Dr. Marsha Linehan originally developed DBT to help individuals struggling with emotional dysregulation such as impulsivity, self-harm, suicide ideation and/or suicide attempts, interpersonal struggles, anger and problems with identity and sense of self such as Borderline Personality Disorder. However, research is fast emerging that suggests that DBT is effective in populations with diagnoses such as Bipolar Disorder, Substance Abuse and Eating Disorders, as well as Attention Deficit Disorder. Further, DBT is also a reasonable option for individuals who have tried other evidence-based treatments and found them ineffective.

As more research is conducted, we are finding increasing evidence that DBT is helpful to a broader range of individuals and used with adolescents, parents, and family members of individuals with emotion dysregulation, mature adults with anxiety and depression, individuals with developmental disabilities, and couples in high conflict.