Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in Los Angeles

Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, is an evidence-based form of talk therapy that helps people manage intense emotions, cope with stress, and build healthier relationships. Originally developed to help people who experience overwhelming emotions, DBT has become a valuable part of addiction treatment, because so many people use drugs or alcohol to escape painful feelings. At Highwater Detox, DBT is part of our residential rehab and co-occurring disorders treatment at our private facility near Los Angeles, California.

What Does “Dialectical” Mean?

The word “dialectical” refers to balancing two ideas that may seem opposite: acceptance and change. In DBT, patients learn to accept themselves and their experiences as they are, while also working to change behaviors that cause harm. For people in recovery, this balance is powerful. It allows them to let go of shame and self-blame while taking real, practical steps toward a healthier life.

The Four Core Skills of DBT

DBT is built around four core skill areas. Mindfulness teaches patients to pay attention to the present moment without judgment, helping them notice thoughts, feelings, and cravings before acting on them. Distress tolerance provides tools for getting through difficult situations and emotional pain without making things worse, such as by using substances. Emotional regulation helps patients understand and manage their emotions, reducing emotional ups and downs. Interpersonal effectiveness teaches patients to communicate needs, set boundaries, and maintain respectful relationships.

How DBT Supports Recovery

Each of these skills applies directly to recovery. Cravings often arise during moments of stress, sadness, anger, or conflict. DBT gives patients alternatives to substance use in those moments. Instead of reaching for drugs or alcohol, patients learn to pause, observe what they are feeling, and choose a healthier response. Over time, these skills become new habits that support long-term sobriety.

DBT for Co-occurring Disorders and Couples

DBT is especially helpful for patients with co-occurring disorders, since many mental health disorders involve difficulty managing emotions. By teaching emotional regulation and distress tolerance, DBT helps patients reduce symptoms that might otherwise drive them back to substance use. For couples in our couples rehab program, the interpersonal effectiveness skills taught in DBT can also support healthier communication and conflict resolution.

DBT at Highwater Detox

At Highwater Detox, DBT is delivered as part of an individualized treatment plan. Patients may practice DBT skills in individual therapy, where a therapist helps them apply the skills to their own experiences, and in group therapy, where they learn and practice skills alongside peers. Therapists often assign simple exercises to help patients practice skills between sessions, so the tools become part of daily life.

DBT and Other Services

DBT works well alongside other services we offer, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), addiction counseling, and Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) when clinically appropriate. CBT helps patients change unhelpful thought patterns, while DBT strengthens their ability to handle emotions and stress. Together, they give patients a broad set of tools for recovery.

When DBT Begins

Patients typically begin DBT once they are physically stable after medically supervised detox, which usually lasts 5 to 11 days. During residential rehab, available in 7, 30, 60, or 90-day programs, patients have time to learn DBT skills, practice them daily, and build confidence in using them before returning home. Our holistic activities, including yoga and time outdoors, also reinforce mindfulness in everyday life.

Start DBT at Highwater Detox

Highwater Detox offers 24/7 same-day admissions and accepts most major private insurance plans, including PPO, POS, and Open Access plans. Self-pay options are available, and we do not accept Medi-Cal or Medicaid. Contact our admissions team today to learn how DBT can support your recovery.

Highwater Detox is a private facility that works with PPO insurance plans, or self-pay. Our self-pay rates are $1000-$2500 per day depending on the type of treatment. Unfortunately, we do not accept MediCal and Medicaid. If you need FREE help please contact the National Helpline.