Certified DBT Therapy in Denver

When you search for “DBT therapy Denver,” you’re probably looking for more than general counseling. Maybe emotions feel too intense, relationships are hard to manage, or you’ve tried therapy before and didn’t get lasting results.

At Front Range Treatment Center (FRTC), Dialectical Behavior Therapy isn’t one of many things we do. It’s what we specialize in. We’re proud to be a DBT-Linehan Board of Certification, Certified Program™, here in Colorado. That means every part of our program meets the highest national standards for true, evidence-based DBT. Our team practices DBT every day, with structured methods that help you build real skills and lasting emotional balance.

Why Choose a Specialized DBT Program?

DBT is more than supportive therapy. It’s a structured treatment that takes teamwork, accountability, and commitment. Real results happen when you work with a team that’s fully trained in DBT and follows the model exactly as it was designed.

At FRTC, every clinician dedicates at least half their caseload to DBT clients. Sessions are guided by data, structure, and collaboration. You won’t get a watered-down or “DBT-informed” approach here. You’ll get a complete program that combines weekly therapy, skills classes, and between-session support. All designed to help you apply DBT in your day-to-day life.

When you work with a certified DBT team, you’re getting treatment that’s proven to help reduce emotional distress, improve relationships, and build stability, especially for people who’ve tried other types of therapy without success.

How Our DBT Program Works

Our Adult DBT Program in Denver is built around two main phases: Pretreatment and Treatment.

Pretreatment (about 4 weeks):

During these first sessions, you’ll meet with your therapist to identify personal goals, understand how DBT works, and set expectations for your time in the program. This stage helps you and your therapist build a foundation for progress and motivation.

Treatment (about 12 months):

Once you’re ready, you’ll begin the full program; a combination of individual DBT sessions, weekly skills classes, and access to phone coaching between appointments. The program is broken down into modules focused on:

Mindfulness
Emotion Regulation
Distress Tolerance
Interpersonal Effectiveness

Each skill set builds on the last. You’ll learn how to pause before reacting, manage intense emotions, and communicate more effectively, tools you can use immediately, both in and out of therapy.

Our sessions are structured, focused, and designed to help you create lasting change. Most adults stay in the full program for around a year, but timelines are flexible based on your needs.

What’s Included in Our DBT Program

A comprehensive DBT program includes several connected parts that work together to support growth and accountability:

Weekly individual DBT therapy sessions focused on your goals and progress.
DBT Skills training classes (offered in-person here in the Denver area or online) where you learn and practice DBT tools.
Phone coaching between sessions for real-time support when challenges come up.
A full treatment team trained in DBT to ensure you’re supported from every angle

These elements work together to help you use DBT skills not only during therapy, but in everyday life.

DBT is Practical

Dialectical Behavior Therapy offers practical solutions for managing emotions and solving problems. It’s a skills-based treatment that helps people develop structure, self-awareness, and emotional resilience through hands-on learning.

At the core of DBT are four essential skill areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. These aren’t abstract ideas. They’re practical, teachable methods you can start using right away. Whether it’s calming your body in a stressful moment or communicating clearly during conflict, DBT gives you tools that make a measurable difference in daily life.

DBT Skills Groups That Actually Teach

Our DBT skills groups aren’t supporting circles or open discussions. They’re practical classes where you learn how to use DBT techniques effectively.

You’ll cover the four key areas of DBT skills: mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. Each class offers clear strategies, examples, and homework that make the skills stick.

Sessions are designed for learning, not pressure. You’re never required to share personal stories unless you want to. Instead, you’ll walk away from each class with tools you can apply right away. Like how to de-escalate when you’re overwhelmed, communicate boundaries clearly, or calm racing thoughts before they spiral.

Skills classes are available both in-person and online, giving you flexibility to fit therapy into your schedule while still maintaining consistency.

DBT in the Denver Area: Local Support That Fits Real Life

Families across the Denver metropolitan area choose FRTC because our program fits real life, not the other way around. Whether you’re managing a demanding job, parenting, or navigating long-term emotional challenges, we help you build structure and stability at a pace that works for you.

We offer in-person DBT sessions at our Denver-area location and virtual options for individual therapy when appropriate, so you can access care in the way that suits you best. Our goal is to make DBT accessible while maintaining the accountability and connection that make it effective.

Who DBT Therapy Helps Most

While DBT was first developed to treat Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), research has shown it helps with a wide range of issues, including:

Emotional dysregulation or intense mood swings
Depression or anxiety that hasn’t improved with other treatments
Suicidal thoughts or self-harming behaviors
Impulsive or self-destructive behaviors
Relationship conflict or fear of abandonment
Difficulty managing anger or stress

You don’t need a diagnosis to benefit from DBT. If you often feel like your emotions control you more than you control them, DBT can help you learn practical ways to find balance.

For families and loved ones, we also offer Friends and Family DBT, helping people learn skills to support someone in therapy while managing their own emotions. We also run specialized DBT programs for teens, children, couples, and clients healing from trauma through DBT-PE (Prolonged Exposure).

DBT is Proven to Work

DBT has been tested and refined for decades, and the research speaks for itself. Studies consistently show that DBT helps people reduce self-harming behaviors, manage suicidal thoughts, and improve emotional stability. It’s also one of the most effective therapies for people struggling with BPD, chronic anxiety, depression, or trauma.

Unlike traditional talk therapy, DBT combines cognitive-behavioral techniques, mindfulness, and skills training to create lasting behavioral change. It’s not just about understanding emotions. It’s about learning exactly how to respond to them differently.

