Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in Los Angeles
DBT is one of the therapies your care team may draw on as part of your plan at Breathe.
In-network with most major insurers
Our admissions team verifies your specific benefits and explains exactly what's covered, before you commit to anything.
We do not accept Medi-Cal or Medicare.
Verify my insuranceWhat Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy is one of the therapeutic approaches available at Breathe. Like every therapy we offer, it's introduced and adjusted by your clinical team as part of a plan built around you, not applied as a one-size-fits-all track.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, focuses on building practical skills in four areas: managing intense emotions, tolerating distress without making things worse, staying present in the moment, and navigating relationships effectively. It was originally developed for people who experience emotions with unusual intensity, and it's widely used in addiction and mental health treatment because those skills directly support recovery.
At Breathe, DBT isn't a stand-alone track. It's folded into the individualized plan your clinical team builds around you, woven into individual sessions and included in group programming where appropriate, adjusted to your level of care.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy as part of your plan
DBT isn't a stand-alone track at Breathe. It's folded into the individualized plan your clinical team builds around you.
Related therapies at Breathe
Every plan at Breathe draws on more than one approach. Here's where to look next.
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Why Choose Breathe for DBT
Staff who've lived it
Many of our team members have personal recovery experience. You're not explaining yourself to someone who's only read about it.
Inclusive, affirming care
Every client is welcomed as they are. Breathe offers LGBTQIA+ affirming care at every level of treatment.
Family involved, on your terms
Family therapy that doesn't assume blood relationships. Partners and chosen family are welcome participants.
Rated 4.1 on Google
4.1 · 155 Google reviewsEvery journey looks different, yours will be built around exactly what you need.
Our location
A secluded campus in the heart of Laurel Canyon, close enough to reach, private enough to heal.
Questions people ask about Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Straight answers about how DBT works at Breathe and how it fits into your plan.
What actually happens in DBT?+
You work on practical skills, managing emotions, tolerating distress, staying grounded, and navigating relationships, both individually and often in group settings, depending on your plan.
Is DBT only for people with intense emotional reactions?+
It was developed with that in mind, but the skills it builds are useful for a much wider range of people, especially where substance use and emotional regulation are connected.
Is DBT used alone, or with other therapies?+
At Breathe, it's part of a broader individualized plan, often alongside other approaches, not a stand-alone track.
Does DBT involve group sessions?+
It can, depending on your specific plan and level of care. Skills-based group work is a common part of DBT.
Is DBT used for substance use, mental health, or both?+
Both. It's woven into treatment whether the primary focus is substance use, a mental health condition, or the two together.
Is DBT covered by insurance?+
In most cases, yes, as part of your overall treatment plan. Our admissions team verifies your specific benefits before you commit to anything.
