Dialectical Behavior Therapy at Harborview
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 learning specific skills that 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 was the first site to implement DBT outside of Marsha Linehan’s research clinic, and has been has been offering DBT to the Seattle community since 1988.
Harborview was the first site to implement DBT outside of Marsha Linehan’s research clinic, and has been has been offering DBT to the Seattle community since 1988.
The Harborview DBT Team
Our clinicians have extensive training and expertise in DBT.
Britt Alvy, LICSW
Penni Brinkerhoff, LMHC
Adam Carmel, PhD
Lynn Elwood, LMHC
Katie Hellerud, LMHCA
Carson Robinson, LICSW
Penni Brinkerhoff, LMHC
Adam Carmel, PhD
Lynn Elwood, LMHC
Katie Hellerud, LMHCA
Carson Robinson, LICSW
Getting Started
- To inquire about getting connected to Harborview’s Psychotherapy Clinic for DBT services, call the Patient Access Center at (206) 744-8845, ask to be registered with the Psychotherapy Clinic, and inform them that you’re interested in the Harborview Mental Health & Addiction Services (HMHAS) DBT program.
- You will be scheduled to speak with a Harborview Representative via telephone in order to verify your insurance and explain any associated costs that you may be responsible for.
- Once someone at Harborview verifies coverage, they will schedule you for a telephone screening with a clinician. If you meet the criteria, you will be scheduled for an in-person screening appointment to discuss the program in more detail. If you are accepted and decide to do the program, you will be put on our wait list. If the problems that you experience are an appropriate fit for DBT, you will be scheduled for an in-person screening appointment to discuss the program in more detail. If you are accepted and decide to do the program, you will be be added to the waitlist.
Please note the following:
- Our program typically has a very long waitlist (several months or more).
- Our program is specifically focused on treating suicidal and self-harming behavior.
- A list of other DBT programs in the Seattle area can be found here.
OUR PROGRAM IS LOCATED AT:
Harborview Mental Health & Addiction Services
401 Broadway, 1st floor
Seattle, WA 98104
Harborview Mental Health & Addiction Services
401 Broadway, 1st floor
Seattle, WA 98104
