Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Dialectical Behavior Therapy was originally developed for adults by Marsha Linehan, Ph.D. at University of Washington in Seattle. This treatment has been adapted for youths and is designed to enhance skills and help youths to cope with stress, regulate intense emotions, and improve relationships with others. The Y-SAM Program is currently offering DBT skills groups for teens (ages 12-18) and their parents. The treatment combines cognitive-behavioral treatment strategies with an emphasis on understanding and validating experiences that individuals have had and mindfulness - the art of being fully present in the moment. For more information on mindfulness, visit marc.ucla.edu.

This Spring the Youth Stress & Mood Program (Y-SAM) is expecting to begin recruitment for a new research study evaluating dialectical behavior therapy. Please continue to check our website (research participation section) and/or call 310 794-4962 for more information. Treatments through research studies are generally available at no cost to those who meet eligibility criteria and choose to participate in this study.

For more information on Dialectical Behavior Therapy at UCLA, please call: 310-794-4962.