A structured, skills-based psychotherapy that combines cognitive-behavioral strategies with mindfulness to treat emotion dysregulation, self-destructive behaviors, and interpersonal difficulties.
Reviewed by the HeyPsych Medical Review Board · Reviewed November 24, 2025
Choose a condition to see how it's used for it.
Used for
Also prescribed for (off-label)
Common use
Dialectical Behavior Therapy is used for Borderline Personality Disorder. The full guide below has the details.
About Borderline Personality DisorderHow many people in 100 notice each one in clinical studies. Many early side effects fade within a few weeks.
Dropout due to intensity of treatment demands
Thoughts of suicide? Call or text 988, any time.
Everything we know about Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), section by section.
14 chapters · about 14 min to read it all. Open any one.
Frequency: Typically weekly individual and weekly group sessions.
Duration: Standard DBT programs last 6–12 months.
Total Treatment Time: Approx. 12 months, with possible extension.
Diary card review of behaviors and skills practice.
Target behaviors through chain analysis, practice DBT skills.
Homework assignments and skill application plans.
typical session cost: $100–$250 per session
total treatment cost: Can range from $5,000–$15,000 depending on program length
insurance coverage: Often covered for BPD or high-risk diagnoses
cost effectiveness: High when considering reductions in hospitalization and crisis service use
Resource intensive; requires high patient commitment; dropout rates can be significant.
This treatment information is for educational purposes only. Treatment decisions should be made in consultation with qualified healthcare professionals based on individual circumstances, symptoms, and medical history. Do not attempt treatment without professional guidance.
Thinking about Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)? A prescriber can tell you if it fits.
Find a psychiatrist