A DBT skills group is a structured therapy group that teaches dialectical behavior therapy skills in a classroom-style format. Members meet weekly for 90 to 120 minutes over 24 weeks, led by a licensed therapist trained in DBT. The curriculum covers four modules: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.
This page is the hub for everything we cover on DBT skills groups. If you are new to DBT, start with the overview below. If you are deciding between approaches, jump to the comparison with CBT. If you are about to attend your first session, head to the practical guide.
Start here
- What is a DBT group? A complete guide to dialectical behavior therapy skills groups.
- DBT vs CBT: how to choose between dialectical and cognitive behavioral therapy.
- What to expect at your first group therapy session: a practical walkthrough.
- Browse DBT groups near you: search by topic, location, and format.
What is a DBT skills group?
A DBT skills group is one of the four components of a full dialectical behavior therapy program, alongside individual therapy, phone coaching between sessions, and a consultation team for the clinicians. The skills group is the part most people mean when they say “DBT group.”
Skills groups are structured like a class rather than a process group. The facilitator teaches a specific skill each week. Members practice it in session, take it home as a homework assignment, and report back the following week. A standard cycle runs 24 weeks, covering four modules of about six weeks each. Many programs run the full cycle twice so members can revisit each module.
DBT was developed in the late 1980s by psychologist Marsha Linehan, originally for people with chronic suicidal thoughts and borderline personality disorder. The American Psychological Association now recognizes DBT as a well-established evidence-based treatment for a range of conditions.
The four modules of a DBT skills group
Mindfulness
The foundation of every other DBT skill. Mindfulness is taught at the start of each new module, which means members revisit it four times during a full 24-week cycle. The core idea is observing your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without judgment, and acting from a place the curriculum calls “wise mind,” which is the overlap between emotional and rational thinking.
Distress tolerance
Tools for getting through crisis moments without making them worse. The module covers techniques like TIPP (temperature, intense exercise, paced breathing, paired muscle relaxation), distraction, self-soothing, and radical acceptance. The goal is not to feel better in the long run, but to make it through a hard moment without acting in a way you will regret.
Emotion regulation
Strategies for understanding what emotions do, reducing emotional vulnerability, and changing emotional responses. Key skills include opposite action, checking the facts, and PLEASE (treating physical illness, balanced eating, avoiding mood-altering substances, balanced sleep, exercise).
Interpersonal effectiveness
How to ask for what you need, say no, and handle conflict while keeping the relationship and your self-respect intact. The core acronyms here are DEAR MAN (for assertiveness), GIVE (for maintaining relationships), and FAST (for self-respect).
Who DBT skills groups are for
DBT was originally designed for borderline personality disorder, and the research base there remains the strongest. The National Institute of Mental Health includes DBT among the recommended treatments for BPD.
DBT skills groups are also commonly used for:
- Chronic suicidal thoughts and self-harm
- Eating disorders, especially binge eating and bulimia
- Substance use with co-occurring emotional dysregulation
- Complex PTSD
- Difficulty regulating intense emotions in general
- Relationship patterns that swing between closeness and crisis
DBT skills can be useful even for people who do not meet criteria for any specific diagnosis. Many groups welcome members who simply want concrete tools for handling overwhelm.
How to find a DBT skills group
A few practical things to look for when you are evaluating a DBT skills group:
- Facilitator training. Look for therapists who have completed formal DBT training, often through Behavioral Tech or an equivalent program. Ask whether they participate in a DBT consultation team.
- Curriculum source. Reputable groups follow the DBT Skills Training Manual or a closely adapted version of it.
- Group size. Most groups cap at 8 to 10 members so everyone gets time to share.
- Format. Some groups are open (you can join at the start of any module), others are closed cohorts that start and end together.
- Cost and insurance. Costs vary widely. Insurance-covered groups can be 20 to 60 dollars per session as a copay. Out-of-pocket groups typically run 60 to 150 dollars per session.
- Screening call. Any reputable group includes a screening or intake call before your first session. Use it to ask all of the above.
Ready to start your search? Browse DBT groups on My Therapy Groups by topic, location, format, and cost.
What to expect in a DBT skills group
A typical session runs 90 to 120 minutes and follows a predictable structure: a brief mindfulness exercise, a review of the previous week’s homework, a teaching segment on a new skill, practice or role play, and a homework assignment for the coming week.
You will not be asked to share your story in detail on day one. The focus is on learning and practicing skills, not on open-ended discussion. Members do support each other through homework review and skill practice, but the format is closer to a class than to a process group.
For a fuller walkthrough of what to expect, see our guide on what to expect at your first group therapy session.
DBT skills group vs other therapy formats
A DBT skills group is one option among several. A few quick distinctions:
- DBT skills group vs DBT individual therapy. The skills group teaches the content. Individual therapy is where you apply those skills to specific situations in your life with one-on-one coaching. A full DBT program typically includes both.
- DBT vs CBT. DBT is a specialized form of CBT. CBT focuses on changing distorted thoughts. DBT adds mindfulness, distress tolerance, and a dialectical stance. See our full comparison.
- DBT skills group vs process group. A process group is open-ended discussion focused on emotional experience and relationships in the room. A DBT skills group is structured around teaching specific skills.
Common questions about DBT skills groups
How long is a DBT skills group?
A full cycle is usually 24 weeks, covering four modules of about six weeks each. Many programs run the cycle twice (48 weeks) so members can revisit each module. Individual sessions run 90 to 120 minutes.
Do I need a referral to join a DBT skills group?
Most groups do not require a formal referral, but they do require a screening or intake call with the facilitator. Some specialized programs (especially those associated with hospital systems) may ask for a referral from a current provider.
Can I join a DBT skills group without individual DBT therapy?
Yes, many groups accept members who are not in individual DBT therapy. The research base for skills-only formats is more limited than for the full model, but it is generally positive for emotion regulation and distress tolerance outcomes. If you are in active crisis, ask the facilitator whether they recommend pairing the group with individual work.
Are online DBT skills groups effective?
Yes. Research on telehealth DBT suggests outcomes comparable to in-person groups for most people. Online groups can be a good fit if you live in a rural area, have a demanding schedule, or feel more comfortable starting from home.
How much does a DBT skills group cost?
Costs vary widely. Insurance-covered DBT groups can range from a copay of 20 to 60 dollars per session. Out-of-pocket groups typically run 60 to 150 dollars per session, depending on the facilitator’s training and your region. Some training clinics offer reduced-fee groups led by supervised trainees.
Will insurance cover a DBT skills group?
Many insurance plans cover group psychotherapy under CPT code 90853. Coverage depends on your plan, the provider’s contracted status, and your diagnosis. Call your insurer to confirm coverage and any prior authorization requirements before you commit to a group.
Ready to find a DBT skills group?
Browse DBT skills groups, support groups, and peer communities on My Therapy Groups. Search by topic, location, format, and cost. No account needed to start looking. Find a DBT skills group near you.