Course Information

Primary Objective: To provide knowledge of the theory & application of DBT Treatment, in order to seamlessly integrate new members into established and functioning DBT teams.

Learning Objectives:

1. Incorporate DBT assumptions and a dialectical worldview into treatment with multi-problem patients.

2. Understand and apply the biosocial model of DBT to conceptualise client issues.

3. Apply DBT principles and strategies in consultation team meetings.

4. Structure treatment according to the primary target hierarchies.

5. Complete pre-treatment tasks (for example, identifying client’s goals, orienting clients to DBT, and obtaining treatment commitment).

6. Implement effective phone coaching strategies.

7. Conduct chain analyses for problematic behaviors and generate solutions for specific problematic links.

8. Apply the DBT problem-solving strategies (skills training, cognitive modification, exposure, and contingency management).

9. Implement the acceptance principles and levels of validation in DBT.

10. Assess acute and long-term suicide risk, and apply DBT Suicide crisis protocols.

11. Implement effective approaches to PTSD within Stage 1 DBT treatment.

12. Structure a DBT Skills Group, and apply effective strategies for teaching in this treatment mode.

Course Goals:

• Equip new DBT team members with the theoretical and practical knowledge needed to provide DBT treatment.

• Prepare participants to function as active members of a DBT Consultation Team.

• Educate participants in the decision-making processes required to develop effective treatment plans for multi-problem patients, using appropriate interventions and strategies.

The course completion requirements for the DBT Foundational course (36 CE/CME hours) are:

Certificate of Completion:

• Complete DBT Foundational course in full

Requirements to obtain CE/CME Credits:

• Complete DBT Foundational course in full

• Receive an average overall score of at least 80% on all weekly quizzes

• Submit completed Homework Checklist, signed off on by your mentor

• Complete Post Course Evaluation

There are required readings for this online training. The three books in this list are included in the purchase price of the Foundational pathway and are available in your course library as downloadable PDFs.

Required Readings - provided free as downloadable books

1.  Linehan, M. (1993). Cognitive-behavioral treatment of borderline personality disorder. New York: Guilford Press. 

2.  Linehan, M. (2015). DBT skills training manual - Second Edition. New York: Guilford Press.

3.  Linehan, M. (2015). DBT skills training handouts and worksheets - Second Edition. New York: Guilford Press.

You will also have access to an online Library that includes free, helpful handouts and reference materials. 

• What is a DBT Mentor? A DBT mentor is an experienced DBT team member who completed Intensive/Comprehensive training at least two years ago and agrees to meet regularly with you to provide support and corrective feedback. 

• Why are Foundational participants required to have a mentor? The Foundational learning pathway is intended for participants who are joining or are current members of established and functioning DBT teams with comprehensively-trained, senior members. Upon completion of the course, each Foundational participant must continue developing and applying their DBT knowledge and skills under the guidance of their mentor.

• What are the qualifications to serve as a mentor? To be a mentor, the senior DBT team member will: 

  • Have completed Intensive training (or a comprehensive equivalent) 

  • Ensure that the Participant is oriented to their role on the DBT Consultation Team and is a functioning member of their team 

  • Meet with the Participant regularly (outside of regular Consultation Team meetings) to provide support and corrective feedback as the Participant completes the required readings and homework 

  • Agree to serve as Mentor for a minimum of one year 

• What is the time commitment for a mentor? The time commitment will vary, based on the participant’s learning and development needs, and the needs of the patients whom they treat. A mentor must agree to meet with the participant for a minimum of one year.

The DBT Comprehensive program is only offered in English. Additionally, all handouts available in the online Library are only offered in English. 

Participants wishing to own Marsha Linehan’s books in languages other than English should contact Guilford Press about the availability of authorized translations. As of May 2018, Guilford Press indicated that translated titles are in progress or already available in languages such as Chinese, Danish, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish, and Turkish. 

Contact Guilford Press for current information about the status and availability of translated titles.