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How Long Is DBT Therapy? Duration, Process and Benefits

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If you’ve ever wondered how long DBT therapy is, what actually happens in a skills class, or how practices like mindfulness, meditation, and even ketamine-assisted psychotherapy fit into modern care, this guide is for you. At Oakland DBT and Mindfulness Center, we help adults and families in the East Bay and beyond build steadier emotions, stronger relationships, and a life that feels more like yours, one practical skill at a time.

What Is DBT Therapy? 

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based approach that blends acceptance (meeting yourself where you are) with Change (learning what to do differently). In standard DBT, people typically meet weekly with a therapist and also attend a skills group that teaches concrete tools for mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Programs were initially built as a comprehensive package, consisting of individual sessions (60 minutes weekly) and group skills training (often 2–2.5 hours weekly), alongside consultative support for the care team. 

Functional Analysis (Chain Analysis) in DBT, Plain-English Version 

You’ll hear DBT therapists talk about functional analysis or chain analysis. Think of it as slowing the tape: you and your therapist walk through what happened before, during, and after a problem behavior. You identify triggers, thoughts, body sensations, urges, and consequences, then design specific solutions for the links that matter most. It’s a compassionate, practical way to understand why something keeps happening and how to change it next time. 

Functional analysis chart showing DBT chain analysis steps
DBT chain analysis breaks down triggers and responses

What Are the Six Main Points of DBT? 

Different summaries phrase this in various ways. A helpful, plain-language way to think about “six points” looks like this: 

  • Acceptance & Change (the dialectic): We hold two truths at once: you’re doing the best you can, and you can learn new skills.
  • Behavioral Strategies: Observe patterns, do chain analysis, practice opposite action, and focus on what you do. 
  • Cognitive Strategies: Notice thoughts, name judgments, and build balanced thinking. 
  • Skills Training: The four skills modules (mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness). 
  • Collaboration & Validation: Therapy is a partnership that honors your lived experience
  • Generalization & Coaching: Practice skills between sessions and apply them in real-life situations.


Formally, standard DBT emphasizes four treatment modes (individual therapy, skills group, phone coaching, and a therapist consultation team). Still, the six ideas above describe what most people experience inside effective DBT care. 

How Long Is DBT Therapy? 

Short answer: It depends on your goals, history, and the format you choose. Many programs teach the full skills curriculum in about 24 weeks (roughly six months) and often repeat it to complete a year so that the tools become second nature. Individual therapy usually runs weekly alongside group. That means some people complete a 6-month round, while others opt for 12 months for more profound mastery.

At Oakland DBT and Mindfulness Center, you’ll see options ranging from DBT skills classes (modular and practical) to individual therapy tailored to your needs, so the work fits real life instead of demanding a one-size-fits-all path.  

DBT Skills Classes at Oakland DBT and Mindfulness Center 

Skills classes are a direct path to calmer days and steadier reactions. You learn concrete, repeatable tools you can use in the middle of stress, breathing techniques that actually help, scripts that make hard talks easier, and micro-habits that keep bad moments from becoming bad days. 

Who it helps: People who feel emotions intensely, like waves; those who are tired of walking on eggshells in relationships; anyone who wants more skill and less spiraling.

Format: weekly, module-based learning with guided practice and real-world application; classes are adjuncts to individual therapy (with us or your outside therapist).  

What you can expect: practical tools for stress, conflict, and communication; many participants report better coping, healthier relationship patterns, and more confidence as the weeks progress.  

We offer Adult and Graduate classes (and additional tracks as available), so you can start at the right level and stay long enough to make the skills stick.  

Group learning during DBT skills class in Oakland center
DBT skills classes teach practical tools for daily life

Childhood Trauma Therapy for Adults 

Childhood experiences shape adult nervous systems. Trauma can show up years later as emotional reactivity, shutting down in conflict, perfectionism, or feeling oddly numb. Trauma therapy for adults helps you process memories safely, rebuild a felt sense of security, and learn in-the-moment tools for grounding and connection. DBT contributes skills for staying present, tolerating distress, and repairing relationships; your individual therapist helps weave those tools into your specific story. (At our center, individual therapy is integrative and evidence-based; more than talk, it’s practice.)  

