DBT Program for Teens

DBT for teens is a structured, evidence-based therapy program designed to help adolescents who struggle with intense emotions, impulsive behavior, and relationship challenges. It includes weekly individual therapy, DBT skills groups (with parent participation), and access to phone coaching for support outside of sessions. 

The program focuses on teaching practical tools in five key areas: emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, mindfulness, and walking the middle path. Each part works together to support real-life change. DBT for teens helps young people gain emotional control, improve communication, and develop more stable relationships - at home, at school, and with peers.

Parental involvement is a critical part of teen DBT because it directly impacts how well teens respond to the program. Research shows that when parents or caregivers learn DBT skills alongside their teen, treatment is more effective and lasting. 

By participating in group sessions and parent coaching, you gain tools to better understand your teen, manage conflict more calmly, and support their growth outside of therapy. This creates a stronger, more stable home environment where real change can happen. We also offer optional individual parent therapy if you need extra support during your teen’s treatment journey.

The core group component of our Teen DBT program typically runs for about six months. This includes weekly two-hour sessions where both teens and parents attend skills groups together. During this time, teens also meet weekly for one-on-one therapy. While the skills portion has a clear end point, many families choose to continue individual therapy for additional support. 

Every teen progresses at their own pace, so the full length of the program can vary depending on your teen’s needs, goals, and level of engagement. We’ll work with you to tailor a treatment plan that fits your family’s situation.

Yes, absolutely. While we're based in Denver, our Teen DBT program is fully available online for families who live outside the area. Virtual sessions include the same weekly skills groups, individual therapy, and phone coaching that in-person clients receive. Your teen will be matched with a trained DBT therapist and participate in structured group classes alongside other teens and their parents - just from the comfort of your own home. 

We’ve worked with families across Colorado and beyond who needed access to quality DBT but couldn’t find a certified program near them. Our online option makes that support accessible.

Yes. DBT is widely recognized as an effective treatment for teens experiencing anxiety, depression, or both - especially when those issues are tied to emotional intensity or difficulty managing distress. It was originally developed to treat Borderline Personality Disorder but is now used to support a wide range of emotional and behavioral challenges. Teens struggling with mood swings, social withdrawal, panic, or chronic worry often benefit from DBT’s structured skill-building approach.

Our Denver-based DBT therapists work with teens to reduce symptoms, build emotional resilience, and improve overall functioning - often even when other therapy methods haven’t worked well in the past.

Teen DBT is designed to help with a wide range of emotional and behavioral challenges. Common concerns include depression, anxiety, anger, mood swings, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, impulsivity, and difficulties with relationships. Many teens in our program have struggled with risky behaviors, frequent arguments at home, social isolation, or trouble coping with school stress. 

Some have already tried therapy before without much progress. DBT gives them a clear structure, practical skills, and consistent support. Whether the issue is emotional intensity or specific behaviors, our Denver-based team works to meet teens where they are and help them move forward.

“Walking the Middle Path” is a core part of our Teen DBT program. It’s about helping teens (and parents) move away from black-and-white thinking and find a healthy balance between extremes. This might look like learning to accept a situation while also working to improve it, or balancing independence with parental involvement. 

For teens, this often means practicing compromise, managing emotional extremes, and finding new ways to handle disagreements. For parents, it means learning to set limits without shutting down conversations. It’s a practical, skills-based way to reduce conflict and help the whole family function more peacefully.

At Front Range Treatment Center, Teen DBT isn’t just an add-on service - it’s a dedicated, structured program built around the unique needs of adolescents and their families. We’re a certified DBT center, which means our team has met the highest standards for delivering this treatment. Our therapists are specially trained to work with teens, and we make parent participation a central part of the process. We also offer real-time phone coaching, optional parent therapy, and a warm, collaborative environment. Whether you join us in person in Denver or attend virtually, you’ll receive a full DBT experience that’s tailored and effective.