mindfulness and acceptance. Focuses on balancing acceptance with positive change.
- Asks the question: “How can I accept this intense feeling and tolerate this distress safely?”
- Best for chronic emotional dysregulation, relationship chaos, impulsivity, and intense “emotional storms.”
- Longer-term commitment (6–12 months); often combines individual therapy with group skill-building.
In-Person DBT Skills Group for Teens: Now Including Parent Training
This in-person, 8-week DBT group is designed specifically for teens and is led by Dr. Amanda Klingensmith, Ph.D., a fully licensed clinical psychologist, and Jaclyn Rink, M.S., LLP. Teens will learn all four core DBT modules, and parents will also receive guidance and support to reinforce these skills at home — making this a truly family-centered program.
Please call our office for the latest enrollment schedule and availability.
Take the First Step Toward Clarity.
You don’t have to navigate overwhelming thoughts alone. Our team of experienced clinical psychologists in Plymouth, MI, is ready to help you build the practical tools you need to thrive. We proudly serve individuals, couples, and families in Brighton, MI, and the greater Metro Detroit area.
Frequently Asked Questions About DBT Services
When searching for the best behavioral therapist in Plymouth, MI, or Brighton, MI, it’s natural to have questions about what to expect. Here are the answers to what clients ask most frequently:
What is the difference between DBT and CBT?
While Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is actually a specialized form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), they have different focuses. Traditional CBT focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns. DBT, on the other hand, heavily emphasizes acceptance and emotion regulation. It is specifically designed for individuals who experience intense, overwhelming emotions and need concrete, actionable skills (like distress tolerance and mindfulness) to manage crises and relationship conflicts in real-time.
What can I expect when participating in DBT?
DBT is a structured and skills-based approach that requires active participation. Clients are expected to:
- Attend weekly individual or group therapy sessions
- Practice newly learned skills outside of sessions through assigned homework
- Track emotions and behaviors using worksheets or diary cards
- Participate in role-playing or mindfulness exercises during group
While it can be emotionally challenging, the therapy environment is supportive and goal-oriented. Most participants begin to notice more control over their emotional responses and an improved ability to cope with daily stressors. In group sessions like our DBT skills group, whether online or in person, teens especially benefit from practicing in a peer-supported environment.
Can DBT be done online, or do I need to visit the office?
Yes! We offer both secure, HIPAA-compliant online therapy across Michigan and in-person sessions at our Plymouth, MI, and Brighton, MI, locations. Virtual CBT is exceptionally effective because you get to practice your new tools in the exact environment where your everyday stress naturally occurs.
Do you offer DBT therapy for teens near me?
Yes. We offer DBT therapy for teens in Plymouth, MI, and also provide online sessions across the state. Whether you prefer in-person or virtual care, our online DBT skills group makes it easy to participate from anywhere in Michigan.
What are the benefits of DBT therapy?
Research has shown that DBT therapy significantly helps individuals reduce self-harming behaviors, improve emotional control, and build stronger relationships. Specific benefits include:
- Fewer incidents of self-harm and suicidal thoughts
- Reduced anger and impulsive behaviors
- Better management of anxiety and depression symptoms
- Improved interpersonal skills and communication
- Lower hospitalization and crisis intervention rates
- Increased self-awareness, emotional resilience, and quality of life
DBT gives clients a practical toolkit for navigating emotional challenges—skills that can be life-changing, especially for teens or adults who have felt stuck in cycles of distress.
How much does the DBT program cost?
Each 90-minute group session is billed as out-of-network group therapy with a Ph.D.-level psychologist. We provide a detailed receipt that you can submit to your insurance for potential reimbursement. Please visit our Billing & Insurance page for full pricing details.
Do you accept insurance for DBT services?
We believe in reducing friction to mental health care. We accept cash, checks, and credit cards for the payment of services. We are recognized out-of-network with BCBS of Michigan. Learn more about our payment options by visiting our Billing & Insurance page.