DBT is Evidence-Based

Evidence-Based

Dialectical Behavior Therapy is an “evidence-based treatment”, which means that it has been studied in clinical trials to determine whether or not it is effective. In the early 1990s the first trials of DBT compared to “treatment as usual” both resulted in important clinical progress in several key areas. However, DBT produced superior outcomes in the following ways:

  • A significant reduction in the number of intentional, self-injurious acts (e.g. cutting, burning)

  • Significant reductions in the medical seriousness of self-injurious acts that do occur.

  • Improved ability to change and regulate emotions.

  • Significant reductions in trait anger.

  • Significant reductions in anxious rumination.

  • Improved interpersonal effectiveness and interpersonal problem solving.

  • Significant reductions in substance abuse.

  • Significant reductions in eating disordered behavior.

  • Improved social adjustment (as reported by both self-report and clinical interview).

  • Significantly better global adjustment (e.g. at work, school, and household role performance).

Several subsequent studies followed and the results have been so positive that DBT is now generally considered to be a treatment of choice for BPD. Likewise, research suggests DBT may be helpful for many other problems, including eating disorders, substance use disorders, domestic violence, ADHD, depression and anxiety disorders, and trauma based disorders – particularly PTSD and complex-PTSD related to childhood abuse. Studies even suggest DBT is even a helpful adjunctive treatment for bipolar disorder and severe mental illness.

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We are accepting adults (18+) for our wait list. Because, to our knowledge, we offer the only standard model DBT program in Hawaii (including all four elements listed above) the demand for our services is high and the wait for an opening can vary greatly. We encourage interested individuals to add their names to the list, but apologize for our inability to accept new clients as quickly as would be desirable.

Accepted Insurance

  • HMSA
  • UHA
  • UHC
  • HMAA
  • Kaiser Permanente (by referral from Kaiser only)
  • Medicare
  • Quest

Individuals interested in being added to the waiting list should complete the form on this page..