Melinda Brackett | southbaydbt.com - New Build

For Therapists and Psychiatrists

Referral Guidance for Psychiatrists and Psychotherapists: Connecting Patients to Our DBT Program

At our clinic, we recognize the importance of collaboration in providing comprehensive mental health care. As a psychiatrist or psychotherapist, your role in identifying patients who could benefit from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is crucial. This referral guidance is designed to help you understand when to refer patients to our DBT program and what to expect from our services.

Understanding DBT: A Brief Overview

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a structured, evidence-based treatment that combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices. Initially developed for individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), DBT has proven effective for a variety of emotional and behavioral issues, including:

  • Emotion Regulation Difficulties: Patients who struggle to manage intense emotions or who experience frequent mood swings.
  • Interpersonal Relationship Challenges: Individuals who find it difficult to maintain healthy relationships or who engage in conflictual or chaotic interpersonal dynamics.
  • Self-Destructive Behaviors: Patients exhibiting self-harm, suicidal ideation, or impulsive behaviors that compromise their safety.
  • Co-occurring Disorders: Individuals with diagnoses such as anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD, or substance use disorders who would benefit from structured skills training.

Criteria for Referral

When considering a referral to our DBT program, please evaluate the following criteria:

  1. Diagnosis and Symptomatology:
    • Patients with a primary diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) or those exhibiting BPD traits.
    • Individuals with severe emotional dysregulation or self-destructive behaviors.
    • Patients presenting with anxiety or mood disorders that impact their daily functioning.
  2. Readiness for Treatment:
    • Assess the patient’s motivation and readiness to engage in a skills-based program. DBT requires commitment and willingness to practice skills in and out of sessions.
    • Patients should be open to group therapy dynamics, as skills training occurs in a supportive group setting.
  3. Safety and Risk Management:
    • Ensure that the patient is stable enough to engage in DBT, particularly if they have a history of self-harm or suicidal ideation. Safety assessments should be conducted prior to referral.
  4. Current Treatment Context:
    • Patients who are not currently in intensive outpatient or inpatient care, as our program is designed as an adjunct to ongoing therapy or medication management.

Referral Process

  1. Initial Consultation:
    • Schedule a consultation with our DBT program coordinator to discuss your patient’s specific needs and the appropriateness of a referral. This conversation can help clarify any questions regarding our program structure and content.
  2. Patient Assessment:
    • Upon referral, patients will undergo a comprehensive initial assessment to evaluate their fit for the DBT program. This assessment will include gathering information on their emotional history, current challenges, and treatment goals.
  3. Program Structure Overview:
    • Our DBT program consists of:
      • Individual Therapy: One-on-one sessions focused on applying DBT skills to the patient’s specific situation.
      • Skills Training Groups: Weekly group sessions teaching core DBT skills in mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.
      • Phone Coaching: Access to real-time support when facing challenging situations.
      • Homework Assignments: Regular assignments to reinforce skills learned in therapy.
      • Progress Reviews: Ongoing assessments to monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed.
  4. Collaboration and Communication:
    • We prioritize communication between our DBT team and referring providers. We will keep you informed of your patient’s progress and collaborate on treatment goals to ensure a cohesive approach to their mental health care.

Conclusion

Referring patients to our DBT program can provide them with the structured support and skills they need to enhance their emotional well-being and improve their interpersonal relationships. If you believe a patient would benefit from DBT, please reach out to our team for further information and support in the referral process. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on their journey toward recovery and resilience.

For a list of research to date on dialectical behavior therapy click here >> (link to document)

Feel free to contact Melinda at (408) 780-1150 if you wish to make a referral or consult about a case to determine if a referral to DBT is the appropriate intervention for your client. Please leave a cell number or way of reaching you so that there is less delay in responding to your inquiry.