Therapy Program
Child & Teen Therapy Program
DBT-A: structured skills for teens and families
When Emotions Run the Household
Some teens feel everything at higher volume than their peers. Small frustrations trigger explosive reactions. Disappointments spiral into despair. Conflicts escalate within seconds. For these teens, the standard advice to "take a deep breath" or "think before you act" misses the point, because their emotional system activates faster and more intensely than their regulatory system can manage.
Parents often recognize the pattern long before they find help. The morning routine that dissolves into screaming. The evening homework session that ends in tears. The text messages at 2 AM that make a parent's stomach drop. Standard weekly therapy can help, but for many families, one hour per week is not enough structure to change patterns that play out every day.
This program addresses that gap. Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Adolescents (DBT-A) was developed specifically for emotionally intense teens and the families navigating life alongside them. It teaches concrete, practicable skills to both the teen and their parents, because the research is clear: outcomes improve when the whole family learns the same language.
Three Levels of Support
DBT Skills for Parents
A self-directed course teaching parents the four core DBT skill sets: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. The course also covers validation (the single most underused parenting skill for emotionally intense teens) and how to build a DBT-informed home environment.
Start here if you want to understand what your teen is going through and learn strategies you can begin using immediately. No account required. No cost.
Start the free course →Individual DBT-A Therapy
One-on-one therapy for the adolescent using the DBT-A protocol. Sessions focus on building skills in the four core areas while addressing specific behavioral targets: self-harm, suicidal ideation, therapy-interfering behaviors, and quality-of-life concerns. Each session includes diary card review, behavioral chain analysis when needed, and skill application to the teen's current challenges.
Parents are expected to complete the Level 1 course concurrently and receive periodic updates and guidance on supporting skill use at home.
Contact to schedule →Comprehensive DBT-A Package
The full DBT-A model as developed by Alec Miller and Jill Rathus. This includes weekly individual therapy for the teen, a multifamily skills group where teens and parents learn together, and between-session phone coaching for both the teen and parents during crisis moments.
The multifamily group is where many families report the most transformation. Practicing skills in a room with other families normalizes the struggle, reduces shame, and creates accountability that individual therapy alone cannot provide.
Schedule a consultation →Who This Is For
This program is for families dealing with:
- Teens with intense emotional reactions that seem disproportionate to the situation
- Self-harm, cutting, or other deliberate self-injury
- Suicidal thoughts, statements, or behaviors
- Chronic school refusal or avoidance
- Explosive anger that disrupts the household
- Difficulty maintaining friendships or navigating social situations
- Parents who feel helpless, exhausted, or afraid of making things worse
You do not need to wait for a crisis. If your teen's emotional intensity is consistently interfering with their ability to function at school, at home, or in relationships, this program can help. The free course is a good starting point if you are not sure whether your teen needs formal treatment.
Getting Started
The parent course is free and requires no commitment. Start there if you want to understand DBT and begin learning skills before making any decisions about your teen's treatment.
If you already know your teen needs more support, a consultation will help determine which level is the right starting point. There is no pressure and no obligation.
Insurance & Fees
The parent course is free. Individual DBT-A sessions and multifamily group sessions are $150 per session. I accept Highmark, UPMC, and VCAP insurance in Pennsylvania. For other plans, I provide superbills for out-of-network reimbursement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is DBT-A and how does it differ from standard therapy?
DBT-A is a structured treatment combining individual therapy with skills training in four areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Unlike standard talk therapy, it includes between-session phone coaching, multifamily skills groups, and active involvement of parents in learning the same skills.
Who is this program for?
Adolescents experiencing intense emotional reactions, self-harm, suicidal ideation, school refusal, explosive anger, or persistent difficulty managing emotions. Also for parents who feel stuck or unsure how to respond during crises. The free course is open to anyone. Individual therapy and the comprehensive package require an intake consultation.
How much does it cost?
The parent course is free. Individual and group sessions are $150 each. Highmark, UPMC, and VCAP are accepted. Superbills are available for other insurance plans.
Do parents need to be involved in their teen's therapy?
Yes. Parental involvement is a core component of DBT-A. Research consistently shows that outcomes improve when parents learn the same skills their teen is learning. At minimum, parents complete the free course. In the comprehensive package, parents attend multifamily skills group and have access to phone coaching.