Individual Therapy for Relationship Issues 

You don’t always need couples therapy to improve a relationship. Many people start with individual therapy for relationship issues, clarifying boundaries, healing people-pleasing, and learning how to communicate needs without escalating. When it makes sense, we also offer couples and family therapy to practice skills together and create shared language for Change.  

Common goals we see:

  • Ending the whiplash between silence and blowups 
  • Learning to speak clearly without apologizing for existing 
  • Repairing trust through small, consistent actions 
  • Replacing resentment with honest requests and boundaries 

Mindfulness vs. Meditation (And Why Both Matter in DBT) 

What is the difference between mindfulness and meditation? 

  • Mindfulness is a quality of attention, paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, without judgment. You can be mindful while washing dishes or talking to a friend.
  • Meditation is a structured practice (usually with time set aside) that trains attention and awareness. Many meditations cultivate mindfulness, but not all meditation styles are “mindfulness” per se.

What are the different types of meditation? 

There’s no single official list, but common categories include focused attention (such as breathing or mantra), open monitoring (observing thoughts/sensations), and affect-centered practices (such as loving-kindness/compassion). You’ll also see movement (walking, yoga, tai chi), visualization, and others. What matters most is: does it help you regulate attention and emotion in daily life? 

DBT uses mindfulness not as a lifestyle aesthetic but as a workbench: short, repeatable practices you can deploy during a tough day. 

Mindfulness vs meditation illustration showing key differences
Mindfulness is daily awareness, meditation is structured practice

About Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP), and the Couples Question

What is ketamine therapy for couples? 

Some clinics now offer couples protocols where one or both partners receive ketamine in a monitored setting, paired with therapeutic support focused on communication and empathic connection. Early reports and conceptual papers suggest potential benefits, but the field is still developing, and evidence is evolving. 

Important safety context: Ketamine is FDA-approved as an anesthetic; it is not FDA-approved for psychiatric disorders (esketamine/Spravato is approved for treatment-resistant depression, including as a standalone option, and is administered under supervision). If you’re considering any ketamine-related treatment, informed consent and medical oversight are essential. 

What the Oakland DBT and Mindfulness Center provides: 

  • Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is delivered with therapeutic preparation and integration, and conducted in-person for safety; we also offer psychedelic integration therapy for people processing experiences from other settings. 
  • If relationship patterns are a focus, we can pair KAP-related insights with individual or couples therapy to translate breakthroughs into everyday habits of connection. (Couples and family therapy are part of our services; KAP itself is medically supervised and in person.)  

Local, Accessible Care, Oakland, East Bay, and Telehealth 

We’re based on Piedmont Avenue in Oakland, serving the East Bay community with in-person sessions. Most services are also available by telehealth (with KAP as the exception because it requires in-person medical monitoring). Some clinicians are licensed to work virtually with clients in additional states (e.g., California, Colorado, Florida); availability can vary by therapist, so ask when you reach out.  

How to get started: The fastest way to reach us is through the contact form or by phone: (510) 239.5698. Please let us know your age and whether you’re seeking an individual therapist, a DBT skills class, or couples/family support, and we’ll match you with the right option.  

Putting It All Together 

Therapy should feel doable. Whether you’re tackling big emotions, healing childhood trauma as an adult, or wanting fewer fights and more connection, the right mix of DBT skills + individualized therapy can make life less reactive and more intentional. Add supportive practices, mindfulness, meditation, and healthy boundaries, and you’re building something sustainable. If your clinician recommends it and it fits your clinical picture, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy may offer a catalyst for change and integration work to make insights stick.

If you’re ready to move from “I don’t know what to do in the moment” to “I have a plan, and it works most days,” we’re here to help.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

How long is DBT therapy? 

Many programs teach the full skills curriculum in 24 weeks (6 months) and often repeat for 1 year to consolidate skills. Individual therapy typically runs weekly alongside group. Your length will vary based on goals and clinical needs.

