At White River Academy, we understand that adolescence can be a time of emotional turbulence and complex challenges. For young men struggling with intense emotions, impulsive behaviors, or relationship difficulties, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) offers proven, practical tools for lasting change.
DBT is integrated into the daily life of our students, enabling them to practice new skills in a safe and supportive environment and receive immediate feedback and encouragement.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a structured therapeutic approach designed to help teens manage their emotions and behaviors. It integrates principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with mindfulness, teaching individuals to be more present and aware in their daily lives.
DBT was initially developed to treat borderline personality disorder among adults but is now widely used to address various mental health concerns, particularly in adolescents experiencing emotional instability or impulsivity. The therapy emphasizes both acceptance and change, helping clients build a life worth living.
At White River Academy, our DBT sessions typically focus on developing teenagers’ skills in mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal relationships, providing practical tools for lasting personal growth.
Our DBT program provides teenagers with practical tools to navigate life’s challenges and build resilience.
Key benefits of the treatment include:
By incorporating DBT into our treatment, we help adolescents gain control over their thoughts, feelings, and actions for long-term personal development.
Our DBT program for teenage boys at White River Academy is specifically designed to help adolescent boys develop the skills necessary to manage stress, regulate emotions, and foster healthy relationships.
Students benefit from a structured program that includes one-on-one counseling, group skill sessions, and family engagement.
Our team works to assist teens gain confidence and resilience, learning to make positive choices both at school and in life, empowering them to achieve lasting personal growth and academic success.
17 years
Successfully Helping Families
15 years
Treating Sex Addiction & Compulsivity
92%
Graduation Success Rate
10 years
Of Family Advancement & Foster Care Experience
200 +
Community Service Improvement Projects Completed
We understand that seeking treatment for your child can raise many questions. To help you make informed decisions, we’ve compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about our programs and our approach to treating teenagers.
If you don’t find the information you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to contact our admissions team for personalized assistance.
The length of therapy varies depending on individual needs and progress. Many programs for teens last several months to ensure meaningful skill development and behavioral change. Regular practice of DBT skills is encouraged even after formal treatment ends. Ongoing support and aftercare planning help maintain positive outcomes in the long term.
Family involvement is a vital part of the therapy. Including family members helps reinforce skills learned in treatment and fosters a supportive home environment. Family can focus on communication, understanding emotions, and collaborative problem-solving. This involvement increases the likelihood of lasting positive change for the adolescent.
DBT is highly effective for adolescents dealing with multiple challenges, including substance use and mental health concerns. Our therapy emphasizes coping skills and emotional regulation, supporting recovery across different areas of life.
Skills are designed to be used in everyday life, not just in therapy sessions. Teens learn to apply these tools in various settings, including at home, school, and social situations. Skills such as distress tolerance and effective communication help alleviate academic pressures and foster healthy peer relationships. Continued practice leads to lasting improvements in many areas of life.