DBT for Teens

Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Adolescents

Adolescence is a time of intense emotion, rapid change, and growing independence. For many teens, it can also be a time of overwhelming feelings, conflict at home or school, self-harm, or a sense that no one truly understands them. DBT for adolescents (DBT-A) was developed specifically to address these challenges - and it works.

At the Katy DBT Center, our adolescent DBT program is led by clinicians certified by the DBT-Linehan Board of Certification. We treat teens and involve their families, because real change happens both in the therapy room and at home.

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What DBT-A Can Help With

Our adolescent DBT program is effective for teens experiencing self-harm or suicidal thoughts, severe emotional dysregulation and mood swings, depression and anxiety, difficult family relationships and chronic conflict, eating disorders, and impulsive or risky behaviors. If your teen is struggling - even if you're not sure it "qualifies" - we encourage you to reach out. We can help you figure out if DBT is the right fit.

1

Mindfulness

Teens learn to slow down and notice what is happening inside and around them without reacting impulsively. Mindfulness helps teens make choices from a clear, grounded place rather than from the heat of the moment. It's a skill that pays off in every area of life - from navigating difficult conversations to improving focus at school.

2

Distress Tolerance

When life gets overwhelming, teens need healthy ways to get through a crisis without making it worse. Distress Tolerance skills - like TIPP, self-soothing, and radical acceptance - give teens real tools to reach for in hard moments, instead of turning to self-harm, substances, or other coping behaviors that create new problems.

3

Emotion Regulation

Many teens describe feeling like emotions "just happen" to them - intense and uncontrollable. Emotion Regulation skills help teens understand what they feel, why they feel it, and how to turn down the volume. Teens learn to reduce vulnerability to emotional flooding, increase positive experiences, and respond to situations rather than react to them.

4

Interpersonal Effectiveness

Friendships, family relationships, and romantic relationships are all sources of both deep meaning and intense stress during adolescence. Teens learn specific skills for asking for what they need, saying no, navigating conflict, and maintaining self-respect in relationships - without blowing them up in the process.

5

Walking the Middle Path

DBT-A includes a fifth module called Walking the Middle Path, designed specifically for teens and families. It addresses the dialectic between validation and change in parent-teen relationships - helping both teens and parents find balance between acceptance and the need to grow and change.

Family Involvement

Research shows that adolescent DBT works best when families are involved. Parents attend a separate skills group that runs alongside the teen group, learning the same DBT skills. This creates a common language in the home and helps parents support their teen's progress between sessions. Family skills meetings are a standard part of our adolescent program.

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The D&D Program

Teens who are interested can also participate in our Dungeons & Dragons therapy group - a unique adjunct program that combines DBT skills with the collaborative storytelling of tabletop role-playing. The D&D group is a great fit for teens who struggle with peer connection, social anxiety, or rigid patterns of interacting. No experience required - just a willingness to try something different.

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What if therapy was actually fun?

Individual and Group Therapy for Teens – Online and In-Person. Available throughout Texas & Oklahoma.

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Choose the level of support your teen needs

Build more of:

And less of:

We realize Dungeons & Dragons isn’t for everyone – it’s not a requirement, just something we’re excited to offer. We always encourage family involvement!

Our program is available online to all residents of Texas and Oklahoma.

Program Options

Family DBT Program – $230/week

Teen D&DBT Program – $230/week

For a weekly rate comparable to the average price of daycare, you get an intensive therapy program led by experienced licensed therapists. Secure your spot today!

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Teen Summer Intensive

This program consists of 4 sessions per week:

  1. Individual One-on-One Therapy Session
  2. Multi-Family Skills Session
  3. Two 2-hour DBT Skills Groups With Dungeons & Dragons

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Unlock Emotional Strength Through Epic Adventures

DBT Therapy Meets Dungeons & Dragons

Imagine a therapy program where emotional growth meets epic storytelling. Our DBT Therapy with Dungeons & Dragons is designed for teens to build essential life skills while embarking on thrilling adventures. This program is fun, engaging, and provides the emotional support your teen needs.

We know that therapy can feel intimidating for teens – but it doesn’t have to be. In our DBT program, teens dive into Dungeons & Dragons, a game that’s all about creativity, teamwork, and imagination. Along the way, they’ll naturally learn essential DBT skills like managing emotions and making better decisions in a fun, low-pressure environment.

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Boost Social Skills

Boost social skills while playing with peers in a fun, low-pressure environment.

Develop Emotional Intelligence

Develop emotional intelligence as they embody heroic characters and explore how to respond to challenges.

Practice Empathy

Practice empathy and teamwork – critical for real-world relationships – all within an imaginative setting.

A Fun and Effective Solution

You’ve been searching for a program that not only supports your teen emotionally but also feels exciting and different.

Therapy That Feels Like Play: Forget traditional therapy. Your teen will dive into the magical world of Dungeons & Dragons, building friendships, problem-solving, and learning DBT skills like emotion regulation and mindfulness – all while defeating monsters and solving quests.

Expert Guidance, Epic Adventures: Led by certified DBT therapists and experienced Dungeon Masters, every session is a chance to practice real-world skills in a way that feels like a game, not a lesson.

A Safe Space for Growth: Whether online or in person, your teen will join a supportive, small group of peers, all working together to build emotional resilience, increase self-confidence, and learn how to navigate life’s challenges.

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An Online Program That Fits Your Teen’s Life

Your teen can connect with peers from the comfort of home, anywhere in Texas or Oklahoma. Our secure, easy-to-use platforms allow them to fully participate in our DBT with Dungeons & Dragons program with just a computer and internet connection. No additional tools needed – just an open mind and a willingness to learn while having fun.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does the online format work?

We use a combination of Zoom for video sessions and Roll20, an interactive platform that brings the Dungeons & Dragons world to life. Your teen will join a small group of peers, along with a licensed DBT therapist and an experienced Dungeon Master, all from the comfort of home. No special equipment is required – just a computer and internet connection.

Will my teen still develop real-life skills through an online program?

Absolutely. While the sessions are online, the skills learned are very real. Our program integrates DBT techniques like emotion regulation, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness into each session. Your teen will work through real-world challenges in a safe, structured environment, all while building social confidence and problem-solving abilities with their peers.

Is this program effective for teens who struggle with social anxiety?

Yes. One of the biggest benefits of using Dungeons & Dragons in therapy is that it provides a structured, low-pressure environment where teens can practice social interaction and communication skills without the stress of face-to-face settings. This format allows your teen to gradually build confidence while interacting with others in a fun, supportive way.

How is this different from traditional therapy?

Our program is designed to be engaging and fun, using a game-based approach to help teens develop essential life skills. The Dungeons & Dragons element adds creativity and teamwork to the mix, making therapy feel more like a collaborative experience rather than a formal session. This unique approach helps teens feel more relaxed and open to learning, which leads to better outcomes.

Will my teen need any prior knowledge of Dungeons & Dragons?

Not at all! Whether your teen has played before or is brand new to D&D, our Dungeon Masters will guide them through everything they need to know. The focus is on using the game to foster teamwork and emotional growth – no prior experience is required.

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