Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Specialist in Burlingame, CA

We offer dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) as part of our comprehensive approach to mental health care. Originally developed to support individuals with borderline personality disorder, DBT has proven effective for a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and mood disorders.

DBT integrates cognitive-behavioral strategies with mindfulness, acceptance, and the concept of dialectics—the understanding that two seemingly opposite ideas can both be true. This therapy is designed to help our patients manage overwhelming emotions, tolerate distress, improve relationships, and build a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Our DBT program consists of both individual therapy sessions and group skills training, where patients learn and practice essential skills in areas such as mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. By focusing on both acceptance and change, Banyan Behavioral Health empowers patients to develop healthier behaviors and achieve lasting improvements in their mental well-being.

DBT is an evidence-based treatment designed to help individuals manage difficult emotions and behaviors by teaching practical, life-changing skills. Our experienced clinicians guide patients through the core components of DBT, including emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, distress tolerance, and mindfulness.

Through DBT at Banyan Behavioral Health, patients learn to identify and understand their emotions, enabling them to respond thoughtfully instead of reacting impulsively. Our team fosters a supportive environment where patients can accept their emotions as valid, while also working toward positive, healthy changes in their lives.

DBT is especially beneficial for those struggling with self-injury, substance use, mood disorders, or intense emotional swings. By participating in our DBT program, patients develop tools to recognize emotional triggers and manage distress without resorting to harmful behaviors. The mindfulness practices we teach help patients stay grounded in the present moment, reducing emotional overwhelm and promoting non-judgmental self-awareness.

Additionally, our DBT sessions focus on building interpersonal effectiveness skills, empowering patients to communicate their needs assertively and maintain healthier relationships. These tools not only reduce emotional distress but also help create a strong foundation for lasting recovery and personal growth.

Originally developed to support individuals with borderline personality disorder, DBT has proven to be highly effective for a wide range of people facing emotional and behavioral challenges.

DBT may be especially helpful for our patients who experience intense mood swings, chronic feelings of emptiness, or struggle to manage their emotions. It is frequently recommended at Banyan Behavioral Health for individuals who engage in self-harming behaviors, have suicidal thoughts, or find it difficult to maintain stable relationships. Our DBT program also supports those living with mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder, as well as individuals coping with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Our clinical team recognizes that emotional regulation is often at the core of many behavioral health issues. In addition to the above, DBT at Banyan Behavioral Health is effective for people dealing with eating disorders, substance use disorders, and anxiety disorders, particularly when these concerns are linked to difficulties in coping with stress or overwhelming emotions.

DBT was initially developed to treat borderline personality disorder (BPD)—particularly in individuals dealing with self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and unstable relationships. At Banyan Behavioral Health, we have seen firsthand the positive impact DBT can have on patients with BPD, helping them build healthier coping strategies and improve their overall quality of life.

Beyond BPD, DBT has proven effective for a variety of other mental health conditions commonly treated in our practice. Patients living with mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder—especially those experiencing emotional dysregulation or self-destructive behaviors—often benefit from the structured, skills-based approach that DBT provides. Our clinicians at Banyan Behavioral Health also utilize DBT to support individuals with anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), particularly when traditional therapies have not provided sufficient relief.

We understand that many of our patients face overlapping challenges, such as eating disorders or substance use disorders. DBT is frequently integrated into treatment plans for conditions like bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and addiction, where impulsive behaviors and emotional difficulties are prominent. Through DBT, patients can develop tools to manage cravings, cope with triggers, and prevent relapse—essential skills for lasting recovery.

At Banyan Behavioral Health, we emphasize DBT’s core principles of mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. These skills are woven into our individualized treatment plans to support patients in building resilience, fostering healthy relationships, and achieving lasting emotional stability.

If you or a loved one is struggling with emotional instability or behavioral challenges, our experienced mental health professionals can help determine whether DBT is the right fit for your needs. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 877 Mahler Road, Suite 160, Burlingame, CA 94010. We serve patients from Burlingame CA, Foster City CA, South San Francisco CA, San Bruno CA, Belmont CA, Hillsborough CA, Millbrae CA, San Mateo CA and surrounding areas.