Why It Matters That Your DBT Program Is DBT-Certified
If you or a loved one is struggling with intense emotions, self-harming behaviors, or mental health challenges like borderline personality disorder, you may have heard about Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT. It’s a highly effective, research-backed treatment that has helped many people build lives they feel are worth living.
But here’s something important you might not know – not every therapist who offers DBT is fully trained or certified in it. That’s where DBT certification through the DBT-Linehan Board of Certification (DBT-LBC)comes in—and why it matters for your care.
What Is DBT Certification?
The DBT-Linehan Board of Certification (founded by Dr. Marsha Linehan, who created DBT) offers a way to ensure that therapists offering DBT are truly qualified to deliver it the way it was designed. When a therapist is DBT-LBC Certified, it means they’ve gone through a thorough process to prove they have the right training, skills, and experience.
Why Should You Choose a Certified DBT Program?
- You’re Getting Real DBT—Not Just Something Similar
Unfortunately, some therapists say they offer DBT when they’ve only taken a workshop or read a book. Certified DBT Programs, on the other hand, have been evaluated to make sure they’re offering comprehensive, evidence-based DBT—the kind proven to work in studies.
- You Can Trust Their Expertise
For a DBT Program to be certified, the Program is audited by external DBT experts who verify that the DBT Program is offering DBT that is adherent to the DBT model. The audit includes observing the therapists in their delivery of DBT, auditing files to ensure that therapists are following the DBT model, and interviewing clients to evaluate what the clients’ experiences have been like while participating in the DBT Program. Receiving therapy from a Certified DBT Program means you can feel confident that your therapist knows what they’re doing and can support you through complex challenges.
- It Shows a Commitment to Helping You Get Better
Certification takes time, effort, and deep dedication. A DBT Program who has gone through the process is showing that they’re truly committed to helping people heal—and to doing it the right way. That level of commitment can make a big difference in your therapy journey.
- Better Chances of Seeing Results
Because certified DBT Programs stick closely to the original, research-based model of DBT, you’re more likely to get the full benefit of the therapy. This includes access to all the parts of DBT—like individual therapy, group skills training, phone coaching, and a therapist consultation team—that are shown to be most effective when used together.
- Peace of Mind for You and Your Family
When emotions are overwhelming or life feels out of control, finding the right help can be hard. Knowing your DBT Program is certified gives you peace of mind – you’re in the hands of qualified professionals who has been carefully vetted.
What Should You Look For?
If you’re looking for a DBT therapist, ask if the therapist or their workplace are certified by the DBT-Linehan Board of Certification. You can also check the DBT-LBC directory to find certified therapists near you.
The bottom line? Your mental health matters—and so does the quality of your care.
Choosing a certified DBT therapist or Program means choosing someone who is highly trained, deeply committed, and ready to help you make real, lasting changes.
You’re not alone. Help is out there—and it works.