RO DBT is an evidence-based treatment designed for people who struggle with excessive self-control, rigidity, perfectionism, and social disconnection. Treatment combines individual therapy with a skills training class that focuses on openness, flexibility, and building meaningful relationships.
ANXIETY DISORDERS CENTER
Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO DBT)
Evidence-based treatment services to help teens and adults increase flexible thinking and social connectedness.
What is RO DBT?
While self-control can be a good thing, too much self-control, or overcontrol, can lead to rigid thinking, perfectionism, loneliness, and difficulty forming close relationships. Radically open dialectical behavior therapy (RO DBT) is an evidence-based treatment designed to help teens and adults become more open, flexible, and socially connected by building close relationships, increasing openness to new experiences, and improving flexible thinking.
About This Program
The RO DBT program combines individual therapy with a skills training class to help teens and adults increase flexibility, openness, and social connectedness. Patients may participate in the skills class while continuing individual therapy with a provider outside the Child Mind Institute.
RO DBT helps participants:
- Increase self-awareness and see alternative points of view
- Improve emotional expression and build stronger relationships
- Reduce perfectionism and social comparison
- Loosen overly cautious, rigid, or rule-governed behaviors
Skills Class Details
Teens, Ages 14–18
Available as cohorts form
Adults, Ages 18+
Mondays, starting September 14, 2026
5:30–7:00pm ET
Ages 14–26
$225 per 90-minute session
Billed in 6-week increments
Additional Information
The program is open to patients new to the Child Mind Institute, including those with an outside provider. These patients will participate in our pre-screening assessment with treatment recommendations. Full diagnostic evaluations are available for those who also wish to receive individual therapy or other services we offer. Current Patients will also participate in the pre-screening assessment and work with their individual providers.
Eligibility
RO DBT is for teens and adults ages 14+ who struggle with perfectionism, rigid thinking, emotional inhibition, or difficulty forming close relationships. It may benefit individuals with anxiety, depression, autism, restrictive eating disorders, or obsessive-compulsive personality traits related to overcontrol.
Why RO DBT?
RO DBT helps teens and adults become more flexible, connected, and open while working toward their personal goals.
Provider Flexibility
Participate in skills classes while working with a Child Mind Institute clinician or outside therapist.
Coordinated Care
Our clinicians work together to provide thoughtful, comprehensive care.
Parenting Support
Parent consultation is available to help families support treatment goals.
Comprehensive Treatment
Individual therapy and skills classes work together to support treatment goals.
Our Team
Alnardo Martinez, LMHC
Director, Pediatric OCD Intensive Program; Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Bubrick Center for Pediatric OCD
Josefina Toso Salman, PhD
Psychologist, Bubrick Center for Pediatric OCD
Emma Zoloth, PsyD
Psychologist, Anxiety Disorders Center
Theresa Welles, PhD
Shapiro Family Director, Bubrick Center for Pediatric OCD
Frequently Asked Questions
RO DBT may be appropriate for teens and adults who have:
- Rigid, rule-governed behaviors, including restrictive eating
- Trouble making or deepening friendships
- Perfectionism and an intense focus on achievement
- A tendency to hide or avoid expressing emotions
- Difficulty with intimacy and social connectedness
- Self-injurious or suicidal behaviors
- Anxiety or depression that has not improved with other therapeutic approaches
RO DBT helps teens and adults become more flexible in their thinking, build stronger relationships, and express emotions more openly. Participants learn skills to reduce perfectionism, loosen rigid behavior patterns, increase social connectedness, and work toward meaningful personal goals. The program also offers coordinated care, with parent consultation and medication management available when appropriate.
New Patients: The program is open to patients new to the Child Mind Institute, including those with an outside provider. These patients will participate in our pre-screening assessment with treatment recommendations. Full diagnostic evaluations are available for those who also wish to receive individual therapy or other services we offer.
Current Patients: Will also participate in the pre-screening assessment and work with their individual providers.
If a patient cannot attend and we are notified at least 7 days prior to the start date of the program we will issue a refund, excluding a $300 non-refundable deposit for administrative fees. At the time of registration full payment is required to reserve a space. If less than 7 days notification is given, no refund will be provided.
Ready to Get Started?
For more information, please submit our interest form or call us at 212.308.3118.
More Anxiety Treatments & Services
Our Anxiety Disorders Center also offers the following specialized group treatment programs and services.
Brave Buddies® Program
Group treatment for children who are diagnosed with selective mutism (SM). This innovative program is designed to help children overcome their anxiety and speak in any setting. Ages 3-12.
Emotion Detectives Group
Build your child’s emotional awareness and ability to cope with uncomfortable emotions. Ages 8 - 12.
Parents of Anxious Children and Teens (PACT)
Interactive webinar series providing families and caretakers with evidence-based, practical strategies for supporting children and teens ages 3-13 struggling with anxiety.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Request an appointment at the Child Mind Institute to get your child evaluated by one of our expert clinicians today.
