Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) has become one of the most effective treatments for people struggling with emotional regulation, borderline personality disorder (BPD), chronic stress, anxiety, depression, and self-destructive behaviors. Across Minnesota—from Minneapolis and St. Paul to smaller cities—DBT therapy programs are helping individuals build healthier lives.
If you’re searching for DBT therapy in Minnesota, this guide will walk you through what DBT is, how programs are structured, what to look for in a provider, and how to choose the right fit for your personal needs.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy was originally developed by psychologist Dr. Marsha Linehan to treat borderline personality disorder. Over time, DBT has proven effective for a wide range of conditions, including:
Severe depression and anxiety
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Eating disorders
Substance abuse
Suicidal thoughts and self-harm
Difficulty with relationships and emotional regulation
DBT therapy programs focus on four key skill areas:
Mindfulness – Learning to live in the moment and observe thoughts without judgment.
Distress Tolerance – Building the ability to cope with crisis situations without making things worse.
Emotion Regulation – Understanding, naming, and managing emotions more effectively.
Interpersonal Effectiveness – Communicating needs clearly, maintaining boundaries, and building healthy relationships.
These skills are taught through individual therapy, group sessions, and phone coaching, making DBT more structured than many other forms of therapy.
Minnesota has become a hub for mental health innovation, with programs that integrate DBT into community health centers, private practices, and hospitals. Some reasons DBT therapy is in demand here include:
Rising mental health awareness – More people are seeking structured treatments.
University research & clinics – Minnesota universities and hospitals have been early adopters of DBT.
Accessibility – Many clinics offer in-person and telehealth DBT options across the state.
When looking for DBT therapy in MN, you’ll find several program formats. Choosing the right one depends on the severity of symptoms, insurance coverage, and personal goals.
These are full-model DBT programs that include:
Weekly individual therapy
Weekly group skills training
Phone coaching between sessions
Team consultation for therapists
Who it’s for: Individuals with severe emotional dysregulation, BPD, or frequent crises.
Focus primarily on teaching DBT skills in a classroom-style setting. These may run for 12–24 weeks.
Who it’s for: People who want DBT skills but don’t need intensive therapy.
Therapists may use DBT techniques without running a full program.
Who it’s for: Clients with anxiety, depression, or relational struggles who want DBT strategies alongside other therapies.
Some Minnesota treatment centers offer intensive DBT programs where clients attend multiple sessions per week, sometimes living at the facility.
Who it’s for: Individuals with high-risk behaviors, co-occurring disorders, or severe emotional instability.
Not every therapist who says they offer DBT provides the full, evidence-based model. When choosing a DBT program in Minnesota, consider the following:
Does the therapist have DBT training from Behavioral Tech or Linehan Board of Certification?
Is the clinic recognized as a DBT-Linehan Board Certified Program™?
Does the program include all four DBT components (individual therapy, group, coaching, consultation)?
Or is it only skills training?
Do they work with teens, adults, or both?
Do they treat co-occurring conditions like eating disorders or trauma?
Do they offer telehealth DBT sessions?
Are sessions available in evenings or weekends?
Does the clinic accept your insurance (Blue Cross, HealthPartners, Medica, etc.)?
Are sliding-scale payment options available?
While there are many qualified providers, here are some well-regarded DBT therapy programs across Minnesota:
Specializes in comprehensive DBT for adults and adolescents. Offers both in-person and telehealth services.
Part of U of M’s psychology department, focusing on DBT for trauma-related conditions.
Offers DBT in inpatient, residential, and outpatient settings. Well-suited for teens and young adults.
Provides DBT skills groups and DBT-informed therapy across multiple clinics in Minnesota.
Known for comprehensive DBT programs with full adherence to the Linehan model.
Choosing a local Minnesota DBT therapy program has unique advantages:
Community-focused care – Local therapists understand Minnesota’s culture, community resources, and healthcare systems.
Insurance compatibility – Local clinics often accept Minnesota-based insurance providers.
Access to follow-up support – Easier to continue care long-term without interruptions.
Before enrolling in a DBT program, ask these key questions:
Are you or your program certified in DBT?
Do you offer both individual therapy and skills group training?
How do you handle crises outside of session times?
What ages and diagnoses do you specialize in?
How long does your DBT program typically last?
Do you accept my insurance, or offer payment plans?
Costs can vary widely depending on location, provider, and program type.
Individual sessions: $120 – $250 per session (before insurance).
Group DBT classes: $50 – $100 per session.
Intensive outpatient programs: $500 – $1,500 per week.
Most Minnesota DBT programs accept insurance, but coverage varies. Check with both your insurance company and the clinic.
DBT may be right for you if you struggle with:
Intense mood swings and emotional outbursts
Self-harm urges or suicidal thoughts
Difficulty maintaining relationships
Ongoing anxiety, depression, or trauma
Trouble coping with stress or crisis situations
Even if you don’t have a borderline personality disorder diagnosis, many Minnesotans benefit from DBT’s practical life skills.
Here are steps to get started:
Search for “DBT therapy near me MN” and filter by clinics with strong reviews.
Check professional directories like Psychology Today, which allows you to search specifically for DBT providers.
Contact local hospitals or universities, many of which have DBT programs.
Verify training and certification before committing.
DBT therapy programs in Minnesota are making a real difference for people who struggle with emotional regulation, trauma, and relationship difficulties. With a growing number of certified therapists, skills groups, and comprehensive clinics across the state, finding the right DBT program has never been more accessible.
The key is to:
Understand your needs (comprehensive DBT vs. skills group).
Verify therapist training.
Ask the right questions about structure, cost, and insurance.
With the right DBT program in Minnesota, you can build healthier coping skills, reduce harmful behaviors, and move toward a more stable, fulfilling life.