Radically Open DBT (RO-DBT) for Adults in NY, NJ, & CT
RO-DBT: Radically Open DBT in NY, NJ & CT
Many struggle with tendencies towards overcontrol—where perfectionism, emotional restraint, and inflexible thinking can hinder genuine connection and life satisfaction, despite outward achievements. Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO-DBT), developed by Dr. Thomas Lynch, is a transdiagnostic treatment designed to help individuals with excessive self-control, also known as emotional overcontrol. Our program provides an evidence-based approach for addressing these patterns, helping you develop greater psychological flexibility, authentic emotional expression, and meaningful social connections.
Our Adult RO-DBT Program Helps You:
Recognize patterns of overcontrol that may be contributing to social isolation, loneliness, or dissatisfaction.
Develop skills for experiencing and expressing emotions in healthy, authentic, and appropriate ways.
Increase psychological flexibility when faced with uncertainty, new experiences, or feedback.
Enhance social connectedness by understanding and improving social signaling.
Balance achievement orientation with personal well-being, playfulness, and rest.
Who Can Benefit from RO-DBT
It may be beneficial if you identify with patterns of overcontrol commonly seen in disorders like chronic depression, anorexia nervosa, obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD), and autism spectrum conditions. Consider if RO-DBT might be a fit if you experience:
Emotional and Social Patterns:
Difficulty expressing emotions openly or appearing emotionally "flat" or aloof.
Feelings of loneliness, alienation, or not belonging, despite accomplishments or social interactions.
Intense perfectionism and setting extremely high personal standards that are difficult to meet.
Appearing distant or overly formal in relationships, even when desiring closeness.
Rigid adherence to rules, routines, and personal codes of conduct, with difficulty adapting to change.
A tendency towards envy, bitterness, or resentment.
Behavioral Tendencies:
Excessive planning, caution, and a need to "get things right" in decision-making.
A strong need for structure, order, and control in your environment and daily life.
A hyper-detailed focus that can interfere with seeing the bigger picture or completing tasks efficiently.
Avoiding novel situations or feedback.
Difficulty with spontaneity, playfulness, or relaxing.
Challenges forming close, reciprocal friendships or intimate relationships, despite having adequate social skills.
Related Conditions Where Self-Criticism is Prominent:
Chronic anxiety or depression that hasn't responded significantly to other treatments.
Obsessive-compulsive personality traits or OCPD.
Restrictive eating patterns or diagnosed anorexia nervosa.
Some presentations of Autism Spectrum Conditions where social connection is desired but difficult due to rigidity.
Other conditions characterized by high conscientiousness paired with emotional inhibition and social difficulties.
Building Openness & Connection: The Core of RO-DBT
Our program provides a warm and structured environment where clients can learn to embrace flexibility, spontaneity, and genuine connection. We focus on five key areas to foster lasting emotional well-being:
Our Adult RO-DBT Program Structure
The structure of RO-DBT includes individual therapy, skills classes, and often, weekly homework. Our environment is intentionally warm and nonjudgmental to counteract the self-critical mindset that overcontrolled clients often carry. Therapists model openness through humor, vulnerability, and personal examples, helping clients see the value in letting go of perfectionistic and isolating behaviors.
Comprehensive Assessment & Pretreatment Phase
- Initial Intake: Sessions to gather history, understand current challenges (including patterns of overcontrol), discuss treatment goals, and determine if RO-DBT is an appropriate fit.
- Treatment Recommendation: Discussion of assessment findings and collaborative development of a treatment plan.
- Pretreatment Sessions: Typically includes several individual sessions to build rapport, orient you to RO-DBT principles and structure, and establish commitment before beginning full Stage 1 treatment.
Stage 1 RO-DBT Treatment (Approximately 30 weeks, can vary based on individual needs):
- Weekly Individual Therapy: Sessions with your primary RO-DBT therapist focusing on your specific targets, self-enquiry, and applying skills.
- Weekly Skills Training Class: Group sessions focused on learning and practicing RO-DBT skills centered on themes like openness, emotional expression, flexible responding, and building social connection.
- Commitment To All Modes Of Therapy: Success in RO-DBT relies on consistent participation in all components.
- Hybrid Model Of Delivery: Individual sessions may be available virtually or in-person, as decided with your therapist.
The Metro NY DBT Difference: Your Path To Greater Flexibility And Connection
Choosing us means working with a team dedicated to expert, compassionate care customized to the unique challenges of emotional overcontrol in adults.
Expertise in Radically Open DBT

