Dialectical behavioral therapy, or DBT, has been proven to be one of the most effective forms of therapy for the treatment of both depression and anxiety disorders. However, there are many different forms of therapy that can help you with your mental health concerns, and it’s important to find what works best for you as an individual so that you can continue to make positive changes in your life. This guide will teach you everything you need to know about becoming a mental health DBT practitioner, so that you can share your skills with others who could benefit from DBT-related services.
Why Choose DBT?
Because it’s one of most effective treatments for borderline personality disorder (BPD) and other mental health issues, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) is something that clinicians are encouraged to learn in school. If you want to become a mental health dbt practitioner, there are various levels of training available, depending on where you want to work and how deeply you want to get involved. To practice DBT at any level requires certification; however, Level 1 certification is required for clinicians who want to provide DBT services under their own license. The only way to earn Level 1 certification is by taking an intensive workshop or course led by an experienced trainer.
Where to Get Training
To become a mental health DBT practitioner, you’ll need training in both mental health and behavioral therapy. You can learn about DBT through online courses (e.g., those provided by Behavioral Tech or The Beck Institute) or through local resources that offer training sessions. Reach out to your community’s mental health facilities for more information on how to get started in becoming a dbt practitioner.
How Much Training Do I Need?
The amount of training and preparation you need to undergo depends on your professional experience. If you’re a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist with an advanced degree, all you really need is 10-12 days of didactic and experiential training. But if your background is in social work, therapy, etc., then classes and supervision will be required for an additional two years (or more) before being eligible for certification. You’ll also have to take continuing education courses throughout your career as a DBT practitioner. Regardless of how much time it takes to train, people in every field can benefit from learning more about behavioral health disorders and how to best treat them using DBT.
What Does Training Entail?
Becoming a mental health DBT practitioner requires obtaining training and licensure from an approved organization. As part of your training, you’ll learn about multiple types of therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), experiential therapies and how to work with different populations like children, teens and families. Your primary focus will be on learning how to implement behavioral-change strategies that help people identify their unhealthy behaviors and replace them with healthy ones. You may also have opportunities to practice skills in real-world settings, such as hospitals or schools. You can find accredited organizations through state licensing boards or by contacting one of several accrediting bodies for mental health professionals.
