Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based treatment that teaches four core skills: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. For addiction, DBT helps you manage the intense emotions and interpersonal conflicts that often trigger substance use. Research shows DBT significantly reduces substance use, treatment dropout rates, and self-destructive behaviors.

CBT focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns. DBT builds on CBT by adding acceptance-based strategies, mindfulness, and specific skills for managing intense emotions and interpersonal relationships. DBT is particularly effective for people who experience overwhelming emotions, while CBT works well for those whose addiction is driven more by distorted thinking patterns. At Virtue Recovery Killeen, we use both approaches based on your individual needs.

DBT is best suited for individuals who experience intense emotions, mood swings, impulsive behavior, difficulty in relationships, or co-occurring borderline personality disorder. It is also effective for people with trauma-related emotional dysregulation, chronic suicidality, or those who have not responded well to traditional talk therapy alone.

A full course of DBT skills training typically takes 6 months to a year in outpatient settings. At Virtue Recovery Killeen, DBT skills are integrated into your treatment at whatever level of care you are in — residential, PHP, or IOP — so you begin learning and applying DBT techniques immediately. The skills you learn become lifelong tools for managing emotions and maintaining sobriety.

Yes, DBT is covered by most major health insurance plans, including TRICARE for military families near Fort Cavazos. At Virtue Recovery Killeen, our admissions team verifies your insurance benefits before treatment begins. Call us for a free, confidential insurance verification.