Radically Open Dialectical Behavioral Therapy | College Students and Young Adults

Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO-DBT) program is a state-of-the-art, evidence-based behavioral treatment for individuals who cope with their emotions by exercising excessive self-control. While many individuals value their ability to exert self-control, a growing body of research suggests that too much control can create impairments in functioning, especially when it comes to social relationships. 

The program is a 26-week, evidence-based intervention for college students and young adults to help them increase social connectedness and flexibility. 

• Increase self-awareness and ability to recognize and adopt alternative points of view 
• Decrease inhibited and disingenuous emotional expression 
• Reduce hyper-detailed focused and overly cautious behavior 
• Address and loosen rigid and rule-governed behavior 

• Decrease aloof and distant styles of relating 
• Decrease high social comparison and envy/bitterness 

RO-DBT at the Child Mind Institute is for young adults (18-24) who have: 

• Rigid, rule-governed behavior (including restrictive eating) 

• Trouble making and/or deepening current friendships 
• Perfectionism, disciplined behavior, and a hyper-focus on achievement 
• A tendency to hide or avoid experiencing and expressing emotions 
• Issues with intimacy and connectedness 
• Self-injurious and/or suicidal behaviors 

• Depression and/or anxiety, especially when these issues are not resolved with therapeutic interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) 

• 26-session treatment cycle 
• 90 minutes each session 
• Patients learn core RO-DBT skills in a class format with other individuals of similar ages and goals
• Current CMI Patients: Will participate in a pre-screening assessment with treatment recommendations.  
• Patients New to CMI: The program is open to new patients with an outside therapist; these patients will participate in a pre-screening assessment with treatment recommendations. Full diagnostic evaluations are available for those who wish to also receive individual therapy or other services at CMI.  

• September 2022 – April 2023 
• Schedule based on group availability 

• One session per week  

• May be held in person at CMI Midtown or remote via Zoom 

• Program participants must also be seen in individual therapy. Providers outside of CMI are allowed. 

• Our clinicians meet regularly as a consultation team to support one another and think creatively about the best ways to help young people and their families. 
• Treatment may be accompanied by medication management as needed. 
• A minimum of 5 participants is required.   
• Separate RO-DBT parent consultation is available. 

Program Cost: $6,500  

Pre-screening Assessment Cost: $900 (includes below)* 

• Evaluation of symptoms (1 hour) 
• Feedback appointment (30 min) 
• Outside provider diagnostic review (15 min) 

Questions: Isabelle Orlan isabelle.orlan@childmind.org