DBT for Teens in Los Angeles, CA
Structure and skills for when emotions feel overwhelming.
Teen years can come with intense emotions, impulsive urges, and conflict at home or school. Dialectical Behavior Therapy gives adolescents practical skills for safety, focus, and communication. Sagebrush Psychotherapy offers DBT for teens in Los Angeles and via secure telehealth across California.
DBT for Teens
Teens That Benefit from DBT Therapy
DBT for teens is designed for young people who feel overwhelmed by their emotions and are struggling to cope in healthy or safe ways. You might recognize some of these challenges in your teen:
Strong emotions
crying, yelling, or shutting down when overwhelmed
swinging quickly from fine to distressed
feeling everything very intensely
reacting strongly over problems that feel small to others
Safety and coping concerns
self harm or threats of self harm
risky behaviors like sneaking out or substance use
talking about not wanting to live, suicide attempts or gestures
Relationship challenges
arguing that escalates fast
social withdrawal from family and friends
feeling hurt easily
friendships that quickly become intense or fall apart
Daily functioning changes
refusing school or avoiding responsibilities
isolating in their room or online
trouble focusing, staying motivated, or sleeping
DBT gives these teens the tools to understand what they are feeling, slow things down before they spiral, and feel more in control of themselves and their relationships. It is especially helpful for teens dealing with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, self harm, eating disorders, trauma, or symptoms related to Borderline Personality Disorder.
If you are worried about your teen’s safety, their friendships, or their ability to manage stress, DBT offers a structured and effective path toward relief and stability.
DBT Treatment Approach
In DBT A (DBT for adolescents), teens learn to understand feelings, reduce impulsive or unhealthy behaviors, and practice tools that help during intense moments of distress.
We tailor a treatment plan that meets each teen where they are, strengthens self-awareness, and builds confidence in everyday life for adolescents and young adults navigating big emotions.
Ages served:
12 to 18
Availability:
In person in Los Angeles and online across California
Care may include:
Weekly individual therapy
Structured group sessions or individual skills to learn DBT skills
Family sessions and/or parent sessions where parents learn techniques to support change at home
Collaboration with psychiatrists for medication management when indicated
DBT Skills For Teens
See our DBT Skills page for details.
We focus on skills that help your teen stay grounded in the present moment, handle stress without turning to unsafe behaviors, and speak up for what they need at home and with friends. They also build problem solving skills so they can make thoughtful choices when emotions feel intense.
Skills practice is supported by DBT worksheets between sessions to solidify learning. In group sessions, teens practice alongside peers who understand their struggles.
Learn more about the 4 core areas (mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, distress tolerance, and emotion regulation) of DBT skills here. Teens also learn the middle path which helps them reduce all-or-nothing thinking.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Mental Health Outcomes
Research shows DBT helps reduce self harm, suicidality, and hospitalizations while improving coping skills, emotion regulation, and social communication. DBT is often the most useful tool to regain stability and move toward goals at school and at home. At Sagebrush Psychotherapy all of our therapists are trained in the comprehensive DBT approach and your teen will be supported by a strong treatment team.
Get Started
If your teen is struggling with big emotions or challenges at home or school, we are here to help.