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DBT-Linehan Board Certified Program

Child DBT Program

A compassionate, structured program helping children and their families build the skills they need for emotional stability and stronger connections.

Get Started (720) 390-6932

Ages 7–12

Developmentally appropriate for children

Parent-Delivered

Treatment is primarily delivered through parent coaching

90-Min Sessions

$300 per weekly session

DBT-LBC Certified

Gold-standard evidence-based care

Is DBT Right for My Child?

DBT-C is especially helpful when other forms of therapy haven't worked or challenges persist despite your best efforts.

Regular tantrums or meltdowns
Intense anger or anxiety
Aggressive or disrespectful behavior
Difficulty calming down
Struggles with rules or routines
Low frustration tolerance
School refusal or avoidance

DBT's biosocial model explains that some children naturally feel things more deeply. If their emotions are dismissed or misunderstood, they may struggle even more. DBT-C focuses on building emotional skills while helping parents create a more validating, supportive home.

How Our Program Works

A parent-centered approach that creates lasting change from the inside out.

1

Parent DBT Training Primary component · 3–6 months

Parent coaching is the core of DBT-C. Parents learn DBT principles, communication strategies, boundary-setting, validation, and how to implement a DBT training program at home. This isn't just a warm-up — it's the main treatment. As you learn to respond differently, children's behavior often changes significantly.

2

Occasional Child Sessions As needed

Your child's DBT therapist may meet with your child periodically for support, skills coaching, and assessment. However, the treatment is almost entirely delivered through parent coaching — the therapist determines how often child meetings need to occur based on your family's situation.

3

Optional Parent Therapy

Individual therapy for parents who need extra support or want to pursue personal goals. Completed with a different therapist than your child's DBT trainer. Sometimes recommended for the best outcomes — if a parent is struggling, children can tell.

Conditions DBT-C Can Help With

Anxiety & School Refusal

Generalized anxiety, social anxiety, separation anxiety, phobias, or refusal to attend school

Depression & Mood Disorders

Sadness, irritability, or withdrawal from activities

Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Frequent defiance, arguing, or moodiness

Conduct Disorder

Aggression or rule-breaking beyond typical misbehavior

OCD

Repetitive rituals or intrusive thoughts

PTSD

Fear, nightmares, or avoidance tied to past trauma

How DBT-C Helps Children and Families

Address Aggressive Behaviors

Parents learn to manage concerning behaviors with clear expectations, consistency, and reinforcement.

Build Emotional Control

Children learn to notice and name their feelings, use coping strategies, and avoid reactive behaviors.

Reduce Anxiety & Depression

Skills to calm their mind and body help children feel more secure and confident.

Strengthen Communication

Interpersonal skills help children form healthier connections with siblings, classmates, and adults.

Why Early Support Matters

Emotional struggles in childhood don't usually go away on their own. When left unaddressed, early dysregulation can grow into larger problems during adolescence. At FRTC, we support families early, teach practical skills, and set your child up for long-term emotional success.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is DBT for Kids?
DBT-C (Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Children) is a specialized therapy for kids who struggle with intense emotions and impulsive behaviors. It teaches both children and parents practical tools to manage big feelings, reduce meltdowns, and improve communication.
What age can a child start?
DBT-C is typically appropriate for children between ages 7 and 12. What matters most is whether your child can learn and apply skills with adult support. Younger children may need more parent involvement. At FRTC, we assess each child individually.
Why is parent coaching the main treatment?
In DBT-C, parent coaching isn't just a first step — it's the primary way treatment is delivered. Over the course of 3–6 months, parents learn DBT principles, communication strategies, and how to create lasting change at home. As you learn to respond differently, children's behavior often shifts significantly. The therapist may occasionally meet your child, but the real work happens through you.
Does DBT work for children with anxiety or school refusal?
Yes. DBT-C helps children identify anxious thoughts, learn calming strategies, and face fears gradually — including returning to school. Parents learn how to support growth and independence without reinforcing anxious or avoidant behaviors.
How is DBT different from other therapies for kids?
Unlike traditional talk therapy, DBT is skills-focused and highly structured. It doesn't just explore feelings — it teaches step-by-step tools for managing them. DBT-C also includes parents as key partners in treatment, which is a major reason it's effective.
What if my child refuses to participate?
That's common, and it's not a barrier to treatment. Because DBT-C is delivered almost entirely through parent coaching, your child doesn't need to be in the room for progress to happen. As you learn to respond differently at home, children's behavior often changes. If and when the therapist does meet your child, we use engaging, age-appropriate strategies to build trust.
How long does the program last?
Many families participate for six months to a year. The program is flexible and evolves with your child's development. We regularly reassess goals and adjust the plan. Parent involvement remains key throughout.
How do I get started?
Contact us for a free phone consultation. We'll explain the program, answer questions, and help decide if DBT-C is right for your family. From there, we guide you through intake and beginning parent coaching. Contact us →

Ready to Start DBT for Your Child?

You're not alone. With support for both child and parent, we help families strengthen connection, reduce chaos, and build emotional resilience together.

Contact Us (720) 390-6932