Expert DBT Services at Tides Mental Health
Finding specialized dialectical behavioral therapy Chicago residents can trust requires connecting with providers who understand that effective mental health treatment goes beyond one-size-fits-all approaches. At Tides Mental Health, we offer comprehensive dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) services designed to help individuals, couples, and families develop essential emotion regulation skills and build healthier relationships through evidence-based treatment.
Our experienced team of DBT therapists provides personalized care for teens, young adults, adults, couples, and families who are ready to develop effective coping skills and create lasting positive change in their lives.
What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?
Dialectical behavior therapy is an evidence-based treatment approach developed by psychologist Marsha Linehan that combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices. Originally created to help individuals with borderline personality disorder and severe emotional dysregulation, dialectical behavior therapy has proven effective for a wide range of mental health challenges, including anxiety disorders, depression, eating disorders, and various personality disorder presentations.
DBT focuses on teaching practical skills that help people learn to regulate emotions, manage difficult emotions, and improve relationships. Rather than simply talking about problems, dialectical behavior therapy provides concrete tools and effective coping skills that individuals can apply immediately in their daily lives.
The Four Core Modules of DBT
Our dialectical behavior therapy programs are built around four essential skill modules:
Mindfulness Skills form the foundation of all DBT techniques, teaching individuals how to be present in the moment without judgment. These mindfulness skills help people observe their thoughts and emotions in the present moment without becoming overwhelmed, creating space between emotional triggers and responses.
Distress Tolerance Skills focus on building resilience during crisis situations and difficult emotions. These techniques help individuals navigate challenging circumstances without engaging in problematic behaviors or harmful behaviors that might worsen their situation.
Emotion Regulation Skills provide tools for understanding and managing emotions effectively. These skills help reduce emotional dysregulation, identify emotional patterns, and respond to feelings with intention rather than being controlled by intense emotions.
Interpersonal Effectiveness Skills support healthy communication and relationship building. These tools help individuals express their needs clearly, maintain self-respect, and create healthier relationships while setting appropriate boundaries.
Who Benefits from Our DBT Services?
At Tides Mental Health, we provide dialectical behavior therapy for individuals experiencing various mental health challenges. Our specialized training and personalized approach make our services particularly effective for:
Teens and Young Adults
Young people facing emotional dysregulation, anxiety disorders, depression, family conflict, or difficulty managing intense emotions. Our DBT programs help teens and young adults develop emotion regulation skills and effective coping skills for navigating academic stress, social relationships, and life transitions.
Adults Across the Lifespan
Adults managing depression, anxiety disorders, relationship challenges, grief and loss, or feeling “stuck” in problematic behaviors patterns. Our evidence-based treatment helps adults develop new skills for creating meaningful change and emotional control.
Couples and Families
Partners and families struggling with communication breakdowns, conflict resolution, or relationship difficulties. Our DBT-informed approach helps participants learn interpersonal effectiveness skills for building stronger, more satisfying connections.
Individuals with Specific Challenges
We work with clients facing borderline personality disorder, various personality disorder presentations, eating disorders, and those who experience emotion dysregulation. Our DBT therapists are trained to address these complex challenges through comprehensive skills training.
Our Comprehensive DBT Programs
Tides Mental Health offers dialectical behavior therapy through multiple formats to ensure accessibility and effectiveness for every client’s unique needs and preferences.
Individual DBT Therapy
Individual therapy sessions provide personalized attention where clients work one-on-one with a skilled DBT therapist to address specific challenges and develop customized effective coping skills. Our licensed clinical psychologist and specialized therapist team collaborates with clients to apply the four modules to their unique circumstances, whether addressing relationship challenges, work stress, or major life transitions.
DBT Groups and Skills Training
Our DBT groups create supportive environments where participants learn and practice dialectical behavior therapy skills alongside others on similar journeys. These skills training groups focus on the four core modules, allowing participants to practice new skills, share experiences, and receive peer support. Each group consists of individuals committed to developing emotional control and interpersonal effectiveness skills.
Flexible Delivery Options
We offer both in-person and telehealth options for our dialectical behavior therapy services, ensuring that clients can access high-quality behavior therapy in the format that works best for their lifestyle and preferences.
Key Benefits of DBT at Tides Mental Health
Develop Emotional Resilience
Learn to regulate emotions effectively and manage difficult emotions without becoming overwhelmed. Our emotion regulation skills training helps clients reduce emotional dysregulation and develop confidence in their ability to handle life’s challenges.
Build Stronger Relationships
Master interpersonal effectiveness skills that improve communication, resolve conflicts, and create healthier relationships. Clients report significant improvements in their ability to express needs clearly while maintaining self-respect.
