Understanding DBT Therapy — And How Our Skills Groups Can Help Teens and Young Adults Thrive 

Adolescence and young adulthood are times of immense growth—but also significant challenges. From school pressures and social struggles to navigating identity, independence, and relationships, many teens and young adults face emotional ups and downs that feel overwhelming or unmanageable. 

If your teen or young adult has been struggling with intense emotions, impulsive behaviors, or difficulties in relationships, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) may be a helpful option. At PM Mental Health, we’re excited to offer virtual DBT Skills Groups in New York to help teens and young adults learn tools to cope with life’s challenges in a supportive group setting. Before we dive into our program, let’s explore what DBT is, who it’s for, and how it works. 

What Is DBT? 

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy developed by psychologist Dr. Marsha Linehan in the late 1980s. Originally designed to treat individuals with borderline personality disorder, DBT has since evolved into an evidence-based treatment for a range of emotional and behavioral challenges, particularly those struggling with emotional dysregulation. 

DBT is grounded in two core ideas: 

• Acceptance: Learning to understand and validate your current experience, even if it’s painful or difficult. 

• Change: Building new skills and behaviors that help you cope more effectively with life’s challenges. 

Rather than focusing solely on one or the other, DBT balances both—teaching individuals to accept themselves as they are while working toward positive change. 

Who Can Benefit from DBT? 

DBT can be life-changing for anyone who struggles with intense emotions, impulsive behaviors, or difficulties in relationships. Some common signs that someone might benefit from DBT include: 

• Feeling emotions more intensely than others seem to 

• Frequent mood swings, anxiety, or depression 

• Difficulty managing stress or conflict 

• Struggles with self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or other risky behaviors 

• Trouble maintaining healthy relationships or setting boundaries 

• Feeling misunderstood, isolated, or overwhelmed 

Importantly, you don’t need a specific diagnosis to benefit from DBT. Many young people who engage in DBT simply want better tools to manage life’s challenges, build emotional resilience, and make choices that align with their values and goals. 

How Does DBT Help? 

DBT works by teaching concrete, actionable skills in four key areas: 

1. Mindfulness – Becoming more aware of the present moment and accepting it without judgment 

2. Distress Tolerance – Managing crises and painful emotions without making things worse 

3. Emotion Regulation – Understanding and managing intense feelings in healthier ways 

4. Interpersonal Effectiveness – Navigating relationships with confidence and clarity 

These skills can be life-changing. They help young people respond to stress with calm rather than chaos, communicate their needs more effectively, and build lives that feel more balanced and meaningful. 

Introducing Our DBT Skills Groups for Teens and Young Adults 

At PM Mental Health, we have two virtual DBT Skills Groups designed specifically for teens ages 13-17 and young adults ages 18-23. These age groups are separated intentionally, allowing participants to connect with peers who share similar developmental experiences and life challenges. 

Whether it’s academic pressure, friendship drama, family conflict, or mental health concerns, our groups provide a space to talk openly, learn new skills, and feel less alone. 

Program Highlights: 

• All sessions are virtual – accessible from anywhere in New York State 

• Weekly group sessions 

• Led by certified DBT for Adolescents experts: Dr. Jennifer Weber (child & adolescent psychologist and Jessica Williams (pediatric therapist) 

• Self-pay or insurance accepted 

• Enrollment is open now – Limited spots available! 

“Our DBT Skills Groups create a safe space to learn how to regulate emotions, ask questions about how to deal with tough situations, and to feel empowered to make choices.” 
— Jessica Williams, LMSW 

What Is a DBT Skills Group? 

While full DBT treatment typically includes individual therapy, phone coaching, and skills group training, our program focuses specifically on the DBT Skills Group component. 

A DBT Skills Group is not a therapy session—it’s more like a structured, skills-based class in an interactive group setting. Participants meet weekly to: 

• Learn DBT skills from all four modules (mindfulness, acceptance & distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness) 

• Practice applying those skills to real-life challenges 

• Reflect and share with peers 

• Receive guidance and support from trained professionals 

How Does a Skills Group Differ From Traditional DBT? 

It’s important to understand the difference between comprehensive DBT and DBT Skills Groups 

Who Is a Good Fit for a DBT Skills Group? 

A young person might be a great fit for our group if they: 

• Want to learn tools to manage stress, anxiety, or big emotions 

• Struggle in social or family relationships 

• Are curious about improving emotional resilience 

• Can commit to weekly participation 

• Are open to group learning and respectful discussion 

DBT Skills Groups are not appropriate for individuals currently in acute crisis, active substance use, or with untreated psychosis. In those cases, more intensive treatment may be needed before participating in group work. 

Why Group Work? 

Group settings can be powerful, especially for adolescents and young adults who often feel isolated or “different.” Being part of a group offers: 

• Connection – Realizing you’re not alone in your struggles 

• Support – Encouragement from peers who understand 

• Perspective – Learning from others’ experiences and solutions 

• Practice – Applying DBT skills in a safe and supportive environment 

Our groups are confidential, inclusive, and designed to promote respect, empathy, and growth. 

Commitment Is Key 

DBT Skills Groups require a commitment—just like any worthwhile growth process. Weekly attendance is essential, both for the individual’s progress and for the consistency of the group. 

We work with each participant to make sure the program is the right fit, and we encourage families to support their teen or young adult in attending consistently and engaging fully. 

Ready to Take the Next Step? 

If you’ve been looking for a structured, evidence-based approach to helping your teen or young adult build emotional strength, our DBT Skills Groups may be the right fit. 

Enrollment is now open—spots are limited to keep groups small and effective. 

Let’s help the young people in our lives learn to regulate emotions, manage stress, and make empowered choices—together. 

CLICK TO LEARN MORE AND SIGN UP TODAY. 

PM Mental Health Contributors:

Jennifer Weber, PsyD, EdM, SM, is a licensed child & adolescent psychologist and certified DBT for Adolescents provider—a designation that reflects advanced training in DBT specifically tailored for teens and their unique developmental needs. In addition to her role as Director of Mental Health for PM Pediatric Care, Dr. Weber provides therapy to children, adolescents, and emerging adults and specializes in trauma, identity-development, mood disorders, anxiety, ADHD, and adjustment disorders.  

Jessica Williams, LMSW, is a therapist and DBT Group Coordinator with PM Pediatric Care. Jessica believes that therapy is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor, holding appreciation and a readiness for collaboration for the life experiences each person brings into therapy. Jessica has experience supporting all ages in managing struggles with depression, anxiety, life transitions, grief, and bereavement. Jessica is a certified DBT for Adolescents provider and facilitates regular virtual DBT Skills Groups for teens and young adults.