DBT for Teens
Skills to Thrive in Adolescence
Understanding the Struggle
Adolescence is a time of big emotions, growing independence, and real pressure. There are social, academic, and internal challenges that can turn up their emotions. When those emotions become unbearable, teens can spiral into behaviors that feel out of control: self-harm, impulsivity, explosive anger, or withdrawal.
You might feel like you’re walking on eggshells, unsure how to help or what will set them off next. DBT offers a way through.
What Is Adolescent DBT?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based treatment proven to reduce self-harm, suicidality, and emotional dysregulation in teens.
Adolescent DBT teaches the skills teens need most when life feels unbearable:
Regulating emotions instead of being ruled by them
Tolerating distress without turning to self-harm, substances, or shutdown
Communicating needs effectively instead of exploding or withdrawing
Building mindfulness and balance in a world full of pressure and comparison
The teen brain is still developing, especially the parts that control emotion, impulse, and decision-making. For some, that developmental storm turns into overwhelming mood swings, impulsivity, or hopelessness.
Our adolescent DBT program follows the full, adherent model customized for the needs of teens, including:
Individual Therapy
One-on-one sessions focused on motivation, emotion regulation, and applying DBT skills in real-life situations.
Teen Skills Group
A supportive, skills-based group teaching mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness in relatable, age-appropriate ways.
Parent Coaching
Caregivers learn the same DBT skills so they can respond to crises effectively, validate emotions, and rebuild trust.
Between-Session Coaching
Teens & Parents have access to real-time support by phone or text to help them use skills when they need them most.
Is DBT Right for Your Teen?
Consider DBT if your teen:
Has intense mood swings, anger, or emotional outbursts
Engages in self-harm or expresses suicidal thoughts
Struggles with impulsivity or risky behaviors
Feels empty, hopeless, or disconnected
Leaves you feeling helpless, anxious, or unsure how to help
Early intervention saves lives. DBT helps teens develop self-control, emotional understanding, and confidence — while giving parents tools to support them.
Why Turn the Mind?
At Turn the Mind, we provide comprehensive, evidence-based DBT in a compassionate and structured environment. Our clinicians are trained in the full DBT model and specialize in working with teens and families facing self-harm, suicidality, and emotional dysregulation.
We don’t see your teen as “broken.” We see someone in pain who needs skills, understanding, and support to build a life that feels manageable — and meaningful.
At Turn the Mind, we don’t just teach you DBT skills. We walk alongside you through the pain and discomfort of emotional upheaval, creating a space where you feel truly seen and understood.
We blend clinical expertise with compassion, offering an approach to DBT that feels deeply human and connected. Our approach will help you reconnect with teens and learn skills that work!
📞 Schedule a Free Consultation Today
Click below to take the first step toward building a life worth living.
Don’t just take our word for it…
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DBT takes time, but it really works. It’s helped me change how I react to situations that would make me ‘lose it’ before. I’ve noticed a big drop in the urge to self-harm, and I’ve been self-harm free for 7 months. It’s been hard, but DBT has shown me that change is possible, and I’m so grateful for the progress I’ve made.
-Verified client “BD”
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"Martha is talented, intuitive and is an asset to you. Thank you for ensuring you have such a great team and for helping to run a smooth service."
-Verified Client “TF”
