Dialectical Behavior Therapy for addiction is a structured, skills-based therapy designed to help people manage intense emotions, reduce impulsive behaviors, and improve relationships. At Amity Palm Beach, DBT plays a key role in our outpatient treatment approach — especially for clients facing challenges with emotional regulation, substance use, self-destructive habits, or trauma.
Originally developed for borderline personality disorder, DBT is now widely used for treating addiction, PTSD, anxiety, and mood disorders. It’s especially helpful when someone feels stuck in cycles of all-or-nothing thinking, emotional overwhelm, or repeated relapses.
DBT at Amity Palm Beach
We offer individual DBT therapy and DBT-informed group sessions as part of our PHP, IOP, and aftercare programs. Our licensed clinicians use DBT to help clients:
Gain better control over thoughts and emotions
Build healthy coping strategies for stress and cravings
Improve communication and relationship boundaries
Move away from impulsive or harmful behaviors
Accept themselves — while still working toward growth
DBT is more than just talk therapy — it’s a skills-based framework for change, with tools clients can apply to real-life challenges.
The Four Core Skill Areas of DBT
1. Mindfulness
Mindfulness helps clients become more aware of their thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations without judgment. It’s a key step in slowing down, grounding in the present, and making better choices.
2. Distress Tolerance
This skill set teaches how to get through painful or triggering moments without turning to self-harm, substance use, or emotional outbursts. Clients learn tools like grounding, distraction, and self-soothing.
3. Emotional Regulation
This helps clients name, understand, and manage their emotions before they spiral. With emotional regulation, clients learn how to reduce reactivity, build resilience, and prevent overwhelming mood swings.
4. Interpersonal Effectiveness
Many people in recovery struggle with trust, assertiveness, or conflict. DBT teaches practical communication skills that help clients navigate relationships with more clarity, boundaries, and respect.
Who Benefits From DBT?
DBT is especially helpful for individuals who:
Struggle with impulsivity or emotional outbursts
Experience frequent relapses due to emotional triggers
Live with borderline personality disorder, PTSD, or bipolar disorder
Use substances to numb or escape from overwhelming feelings
Have difficulty forming or maintaining healthy relationships
Feel stuck in black-and-white thinking patterns
DBT + Addiction Treatment
Substance use often becomes a way to cope with emotional pain. DBT breaks that cycle by teaching new, sustainable ways to handle distress and regulate emotions. At Amity Palm Beach, we integrate DBT into personalized treatment plans alongside:
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Trauma-informed care
Family therapy and alumni support
This holistic approach gives clients a full toolkit to manage both external triggers and internal distress — the two most common causes of relapse.
How DBT Is Delivered at Amity
PHP Level: Clients attend daily groups and weekly individual DBT sessions as part of intensive day treatment.
IOP Level: Clients continue practicing DBT skills while balancing treatment with everyday life.
Alumni & Aftercare: Skills are reinforced through ongoing support groups and peer accountability.
Each session is trauma-informed, client-centered, and adapted to meet your unique needs.
Take Control Without Losing Yourself
DBT empowers you to accept your emotions without being ruled by them. You can be both a work in progress and worthy of care. At Amity Palm Beach, we walk with you as you learn to manage emotions, build stronger relationships, and reclaim your power — without shame or pressure.
Verify Your Insurance
We understand that the cost of treatment can be a concern, which is why we work with most major insurance providers to make our programs accessible. Our admissions team can help you verify your insurance coverage and explore payment options. Don’t let financial concerns stand in the way of your recovery — call us today to learn more about how we can help.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE
CONTACT AMITY PALM BEACH TODAY!
At Amity Palm Beach, we believe that lasting recovery is within everyone's reach. Nestled in the vibrant and restorative surroundings of Palm Beach, Florida, we provide a compassionate and comprehensive approach to treating drug and alcohol addiction, as well as co-occurring disorders. Take the first step toward healing today—your journey to a brighter future starts here.