Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that teaches practical skills for managing emotions, coping with distress, building healthier relationships, and responding to life’s challenges with greater awareness and balance.
Originally developed to treat borderline personality disorder (BPD), DBT is also effective for a range of mental health conditions — including depression, anxiety, and disordered eating — as well as substance use. Clearview is one of the few programs in the country to use DBT across all levels of care.
Across its residential centers in Southern California, Clearview delivers comprehensive DBT to adults of all gender identities and sexual orientations living with complex mental health conditions and co-occurring substance use disorders.
Clearview's Commitment to DBT
As one of the most comprehensive DBT treatment programs in the United States, Clearview adheres to the full DBT model — not a partial or adapted version. That commitment is anchored by the clinical leadership guiding the program.
Clearview's DBT Expert
Charlie Swenson, MD
Charlie Swenson, MD, is a DBT expert clinician, psychiatrist, consultant, and instructor who was personally trained by Marsha Linehan — the psychologist who developed DBT. A member of the Clearview team since 2010, Dr. Swenson has been instrumental in building Clearview into a comprehensive DBT treatment program at both the residential and outpatient levels.
When Dr. Swenson joined, DBT had been proven effective at the outpatient level but required adaptation to work in a residential setting. Drawing on years of experience in intensive facilities, he championed expanding DBT into residential care. Today, Dr. Swenson provides weekly DBT consultation to Clearview’s clinicians and leads specialized DBT skills training and oversight for clinical staff — helping hold Clearview accountable to the DBT model and keeping the team current on the latest research and application of DBT skills.
About DBT
How Does Dialectical Behavior Therapy Work?
DBT is an evidence-based treatment that combines CBT with mindfulness practices rooted in meditation and self-awareness. Through individual DBT sessions and DBT skills groups, clients learn to apply DBT skills in everyday life. Treatment progresses through four stages:
1. Building a foundation
Clients gain control over life-threatening and treatment-interfering behaviors that disrupt daily life.
2. Experiencing emotions
Clients learn to identify, experience, and express their emotions in healthy ways.
3. Problem-solving
Clients build skills to tackle everyday challenges more effectively.
4. Connection
Clients bring the earlier skills together to build stronger relationships with others.
The Evidence Behind DBT
Marsha Linehan, PhD, developed DBT to help patients whose suicidal tendencies were not adequately addressed by traditional therapies — a critical advance for borderline personality disorder (BPD), where the risk of suicide attempts is high.
Decades of research have shown DBT to be effective at reducing suicide attempts, self-harm, and emergency hospitalizations among people with BPD. Studies have also found DBT can significantly reduce anger, depression, disordered eating behaviors, and hopelessness. For substance use, DBT can reduce cravings, urges to use, and the discomfort of abstaining — teaching healthier coping skills that help clients maintain recovery.
Help is here when you're ready.
With over 20 years of experience providing compassionate, evidence-based treatment, Clearview can help you or a loved one find your path to recovery and healing.
The Clearview Difference in DBT Treatment
Comprehensive DBT at every level of care
Clearview provides comprehensive DBT across all levels of care. In its programs for addiction with co-occurring mental health, women's mental health, and outpatient treatment, clients take part in individual therapy with a trained DBT therapist and in skills groups to learn and practice DBT skills.
Clinicians with extensive, ongoing DBT training
Clearview's therapists are extensively trained in DBT, including through Marsha Linehan's training institute, Behavioral Tech. The team meets regularly with DBT consultant Charlie Swenson, MD, to stay current on new developments and continually strengthen care.
A dedicated DBT team
A dedicated team of DBT providers helps clients stay focused on practicing new skills and accountable to their progress, offering support and stability throughout treatment.
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