DBT Therapy in Atlanta
Emotional intensity, impulsivity, and chronic interpersonal struggles can make everyday life feel unmanageable. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a highly effective, evidence-based approach designed to help individuals gain control, build coping skills, and create meaningful change.
What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy is a structured form of cognitive-behavioral therapy developed to help people manage intense emotions and harmful behaviors. Originally created to treat borderline personality disorder, DBT is now widely used to support individuals with anxiety, depression, trauma, and emotional dysregulation.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, DBT focuses on teaching specific life skills across four core modules:
- Mindfulness – staying present in the moment without judgment
- Distress Tolerance – managing crisis without making things worse
- Emotional Regulation – identifying, labeling, and adjusting emotional responses
- Interpersonal Effectiveness – improving communication and relationship boundaries
DBT emphasizes both acceptance and change, helping individuals validate their experiences while working toward healthier behaviors and thought patterns. At Atlanta Specialized Care, our DBT therapy in Atlanta is rooted in these core principles and adapted to support diverse clients through individual and group-based treatment.
Our DBT Therapy Program in Atlanta
At Atlanta Specialized Care, our DBT therapy program is built around the understanding that no two individuals experience emotional distress in the same way. That’s why we offer a range of DBT services tailored to different age groups, personalities, and mental health needs, including adolescents, adults, and those requiring support for overcontrol and perfectionism.
Tailored and Comprehensive Approach
Our DBT therapy program in Atlanta is designed with the understanding that emotional distress is unique to each individual. We offer a range of DBT services customized for different age groups (adolescents and adults) and specific mental health needs, including support for overcontrol and perfectionism.
Integrated Treatment Model
We combine individual DBT therapy sessions, structured DBT skills groups, and real-time support. This integrated approach ensures clients can effectively apply the skills they learn in sessions to their daily lives and real-world situations.
Individualized Therapy Sessions
Our licensed clinicians provide personalized, one-on-one DBT therapy. These sessions are specifically customized to each person’s unique goals, focusing on problem-solving, developing emotional insight, and applying learned skills to help clients maintain grounding and control outside of group settings.
Structured DBT Skills Groups
Central to our DBT treatment are the skills groups, led by trained therapists. These sessions focus on the four core DBT modules: mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, with separate groups available for both teens and adults to ensure age-appropriate and relatable learning experiences.
Specialized RO-DBT Options
For clients who exhibit emotional overcontrol, excessive self-restraint, and rigid coping patterns, our program may include Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO-DBT). This specialized approach is integrated to address these specific challenges effectively.
Conditions Treated With DBT
Dialectical Behavior Therapy isn’t just for one type of diagnosis. At Atlanta Specialized Care, we use DBT to treat a wide range of emotional and behavioral challenges that interfere with daily functioning, relationships, and self-worth. Our clinicians support both adolescents and adults dealing with complex, overlapping concerns, especially when other therapy models haven’t worked.
We commonly use DBT therapy in Atlanta to help individuals struggling with:
- Mood dysregulation and intense emotional reactivity
- Self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or chronic impulsivity
- Anxiety, panic, and social avoidance
- Trauma and post-traumatic stress symptoms
- ADHD or executive functioning challenges that affect emotional control
- Co-occurring disorders, such as depression and OCD
Why Choose Atlanta Specialized Care for DBT?
At Atlanta Specialized Care, DBT isn’t a one-size-fits-all protocol, it’s a personalized, clinically grounded process delivered by a multidisciplinary team that sees the whole person, not just the symptoms.
Here’s what sets our DBT therapy in Atlanta apart:
Integrated Care Teams
We offer integrated care teams that collaborate across various specialties. This ensures your treatment plan is a perfect fit for your specific mental health needs, family dynamics, and daily life.
Age-Specific and Specialized Support
Age-specific support for both adolescents and adults, including those navigating executive functioning challenges or learning differences
Comprehensive Therapy Structure
A focus on both individual therapy and group therapy, so you can learn and practice DBT skills in multiple settings. This dual approach allows you to learn and practice essential DBT skills in multiple settings, enhancing your ability to apply them.
Systemic and Family Involvement
We offer support that includes your broader system, such as involving family through family therapy when appropriate. This helps create a supportive environment for your progress.
Expert and Adaptive Clinicians
Experienced clinicians who adapt DBT to treat neurodiverse clients, trauma survivors, and those living with chronic mental illness.
Benefits of DBT Therapy at Atlanta Specialized Care
Consider reassessing your care plan if:
Start Your DBT Therapy Journey Today
If emotional chaos, self-destructive patterns, or overwhelming stress are affecting your life or your teen’s well-being, Dialectical Behavior Therapy may be the support you’ve been looking for. At Atlanta Specialized Care, we provide DBT therapy in Atlanta that’s grounded in compassion, clinical excellence, and real-world results.
Whether you’re navigating intense emotions, impulsivity, trauma, or relationship challenges, we’ll meet you where you are, with tools, skills, and support tailored to you.
Request an appointment or contact our team to get started.
FAQ About DBT Therapy
What’s the difference between DBT and CBT?
CBT focuses on identifying and changing distorted thoughts, while DBT also emphasizes emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and mindfulness, particularly for individuals with intense emotional experiences.
Is DBT effective for teens and young adults?
Yes. DBT has proven especially helpful for teens and young adults dealing with mood swings, self-harm, impulsivity, and peer conflict.
What happens in a DBT skills group?
Participants learn structured coping strategies across four key areas: mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. It’s a supportive, skills-based environment.
How long does DBT take to work?
Results vary by person, but many begin noticing improvements in emotion control and relationships within 12–24 weeks of consistent participation.
What is RO-DBT, and how is it different?
Radically Open DBT targets overcontrol, such as perfectionism, emotional suppression, or social withdrawal, rather than emotional reactivity. It’s ideal for those whose coping style involves rigid self-restraint.
Can DBT help with trauma and PTSD?
Yes. DBT can be highly effective for individuals who have experienced trauma. It helps manage symptoms like emotional dysregulation, dissociation, and impulsive behaviors while supporting long-term recovery. At ASC, DBT may also be integrated with trauma therapy for a more comprehensive approach.
Is group therapy required for DBT to be effective?
While not required, group therapy is a core component of standard DBT programs. Many clients benefit from the structure, skill-building, and shared support that our DBT skills groups offer alongside individual sessions.
How do I know if DBT is right for me or my teen?
DBT is especially helpful for those struggling with emotional extremes, relationship instability, or behavioral outbursts. If you or your teen experience ongoing mood swings, impulsivity, or conflict, DBT could be a valuable next step. Our team can help assess fit during your first appointment.