New Location!: 3110 N Swan Rd, Tucson AZ 85712

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in Tucson

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a skills-based form of psychotherapy that combines acceptance with practical strategies for responding to difficult emotions, stress, and relationship challenges. Tucson Outpatient Psychiatry offers individual DBT therapy in Tucson, primarily for adults 18 and older, with skills training incorporated into one-on-one sessions.

Individual DBT Therapy

Work one-on-one with a provider using DBT principles and practical skills based on your individual needs and treatment goals.

Primarily for Adults 18+

DBT at Tucson Outpatient Psychiatry is considered most appropriate for adults 18 and older. Some DBT skills may also be useful for teens depending on individual needs.

Four Core Skill Areas

Individual DBT can incorporate mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness skills.

In-Person Care in Tucson

Meet with your provider at Tucson Outpatient Psychiatry, 3110 N Swan Rd in Tucson.

What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy, commonly called DBT, is a behavioral form of psychotherapy that brings together two ideas: accepting your present experience while also learning practical ways to respond differently when thoughts, emotions, or situations become difficult.

DBT places particular emphasis on developing skills that can be applied outside the therapy room. Rather than focusing only on discussing a difficult situation, sessions may also involve learning, practicing, and applying strategies for managing emotions, tolerating distress, staying present, and communicating more effectively.

At Tucson Outpatient Psychiatry, DBT is currently offered as individual therapy with DBT skills training incorporated into treatment. Tucson Outpatient Psychiatry does not currently offer a standalone DBT group or comprehensive DBT program.

DBT Skills Practiced in Individual Therapy

Skills are an important part of DBT. During individual therapy at Tucson Outpatient Psychiatry, treatment may involve learning and practicing skills in four core areas.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness focuses on noticing what is happening in the present moment without automatically reacting to it. These skills can help create space between an emotion or experience and the response that follows.

Emotion Regulation

Emotion regulation skills focus on identifying emotions, understanding the factors that influence them, and developing more intentional ways of responding when emotions become intense.

Distress Tolerance

Distress tolerance involves strategies for getting through difficult or highly stressful moments without making the situation worse. The emphasis is on developing ways to tolerate distress when a problem cannot be immediately changed.

Interpersonal Effectiveness

Interpersonal effectiveness skills focus on communication, boundaries, relationships, and expressing needs while considering both personal goals and relationships with others.

Smiling woman talking with a DBT therapist at Tucson Outpatient Psychiatry in Tucson

Who May Benefit From Individual DBT?

DBT may be considered when someone wants more structured skills for responding to emotions, stress, or recurring interpersonal difficulties.

A person might discuss DBT with a clinician if they experience patterns such as:

  • feeling overwhelmed by intense emotions;
  • reacting impulsively during emotionally difficult situations;
  • having difficulty tolerating stress or distress;
  • recurring conflict or difficulty communicating in relationships;
  • wanting practical strategies for emotional regulation and coping.

DBT was originally developed in the context of borderline personality disorder, but the decision to use DBT should be based on an individual's needs, treatment goals, and clinical assessment rather than on a diagnosis alone.

At Tucson Outpatient Psychiatry, individual DBT is considered ideal for adults 18 and older. Some DBT skills may also be useful for teens. A clinician can help determine whether those skills or another therapeutic approach are appropriate for an individual patient.

What to Expect From DBT at Tucson Outpatient Psychiatry

Individual DBT begins by understanding what brings you to therapy, the difficulties you would like to address, and what you hope to work toward.

Your Initial Consultation

The initial consultation gives you and your provider an opportunity to discuss your concerns, relevant history, and treatment goals. It also helps determine whether the services available at Tucson Outpatient Psychiatry are an appropriate fit.

Individual DBT Sessions

DBT at Tucson Outpatient Psychiatry is provided one-on-one. Sessions can focus on current challenges while also helping you learn and practice skills that may be applied between appointments.

Treatment is individualized rather than based on a single predetermined plan. Your provider can help identify which skills and areas deserve the most attention based on your needs and goals.

DBT Skills Training Within Therapy

Skills training is incorporated into individual DBT rather than offered as a separate DBT skills group. Depending on your treatment plan, sessions may include practice related to mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.

Take the First Step Toward Emotional Balance

If you’re ready to understand your emotions more clearly and respond to life with greater control and confidence, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy can help. Our team is here to support your growth every step of the way.

Call us at 520-780-8413 or request an appointment here.

We’re ready when you are.

Meet Our DBT Therapists

Our clinicians at Tucson Outpatient Psychiatry are trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and offer both individual and group DBT options. You’ll be matched with a therapist who provides calm, steady guidance and practical tools to help you thrive.

Ingrid Hall-Bidegain, Social Work Intern

Jessica Olivas, LMSW

Rina Abrams-Dunn, LCSW

Frequently Asked Questions

Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, is a behavioral form of psychotherapy that combines acceptance-based strategies with skills for responding to emotions, distress, and interpersonal situations. DBT commonly includes skills related to mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.

Yes. Tucson Outpatient Psychiatry currently offers individual DBT therapy, with DBT skills training incorporated into one-on-one treatment.

Tucson Outpatient Psychiatry currently offers DBT as individual therapy rather than a standalone DBT group.

DBT skills commonly focus on four areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. At Tucson Outpatient Psychiatry, these skills can be incorporated into individual DBT therapy based on the patient's needs and treatment goals.

No. DBT and CBT are related behavioral approaches, but DBT places particular emphasis on balancing acceptance and change and developing practical skills in mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.

Individual DBT at Tucson Outpatient Psychiatry is considered ideal for adults 18 and older. Some DBT skills may also be useful for teens. Suitability should be discussed with a clinician based on the individual's needs.

The initial consultation is used to discuss your concerns, relevant history, and treatment goals and to determine whether the services available at Tucson Outpatient Psychiatry are an appropriate fit.

Tucson Outpatient Psychiatry offers virtual mental health appointments throughout Arizona. Ask about current DBT provider availability when scheduling.

Not necessarily.

A traditional comprehensive DBT model can include multiple components beyond individual psychotherapy, such as separate group skills training, between-session consultation, and a therapist consultation team.

Tucson Outpatient Psychiatry currently offers individual DBT therapy with DBT skills training incorporated into treatment.

DBT and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) are related approaches, but they are not identical.

CBT commonly examines how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors influence one another and uses practical strategies to address patterns that may be contributing to distress.

DBT incorporates behavioral strategies while placing particular emphasis on balancing acceptance and change and on developing skills in mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.

Tucson Outpatient Psychiatry offers both approaches. The appropriate therapy depends on an individual's needs, goals, and treatment plan.

TOP