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.
MOOD DISORDERS CENTER
Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO DBT)
Evidence-based treatment services to help teens and young 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 young 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 young 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
Program Details
Teens, Ages 14–18
Tuesdays, October 6, 2026–March 16, 2027
Young Adults, Ages 18+
Available as cohorts form
6:00–7:30pm ET
Ages 14–26
$225 per 90-minute session
Billed in 6-week increments
Additional Information
RO DBT combines weekly individual therapy with a skills training class focused on flexibility, openness, and social connection. Participants may continue seeing an outside therapist. A pre-screening assessment is required before enrollment to determine whether the program is a good fit and is billed at the clinician’s hourly rate.
Eligibility
RO DBT is for teens and young 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 young 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.
Medication Management
Medication management is available when appropriate through our expert psychopharmacology team.
Frequently Asked Questions
RO DBT may be appropriate for teens and young 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 young 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 child 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.
Yes. We welcome children and families from across the country and around the world. Our website has more information on how to get here and our recommended hotels close by our office.
Ready to Get Started?
For more information, please submit our interest form or call us at 212.308.3118.
More Mood Treatments & Services
Our Mood Disorders Center also offers the following specialized group treatment programs and services.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Helping children, teens, and young adults who struggle with big feelings and behaviors. Ages 6 - 25.
Mindfulness-Based Interventions
Mindfulness-based interventions in the treatment of mood disorders.
Mood Disorders Treatment
Learn more about our evidence-based evaluation and treatments for mood disorders.
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.
