Services > DBT Therapy

DBT Therapy

Our DBT-trained therapists offer a supportive and structured approach that balances acceptance with change.

Get the Care You Need, With the Coverage You Have

What is DBT Therapy?

DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) is a specialized type of cognitive behavioral therapy designed to identify and change negative thinking patterns and pushes for positive behavioral changes. The four components of DBT are: a skills training group, individual treatment, DBT phone coaching, and a consultation team. Please note that our DBT offerings are currently virtual. Originally developed to treat borderline personality disorder, DBT is now widely used for a variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and emotional dysregulation.

Care Backed by Data, Smart Tools for Smarter Healing

We provide quality care, backed by data. Throughout your care journey with Safe Harbor we engage with you in a state-of-the-art way to measure your improvement and offer you tools to stay engaged with care between your appointments.

As you begin your journey with us, we’ll ask you to complete a few simple assessments from the convenience of your smartphone, tablet, or computer using our Blueprint system. Once you create your account, you’ll enjoy the benefits of workbooks, care resources, and automated assessments that check in on your progress. These assessments are extremely valuable to ensuring your care is specifically tailored to your needs.

Is DBT Right For You?

DBT specifically focuses on providing therapeutic skills in four key areas:

Mindfulness

Focus on improving an individual’s ability to accept and be present in the current moment.

Distress Tolerance

Increasing a person’s tolerance of negative emotion, rather than trying to escape from it.

Emotional Regulation

Strategies to manage and change intense emotions that are causing problems in a person’s life.

Interpersonal Effectiveness

Techniques that allow a person to communicate with others in a way that is assertive, maintains self-respect, and strengthens relationships.

Features of the DBT Program

24 Week Program

The Safe Harbor Behavioral Care program is based on a curriculum which is covered over 2 12-week semesters for 24 weeks in total.

DBT Family Groups

The DBT Program offers skills groups for the family members and support systems of clients currently participating in DBT services. One of our DBT-informed clinicians leads regularly scheduled groups designed to help loved ones better understand DBT concepts and learn practical ways to support clients outside of therapy. By providing this shared understanding, families and support systems can more effectively reinforce DBT skills in everyday life. These optional groups are held twice monthly and are open to family members and supports of current DBT clients.

These meetings will regularly be held on:

  • 2nd Wednesday of the Month from 7pm-8pm.
  •  4th Thursday of the Month from 7pm-8pm.
Clinical Intakes and Evaluation Appointments

Clinical intakes and evaluations are conducted by a DBT-informed provider who reviews clinical assessment results with the client and collaborates with the care team to determine the most appropriate level of care.

Customized Levels of Care

To allow for further growth and provide more customized care based on clients’ needs our program is working towards containing 3 levels within the program itself. These levels will inform the number of services received and the frequency of the services. A large function the clinical evaluation appointment and clinical assessments will serve is to help determine when clients are ready to graduate to the next level of the program.

  • Level 1 – Weekly Skills Group, Weekly Individual session, and 2 Text Check ins with DBT Informed Clinician.
  • Level 2 – Bi-Weekly Skills Group (Clients in level 2 must attend group at least once a month), Weekly Individual sessions
  • Level 3 – Individual Only
Full Battery of Clinical Assessments

DBT-Specific assessments allow DBT providers and clients to evaluate symptoms and better interpret the progress made in several different areas throughout the client’s time in the program.

  • DERS- Difficulty in Emotional Regulation Scale
  • DBT Coping Skills Checklist
  • Adult Hope Scale and Child Hope scale
  • Five-Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire
  • Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire
  • NSSI Assessment we considered adding to (in BP)

DBT Screener

Safe Harbor has designed a screener that will help you determine if the DBT program would be a good fit for you. If you provide your information in the form provided, one of our DBT coordinators will reach out to you to answer any questions you have about the program and see if it would be able to meet your needs.

Do you have questions?

Our team is eager to answer any questions or assist you with the DBT screening questions.

Call Us at:

410-838-9500

Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve answered some of the most common questions below to help you feel more informed and confident as you begin your journey with us.
What is DBT therapy and how does it work?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a specialized form of cognitive behavioral therapy used in mental health therapy near me to help individuals identify negative thinking patterns and build positive behavioral changes. DBT focuses on mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness to improve daily functioning and relationships.

What is included in the DBT program at Safe Harbor?

Our DBT program includes one weekly skills group, one weekly individual therapy session, and two text-message check-ins with your therapist each week. This structured approach provides consistent support and real-time guidance as challenges arise.

How often do DBT groups meet?

Clients attend one 90-minute DBT skills group each week along with a 60-minute individual therapy session. Both are led by trained DBT therapists to ensure continuity of care.

What do DBT group sessions look like?

DBT group sessions are structured like a classroom setting where the therapist teaches a specific skill each week. You’ll learn how and when to apply the skill, followed by group discussion where you can share as much or as little as you feel comfortable.

What happens during individual DBT therapy sessions?

Individual sessions focus on your personal treatment plan and allow for a deeper dive into your specific challenges. This is where DBT skills are applied directly to your real-life situations for meaningful progress.

What are the main skills taught in DBT therapy?

DBT therapy near me focuses on four core areas: mindfulness (being present), distress tolerance (managing difficult emotions), emotional regulation (understanding and changing emotions), and interpersonal effectiveness (improving communication and relationships).

How many people are typically in a DBT group?

DBT groups are typically made up of 12–15 participants. Groups are carefully formed to ensure a good fit among members and create a supportive environment.

When are DBT groups typically held?

DBT group schedules are coordinated with your clinician and are often held in the evenings on weekdays. Scheduling is designed to be as flexible as possible based on availability.

Are DBT groups in-person or virtual?

DBT therapy near me is often offered virtually, allowing clients across Maryland to participate without location limitations. This also helps create well-matched groups, while in-person options may be available based on demand.

How long does it take to join a DBT program?

Joining a DBT program is a multi-step process that can take several weeks. It includes completing a screener, determining if DBT is a good fit, verifying insurance benefits, and then scheduling into an available group or waitlist.

Is DBT covered by insurance?

Insurance coverage for DBT therapy near me can vary by provider and plan. Safe Harbor will help verify your benefits and provide cost estimates before you begin the program.

Who is DBT therapy best for?

DBT is one of the most effective treatments available for individuals struggling with emotional regulation, self-harm behaviors, depression, substance use, and borderline personality disorder. It has been shown to reduce hospitalization, improve mood, and support long-term stability.

Do you offer DBT therapy near me in Maryland, DC, and Virginia?

Yes, we offer DBT therapy near me as part of our mental health counseling in Maryland, DC, and VA. Our program is accessible both in-person (when available) and virtually for convenience and accessibility.

How is Safe Harbor’s DBT program different?

Safe Harbor combines structured DBT therapy with strong access to care, including fast scheduling, a large support team, and integrated services like psychiatry near me and mental health counseling near me. Our program is designed to provide consistent, real-world support and measurable outcomes.