What is it about?

This small study explored how well dialectical behavior therapy for adolescents (DBT-A) skills groups work when delivered online. The study found that attendance, rates of completing group, and parent satisfaction with services were similar to rates reported in previous studies when DBT-A is offered in person. Teen's anxiety and emotion regulation challenges reduced. Depression did not reduce significantly. Larger studies directly compared in person and virtual DBT-A are needed.

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Why is it important?

The COVID-19 pandemic forced providers and patients to abruptly transition to online therapy, without clinical trials first testing how effective certain treatments are when delivered online. Group therapy and therapy for suicidal youth have unique challenges when delivered online. Thus, this study offered preliminary insights into how acceptable and effective dialectical behavior therapy for adolescents is when delivered online.

Perspectives

Dialectical behavior therapy for adolescents (DBT-A) can be a costly, time-intensive treatment program, especially for families who are paying out of pocket. DBT-A also requires a large team of staff and significant provider time. It is important for families and providers to know the pros and cons of doing DBT-A online before signing up for this modality.

Ashley Shaw

Read the Original

This page is a summary of: An exploratory study of service user and clinical outcomes in telehealth-delivered dialectical behavior therapy for adolescents skills groups., Psychological Services, May 2024, American Psychological Association (APA),
DOI: 10.1037/ser0000863.
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