Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute (PPI) offers Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) as an Intensive Outpatient Program for individuals who are needing more support than outpatient therapy alone.

Who this program treats

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a form of therapy that was developed for individuals diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) or individuals who have strong traits of this diagnosis. DBT has also been utilized to treat individuals with drug and alcohol addictions, eating disorders and for pain management. Individuals can attend the DBT program if they are at least 18 years old and are not currently attending high school. Individuals may attend college or work while attending the program; however, full-time employment and a full college course is not recommended, while attending the program, as it is intensive.

Services this program offers

The program is 13 weeks in duration and operates on a “rolling entry” where new class members join the class as there are openings at the beginning of the next module. Skills classes are co-facilitated by therapists with specialized DBT training and include up to 12 men and women.

Services of the Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Program include:

  • Skills classes are offered on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays in the morning from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. or in the afternoon from 12:30-3:30 p.m.
  • Individual DBT sessions are offered one time per week for 60 minutes
  • Coaching call is a service available to individuals who are enrolled in any of our DBT programs outside of business hours
  • Care planning (during treatment and at discharge)
  • Psychiatric evaluation and medication management (optional)
  • Family DBT Sessions [up to three] during the 13 weeks (optional)
  • DBT Step Down outpatient group
  • DBT Graduate Group (for individuals who have successfully completed a DBT program either at PPI or in the community)

Treatment goals include development of:

  • Relationship skills
  • The ability to handle stress
  • The ability to regulate emotions
  • Self-awareness

Getting started

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is offered at our Division Street Clinic in Harrisburg.

401 Division St
Harrisburg, PA 17110

Directions to Division Street Clinic


For an in-depth discussion about how DBT can help you reach your goals, or to refer to the DBT OP Group or DBT Graduate Support Group, call (717) 782-6515.

For referrals to DBT/IOP, please call the Admissions Department at (717) 782-6493.