Talk to a DBT Therapist — Online or in Our Portland-Area Clinic
What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy in Portland?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based form of cognitive-behavioral therapy originally developed for borderline personality disorder (BPD), and is now widely used to treat a broad range of mental health concerns. DBT blends behavioral strategies with mindfulness and dialectics — the practice of holding two opposing ideas at the same time — to help people build healthier emotional and relational patterns.
DBT teaches practical skills for regulating emotions, managing stress, improving communication, and staying grounded during difficult times. These skills help people better understand their emotions, navigate conflict more effectively, and respond to challenges more intentionally.
At Willamette Wellness Center, DBT therapy is available online for clients across Oregon and Washington and in person at our Milwaukie, OR clinic.
How Does DBT Work?
In individual therapy, clients work one-on-one with a certified therapist to set personal goals and apply DBT skills to real-life situations. Skills training groups, often conducted in a classroom-like setting, focus on teaching and practicing the four DBT skills modules. This structure allows for continuous reinforcement of skills and supports clients as they work toward long-term behavioral change. DBT counselors can also engage in consultation teams, which provide support and accountability to maintain therapeutic effectiveness.
Who Benefits from DBT?
DBT is particularly effective for individuals experiencing intense, unstable emotions and impulsive behaviors. It’s commonly used to treat borderline personality disorder, where individuals often struggle with mood swings, relationship difficulties, and self-harming behaviors. Additionally, DBT is effective in treating other conditions like substance use disorders, eating disorders, depression, trauma, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Symptoms like chronic suicidal ideation, emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and self-destructive behaviors respond well to DBT’s structured approach.
Insurance We Accept at Our Milwaukie Clinic
In addition to in-person care at our Milwaukie, OR clinic by appointment only, we serve clients throughout the Portland metro area—and across Oregon and Washington—through secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth.
We accept most insurance plans, including Regence BlueCross BlueShield, Kaiser of Oregon, Oregon Health Plan (OHP), PacificSource Commercial, and Providence.
