DBT Informed vs. Comprehensive DBT: Which Approach Is Right for You?
April 16, 2025 | By Taylor Rapuano
This is a repost of our blog originally posted in 2024.
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The Difference between DBT Informed Treatment & Comprehensive DBT Treatment
You may have heard of the therapeutic approach Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) but you might not realize that there are different ways DBT can be applied in therapy. Understanding these distinctions is important because different approaches to DBT are appropriate for different therapeutic needs.
What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a form of psychotherapy developed in the 1970s by Marsha Linehan. It is designed to help individuals manage intense emotions, reduce impulsivity, and navigate challenging interpersonal dynamics.
DBT incorporates both individual therapy and a skills group component. The term “dialectic” in DBT refers to balancing acceptance and change—acknowledging challenges while working toward personal growth.
The Four Core Skills in DBT
DBT teaches practical strategies to help individuals cope with distress and improve emotional well-being. These skills are divided into four modules:
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Mindfulness – Staying present and aware in the moment
Distress Tolerance – Coping with crisis situations and intense emotions
Interpersonal Effectiveness – Navigating relationships and setting boundaries
Emotion Regulation – Managing and changing emotional responses
What Is Comprehensive DBT?
When people think of DBT, they are usually referring to “adherent”, or “comprehensive” DBT. This refers to the treatment developed by Marsha Linehan. Comprehensive DBT is a structured, evidence-based treatment designed for borderline-personality disorder, chronic suicidality, PTSD, substance use disorders, and other mental health struggles.
For DBT to be considered comprehensive, it must include all four of the following components:
1. Individual DBT Therapy
Focuses on enhancing motivation for treatment and applying DBT skills to daily life.
Helps clients manage behaviors and environment by setting goals and tracking progress.
Clients use a diary card to monitor emotions, behaviors, and treatment targets weekly.
2. DBT Skills Training Group
Functions more like a class than traditional group therapy.
Teaches skills from the four DBT modules.
Typically lasts six months with homework assignments for practicing skills.
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3. Phone Coaching
Provides in-the-moment support between sessions.
Helps clients apply DBT skills to real-life situations.
Assists in managing emotional crises and repairing therapist-client relationships.
4. Therapist Consultation Team
DBT therapists participate in a weekly consultation group.
Ensures adherence to the DBT model.
Provides therapists with ongoing training, support, and skill development.
What Is DBT-Informed Therapy?
Not everyone needs the full structure of comprehensive DBT to benefit from DBT-based interventions. Research shows that learning DBT skills on their own—without engaging in the entire DBT program—can significantly improve mental health.
DBT-informed therapy incorporates aspects of DBT without requiring all four components. At Monarch Wellness, we integrate DBT-informed treatment in various ways, such as:
Teaching DBT skills within individual therapy.
Using diary cards to track emotions and behaviors.
Conducting behavioral chain analysis to identify triggers for problematic behaviors.
Who Might Benefit from Comprehensive DBT?
Determining whether comprehensive DBT or DBT-informed therapy is the right fit depends on individual needs. Comprehensive DBT may be the best option for individuals who:
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Have been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD).
Struggle with chronic suicidality or self-harm.
Need structured, intensive support to manage emotional and behavioral challenges.
If these concerns do not apply, DBT-informed therapy may still be an effective way to incorporate DBT techniques into treatment.
We Are Here to Help
If you’re considering DBT-informed therapy or want to explore whether comprehensive DBT is right for you, our team at Monarch Wellness can help.
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You can also call or text us at 202-656-3681, or email us directly. Give yourself the opportunity for the support you deserve.