What is functional analysis in DBT? 

It’s a chain analysis, stepping through triggers, thoughts, sensations, urges, and consequences to see why a behavior “worked” and where a new skill can change the outcome next time.

What are the six main points of DBT? 

A helpful summary is: acceptance/change, behavioral strategies, cognitive strategies, skills training, collaboration/validation, and generalization/skills coaching, mapped onto DBT’s standard modes of care. 

What’s the difference between mindfulness and meditation? 

Mindfulness is a way of paying attention in daily life; meditation is a structured practice that trains attention (mindfulness meditation is one common type). 

What are the different types of meditation? 

Focused attention, open monitoring, loving-kindness/compassion, mantra, movement (walking, yoga, tai chi), visualization, and more.

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Rajesh Jagannathan

Rajesh Jagannathan

Rajesh Jagannathan was born in India and earned a B.Tech in Computer Science from IIT, Madras. After spending a few youthful years in the Masters/Ph.D. program at the Ohio State University moved to the Bay Area for work. Since then he has stayed in the Bay Area and worked in tech for the better part of 20+ years. He has been with the center since its inception playing a key advisory role on tech related matters.

He enjoys living in the bay area with his family, exploring the outdoors in California and the world at large. While interests change over time some constants through the years have been travel, cooking, painting and board games. Lately all his spare time has been consumed by pickleball.

David Pepper

David Pepper, MD (Retired)

Dr. Pepper was born in San Francisco and attended UC Berkeley and then Medical and Graduate School in Iowa. Returning to California, he practiced and taught full spectrum Family Medicine with UCSF for 30+ years, working in Fresno, San Francisco and Contra Costa Counties. 1,000 births and 1,000 deaths one could say – with thousands of Families in between… in the ER, Hospital and Outpatient Clinics – always with a focus on Family and Community.
 
He has a long interest in Psychedelics and completed the CPTR program through CIIS in 2023. He is passionate about helping people think about how to craft their second half of life with meaning, including planning for a natural End of Life process that is not over medicalized.  He believes that a well planned End of Life allows people to live well.  More about his work can be found here.  
 
He brings his expertise in clinical assessment, and the tools that support this to working with the Team at Oakland DBT and Mindfulness Center to develop best practices for working with clients seeking expanded state treatment.  He collaborates with his wife who also works with clients in Expanded States.  He enjoys his 4 children, gardening, hiking, and community.
Rochelle

Rochelle Frank, PsyD

Rochelle Frank, PhD is a clinical psychologist in Oakland, CA with over 30 years of experience in both the public and private sectors. Dr. Frank earned her doctorate in clinical psychology at Syracuse University and completed her clinical training at Yale Psychiatric Institute. She specializes in evidence-based transdiagnostic treatment of  complex and co-occurring mood, anxiety, and trauma disorders in adults and adolescents, and related  problems in high-conflict couples and families. 

In addition to her private practice Dr.  Frank is an assistant clinical professor of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley, and also  holds faculty and supervisory appointments at The Wright Institute and the University of California San  Francisco School of Medicine.  She is co-author of The transdiagnostic road map to case formulation and  treatment planning: Practical guidance for clinical decision making (Frank & Davidson, 2014; New Harbinger),  a contributing author to S. G. Hofmann & S. C. Hayes (Eds.), Beyond the DSM (2020, New Harbinger), and  currently serves on the board of directors for the Institute for Better Health.

Dr. Frank has been involved with Oakland DBT and Mindfulness Center since 2012.  She has served as a clinical consultant and focuses on helping the Team bring a transdiagnostic process-based perspective to case formulation and treatment planning, as well as integrating methods from other third-wave cognitive behavioral therapies into the DBT model.  

In addition to enjoying time with her family, Dr.  Frank is an avid golfer, home chef, and a frequent beta-tester of her clinical skills while skiing and mountain biking.

