Does Duration of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for Adolescents (DBT-A) Skills Groups Affect Outcomes: A Rapid Review

Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) is an established therapy known for its clinical utility for individuals with a current or history of suicidal behaviors, nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), borderline personality disorder, and other disorders. Modification to serve adolescents and their families/caregivers (DBT-A) has similarly produced positive outcomes. This review explores the impact on treatment outcomes from time-modified DBT-A, which are still largely understudied. Utilizing PRISMA methodology, the review covers research from January 2000-July 2022, when the review was initially conducted, and examines 23 eligible studies. Findings review indicate that time modified DBT-A skills groups yield positive outcomes for adolescents when deemed clinically appropriate, alleviating common barriers youth face (e.g., time restraints, attention/engagement).