Highlights
- Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) is a form of therapy that manages complex and disturbing emotional responses.
- DBT is used to support individuals with conditions such as BPD, PTSD, SUD, eating disorders, anxiety, and depression.
- Our certified DBT therapists at EHG of NC offer services including individual and group therapy, inpatient care, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient care.
Have you had an intense emotional response to every situation? Or felt as if your behavior is suddenly becoming impulsive and extreme? People dealing with such issues are recommended to enroll in dialectical behavioral therapy sessions. Try searching for DBT therapists near me. At EHG of NC, our professional DBT therapist near you offers :
- Individual DBT therapy for one-on-one counselling sessions
- DBT skills training group therapy for peer group interaction
- Inpatient DBT treatment support for full-time treatment, along with a therapeutic approach
- Partial hospitalization program (PHP) for daytime therapy
EHG of NC welcomes clients from Asheville, Gastonia, Jacksonville, Chapel Hill, and surrounding areas. Our behavioral health clinic is situated at 2106 South 17th Street, Wilmington, North Carolina. Call us at 910-335-9102 or fill out the online form.
What Is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and How Can It Help You?
So what is Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)? It is a type of psychotherapy, also called “talk therapy”. The purpose of the DBT program is to help individuals regulate their emotions. It’s an intensive, structured treatment to treat people who struggle with 1:
- Intense emotional response
- Impulsive behavior
- Relationship issues
A DBT therapist focuses on helping people manage their emotional responses and improve:
- Interpersonal Effectiveness Skills and Workplace Relationships
- Anxiety, Anger, and Stress Management
- Emotional Outbursts and Self-destructive Behavior
- Substance Dependence 2

What Conditions Are Treated With DBT Therapy?
DBT was first designed for children with borderline personality disorders by Dr. Marsha M. Linehan 3. Consider dialectical behavioral therapy near you if you have the following conditions:
- Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
- Anxiety and Depressive Disorder
- Self-Harming Behavior
- Eating Disorders (such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating)
- Bipolar Disorder
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Substance Use Disorder (SUD)
- Disruptive Behavioral Disorders
Services Offered By Professional DBT Therapists Near Me in Wilmington, NC
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) is offered in all ASAM levels of care 4. The specialist may suggest dual-diagnosis treatment along with DBT for those suffering from co-occurring disorders. We offer inpatient, PHP, and IOP DBT programs, such as:
1. Individual DBT Therapy Sessions
Individual therapy provides one-on-one counseling sessions with a DBT therapist. During the sessions, the therapist helps to:
- Reduce suicidal and self-harming behavior
- Deal with mental health problems like depression or hearing voices
- Talk about personal life, like employment or relationship problems
- Learn DBT emotion regulation skills to replace unhelpful behaviors
2. DBT Skills Training Group Therapy
During these sessions, the therapist teaches emotional coping skills in a group setting. All the participants in the group struggle with the same type of psychiatric issues. The goal of a therapist in DBT group therapy is to:
- Focus attention on the present
- Deal with crises without harmful behaviors
- Learn to ask for help and say no to other people
- Control over emotions
3. Inpatient DBT Treatment Support
DBT therapy in an inpatient or residential setting is designed to control intense emotional dysregulation (such as BPD or severe mood disorders) 5.
In an inpatient rehab program, such as a 30-day inpatient program or an inpatient mental health program, the DBT therapist focuses on:
- Crisis survival skills (distress tolerance)
- Emotional regulation to manage acute situations
- Use positive coping behaviors and structure the patient’s routine
4. Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
PHP, or partial hospitalization program, is a program in which patients receive therapy during the day and return home at night. Find a partial hospitalization program (PHP) to get:
- Confidential assessment in minutes
- Therapy sessions for a few hours a day, five days a week
- Individual and DBT skills group therapy
- Medication management
- Skill-building sessions
5. Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
In IOP settings, a DBT therapist helps the participant accept the present moment and improve behavior and thought processes. Here’s what to expect from our DBT-based IOP mental health program:
- Tolerate distress without engaging in self-destructive behaviors
- Regulate intense or overwhelming emotions (such as anger, shame, or anxiety)
- Improve communication skills and deal with relationship issues
Happy Review From a Client Who Received DBT Therapy For Depressive Disorder Says…
“I was diagnosed with major depressive disorder by a primary health care provider. But, instead of starting my treatment, I went into self-isolation. My brother from Raleigh visited me and suggested EHG of NC for proper treatment.