Michael Stanger

Michael Stanger, MD

I am a board-certified psychiatrist practicing in California and Colorado across a range of settings – inpatient, outpatient, emergency and partial hospital, with current affiliations at Contra Costa Regional Medical Center and Boulder Community Health.

I have a particular interest in the therapeutic utility of ketamine to support psychotherapy. I began working with ketamine in 2016, initially in my California private practice where I administered oral and intramuscular doses. I have since continued to support therapist access and to develop understanding around the most effective use of these modality. In related work, I have mentored with the CIIS Center for Psychedelic Therapies and Research and taught sessions with the Polaris Insight Center on ketamine.

My background includes childhood immigration from South Africa to New York, working in the technology industry for several years and then traveling in an unscripted manner to arrive at the awareness that medicine, and ultimately psychiatry would be the path to be helpful to others in an applied way.

Chrysanthe

Chrysanthe Christodoulou

Operations Manager

Chrysanthe is our Operations Manager and one of our in-house Mindfulness Experts. She connects with new clients as they come into the Center, oversees day to day operations and runs special projects.  She is instrumental in supporting the Team by bringing joy, flow and ease.

Chrysanthe studied Meditation, Yoga, and Mindfulness with some of the most respected teachers of our time. She also holds a BS in Economics.  This combination of skills ensures our Center runs efficiently behind the scenes and lends wisdom to our budding Mindfulness Program.

Her local teaching career has spanned the Bay Area and beyond: overseas in Spain, Chile, Greece, and Amsterdam; and locally in San Francisco, Marin, Berkeley, Oakland, and Walnut Creek. Chrysanthe honors the magic in both movement and stillness, stirring energy and witnessing what emerges as everything settles into place. 

When Chrysanthe isn’t handling the business end of the Center or running mindfulness programming, you can find her exploring trails with her wolf pup, finding connection in community, and enjoying the sun and the sea.

Priya Jogia

Priya Jogia

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

​​Priya Jogia is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). Since 2013, she has worked in various clinical settings including: community mental health, hospital, and outpatient programs. Priya’s also spent time in Vietnam studying international social work and the relationship between culture, ethnicity, and mental health.

Priya is an active practitioner of mindfulness-based behavioral therapies including DBT and ACT, and has extensive training in CBT. As a DBT therapist, she’s seen the positive impact of using DBT skills in her own life, and is strongly committed to helping clients live meaningful lives that are aligned with their values.

Priya has an interest in perinatal mental health and working with BIPOC populations, and she strives to integrate a social and racial justice lens into her work. While being a therapist has brought a lot of meaning to Priya’s life, she tries not to take herself too seriously, and gets much joy from being a mum, being in nature, and cuddling with her dog.

Jay Indik

Jay Indik

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Jay brings his compassion, creativity, and equanimity to support each person who seeks therapy.. He believes that what makes each person happy is connected to their deepest sense of what is important. Jay listens for how each client can idiosyncratically transform their suffering into a happier life. As a result of working with Jay folks’ learn to address unwanted behavior, regulate their emotions, recover from individual or cultural trauma, repair relationships, and organize their behavior consistent with their values Jay has intensive training and has practiced the following modalities for decades: DBT, Narrative Therapy, Somatic Experiencing, Sensory Modulation, Psychodynamic Treatment and Expressive Arts Therapies. Jay specializes in working with couples, parents, parent child dyads and young adults, as well as with individuals from mid-life through retirement. Jay’s experience as a theater director, parent, teacher, and executive combined with his knowledge of research validated treatments allows him to best relate and serve each individual.

Jay has two adult children (one daughter, one non-binary), a “Real Dads Love Trans kids” t-shirt, and one amazing grandchild he watches one day a week.

Ari Tavano

Ariana Tavano

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Ari Tavano is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). She has worked in an array of clinical settings for over ten years, and utilizes the diversity of her experience to foster a therapeutic frame rooted in curiosity and empathic regard. She specializes in working with those looking to cultivate self-growth, increase interpersonal efficacy, and develop an affirming relationship with their internal worlds.

