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Our Linehan Board Certified DBT Programs

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of treatment that decades of research has shown to effectively treat conditions with a strong emotional component. Difficulty controlling moods often leads to feeling out of control, inability organizing behavior enough to achieve goals, difficulty self-soothing, inability to stop behaviors that are not effective, and problems in relationships. Self-destructive thoughts and behaviors can develop. Life can seem like unending and unmanageable stress for the person and those who live with and care about the person. 

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DBT was originally developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan to treat those who had chronic self-harm and thoughts of suicide, or nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI). This type of treatment balances validation and change in treatment and emphasizes the importance of a person's environment (family, social) on the person's emotions and behaviors. The emphasis is on developing and increasing the quality of life. DBT remains the "gold standard" of treatment for those who have these struggles and those who behaviors that are based on strong emotions.

Decades of research have shown DBT to be effective treatment for:

  • Anxiety related to life stressors

  • Depression

  • Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

  • Substance Use Disorders

  • Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

  • Self-Harm, including non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in all ages

  • Chronic Suicidality (in adults and in adolescents)

  • Attention-Deficit Disorders

  • Impulse control Disorders

  • Bipolar Disorder

  • Eating Disorders

  • strong emotions that interfere with quality of life and relationships

  • adolescents and children with emotions and behaviors that are difficult to control.

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DBT-Linehan Board of Certification,

Certified Programs for Adults and Adolescents 

Transformation Behavioral Health offers adolescent and adult DBT programs that are DBT-Linehan Board of Certification, Certified Programs (TM). When you are seeking DBT treatment, this distinction matters. A DBT-Linehan Board Certified Program means that the program has undergone a rigorous assessment process of their qualifications, knowledge, and competency in delivery of DBT. This seal of certification is the only way to ensure that the place you are choosing for treatment is actually providing the treatment you are choosing, in the manner that research has shown it to be effective. A therapist or organization that advertises they provide DBT, yet is not Linehan Board Certified, is not guaranteed to be providing the highest standard of DBT and may be providing only DBT-like treatment. Research has shown that this may actually lead to a deterioration or worsening of the condition (Koerner et al, 2007), and can have devastating consequences for someone who has severe or complex symptoms. If you are investing the time and work to improve the quality of life of yourself or a loved one, it makes sense to choose the highest quality of treatment that is delivered in a manner that is supported by research. If you have an adolescent who is exhibiting serious, out-of-control, or suicidal behaviors, it is wise to seek out treatment that has the highest probability of decreasing these symptoms. 

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At Transformation Behavioral Health, both our adult and our adolescent DBT programs are DBT-Linehan Board of Certification, Certified Programs. We have been providing top quality DBT since 2006. We are the only Illinois DBT Board Certified program that is in-network with commercial insurance. We are also the only board certified DBT program in the midwest that is in-network with TriWest and UHC-VACCN and able to treat veterans through these programs and through a referral from the VA. Come experience the difference and open the door to a more fulfilling life!

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