The specialist examined my signs of depression and enrolled me in an inpatient program for mental health. I received DBT therapy along with CBT and EMDR.
After a few weeks, I felt much better and asked for part-time depression treatment. Then, the team signed me up for the DBT IOP Program. They are cooperative, and I am happy with the sessions.”
What Are the Key Components of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)?
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy focuses on essential skills that promote healthy acceptance of challenging situations and encourage positive strategies. The key skills include 6:
| Core Components | Acceptance & Change Strategies | Treatment Formats |
| Interpersonal Effectiveness | Validation | Coaching sessions |
| Emotion Regulation | Acceptance | Family counseling |
| Mindfulness | Distraction | Group Training |
| Distress Tolerance | Dialectics | Individual Therapy |
Expert Review
Can You Be Successful In DBT Therapy Without Going To Group Therapy?
Our mental health specialist says,
Yes, you may benefit from one-on-one sessions alone. Individual therapy can help people with social anxiety and those who need privacy. But we recommend attending peer group sessions to build communication skills and promote long-term life transition and recovery.
What Is The Difference Between CBT and DBT?
While both Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) share a common foundation, they differ in practice and focus. When it comes to treatment, there is a significant difference between DBT and CBT:
| Parameters | CBT | DBT |
| Duration |
|
|
| Treatment Methodology |
|
|
| Commonly Treated Conditions |
|
|

Enroll in an Insurance-Covered DBT Program At Empower Health Group of NC!
We serve the residents of Wilmington and nearby even areas, including Leland, Wrightsville Beach, and Hampstead. At Empower Health Group of NC, our certified DBT therapists offer same-day admission in Wilmington for assessment and diagnosis of mental health issues. By conducting a thorough assessment, our expert determines a tailored DBT treatment plan for each individual’s unique needs.
Our DBT services are delivered by trained and licensed mental health professionals. We offer therapeutic DBT services, such as an Aetna-covered dual diagnosis program, inpatient, partial care, and intensive outpatient care programs:
- Mindfulness techniques to manage difficult thoughts and harmful events or situations.
- Emotional regulation techniques to develop an effective coping mechanism.
- Distress tolerance techniques to boost self-esteem and maintain a positive self-image during tough times.
- Interpersonal effectiveness to instill a sense of purpose and motivation for recovery.
Are you living in Wilmington and looking for DBT-certified therapists near you? We accept major commercial insurance plans, including Cigna, Aetna, BCBS, UMR, and many others. Call us at 910-335-9102 to verify insurance or fill out our online form to enroll today. Same-day assessments available.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding DBT Therapists Near You in NC
People searching for a dialectical behavior therapist near me in Wilmington, NC, also ask:
What Should I Look For In A DBT Therapist?
While looking for a DBT therapist near you, it is essential to consider the following factors:
- HIPAA Compliance and Certification
- Specialized DBT Training
- Clinical Experience
- Cost and Insurance Coverage
Is DBT Therapy Effective?
Yes, DBT is highly effective in treating various mental health conditions. It helps people to know, spot, and control negative behaviors and also regulate the existing mental health issues.
Does Insurance Cover DBT Therapy?
Yes, most insurance plans cover DBT. However, always consult with your insurance provider before enrolling in the therapy program and verify your insurance.
How Long Is DBT Therapy?
Dialectical behavioral Therapy includes weekly therapy sessions and group skills training. However, if the patient’s mental health condition requires more treatment, then it can be extended as needed.
Do I Need A Diagnosis To Start DBT?
No, an official diagnosis is not required to begin DBT. Skills such as mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and emotion regulation can help anyone navigate life’s hard moments.
References
- https://depts.washington.edu/uwbrtc/about-us/dialectical-behavior-therapy/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2797106/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6007584/
- https://www.asam.org/asam-criteria
- https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.ps.201100311
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6405261/
Medical Disclaimer:
EHG of NC aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use disorder and mental health issues. Our team of licensed medical professionals research, edit and review the content before publishing. However, this information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical advice, please consult your physicians or EHG of NC's qualified staff.
