Adult DBT Program
Structured, specialist Dialectical Behaviour Therapy for adults experiencing emotional dysregulation and complex mental health challenges.
Our Adult DBT Program is designed for adults who:
Many participants are referred by GPs, psychiatrists, hospitals and community mental health services.
This is not standard counselling. Our Adult DBT Program includes weekly individual DBT therapy, a DBT skills training group, between-session phone coaching and a weekly therapist consultation team.
Each component reinforces the others.
Structure reduces crisis patterns and increases stability.
The program teaches practical, evidence-based skills across four modules:
Mindfulness: developing awareness of thoughts, emotions and behaviour patterns.
Distress Tolerance: learning how to survive crisis moments without making things worse.
Emotion Regulation: understanding emotional triggers and shifting unhelpful patterns.
Interpersonal Effectiveness: communicating clearly, setting boundaries and maintaining relationships.
Skills are applied directly to real-life situations each week.
DBT requires commitment.
Participants are expected to:
Clear expectations create safety and consistency.
All DBT clinicians meet weekly in consultation to:
This consultation structure is a defining feature of high-quality DBT delivery.
Referrers can feel confident the program is delivered with integrity.
This program is suitable for adults who:
It is not a replacement for inpatient or emergency care.
Suitability is assessed carefully during intake.
Enquiry or professional referral received
Screening conversation to assess readiness
Comprehensive intake assessment
Placement into individual therapy and next available skills group
We aim to provide clarity around timeframes and expectations early.
The Adult DBT Program may be accessed via:
Private fees
Medicare rebates with appropriate referral, where eligible
NDIS funding in certain circumstances
Funding suitability is discussed during intake.
We regularly receive referrals from:
With consent, we provide structured updates and discharge summaries where appropriate.
Duration varies depending on individual progress and clinical needs.
In most cases, intake occurs at structured start points to maintain group cohesion.
Yes, where outpatient DBT is clinically appropriate and supported by external crisis services.
Yes. A structured <a href="/dbt-programs/telehealth/">telehealth DBT pathway</a> is available where suitable.
