DBT for Children

Offering a track for children ages 6-12 Years Old.

Our adherent DBT-C Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for children ages 7–12 is a multi-phase, 24 week program for kids who struggle with intense emotions, outbursts, or self-harming behaviors. It also empowers parents to be active partners in their child’s progress and is grounded in a biopsychosocial model that integrates emotional, behavioral, and environmental factors to create lasting change at home and beyond.

What is DBT for Children?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Children (DBT-C) is an evidence-based treatment for kids who experience intense emotions, frequent outbursts, or difficulty managing their feelings. It teaches children skills to understand and regulate emotions, solve problems, and build stronger relationships. Parents learn the same tools so they can coach their child and create a calmer, more validating home environment. DBT-C focuses on both the child and the family system, helping everyone work toward emotional balance, effective communication, and lasting change.

Emotion Regulation

Skills to regulate and manage big emotions like anger, sadness, and anxiety

Mindfulness

Improve focus and attention, and be more present in the moment

Communication

Communicate more effectively so hurt and resentment doesn’t build up

Crisis Management

Deal with crisis and distress without harmful or problematic behaviors

Providing treatment for

Anxiety

Emotional Dysregulation

Self Harm

Suicidal Ideation

Depression

What You Can Expect

Our structured three-phase approach ensures lasting change by preparing parents first, then working together with the whole family.

Phase 1

Pre-Treatment

Duration: 2–4 weeks

Participants: Parents Only

Treatment begins with parents. In this first stage, parents learn the foundations of DBT-C, including how to validate emotions, model mindfulness, and use positive reinforcement. These sessions deepen their understanding of their child’s emotional world and build confidence using DBT skills. Together with the therapist, parents set treatment goals, strengthen motivation, and create structure at home, preparing to act as effective coaches.

Phase 2

Parent + Child Treatment

Duration: 16–24 weeks

Participants: Parent(s) and Child together

After pre-treatment, parents and children attend weekly 60 –90 minute sessions that blend joint learning with brief parent-only or child-only time, depending on focus. Families learn and practice mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness through in-session exercises and weekly homework. Parents coach between sessions so t heir child can use skills at home, school, and in friendships, with ongoing support to keep progress moving forward.

Phase 3

Booster & Maintenance

Duration: Monthly or Biweekly

Participants: As needed

Following the main treatment phase, families may continue with booster sessions to maintain progress and prevent relapse. These check-ins reinforce skill use, strengthen problem-solving, and ensure ongoing environmental support. The parent’s role remains essential, acting as a co-therapist to help sustain positive change over time.

Why the Structure Matters

DBT-C is built on the idea that children thrive when their environment supports change. Teaching parents first means they can model skills, respond more calmly, and create consistency at home. When parents and children learn and practice together, the entire family system shifts, making progress more lasting and meaningful.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If your child needs more support than traditional once-a-week therapy can provide, Recovery DBT may be the right choice. Our intensively trained DBT therapists create individualized treatment plans to help your child regain stability and return to feeling and functioning at their best.