Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Group Therapy in Long Island & NYC

Each DBT skills group begins with a brief mindfulness practice, led by the group leader or co-leader, to help everyone settle in and focus. Group members then have the opportunity to share homework from the previous week. After homework review, a new skill is taught from the DBT module the group is working on.

DBT skills group is structured like a class but instead of academic subjects, you are learning practical skills designed to help you manage emotions, handle stress, improve relationships, and create meaningful change in your life.

When sharing homework in group, we ask that you use the term “target behavior” rather than describing specific details. This helps protect everyone in the group, as research shows that detailed descriptions can sometimes trigger or influence others a phenomenon known as the contagion effect. Using this language allows us to stay focused on skills and solutions while maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all group members.

DBT skills group for teens includes both the teen and a parent or caregiver. Each group begins with a brief mindfulness practice, followed by homework review from the previous week. New skills are then taught and practiced to use throughout the week. The group is interactive and supportive, and families often find that learning the skills together is both helpful and effective.

Many parents worry their teen will dislike being in group with them. In reality, most teens adjust quickly. The group is skills-focused, not a place for parents and teens to talk about personal issues or conflicts. Everyone is learning the same tools at the same time, which often reduces tension at home and helps parents support their teen more effectively. Over time, many teens report that having their parent understand and use the same skills actually feels supportive rather than uncomfortable.

 Parents are the primary focus of treatment during this 15 week group. The program is delivered through a parent management training ,  approach, which emphasizes adjusting the environment to better support a child’s emotional and behavioral regulation. Parents learn practical, skills-based strategies to strengthen effective behaviors, reduce challenging behaviors, and respond consistently and predictably. Sessions are structured and educational, with a focus on helping caregivers create conditions that make it easier for children to succeed. Many parents find this approach supportive and empowering, as it offers clear tools and guidance for creating positive change at home.

The adult multi-family group is a supportive space for parents, spouses, siblings, and other loved ones. The client is not present, and the group is not used to share information about their treatment. Instead, the focus is on helping family members learn the same DBT skills and develop new ways of communicating and responding that truly support the work their loved one is doing in therapy. Many participants find comfort in learning alongside others who understand their experience, gaining practical tools, and feeling less alone as they support meaningful change at home.

DBT skills groups typically run in cycles that cover the full DBT curriculum, including mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. The majority of  clients stay for two full cycles. The idea is to reduce behaviors that are getting in the way of having the life you want and to increase skill use.

Suffolk DBT offers in-person DBT skills groups at our Long Island locations, including Mount Sinai, Babylon, and Roslyn Heights, as well as New York City. We also offer virtual DBT groups across New York State, including upstate NY for those who prefer telehealth.

DBT skills group is structured and educational, focused on teaching specific skills you can apply in daily life. Unlike traditional group therapy, it is not process-based or focused on sharing personal stories, but on building tools for real change.

We are in Network with Northwell Direct Tier One. Coverage for DBT skills group varies depending on your insurance plan. Our team can help you understand your benefits and what to expect before getting started.