Mental health concerns among teenagers have been on a steady rise, with approximately one in five adolescents grappling with some form of mental health issue. To address behavioral issues effectively, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) proves beneficial for teenagers who are contending with mood disorders or experiencing suicidal thoughts. For adolescents seeking the necessary support to manage their mental health, a comprehensive teen mental health treatment program is available at Imagine Denver, offering outpatient treatment options.
At Imagine Denver, our dedicated team specializes in providing mental health treatment for teenagers aged 12–17. Through our outpatient programs, we incorporate a comprehensive dialectical behavior therapy program, which empowers teens to embrace the present moment and develop practical coping skills to enhance their mental well-being.
If you would like to learn more about our dialectical behavior therapy program or any other treatment programs for teen mental health, contact our friendly staff by calling 888.482.0860.
What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?
Dialectical behavior therapy is a specialized form of cognitive-behavioral therapy designed to assist individuals with borderline personality disorder. Over time, behavioral therapists have uncovered the versatility of DBT in addressing various mental health issues, including stress, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.
There are four areas that DBT focuses on:
- Mindfulness – The initial step involves therapists observing clients in a non-judgmental setting, allowing them to express themselves freely. Therapists actively contribute by sharing their observations and assisting teenagers in maintaining focus on their concerns.
- Distress tolerance – This aspect alters clients’ perspectives during stress or social situations that typically induce worry. Instead of fixating on potential outcomes, clients learn to accept situations and refrain from attempting to change them to align with their predictions.
- Emotional regulation – This area aids clients in managing intense feelings and emotions without allowing them to disrupt their daily lives. Rather than letting their emotions generate anxiety or fear, clients acquire a positive approach and gradually replace negative thought patterns with positive ones.
- Interpersonal effectiveness – Therapists collaborate with clients to enhance their communication skills and express their emotions to others. Clients learn to convey their thoughts assertively, ensuring their voices are heard and acknowledged.
A teen dialectical behavior therapy program can help with several mental health issues and other concerns, such as:
- Eating disorders
- Self-harm
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Suicidal thoughts
- Fear
- Obsessive worrying
A DBT program may help young people work through challenges and live happier, more productive lives as they grow into young adults.
Benefits of a Teen Dialectical Behavior Therapy Program
Dialectical behavior therapy has demonstrated tremendous efficacy in assisting teenagers in cultivating happiness and productivity. A teen DBT program offers three significant advantages, namely:
- Develop relationship skills – Adolescents cultivate healthy relationships with friends and family, establishing a robust support system even after treatment. DBT recognizes the importance of nurturing positive connections, addressing relationship challenges, and overcoming social anxieties.
- Acquire healthy coping strategies – The mindfulness-based approach of DBT proves beneficial across all facets of a teenager’s life. As they grow older, they will discover that the coping skills acquired in DBT extend beyond its boundaries, positively influencing various areas of their lives.
- Enhance overall quality of life – The ultimate objective of any mental health program is to improve the client’s quality of life. DBT guides them toward the realization that they cannot control every aspect of their future, empowering them to accept life’s uncertainties.
A DBT program can help individuals embrace positive changes that contribute significantly to their well-being.
Enroll in Dialectical Behavior Therapy at Imagine Denver
Imagine Denver offers a comprehensive dialectical behavior therapy program in Colorado, specifically designed for adolescents aged 12–17 facing various mental health challenges. Our skilled therapists utilize DBT to delve into the underlying causes of these issues and empower teens to navigate them without succumbing to negativity. This transformative process replaces harmful habits with positive ones, and the cycle of negative thinking is effectively disrupted.
Call today at 888.482.0860 to speak about our teen dialectical behavior therapy program, or you can fill out our convenient Imagine Denver online contact form.