Our clinicians possess extensive training and experience in RO-DBT, understanding its specific application for helping adults move beyond perfectionism, rigidity, and emotional inhibition towards genuine self-expression and connection.
Focus on Real-World Skills for Lasting Connection

RO-DBT equips you with practical, actionable strategies to enhance your social signaling, embrace feedback openly, and build the meaningful relationships you desire in your everyday life.
An Evidence-Based Path to Openness and Well-Being

In a world that can often reinforce overcontrol, we provide a supportive and structured environment where you can find relief, develop lasting psychological flexibility, and cultivate authentic social bonds.
A Client-Centered and Collaborative Experience

We work together to tailor the treatment to your unique goals and experiences.
Schedule a RO-DBT Consultation
If you struggle with overcontrol, perfectionism, emotional inhibition, or difficulty connecting deeply with others, our RO-DBT program may provide the path forward you need. Contact us to learn more about how our innovative approach can help you build a more flexible, open, and socially connected life. Schedule your consultation today.
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Insurance Structure and Payment Information
Metro NY DBT Center is an "out-of-network" provider and does not participate directly with insurance panels. Clients are responsible for payment at the time of service. We provide detailed invoices that you can submit to your insurance company for potential out-of-network reimbursement.
Fee Structure for RO-DBT
(Program components and fees will be clarified during your consultation.)
Assessment/Intake Session (60-minutes,
one-time): Insurance CPT Code 90791
Pretreatment Sessions (45-minutes, 4 times): 4 weeks of individual pretreatment sessions with RO DBT trained clinician: Insurance CPT Code 90834
Individual Therapy Session (45-minutes, weekly): Individual sessions with RO DBT trained clinician. Insurance CPT Code 90834
Group Skills Training Session (75-minutes, weekly): RO DBT Skills Class for 30 weeks. Insurance CPT Code 90853
Frequently Asked Questions About RO-DBT for Adults
I would like to continue with my current therapist outside of Metro. Can I still participate in the outpatient RO-DBT program?
We do ask clients to pause with outside providers while participating in comprehensive R0-DBT treatment at Metro. We work closely on a team, which we have found to lead to increased progress towards treatment goals.
How is RO-DBT different from standard DBT for adults?
While both are forms of evidence-based adult DBT, they target different underlying issues. Standard DBT primarily helps individuals who struggle with emotional undercontrol (e.g., intense emotional swings, impulsivity, difficulty managing crises). RO-DBT, conversely, is designed for individuals who struggle with emotional overcontrol—excessive self-control, perfectionism, emotional inhibition, and social aloofness. Standard DBT focuses on building skills for emotion regulation and crisis survival, while RO-DBT helps adults develop greater psychological flexibility, authentic emotional expression, and skills for social connectedness.
What issues does RO-DBT address in adults?
RO-DBT for adults addresses issues related to overcontrol, including chronic perfectionism, emotional restraint or suppression, rigid thinking and behavior, an excessive need for order and predictability, and difficulty forming genuine, close social connections. It helps adults who may appear outwardly successful or composed but internally struggle with loneliness, anxiety, depression, or a sense of being "stuck" due to these patterns.
How does RO-DBT help with relationships?
A core focus of RO-DBT is improving social signaling and connection. Many overcontrolled individuals struggle to convey warmth, openness, and interest effectively, even when they desire connection. RO-DBT teaches skills to improve non-verbal communication (facial expressions, body language, tone of voice) to signal safety and approachability. It also helps individuals become more open to feedback, express vulnerability appropriately, and engage in more spontaneous and playful interactions, all of which are crucial for building and maintaining close, reciprocal relationships.
Is this program offered virtually or in person?
Our RO-DBT program for adults is often offered through a hybrid model. Individual therapy sessions may be available either virtually or in-person, depending on agreement with your therapist and current availability. Many of our RO-DBT skills classes are currently offered virtually for accessibility.
How long is the RO-DBT program for adults?
The initial Stage 1 of our RO-DBT program for adults typically lasts approximately 30 weeks, though this can vary based on individual progress and needs. This generally includes weekly individual therapy sessions and weekly skills training classes. Your therapist will discuss the anticipated duration and structure of your specific treatment plan with you.