Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a type of therapy that helps people manage their emotions, behavior, and relationships. When DBT is offered online, it means you can meet with a therapist through video calls, chat, or phone. This makes it easier for patients to get help no matter where they live.
DBT therapy is often used for people with borderline personality disorder, personality disorder, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It can also help with substance abuse, addiction, stress, anger, and impulsivity.
Online DBT is just as effective as in-person sessions. Clients can still learn DBT skills like mindfulness, distress tolerance, and coping strategies.
DBT online is a great choice for patients who want flexible scheduling. You can attend sessions from home, school, or even while traveling. This makes it easier for people with busy lives or limited transportation.
Online therapy also lets clients connect with therapists who specialize in DBT, even if they are far away. For people living in rural areas or places without many mental health providers, this is a huge benefit.
Some patients find online therapy less stressful because they are in a familiar space. This can make it easier to open up and work on difficult emotions.
Dialectical behavior therapy uses a mix of skills training, one-on-one therapy, and coaching. The main skills in DBT include:
Mindfulness teaches you to focus on the present moment. It helps reduce stress and anxiety. When you practice mindfulness, you pay attention to your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without judgment.
Distress tolerance helps you handle tough situations without making them worse. You learn coping strategies for distress, anger, and impulsivity. This skill is important for patients dealing with suicidal ideation or intense emotions.
Emotion regulation teaches you how to manage emotions before they become overwhelming. Patients learn how to identify triggers, increase motivation, and stay balanced.
This skill helps clients build healthy relationships. You learn how to set boundaries, communicate clearly, and solve conflicts without losing control.
DBT therapy can help many types of patients, including:
People with borderline personality disorder
Patients with bipolar disorder or anxiety disorder
Clients dealing with substance abuse or addiction
People who struggle with stress, anger, or impulsivity
Patients with suicidal ideation
Those living with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
It’s also helpful for patients going through trauma or major life changes.
DBT is often used as part of a treatment plan for mental health conditions. It works alongside other tools like medication, exercise, and support groups.
Borderline Personality Disorder: DBT is one of the main treatments recommended for this personality disorder.
Anxiety Disorders: DBT skills help reduce worry and improve coping.
Bipolar Disorder: DBT teaches balance between high and low moods.
ADHD: DBT helps improve focus, behavior control, and motivation.
Substance Abuse: DBT supports recovery by managing triggers and cravings.
Many clients come to DBT because they have trouble managing stress and anger. Online DBT sessions can include anger management strategies like:
Learning to pause before reacting
Using mindfulness to stay calm
Finding healthy ways to release energy, like exercise
Talking through emotions with a therapist
These skills help patients avoid impulsivity and improve relationships.
Skills training is a big part of DBT therapy. Clients meet with a therapist to learn and practice skills. Sessions might include role-playing, guided exercises, and real-life assignments.
Skills training focuses on:
Mindfulness exercises
Coping with distress
Emotion regulation techniques
Interpersonal communication
Over time, patients can use these skills on their own, outside of therapy sessions.
In online DBT, therapists use video calls, chat, and email to connect with patients. They may send worksheets or videos to help with learning. Patients can also message their therapist between sessions for support.
Therapists track progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed. This helps clients stay motivated and feel supported throughout the process.
Many insurance plans cover online DBT therapy. This can make it more affordable for patients. Before starting, check with your insurance provider to see if DBT is included in your plan.
Some therapists offer sliding-scale fees or payment plans for clients without insurance.
People who have experienced trauma often benefit from DBT. Skills like mindfulness and distress tolerance help patients feel safer and more in control.
Here are some helpful trauma resources:
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 if you are in distress or having suicidal thoughts.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Offers support groups and information.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Has a free helpline at 1-800-662-4357.
A typical online DBT session lasts about 45–60 minutes. You and your therapist might:
Review your week and talk about challenges
Practice mindfulness exercises
Learn a new DBT skill
Make a plan to handle stress or triggers
Talk about progress and goals
Some patients also join group skills training sessions online.
DBT works best when the patient is active in the process. This means:
Attending all therapy sessions
Practicing skills outside of therapy
Being honest with your therapist about emotions and struggles
Asking questions and staying involved in learning
The more effort you put in, the more you will get out of DBT.
Motivation is a key part of DBT success. Some clients start DBT when they are feeling low or hopeless. Therapists help boost motivation by celebrating progress, no matter how small.
Motivation grows when patients see their coping skills working in real life.
If you think dialectical behavior therapy online might help you, here’s how to start:
Find a therapist who offers DBT therapy online.
Check your insurance coverage.
Schedule a first appointment to see if it’s a good fit.
Commit to regular sessions and practice.
DBT was first created to help people struggling with suicidal ideation. It teaches life-saving skills to manage distress, reduce impulsivity, and build hope.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline right away. You are not alone, and help is available 24/7.
Many patients report big changes after completing DBT. They feel more in control of emotions, have better relationships, and can cope with stress in healthy ways.
Even clients who struggled for years often see progress after learning DBT skills.
