Teen Treatment Programs in California
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for Teens
Empower your teen with proven tools to manage emotions, build confidence, and improve relationships.
Contact Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment Center today to learn more.
Adolescence is a time of emotional turbulence and rapid change. For many teens, this period brings challenges that feel overwhelming: impulsive behavior, intense emotions, unstable relationships, and struggles with self-worth. When traditional therapy isn’t enough, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for teens can provide the structure, support, and skill-building tools they need to manage emotions and lead healthier, more balanced lives.
At Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment Center, we offer evidence-based DBT programming tailored specifically to adolescents ages 12-18. By combining therapeutic structure with a compassionate, real-world approach, we empower teens to regulate their emotions, improve relationships, and rediscover a sense of control.
Contact us today to learn more about our teen therapy programs.
What is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) for Teens?
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for teens is a highly effective, skills-based treatment designed to help adolescents who struggle with emotional dysregulation, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and behavioral challenges. Originally developed for individuals with borderline personality disorder, DBT has since evolved into a widely accepted approach for treating a variety of adolescent mental health conditions, including:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- PTSD
- Bipolar disorder
- Eating disorders
- Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)
- ADHD
- Self-injury and suicidal behavior
What sets DBT apart is its dual focus on acceptance and change. Teens are taught how to accept themselves in the present moment while simultaneously working toward healthier behavior and thought patterns. This balanced, compassionate approach helps reduce resistance and fosters true growth.
The History of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy was developed in the late 1980s by Dr. Marsha Linehan, a psychologist who recognized that individuals experiencing chronic emotional pain often felt misunderstood or invalidated by traditional forms of therapy. She sought to bridge the gap between acceptance and behavioral change—a dialectic that became the foundation for DBT.
Since then, DBT has become a gold-standard treatment for emotional dysregulation. Its effectiveness with teens was first recognized in the early 2000s, when researchers adapted DBT to fit the unique developmental needs of adolescents. These adaptations include increased family involvement, age-appropriate examples, and a more flexible structure. Today, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for teens is considered one of the most effective treatments for young people experiencing intense emotional and behavioral distress.
The Components of DBT
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for teens consists of four core components, each designed to target a specific area of emotional and behavioral functioning. Each of these components is introduced gradually and reinforced through group sessions, individual therapy, and experiential learning opportunities.
1. Mindfulness
Mindfulness helps teens become more aware of their thoughts, feelings, and surroundings in the present moment, without judgment. Through mindfulness training, they learn to pause before reacting, manage stress, and stay grounded during emotional storms.
2. Distress Tolerance
When emotions run high, distress tolerance skills teach teens how to cope without making the situation worse. These tools help reduce impulsive behaviors like self-harm, substance use, or outbursts by providing practical alternatives in the heat of the moment.
3. Emotion Regulation
This component teaches teens how to better understand and manage intense emotions. By identifying triggers, naming their feelings, and implementing healthy coping mechanisms, teens build confidence and reduce emotional overwhelm.
4. Interpersonal Effectiveness
Teens often struggle with social dynamics. This module helps them build healthier relationships through assertive communication, boundary setting, and problem-solving skills—tools that can dramatically improve family, peer, and school relationships.
How Does DBT for Teens Work?
At its core, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for teens combines individual therapy, skills training groups, family involvement, and phone coaching (when applicable). At Hillcrest, our DBT program is structured to ensure teens not only learn the skills, but also apply them in real-time.
Here’s what a typical DBT treatment experience looks like:
- Individual Therapy: Weekly one-on-one sessions with a trained DBT therapist help teens explore personal challenges, monitor progress, and stay motivated.
- Skills Training Groups: Teens participate in DBT group sessions where they learn and practice the four core skill areas in a safe, supportive setting.
- Family Skills Training: Parents and caregivers are invited to participate in select sessions to learn DBT skills alongside their teen. This strengthens the entire family system and encourages accountability at home.
- Behavioral Chain Analysis: Therapists help teens unpack behaviors—what led up to them, how they played out, and how things could be handled differently next time.
