Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What if I have trouble learning because of cognitive difficulties or psychiatric symptoms?
Clients with these difficulties can meet with one of the DBT clinicians for an additional half hour each week to review the material from group. Almost everyone finds the material in group to be challenging at times, and we only offer this additional support when there is a clear need.
Who are the clinicians in the program?
Our clinicians all have extensive training and expertise in DBT, with most having completed the intensive training course and practicing DBT for years. Upon request, you will get a list of therapist credentials and experience.
Can I continue to see another therapist when I enter the DBT program?
It is almost always difficult to leave a therapist. However, to participate in DBT, clients need to discontinue other individual therapy when they start the DBT program. This may apply to certain types of group therapy as well. Participating in multiple treatments leads to conflicting advice, which can stall progress in both treatments.
What about ECT?
Because ECT can cause issues with memory, we do not recommend doing DBT and ECT at the same time.
What funding sources do you accept?
We accept Medicare, Medicaid (for King County residents only), and many commercial insurance programs. Your insurance coverage will be confirmed before we enroll you in the program, to be sure you can afford services.
Can my family participate in treatment?
Your family members may have some limited participation in your treatment, which will be determined by you and your individual therapist. Involving family members is not a regular part of DBT with adult clients. We do have a 12-week DBT family group for family members who would like our support in helping your recovery.
What if I have an active substance abuse problem?
We sometimes require clients to complete substance abuse treatment before starting DBT.
What if I have an eating disorder?
We do not have a specific track for individuals with eating disorders. Typically, we will treat an eating disorder as part of the normal course of DBT. If an eating disorder is life-threatening or substantially interfering with treatment, additional treatment specific to eating disorders may be required to remain in DBT.
I have a chronic medical condition. What is the DBT policy on missing therapy due to medical problems?
While missing sessions due to medical problems is very understandable, there are no “excused” absences in DBT. The DBT program may consult with your medical provider on what DBT services and recommendations are appropriate for you, given your medical condition. If you have medical problems requiring a lot of appointments or bed rest, we may recommend you postpone DBT treatment until these problems are resolved. If your medical provider supports participation in DBT, your therapist will work with you to manage your time, energy, and symptoms to participate effectively, according to your medical provider’s recommendations.
If Harborview DBT-ACES (optional second year) is about working, could I lose my disability or medical benefits?
The first-year, standard DBT program does not require that you do any paid work. Employment is emphasized in the optional second-year program, called DBT-ACES. Clients can only apply for the ACES program after completing the first year of DBT. If you have questions about how employment could impact your benefits, you can speak to financial counselors at our agency.
What if I am required to do DBT by a court or parenting plan?
It is very important that all clients are participating in DBT voluntarily, so we do not accept people into our program who are required to do DBT because of court, child protective services, family members, or any other outside source of pressure. (If you are required to participate in treatment, but not DBT at Harborview specifically, that is fine. What matters is that you are the one deciding that you want to participate in our DBT program.) If you are already participating in the program and become mandated to DBT at Harborview, we will suspend you until the requirement is lifted. We can provide the necessary documentation to clarify these rules to the court or other agency.
Clients with these difficulties can meet with one of the DBT clinicians for an additional half hour each week to review the material from group. Almost everyone finds the material in group to be challenging at times, and we only offer this additional support when there is a clear need.
Who are the clinicians in the program?
Our clinicians all have extensive training and expertise in DBT, with most having completed the intensive training course and practicing DBT for years. Upon request, you will get a list of therapist credentials and experience.
Can I continue to see another therapist when I enter the DBT program?
It is almost always difficult to leave a therapist. However, to participate in DBT, clients need to discontinue other individual therapy when they start the DBT program. This may apply to certain types of group therapy as well. Participating in multiple treatments leads to conflicting advice, which can stall progress in both treatments.
What about ECT?
Because ECT can cause issues with memory, we do not recommend doing DBT and ECT at the same time.
What funding sources do you accept?
We accept Medicare, Medicaid (for King County residents only), and many commercial insurance programs. Your insurance coverage will be confirmed before we enroll you in the program, to be sure you can afford services.
Can my family participate in treatment?
Your family members may have some limited participation in your treatment, which will be determined by you and your individual therapist. Involving family members is not a regular part of DBT with adult clients. We do have a 12-week DBT family group for family members who would like our support in helping your recovery.
What if I have an active substance abuse problem?
We sometimes require clients to complete substance abuse treatment before starting DBT.
What if I have an eating disorder?
We do not have a specific track for individuals with eating disorders. Typically, we will treat an eating disorder as part of the normal course of DBT. If an eating disorder is life-threatening or substantially interfering with treatment, additional treatment specific to eating disorders may be required to remain in DBT.
I have a chronic medical condition. What is the DBT policy on missing therapy due to medical problems?
While missing sessions due to medical problems is very understandable, there are no “excused” absences in DBT. The DBT program may consult with your medical provider on what DBT services and recommendations are appropriate for you, given your medical condition. If you have medical problems requiring a lot of appointments or bed rest, we may recommend you postpone DBT treatment until these problems are resolved. If your medical provider supports participation in DBT, your therapist will work with you to manage your time, energy, and symptoms to participate effectively, according to your medical provider’s recommendations.
If Harborview DBT-ACES (optional second year) is about working, could I lose my disability or medical benefits?
The first-year, standard DBT program does not require that you do any paid work. Employment is emphasized in the optional second-year program, called DBT-ACES. Clients can only apply for the ACES program after completing the first year of DBT. If you have questions about how employment could impact your benefits, you can speak to financial counselors at our agency.
What if I am required to do DBT by a court or parenting plan?
It is very important that all clients are participating in DBT voluntarily, so we do not accept people into our program who are required to do DBT because of court, child protective services, family members, or any other outside source of pressure. (If you are required to participate in treatment, but not DBT at Harborview specifically, that is fine. What matters is that you are the one deciding that you want to participate in our DBT program.) If you are already participating in the program and become mandated to DBT at Harborview, we will suspend you until the requirement is lifted. We can provide the necessary documentation to clarify these rules to the court or other agency.