Gain Practical Coping Skills
Acquire effective coping skills and distress tolerance techniques that can be applied immediately to real-life situations. These tools help individuals navigate crisis situations and intense emotions without resorting to harmful behaviors.
Create Lasting Change
Develop mindfulness skills and emotional control that extend far beyond therapy sessions. Our evidence-based treatment approach helps clients build resilience and create meaningful, sustainable improvements in their lives.
Our Specialized Approach
Expert DBT Therapists
Our team consists of highly trained DBT therapists who have completed extensive specialized training in dialectical behavior therapy principles and practices. Each therapist brings both clinical expertise and genuine warmth to their work, ensuring clients receive the highest quality care available.
Evidence-Based Treatment
We utilize proven dialectical behavior therapy techniques developed by Marsha Linehan and refined through decades of research. Our approach integrates DBT with other evidence-based modalities when appropriate, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, and Trauma Informed Identity Informing Care.
Personalized Care
We believe that effective therapy requires more than clinical expertise—it demands genuine human connection and cultural understanding. Our diverse team provides culturally responsive care that honors each client’s unique story, background, and goals.
Comprehensive Support
From initial consultation through treatment completion, we provide comprehensive support designed to ensure your success. Our collaborative approach includes regular progress monitoring and ongoing adjustments to ensure treatment remains aligned with your evolving needs.
Essential DBT Skills You'll Learn
Mindfulness in Daily Life
Develop the ability to stay present and focused, reducing anxiety and improving overall well-being. Our mindfulness skills training helps clients observe their thoughts and emotions without judgment, creating greater emotional stability and clarity in the present moment.
Managing Intense Emotions
Learn specific techniques for handling emotional dysregulation and developing emotional control. These emotion regulation skills help clients identify triggers, understand emotional patterns, and respond to feelings with intention rather than reactivity.
Crisis Management
Build distress tolerance skills for navigating crisis situations and difficult emotions without engaging in problematic behaviors. These techniques provide practical tools for riding out emotional storms while maintaining clarity and self-respect.
Communication and Boundaries
Master interpersonal effectiveness skills for expressing needs clearly, setting healthy boundaries, and building stronger relationships. These skills help individuals create more satisfying connections while maintaining their authenticity and self-respect.
Getting Started with DBT at Tides Mental Health
Complimentary Consultation
Begin your journey with a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your needs and determine if our dialectical behavior therapy services are right for you. This conversation allows you to ask questions about our approach and get a sense of our team without any pressure or commitment.
Comprehensive Assessment
Once you decide to move forward, we conduct a thorough assessment to understand your specific goals and develop a personalized treatment plan. Our collaborative approach ensures that your voice and preferences are central to your dialectical behavior therapy experience.
Ongoing Support
Throughout your treatment, we provide regular check-ins to monitor progress and adjust approaches as needed. Our DBT therapists are committed to ensuring that you feel supported and satisfied with your therapeutic experience as you develop new skills and create positive changes.
Why Choose Tides Mental Health for DBT?
Specialized Expertise
Our team has completed extensive specialized training in dialectical behavior therapy, ensuring you receive expert care from knowledgeable professionals who understand the complexities of emotional dysregulation and relationship challenges.
Culturally Responsive Care
We provide affirming, inclusive care for individuals from all backgrounds, including BIPOC, LGBTQ+, neurodivergent, and multilingual clients. Our approach ensures you never have to minimize your story or translate your identity.
Flexible Options
With both individual therapy and group options available in-person and online, we make it easy to access the dialectical behavior therapy services you need in a format that works for your life.
Comprehensive Approach
Beyond teaching DBT skills, we integrate multiple evidence-based approaches to ensure you receive comprehensive care that addresses all aspects of your mental health and well-being.
Proven Results
Our clients consistently report improvements in emotion regulation, relationship satisfaction, and overall quality of life. The skills learned in our dialectical behavior therapy programs provide lasting benefits that extend far beyond formal treatment.
Take the First Step Today
If you’re ready to develop effective coping skills, improve your relationships, and create lasting positive change, we’re here to support you. Our dialectical behavioral therapy Chicago services provide the evidence-based treatment and personalized attention you need to build emotional resilience and achieve your goals.
Don’t let emotional dysregulation, relationship challenges, or problematic behaviors continue to impact your quality of life. Our experienced DBT therapists are ready to help you develop the skills needed for emotional control, healthier relationships, and overall well-being.
Contact Tides Mental Health today to schedule your complimentary consultation and learn how our comprehensive dialectical behavior therapy services can support your journey toward emotional wellness and personal growth. Take the first step toward building the skills and resilience that will enhance your life for years to come.