Dialecti­cal Behaviour Therapy Program for Youth

Overview

DBT refers to Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. It is an approach to therapy that can help participants learn to cope with difficult emotions and behavioural dysregulation. DBT has been adapted for a variety of challenges that threaten a person’s relationships, safety and emotional well-being. Its main goals are to teach people how to live in the moment, develop healthy ways to cope with stress, regulate their emotions, and improve their relationships with others.

NavOn offers three components of a traditional DBT program. Clients/participants are taught behavioural skills in a weekly group program. Individual therapy with a DBT-trained mental health provider will help clients adapt their new DBT skills to their personal life challenges and needs. The parent/caregiver participation component provides education to parents/caregivers and helps them support their youth in their skill development outside of group and individual therapy. At NavOn, our DBT program does not offer 24/7 crisis support but we will work with the youth and family to develop a safety plan, when one is not already in place.

NavOn’s DBT program is for youth aged 14 to 21 but each group that we run will have youth of about the same age. Our program requires a Clinical Intake Consultation to ensure a good fit. After the Clinical Intake Consultation, if the DBT program is a good fit, then the youth will be placed on our waiting list for the next available group. If after the consultation, NavOn’s DBT program is not going to meet the youth’s needs or expectations then recommendations will be made to help the youth move forward or we will suggest alternative services in the community. The Clinical Intake Consultation has a fee of $225 for one hour and typically takes one hour to complete.

What if I already have a therapist?

Youth participants will need to work with an individual therapist during this group program to support their skills and safety. If the participant is involved with a community therapist, NavOn will work with this therapist. If the participant does not have an individual therapist, this can be arranged through NavOn.

How much does it cost?

Fees for the DBT group are $1875. Groups meet weekly for 2 hours. DBT groups run for 12 sessions. There are typically 6 to 8 similarly-aged youth in each group. Each youth receives a binder of materials.

There are also fees for individual therapy for youth. Youth do individual therapy along with group therapy. Youth may have their own therapist in the community. Fees for individual therapy at NavOn with a DBT-trained therapist range from $150 to $225 per clinical hour (50 minutes).

DBT group fees are paid prior to the first group session. Payment can be made by e-transfer, cheque, or credit card (2.4% surcharge applies for credit card payments).

For individual therapy, invoices are provided 24 hours after each session. The invoice can be paid by e-transfer or credit card. It is also possible to pay by cheque or cash and to receive a paper-based invoice – please let us know in advance if cheque or cash is the preferred payment method.

Mental health providers are not paid by the Ontario Health Insurance Program (OHIP). However, because NavOn’s DBT program is run by psychologists, registered psychotherapists, or registered social workers, it may be possible to offset some of the costs.

• If you are employed, you may have coverage or partial coverage as part of your benefits. Even if you do not have benefits at your place of work, you can purchase extended health coverage through a number of insurance companies.
• If you are a veteran or a member of the Canadian Armed Forces you may have coverage.
• Depending on your situation you may also be eligible for financial support through the Victim Quick Response Program, Jordan’s Principle, or the Non-insured Health Benefits Program.

We will work with you to provide any documentation needed for insurance companies or other financial support services.