Rather than labeling behaviors as “bad,” we explore what function they serve and how to meet those needs in healthier ways. This nonjudgmental approach promotes trust and long-term success.
How DBT Can Help Your Child & Adolescent
Many parents find themselves at a loss when their child is in emotional crisis. You may have tried talk therapy, school counseling, or even hospitalization, only to see your teen continue to struggle. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for teens offers a practical, compassionate path forward. Most importantly, DBT gives teens the confidence to face life’s challenges with clarity and resilience. It doesn’t promise perfection—it offers progress, practice, and hope.
Benefits of DBT include:
- Reduced self-harm and suicidal behaviors
- Improved emotion regulation and mood stability
- Stronger problem-solving and coping skills
- Decreased anxiety, anger, and depression
- Better communication with family and peers
- Increased self-awareness and self-respect
- A greater sense of agency and control
How We Implement DBT Into Our Los Angeles Teen Programs
At Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment Center, we integrate Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for teens across all levels of care—residential treatment, partial hospitalization (PHP), and intensive outpatient (IOP). This comprehensive approach allows us to meet teens exactly where they are, providing structured support that evolves with their needs. Whether your teen requires the 24/7 stability of residential care or the flexibility of outpatient programming, DBT remains a foundational part of their therapeutic experience.
Every member of our clinical team is extensively trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for teens, ensuring a unified, trauma-informed approach across all levels of care. We don’t just teach DBT—we live it in the way we engage, communicate, and support each client. In addition to core DBT modules, we incorporate creative modalities such as art therapy, equine-assisted therapy, music, movement, and recreational activities. These enrichments allow teens to explore emotional growth from different angles and offer multiple pathways for expression and healing.
Residential DBT Programming
Our residential program offers the highest level of care and is ideal for teens in crisis or those who need a deeply immersive therapeutic environment. Here, DBT is woven into every aspect of daily life. Each day includes one-on-one sessions with a DBT-trained therapist, dedicated skills training groups, and experiential therapies that help teens practice emotional regulation in real time. Living onsite allows teens to receive immediate feedback, consistent guidance, and supportive reinforcement as they learn and apply DBT skills in a safe, nurturing environment. This immersive structure fosters rapid growth, accountability, and meaningful change.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
Our PHP program is a step down from residential care, offering a full day of therapeutic programming with the ability to return home each evening. DBT remains central to this level of care, with structured group sessions, individual therapy, and hands-on skill-building activities that support emotional growth and stability. This model provides an ideal balance of support and independence, helping teens transition from round-the-clock care to a more flexible routine. Importantly, PHP allows teens to begin applying the DBT skills they’ve learned in real-world settings, with ongoing clinical support to help them process and adjust.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
As teens gain stability and confidence, they may step down into our IOP. This level of care allows for increased independence while still maintaining strong therapeutic support. Teens attend structured programming several days a week, where DBT groups, individual sessions, and optional family involvement continue to reinforce core skills. IOP is especially beneficial for teens returning to school or extracurriculars, offering a framework for integrating DBT strategies into everyday life. The focus during this phase is on self-application, relapse prevention, and building a sustainable foundation for long-term emotional health.
Learn More About DBT for Teens
If your teen is struggling and traditional therapy hasn’t been enough, it may be time to explore Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for teens. At Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment Center, we believe in your child’s ability to change, grow, and thrive with the right support.
Our experienced team is here to help you navigate the next steps with compassion, clarity, and care. Whether you’re just beginning to explore treatment options or ready to start today, we’ll walk you through the process every step of the way.
Contact us now to learn more about our DBT programs for teens and schedule a confidential consultation. Healing is possible—and it starts with a conversation.
Enroll Your Teen In Our Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Today
You don’t have to face this journey alone. Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment Center is here to help your teen—and your family—find hope, healing, and a brighter future. As one of the top adolescent dual diagnosis treatment centers, we’re committed to providing exceptional care tailored to your child’s needs.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation or learn more about our programs. Let Hillcrest be your partner in recovery and your guide to a healthier tomorrow.