Verified Health Resource

Understanding Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) is a type of talking therapy that helps people manage strong or overwhelming emotions and build healthier relationships with others. It is often recommended for people who find their feelings very difficult to control and who may be hurting themselves or struggling to cope with daily life. A doctor or mental health professional can refer you to DBT so you can learn practical skills to feel more in control and improve your wellbeing.

Common Symptoms / Concerns for Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

Feeling overwhelmed by emotions that are hard to control
Hurting yourself when upset or in emotional pain
Sudden and intense mood swings that affect daily life
Feeling empty, worthless, or like you do not know who you are
Pushing people away or having very unstable relationships
Acting impulsively in ways you later regret, such as spending, drinking, or risky behaviour
Feeling very angry and struggling to manage that anger
Thoughts of ending your life or not wanting to be alive
Feeling disconnected from yourself or the world around you
Difficulty coping with stress or bouncing back after difficult situations

When to Seek Professional Care

Book an evaluation with a healthcare provider immediately if you experience or present with:

  • Thoughts of ending your life or harming yourself
  • You have hurt yourself, such as cutting or burning your body
  • You feel so overwhelmed that you cannot carry out daily tasks like eating, working, or caring for your family
  • You are using alcohol or substances to cope with painful emotions
  • You feel completely out of control and fear you may harm yourself or someone else
  • You have made a plan to take your own life
  • A family member or friend is seriously worried about your safety or mental state

What to Expect During Your Medical Consultation

At your first appointment, the mental health professional will ask you about your feelings, your daily life, and the challenges you are facing — there is no need to feel embarrassed, as they are there to help you. DBT sessions are usually held once a week and involve learning practical skills in four areas: managing your emotions, coping with difficult moments, improving your relationships, and being more mindful of the present. Over time, you will practise these skills in your everyday life, and your therapist will support you every step of the way.

Medical Divisions Vetted for Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

Our platform supports multiple clinical specialties capable of providing consultations for this visit type:

Mental Health Therapist

Clinicians available for dialectical behavioral therapy (dbt) consultations.

About divisionFind Doctors

Related Conditions

Conditions commonly associated with Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) consultations:

Erectile dysfunction (ED)

Also known as: Impotence, Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection, Erectile issues, Male sexual dysfunction, Erection problems

Tiredness

Also known as: loss of energy, malaise, tiredness

Mental health

Doctors for Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

See All
Ethel

Ethel Obeng-Treve

₵350

per visit

Prime: ₵315

Accra5(1)
Today Highly Rated♥ Loyal PatientsVirtual

Mrs. Ethel Obeng-Treve is a registered Clinical Psychologist and consultant with a specialization working with children and adolescents. Her extensive training in both Ghana and the UK has provided her with a versatile skill set, enabling her to effectively support individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. In this decade long career, she has successfully helped individuals navigate a range of emotional and behavioural challenges including anxiety, depression, trauma and developmental disorders. As the Executive Director of Fafanto Psych Organization, Ethel and her team of professionals are dedicated to promoting mental health and wellbeing, reducing the stigma associated with mental illness, and providing dependable mental health support through comprehensive assessments and interventions including therapy, counselling and family support programs. With a strong focus on collaboration, Ethel and her team, work with individuals, families, students and schools, serving as a counselor and consultant at various educational institutions to foster positive environment and psychological growth. Additionally, she and the team offer Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services offering guidance to numerous organizations, further extending their expertise and commitment to mental well-being

Next available — tue, Jul 21

Dorcas

Dorcas Ntiamoah

₵200

per visit

Prime: FREE

Accra4.8(5)
Today♥ Loyal PatientsVirtual

Clinical Health Psychologist|| Psycho-Oncologist|| Certified Cognitive Behavioural Therapist|| Psychological Educator A Licensed Clinical Health Psychologist with Ghana Psychological Council (GPC), a Certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapist with years of experience in performing clinical interview and psychological assessment, psychological testing, scoring and interpretation, diagnosing of psychological conditions and providing psychotherapy. Highly Patient Centered.

Next available — tue, Jul 21

Andrew

Andrew Decker

₵250

per visit

Prime: ₵225

Accra
Virtual

Neuroscience informed clinical practice.

Next available — wed, Jul 22

Emefa

Emefa Amegah

₵200

per visit

Prime: ₵180

5(1)
Highly Rated♥ Loyal PatientsVirtual

Emefa is a Counselling Psychologist with experience across different age and professional work groups.

Next available — wed, Jul 22

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)?

DBT is a type of talking therapy that helps people manage intense emotions and improve their relationships. It teaches practical skills in four areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. DBT was originally developed for people with severe emotional difficulties, but it is now used for a wide range of mental health challenges. It combines one-on-one sessions with a therapist and group skills training.

Who can benefit from DBT?

DBT is helpful for people who struggle with overwhelming emotions, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or unstable relationships. It is commonly used for conditions such as borderline personality disorder, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Young people and adults alike can benefit from DBT. If you feel your emotions are difficult to control or that your feelings often lead to harmful behaviour, DBT may be a good option for you.

How is DBT different from regular counselling?

Regular counselling often focuses on talking through your problems and understanding your feelings, while DBT goes a step further by teaching you specific, practical skills to handle difficult situations. DBT also involves a structured group component where you practise these skills alongside others. Your therapist may also be available between sessions to coach you through a crisis. This combination of individual therapy, group skills training, and real-time support makes DBT more structured than most traditional counselling approaches.

How long does DBT treatment take?

A full DBT programme typically lasts between six months and one year, though some people continue for longer depending on their needs. Treatment usually involves weekly individual therapy sessions and weekly group skills training sessions. The length of treatment depends on your personal goals and how quickly you are able to apply the skills in your daily life. Your therapist will work with you to decide when you are ready to complete the programme.

Is DBT available in Ghana or West Africa?

DBT is a growing area of mental health care in Ghana and across West Africa, though it is not yet as widely available as in some other parts of the world. Some hospitals, private clinics, and mental health organisations in Ghana offer DBT or DBT-informed therapy. Online and telehealth options have also made it easier to access trained DBT therapists from anywhere in the region. If you are interested in DBT, ask your doctor or a mental health professional to help you find a qualified provider near you.

Schedule Consultations

Get connected with local doctors. Instantly schedule appointments for Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) on our HIPAA-compliant, telehealth-enabled platform.

Clinical Divisions
Mental Health Therapist
Clinical Governance

Our guides are reviewed by internal medical advisory boards to uphold patient guidelines and reference certified therapies.

Your doctor is only an appointment away.

Feeling unwell? Our friendly healthcare professionals are here to listen, advise, and care for you. Just open the app for quick, expert help. No stress, no fuss.