DBT-A: Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Adolescents
Empowering Adolescents with DBT-A in NY, NJ & CT
Metro NY DBT Center provides Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Adolescents, ages 12-18 (DBT-A), an evidence-based treatment specifically adapted to meet the developmental and relational needs of teenagers struggling with intense emotions, impulsivity, and self-harming behaviors. Developed by Drs. Jill Rathus and Alec Miller from Marsha Linehan’s original DBT, our DBT-A program in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut offers an effective roadmap to emotional resilience and a more balanced life during turbulent adolescent years.
The Urgent Need for Adolescent Mental Health Support
Adolescents often face overwhelming social pressures, academic stress, family conflict, and identity development issues, and the need for adolescent-focused mental health treatments is urgent. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 42% of high school students reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in 2021, and nearly 22% seriously considered attempting suicide. Suicide remains the second leading cause of death among youth aged 10–14 and 15–24 in the United States. If you’re looking for teen mental health support - NYC/NJ/CT region - then we can help
Building Openness & Connection: The Core of DBT-A
Our program provides a warm and structured environment where children and adolescents can learn to embrace flexibility, spontaneity, and genuine connection. We focus on five key areas to foster lasting emotional well-being:
Family Involvement in DBT-A
A distinctive feature of DBT-A is its strong emphasis on family involvement. Sustainable change in adolescents often requires the active support and participation of their caregivers. This component of treatment helps caregivers to:
- Understand and validate their adolescent's emotional experiences.
- Learn to reinforce their teen’s use of DBT skills at home.
- Reduce communication patterns or responses that may unintentionally escalate emotional distress.
- Create a shared language for problem-solving and managing conflict.
This family-inclusive approach aims to strengthen the family relationship, reduce emotional chaos within the home, and improve overall family communication and functioning.
How DBT-A Can Help Your Adolescent and Family
DBT-A is designed to make a significant contribution to adolescent mental health by addressing the core difficulties related to emotional dysregulation. This therapy can help your adolescent and family to:
Improve the ability to manage and regulate intense emotions.
Develop effective coping strategies for stress and crises.
Decrease family conflict and improve communication.
Reduce self-harming behaviors and suicidal ideation.
Strengthen interpersonal relationships with family and peers.
Foster hope, emotional resilience, and a path towards recovery.
Navigate academic stress, social pressures, and identity issues more effectively.
Our Approach to DBT-A at Metro NY DBT Center
Our Adolescent Outpatient DBT program is comprehensive and structured to provide the best possible outcomes.
Comprehensive Assessment & Pretreatment Phase
- Initial Assessment: A 60-minute session with the adolescent and a 45-minute intake session with parents or caregivers
- Treatment Rec: A 45-minute session to discuss the assessment findings and collaboratively develop a treatment plan
- Four Adolescent Pretreatment Sessions: Typically includes 4 individual sessions for the teen
- Four Caregiver/Parent Pretreatment Sessions: 4 parenting sessions for caregivers to build rapport, orient to DBT, and establish commitment before beginning Stage 1
Stage 1 DBT Treatment (Approximately 30 weeks):
- Weekly Individual Therapy
- Weekly Multi-Family Skills Group
- Ongoing Parenting Sessions
- Integrated Phone Coaching.
Commitment to All Modes of Therapy
Success in DBT-A relies on consistent participation in all components: individual therapy, Multi-Family Skills Group, parent sessions, and phone coaching.
Hybrid Model of Delivery
At this time, individual sessions can often be held either virtually or in-person, as decided with the individual therapist. Most of our groups are currently offered virtually.
The Metro NY DBT Difference: DBT-A for Adolescents
Choosing Metro NY DBT Center for Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Adolescents (DBT-A) means partnering with a team dedicated to expert, compassionate care:
Expertise in Adolescent DBT
Our clinicians are intensively trained in DBT and its specific application (DBT-A) for adolescents, understanding their unique developmental needs.
Strong Family-Centered Collaboration

We believe in the power of family involvement and work closely with adolescents and their caregivers as active partners in the therapeutic process.
Focus on Real-World Skills for Lasting Change
DBT-A equips teens and families with practical, actionable strategies to manage distress, improve relationships, and build meaningful lives beyond the therapy room.
Evidence-Based Path to Resilience
In a time of rising youth mental health challenges, we provide a supportive and structured environment where adolescents can find hope and develop lasting emotional resilience.
Insurance, Payment Information, & Fee Structure
Metro NY DBT Center does not participate directly with insurance panels and is considered an
"out-of-network" provider. Clients are responsible for payment at the time of service and for submitting invoices to their insurance companies to seek out-of-network reimbursement benefits.
We encourage you to check with your insurance provider about your out-of-network mental health coverage. Some clients discuss "single case agreements" with their insurance. While claim denials can occur, a "Medical Necessity Letter," which we can help discuss, may be useful in the appeals process. Please let us know if we can assist you with understanding this process.
Fee Structure for DBT-A Services
(Please note: Specific DBT-C program components, such as separate parent group fees, may vary. This is a general structure based on child services. We will clarify the full program structure and fees during your consultation).
Fee Structure for DBT-A Services
60-minute Intake session (one-time)
-
Insurance CPT Code: 90791
45-minute Intake session w parent(s) (one-time) - Insurance CPT Code: 90834
45-minute Treatment Recommendation (one-time) - Insurance CPT Code: 90834
45-minute Individual sessions (weekly) -
Insurance CPT Code: 90834
45-minute Parenting sessions (minimum of 4 sessions) - Insurance CPT Code: 90846
75-minute Multifamily Skills Group sessions (weekly) - Insurance CPT Code: 90849
Our Commitment to Consistent and Effective Care
We believe that consistency, commitment, and active engagement are crucial for successful outcomes in DBT-A.
- Attendance: Regular, punctual attendance is expected for all scheduled individual sessions, Multi-Family Skills Group sessions, and parenting sessions. For virtual sessions, clients must be able to be seen on Zoom.
- Missed Sessions Policy: If four consecutive individual sessions OR four consecutive DBT Multi-Family Skills Group sessions are missed, the adolescent will be considered to have absented out of treatment and may be discharged from our program with referrals to outside providers. This policy is based on the understanding that DBT's effectiveness relies on consistent engagement. Should discharge occur, reapplication for treatment may be considered after three months.
- Cancellation Policy:
Individual Sessions: A 24-hour cancellation policy applies. Cancellations with more than 24 hours notice will not be charged. Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice will be charged the full session fee.
Group Sessions: Clients are financially responsible for all scheduled Multi-Family Skills Group sessions, and charges will apply for missed group sessions regardless of when notice is given.
DBT-A: Help and Hope for Your Adolescent & Family
DBT-A has made a significant contribution to adolescent mental health. It is designed to meet the unique needs of teenagers and their families. In a time when youth mental health challenges are rising at alarming rates, DBT-A at Metro NY DBT Center provides a compassionate and effective path to recovery and emotional resilience.
Empower your adolescent with DBT-A today! Contact Metro NY DBT to schedule your consultation.
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Frequently Asked Questions About DBT-A for Adolescents
What age group is DBT-A for?
DBT-A is tailored specifically for adolescents, typically ages 12-18.
Are virtual DBT-A sessions available?
Yes, Metro NY DBT provides flexible virtual and in-person options.
What is the expected duration of DBT-A treatment?
DBT-A usually involves approximately 30 weeks of comprehensive therapy.
How involved should parents and caregivers be in DBT-A?
Active caregiver participation is crucial and significantly improves treatment outcomes.
Does insurance cover DBT-A?
While we are an out-of-network provider, we support clients with reimbursement processes.