About DBT

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a behavioral treatment for suicidal and self-harming behavior. It was developed by Marsha Linehan at the University of Washington, and has been tested in numerous large, rigorous, independently replicated studies. The research shows that DBT helps reduce suicidal and self-harming behavior, psychiatric hospitalizations, and treatment dropouts.

DBT helps you create the life you want by teaching you specific skills to help regulate emotions, tolerate distress, resist problematic urges, solve problems, interact effectively with others, and live in the moment. Therapy involves weekly group and individual sessions provided by a team of therapists, with the expectation that clients will practice their new skills extensively between sessions.

Harborview DBT Team

Our clinicians have extensive training and expertise in DBT.

• Penni Brinkerhoff, LMHC
• Lynn Elwood, LMHC
• Alicia Mueller, LMHC
• Carson Robinson, LICSW
• Anna Austing, MSW
• Helen Wilke, MSW

Instructions for Getting Started

1. Complete the self-screening form: https://redcap.iths.org/surveys/?s=CNXD8TNJRD7R8P3K

2. Upon completion of the screening form you will receive a phone number to call to verify your insurance coverage with the program coordinator.

3. Once coverage is verified, you will meet with a clinician from the team to talk about the DBT program and whether it will be a good fit for you. The program coordinator will help to arrange this.

4. If DBT is an appropriate treatment and you are committed to participating, you will either be assigned a group and individual therapist, or be added to the waitlist.

Please Note

• This program sometimes has a waitlist several months long.
• This program is specifically focused on treating suicidal and self-harming behavior.
• Review this list of other DBT programs in the Seattle area to find alternatives.

Program Location

Harborview Mental Health & Addiction Services
401 Broadway, 1st floor
Seattle, WA 98104