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
Adam Kuczynski, M.S.
Michelle Lee, MSW
Carson Robinson, LICSW
Penni Brinkerhoff, LMHC
Adam Carmel, PhD
Lynn Elwood, LMHC
Adam Kuczynski, M.S.
Michelle Lee, MSW
Carson Robinson, LICSW
Getting Started
- Start by completing this brief survey here: https://redcap.iths.org/surveys/?s=CNXD8TNJRD7R8P3K
- You will need to have your insurance coverage verified by our program coordinator.
- Once your insurance coverage is verified, you will meet with a clinician from the team to talk about the DBT program and whether it will be a good fit for you.
- If DBT is an appropriate treatment for your problems/goals, and you are committed to participating, you will either be assigned a group and individual therapist, or be added to the waitlist.
- Our program typically has a very long waitlist. the wait can be several months long.
- 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