Implementing an Evidenced Based Treatment Model During a Pandemic

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), a treatment developed for individuals with disorders of emotion regulation, suicidality, and self-harming behavior (Linehan, 1993), includes four components-phone coaching, skills training, individual therapy and a consultation team. DBT has been adapted across multiple setting and has been adapted for specific populations. This presentation will discuss how DBT was implemented within a 30 bed adolescent residential treatment center during a pandemic. Participants will learn about the pros and cons of implementing and evidenced based treatment model, how the evidenced based treatment model was adapted for a residential treatment environment. Future goals around adherence and implementation will also be explored. Utilization of evidenced based treatment decreases the length of treatment and restraints thus promoting resiliency and hope to get clients back to their life worth living.