The University of Washington Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences offers a comprehensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) training program annually.
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.
Who the Training Is For
This training is designed at the post-graduate level for clinicians looking to learn to deliver DBT or for those looking to refresh their DBT Skills. This training is not appropriate for graduate students who have not completed at least a 1-year treatment practicum experience (approximately 300 hours).
Training Options
There are three different training options to choose from. Note: Tier 3 is only available to UW trainees in select clinical programs.
Tier 1: 2-Day DBT Overview Workshop
This virtual workshop is a two-day introduction to DBT. It is required to participate in Tiers 2 & 3.
- Day 1 focuses on the theory and structure of DBT and provides an overview of treatment strategies. Presenter: Dr. Kate Comtois
- Day 2 focuses on behavioral analysis, commitment, and crisis strategies with an emphasis on effective initial sessions with a DBT client. Presenter: Dr. Adam Carmel
When
- Monday, July 7, 2025 9am – 4:30 pm pst
- Monday, July 14, 2025 9am – 4:30 pm pst
Prerequisites
- Functioning camera and microphone to participate via Zoom
Tier 2: Seminar Series
The Seminar Series consists of 21 weekly sessions covering all the theoretical underpinning and major strategies of DBT, as well as applications with adolescents. It involves weekly reading, homework, and a self-graded final exam.
It is taught by a range of Seattle area supervising DBT clinicians.
When
- Weekly on Mondays, 11:30 – 1:00pm pst
- July 21, 2025 – December 15, 2025
Prerequisites
- Complete 2-day workshop
- Functioning camera and microphone to participate via Zoom
Tier 3: Clinical Training
Provides supervised individual and group therapy clinical experience with DBT. Available only to a limited number of psychology interns, psychiatry residents and fellows, social work practicum students, and psychology post-doctoral fellows in specific UW/SCH clinic rotations or fellowships.
Contact your residency or fellowship director or practicum supervisor for more information if interested.
Prerequisites
- Enrolled in select clinical training program
- Complete 2-day workshop
- Enrolled in seminar series
- Prior to selection of rotations for the 2025-2026 year, psychology residents confirm with Dr. Adam Carmel and all others meet with clinical training director, Dr. Kate Comtois, to confirm if appropriate for rotation.
Additional Details
Program Directors
Program Administrators
Contact Us
2025 Training Flyer
Download this 2025 UW DBT training flyer to share with colleagues that might be interested.
Pricing
To meet the growing demand for training while keeping the program sustainable, we have adopted a pricing structure based on trainee role. Fees allow us to continue to offer high quality training each year.
Workshop Registration
Registration is open May 1, 2025 – July 6, 2025.
