DBT Foundational FAQs

DBT Foundational is an on-demand program for clinicians joining an established DBT consultation team. 

Participants must be part of, or joining, an established DBT consultation team, and have a mentor who agrees to supervise them for one year.
The DBT Foundational course is broken up into 12 parts, and can be completed at times that suit you. The course includes:

• Beautifully created lessons from a diverse range of DBT experts 

• Detailed videos of therapy session demonstrations featuring expert analysis

• Exercises to practice new skills 

• Homework and reading assignments to assist you in applying learning 

• A Resource Library filled with additional readings, research and bonus videos

The program is intended for professionals who have the education and licensing required to deliver mental health treatment and who are committed to working as part of a DBT consultation team. 

If you are interested in becoming a DBT therapist, but aren’t part of a DBT Team, the DBT Intensive Plus pathway might be a good fit for you. 

Additionally, the DBT Skills course provides a broad introduction to DBT skills and practical strategies which can be integrated into any therapeutic approach.

Yes - 36 CE/CME credits are available providing the following criteria has been met.

• Complete all 12 weeks of the Foundational course content

• Score an average of at least 80% across all weekly quizzes

• Submit a post course evaluation

• Submit the signed homework checklist

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 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 comprehensive training at least two years ago.

• 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 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.

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.

This course includes homework tasks. There are readings and exercises woven throughout the program to assist you practicing your new skills. However, you are not required to submit your individual homework tasks, just your signed homework checklist at the end of your course.

There is a document in the library titled "DBT Foundational Homework Assignments Checklist." We recommend using this document as a checklist to track when you have completed your weekly homework tasks.