The structure, accountability, and evidence-based nature of Dialectical Behavior Therapy make it a reliable option for anyone who wants measurable, long-term improvement. It’s therapy that’s been proven in both research and real life.

Why Certification Matters

FRTC is a DBT-Linehan Board of Certification, Certified Program™ in Colorado and that certification matters. It means our therapists follow the full DBT model created by Dr. Marsha Linehan, the founder of DBT.

Many clinics advertise “DBT-informed” therapy, but certified programs go much further. They’re reviewed for structure, staff training, and adherence to evidence-based standards. That ensures you’re getting real DBT, not a modified version.

Choosing a certified DBT program means choosing a team that’s fully trained, supervised, and dedicated to helping you achieve measurable, long-term results.

What Makes FRTC Different

We don’t offer quick fixes. Our approach is rooted in structure, accountability, and compassion. Every client at FRTC has access to a full DBT team that works together to help you succeed.

Our clinicians are experienced in helping people with complex emotional challenges, trauma histories, and treatment resistance. If you’ve tried therapy before and it didn’t work, DBT might be exactly what’s been missing.

We also focus on creating a supportive community. Whether you’re attending in person or online, you’ll work with people who understand what you’re going through, a team that’s committed to helping you build a life that feels more stable and fulfilling.

DBT is Rewarding

DBT takes commitment, but the rewards are real. Over time, clients often describe feeling more grounded, resilient, and confident in handling life’s challenges. As you learn and practice new skills, small changes start to build into larger shifts, fewer emotional highs and lows, healthier relationships, and a stronger sense of control.

The work isn’t always easy, but the payoff is lasting change that helps you live life with more peace and balance.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’ve been looking for DBT therapy in Denver and want something that actually works, we’re here to help. Whether you’re completely new to therapy or returning after past experiences, you’re welcome here.

We offer free phone consultations so you can ask questions, learn about the program, and see if DBT feels like the right fit. There’s no pressure, just clarity and support.

Call (720) 390-6932 to get started.

FAQs

What does a DBT program include?

A full DBT program includes several connected parts that work together to support real change. You’ll attend weekly individual therapy sessions focused on your personal goals, participate in skills training groups to learn practical tools, and have access to phone coaching for help between sessions. The treatment is structured to help you apply DBT skills not just during therapy, but in everyday life. You’ll also work with a treatment team that is fully trained in DBT. Every piece is there to keep you supported, accountable, and moving toward the life you want to build.

Is this DBT program right for me?

DBT can be a great fit if you’re dealing with intense emotions, relationship struggles, impulsive behaviors, or stress that hasn’t improved with other approaches. Our program is designed for people who want practical strategies, not just talk. If you’re ready to put effort into learning new skills and applying them in real life, DBT might be exactly what you’re looking for. We offer free phone consultations where you can talk with a trained DBT provider, ask questions, and get a sense of whether this kind of program would fit your needs and goals.

Do I need a diagnosis to join your DBT program?

No, you don’t need a formal diagnosis to participate in our DBT program. While DBT was originally developed for specific conditions like Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), it has since been shown to help with many issues, from emotional intensity to relationship challenges. If your emotions or behaviors are interfering with the life you want to live, and you’re open to learning skills to manage them, DBT can offer real support. Whether or not you’ve been given a clinical label, you’re welcome to reach out and explore whether this program could be a good fit for you.

How long does the program last?

Most people stay in a full Dialectical Behavior Therapy program for around 12 months. This allows time to learn the full set of skills, practice them in real-world situations, and work through deeper patterns. That said, your timeline might look a little different based on your personal goals, needs, and progress. Some clients benefit from a shorter time in the program, while others stay longer for continued support. Our team will work with you to create a plan that feels right for your journey. It’s about building lasting skills, not rushing through a process that deserves real time.

Can I attend Dialectical Behavior Therapy sessions online?

Yes, we offer full online options for both skills groups and individual therapy sessions. Whether you live outside the Denver area, have a busy schedule, or just feel more comfortable at home, you can still access everything our DBT program provides. Our virtual sessions are secure, HIPAA-compliant, and designed to feel just as personal and connected as in-person therapy. You’ll still have access to all parts of the program, including phone coaching and support between sessions. Many of our clients find online DBT convenient, flexible, and just as effective for learning and practicing skills.

Is the program covered by insurance?

We are in-network with Colorado Access (Denver-area Medicaid), which covers most of our current clients. For all other insurance plans, we are considered out-of-network, meaning we don’t bill insurance directly. However, we can provide superbills (detailed receipts) that you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. Some families receive partial reimbursement depending on their out-of-network benefits.

Our team is happy to walk you through how billing works, help you understand your coverage options, and provide any documentation you’ll need if you decide to submit claims. We know affordability matters, and we strive to keep the process clear, supportive, and transparent.

What makes FRTC different from other therapy centers?

At Front Range Treatment Center, DBT isn’t just one of the services we offer. It’s our specialty. We are a DBT-Linehan Board of Certification, Certified Program™, which means we meet the highest national standards for DBT delivery. Our expert DBT therapists dedicate at least half their caseload to DBT clients, and our program includes all the elements that research shows are essential for real results. You won’t find watered-down versions or “DBT-informed” therapy here. Instead, you’ll get a full, evidence-based program designed to help you build skills, stay supported, and make meaningful, lasting changes in your life.