DBT-C: Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Children (Ages 8-12)
Building Emotional Strength: DBT-C in NY, NJ & CT
When pre-adolescent children (ages 8-12) struggle with challenging behaviors and intense emotions, it impacts the whole family. Metro NY DBT Center offers an empowering and compassionate therapy solution with Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Children (DBT-C) in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
Understanding Challenges in Middle Childhood
Mental health concerns among children aged 8 to 12 in the United States have become increasingly prevalent. This critical developmental stage, often called "middle childhood," is marked by cognitive, emotional, and social changes. Many children are reporting symptoms of anxiety, depression, ADHD, and behavioral difficulties, often intensified by academic pressures, bullying, early exposure to social media, and/or family stress.
These mental health concerns can go unrecognized, as younger children may express distress through tantrums, withdrawal, aggression, or physical symptoms rather than words. These signs can sometimes be misinterpreted, delaying crucial early intervention and potentially impacting a child's academic performance, self-esteem, and relationships.
The Five Core Components of DBT-C
DBT-C equips children and their families with skills in five key areas, taught using child-friendly language, engaging activities, and concrete examples.
How DBT-C Can Help Your Child and Family
DBT-C is designed to help children who struggle with intense emotions, impulsivity, and behavioral outbursts. By actively involving caregivers and teaching practical skills, DBT-C aims to:
Reduce tantrums, mood swings, and impulsive behaviors.
Improve a child’s ability to manage and regulate their emotions.
Enhance coping skills for dealing with stress and frustration.
Strengthen communication and reduce conflict within the family.
Build emotional resilience and improve overall family well-being.
Help caregivers effectively validate their child's experiences and model emotional control.
The Metro NY DBT Difference: DBT-C for Children
Choosing Metro NY DBT Center for your child’s Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Children (DBT-C) means selecting a program dedicated to providing comprehensive, evidence-based care that’s customized and set up specifically for young children and their families.
DBT-C Expertise
Our clinicians are intensively trained in DBT and its adaptation for children (DBT-C). We are committed to delivering treatment that includes all necessary components to ensure the highest quality of care.
Comprehensive & Integrated Family Treatment
DBT-C at our center is more than just individual child therapy. It’s an integrated approach that actively involves caregivers through dedicated skills training and support, ensuring the whole family system is empowered to foster change and utilize DBT skills effectively.
Focus on Essential, Life-Changing Skills
We teach the five core sets of DBT skills (Mindfulness, Emotion Regulation, Distress Tolerance, Interpersonal Effectiveness, and Walking the Middle Path) in a child-friendly, accessible way. Our goal is to equip your child and family with practical, actionable strategies for managing emotions and improving relationships.
Structured & Supportive Therapeutic Environment
We believe that consistency and commitment from all participants are vital for success in DBT-C. Our program is structured to provide consistent support while fostering accountability, helping families achieve meaningful and lasting improvements.
Flexible Access to Care
Understanding the needs of modern families, we offer a hybrid model of treatment. DBT for young children can often be held either virtually or in-person, in agreement with your therapist, while many parent and skills components may be accessible virtually for convenience.
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-C 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).
Assessment:
60-minute Intake session with child/adolescent (one-time): Insurance CPT Code: 90791
45-minute Parent intake session (one-time):
Insurance CPT Code: 90834
45-minute feedback session: Insurance CPT Code: 90834
Treatment Sessions:
45-minute Individual child therapy sessions (weekly): Insurance CPT: 90849
45-minute Parenting sessions (weekly):
(Insurance CPT Code 90849)
75-minute Multifamily Skills Group (weekly):
(Insurance Code 90849)
Our Commitment to Consistent and Effective Care
We believe that consistency and active engagement are crucial for successful therapy.
- Attendance: Regular attendance at scheduled appointments for both child and caregiver components is expected. Clients should be on time and, for virtual sessions, able to be seen on Zoom.
- Cancellation Policy: We have a 24-hour cancellation policy for individual sessions. If you provide more than 24 hours notice, you will not be charged. Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice will be charged the full session fee.
- Missed Sessions: If four consecutive individual sessions are missed, the client may be discharged from the program, with referrals provided for alternative services. Clients may reapply for treatment after three months.
Frequently Asked Questions About Therapy for Children & Adolescents
What ages is DBT-C suitable for?
DBT-C is specifically designed for children aged 8 to 12.
Can DBT-C sessions be virtual?
Yes, Metro NY DBT Center offers flexible virtual and in-person options.
How long does DBT-C treatment typically last?
Most families engage in DBT-C for at least 7months to achieve sustainable results.
Do you accept insurance?
We are an out-of-network provider but assist families seeking reimbursement.