What to Expect at Your First DBT Appointment

Starting DBT therapy in Louisville may feel unfamiliar. At your first appointment with Wise Mind Behavioral Health, you and your therapist discuss your goals, review relevant history and talk through the treatment process so you know what to expect.

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First appointment

Setting Goals at Your DBT Intake Appointment

During the first appointment, you and your therapist will work together to identify goals for the first few sessions. Your therapist will also ask about your history, particularly high-risk behaviors such as self-injury and suicide attempts, since these would need to be addressed first.

Standard information about therapy will also be provided so that you know what to expect. One of the goals of providing this information is to reduce apprehension and emotional distress related to the unknown.

What’s covered

Information typically addressed

Your DBT intake appointment includes discussion of therapist and client roles, confidentiality and its limits, session frequency, fees and treatment expectations. You can also ask about diary cards, skills groups and between-session coaching.

Roles

Therapist and client roles.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality and its limits.

Sessions

Frequency and length of sessions.

Duration

Duration of treatment.

Fees

Fees for sessions, and any fees for missed or cancelled appointments.

How DBT is different

DBT session structure and expectations: diary cards, group, out-of-session skills coaching, and the DBT treatment contract.

How treatment works

What comprehensive DBT involves

Skills group modules take 24 weeks to complete. Clients typically need 2 cycles, and the typical length of effective treatment is about 1 year. This may be shorter or longer, and will be discussed at intake and throughout treatment.

1

Individual therapy

Supports the learning of skills, provides time to troubleshoot learning, provides much-needed validation, and models a healthy relationship.

2

DBT skills group

Once a week (90 minutes). Teaches the four skills modules within a 24-week period. Typically, clients need 2 rounds of skills group, totaling 1 year.

3

Phone coaching

Used to support the use of skills in the moment.

4

Therapist consultation

Provides a space for therapists to discuss cases to ensure they are providing the best therapy possible.

Good to know

Before you reach out

Before starting DBT therapy, review the practice’s referral requirements, self-pay fees and payment information. Contact Wise Mind Behavioral Health if you have questions about preparing for your first appointment.