HPCA offers a Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Program credentialed by Minnesota’s Department of Human Services. Our Program adheres to the DBT Program requirements established by it’s developer, Dr. Marsha Linehan: one 2-hour, weekly Skills Training Class; weekly Individual DBT therapy; the use of Behavior Chain Analyses and Coaching Calls and a weekly, 90-minute DBT Case Consultation for the DBT Therapists.
What is DBT?
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based mental health treatment method designed to treat persons struggling with emotional and psychological issues that lead to ineffective behavioral responses. Persons experiencing relationship struggles, various mood disorders, suicidal ideation, substance use disorders or urges to engage in self-harm have benefitted greatly from DBT which combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with concepts of mindfulness, distress tolerance and acceptance. DBT is the first therapy that has been experimentally demonstrated to be effective for treating persons diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). DBT has also been found to be effective in treating persons with symptoms and behaviors associated with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, PTSD and various mood disorders.
We offer the following Adult DBT Skills Training Groups:
Tuesday 5:15 – 7:15pm Women only. Co-facilitated by Kathrine Brathen, MA, LP and Lauren Royce, BSW, LGSW. Call Kathrine directly at 651.690.0953 x 4 or info@highlandpca.com for information about this Skills Training Group or to schedule an intake/assessment.
Wednesday 5:00 – 7:00 pm Mixed gender. Co-facilitated by Shelley Berven, MSW, LICSW and Jeanne Forbes, MSW, LICSW. Call HPCA’s Intake Line at 651.690.0953 x 0 or info@highlandpca.com for information about this Skills Training Group or to schedule an intake/assessment.
Friday 10:00am-12:00 pm This group is currently on hiatus. If you’re interested in this day/time for a DBT Group, please feel free to inquire about the current status of this group.
Emerging Adult DBT (8-10 Emerging Adults)
Tuesday 3:30 – 5:30 pm Mixed gender. Facilitated by Cori Boehm-Peterson, MSW, LICSW and Molly Drazan, BA, MSW Intern. Contact HPCA’s Intake Line at 651.690.0953 x 0 or info@highlandpca.com for more information about this Skills Training Group or to schedule an intake/assessment.
We are not currently offering an Adolescent Family DBT Program. We encourage anyone interested in that program to check out the currently credentialed programs through the Minnesota Department of Human Services’ website. https://mn.gov/dhs/partners-and-providers/policies-procedures/adult-mental-health/dialectical-behavior-therapy/dbt-certified-providers/
How we run our DBT Program
1. Skills Training Classes
We offer the traditional DBT skill group structure, meeting weekly for two hours, teaching skills, encouraging group members to track and report their skill use and observations about their Target Behaviors. We encourage the regular use of Diary Cards, skill commitments and the development of a mindfulness practice. In order to best facilitate learning and manage the limited time we have in our Skills Group, we limit process-based discussions and refer those issues to the member’s individual therapy.
2. Coaching Calls
Coaching Calls are a unique part of any certified DBT program. We offer in-between session contact or “coaching” to all of our DBT group members. Each DBT participant is encouraged to reach out for help when experiencing urges to engage in their Target Behavior(s)as a way to interrupt their pattern of responding that has been identified as ineffective. DBT participants have access to Coaching Calls 24/7. The members of our DBT Case Consultation Team rotate being available 8 pm to 8 am Monday through Friday and weekends for Coaching Calls. DBT participants will be fully oriented to the details of Coaching Calls as they enter our DBT program. This service is only available to current DBT clients.
3. Individual DBT Therapy
All of HPCA’s Individual DBT Therapists provide individual DBT therapy focused on identified Target Behaviors, secondary behaviors and details gleaned through Behavior Chain Analyses. We assist clients in identifying their specific Target Behaviors based on a hierarchy and personalize the Diary Card to track them as a way to interrupt the pattern and introduce more effective responses (e.g. chemical use, overspending, giving up, fighting, etc.).
4. Consultation and Up-to-date training
HPCA’s DBT Treatment Team conducts formal Case Consultation meetings weekly. We are able to consult with others who provide DBT services as well. Our therapists regularly participate in DBT training with the Behavior Tech group based in Seattle, Washington. All our DBT therapists have completed a DBT Intensive or Foundational training or other commensurate training.
Insurance
We provide DBT services under contract with Aetna, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Cigna, Health Partners, Hennepin Health, Medica, Medical Assistance (MA), PreferredOne, UCare, WEA Trust and various other insurances. You may want to contact your insurance carrier to determine if Highland Park Counseling Associates, LLC is in your insurance network and if DBT services will be covered by your policy. Our billing specialists can help access this information as well and your therapist will seek a prior authorization if needed.