Implementing Comprehensive, School-Based Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (CSB-DBT)

This session provides participants with an initial exposure to the theory, strategies, and skills used in Comprehensive School-Based Dialectical Behavior Therapy (CSB-DBT: Linehan, 2015; Miller, Rathus, & Linehan, 2008). Although CSB-DBT is now used at the secondary school level, DBT for Children (DBT-C) has been researched and is being piloted. CSB-DBT lives within a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) framework. STEPS-A is the Tier I version of DBT. In contrast, students in Tier II & III CSB-DBT are seen in smaller groups and receive more intensive skills training and coaching. Students acquire skills by attending a weekly class (Tiers II & III), weekly individual counseling (Tier III), and “pre-emergency” coaching (i.e., help using skills before an incident to avoid it rather than “co-regulation” after the incident which might inadvertently reinforce ineffective behavior). Parent training is also provided.  Program evaluation from fifteen years at Lincoln High School indicates students significantly lower their levels of depression and anxiety. Students increase their levels of emotional control, relationship satisfaction, and GPA. CSB-DBT has been particularly effective with students of color. Knowing how to implement CSB-DBT can help school personnel implement a sustainable CSB-DBT program and achieve similar outcomes.

Objectives/Learning Outcomes:

1. Participants will learn skills associated with the five modules of CSB-DBT.
2. Participants will be able to identify and plan for potential barrier or obstacles in implementing CSB-DBT into their school settings.
3. Participants will learn the theory and assumptions of DBT including choices of whether to adopt or adapt CSB-DBT in their setting.