Ari extends a humanistic approach to her work by nourishing the whole self – according to one’s intersectionality and inherent wisdom. She is trained in DBT and other treatment modalities, including CBT, Existentialism, and Trauma Theory. She harmonizes the concepts of behaviorism and intuitiveness of relational healing, with opportunities to explore psychedelics and expanded-state work.

Ari invites you to build capacity for both processing and playfulness. She prioritizes humor and is often found in the ocean, on the dance floor, and imagining her next adventure. Ari has also worked as a licensed public school teacher in Hawai’i and documentary photographer in South Africa. She is committed to equity, inclusion, and the pursuit of social justice.

Alyson Barry

Alyson Barry, PhD

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Alyson Barry is a licensed clinical psychologist (PhD). Since 2005, she’s gained experience in diverse areas of practice, including inpatient hospitals, intensive outpatient programs, community mental health, and private practice. Alyson came to DBT in 2013 through her own yoga and meditation practice, which led her to seek additional training in mindfulness-based therapies. Drawn to work with people who’ve experienced developmental trauma, she begins by addressing what’s happening in the present, helping her clients develop practical skills that fundamentally improve how they interact with themselves and the world around them. As a result of this work, this can over time, set the stage for healing the older wounds. She believes in a collaborative and consent-based treatment approach, working to ensure that clients understand and are in agreement with any diagnosis or therapeutic technique. She hopes that this transparency can help to create an environment of respect for her clients’ choice, autonomy, and knowledge of themselves. She is also a big believer in bringing humor and irreverence into therapy. In her free time, Alyson enjoys snorkeling, hanging out with her cat, and spending time with friends. Alyson is available to work via telehealth with clients in California, Colorado, and Florida.
Heather Macbeth

Heather Macbeth

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (MFT)

Heather co-founded the Oakland DBT & Mindfulness Center in 2012. She is a licensed MFT. She offers a relational, somatic, experiential and humanistic approach to her work and is committed to relieving psychological suffering. Her style is both compassionate and gentle as well as directive and aims to be supportive of each person’s unique needs. Her work focuses on emotion regulation, changing persistent cycles of self-blame, listening more closely to intuitive knowing and increasing self compassion. She is committed and dedicated to helping her clients have a life where they can find themselves thrive vs. just survive. Working as a therapist, clinical supervisor, skills group and workshop facilitator has brought her a lot of joy. In addition to a private practice setting she has worked in community mental health organizations with disenfranchised youth and families and in public schools as a Behavioral Specialist. Heather works with adults and teens. She is intensively trained in DBT and other treatment modalities such as; Gestalt, Psychodynamic, MBSR, ands Expressive Arts. She is certified in EAP (Equine-assisted psychotherapy) and offers equine-facilitated learning workshops in the Bay Area. Additionally, she has received her training in Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy through the Polaris Insight Center in San Francisco and is inspired by the potential healing benefits of expanded states of consciousness work.

In her free time, and in ideal worlds, she is exploring jungles, hot springs, beaches, hanging out with animals (large and small), enjoying good food, travel and most importantly time with loved ones.

Christine Benvenuto

Christine Benvenuto

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (MFT)

Christine is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the co-founder and Executive Director of the Oakland DBT and Mindfulness Center. She brings over 25 years of experience in mental health to her work, with a background in working with people in all walks of life in residential, outpatient and home based settings. A systems thinker, valuing sustaining relationships, she works with individuals, couples and groups, with a strong belief that small shifts can create dynamic changes.

She blends a lifetime of interest and practice in somatics, meditation, embodiment, psychedelics and the arts with a passion for social justice, nature and thriving ecosystems. Her mentors are psychologically savvy, center co-existence, value differences and maintain a sense of humor.

Her professional training spans from depth oriented, expanded state and attachment based to behavioral styles of treatment. She co-creates a therapeutic container that feels collaborative, warm, dynamic, thoughtful and deeply resonant.

She works with individuals, couples and groups, offering ongoing weekly therapy, Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy and Consultation.

Along side of her professional life, Christine is grateful for her extended web of relationships as daughter, sister, wife, friend, step-mom and community connector.