Many forms of therapy for children and adolescents are effective because they are customized for one particular disorder. But the powerhouse therapy called DBT (dialectical behavior therapy) is different. It treats a problem that underlies many different diagnoses: overwhelming emotions. In a DBT program you will find kids with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, ADHD, personality disorders, and behavior disorders — all diagnoses that, at their root, involve emotional dysregulation and self-destructive ways of coping with powerful feelings.

This week we take a closer look at DBT, which has become a go-to treatment for kids who need more intense support than traditional weekly sessions. DBT involves individual therapy, group skills training, and 24/7 phone coaching from a therapist to help kids handle difficult situations in real time. And this week we’re also sharing strategies parents can use to help kids calm overwhelming feelings, and what you should know if you’re considering antipsychotic medication for extreme emotional dysregulation.

— Caroline Miller, Editorial Director | ✉