Frequently Asked Questions

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based, comprehensive mental health therapeutic approach designed to cultivate essential life skills that enhance mental well-being. Developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan as a treatment for severe emotional dysregulation (such as those with borderline personality disorder), DBT as a treatment protocol has since been expanded to many diagnoses. 

DBT focuses on balancing acceptance and change, helping clients develop skills in four key areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Extensive research has demonstrated DBT's efficacy in reducing self-harm, suicidal behavior, and improving overall emotional and relational functioning.

Here's how DBT can empower you:

Building Essential Life Skills: DBT focuses on developing four key skills that are crucial for improving mental health:

• Distress Tolerance: Learn to navigate intense emotions like anger without resorting to impulsive reactions or harmful behaviors.

• Mindfulness: Cultivate awareness of the present moment, fostering a deeper understanding of yourself and your surroundings.

• Emotion Regulation: Gain tools to identify, label, and manage your emotions effectively.

• Interpersonal Effectiveness: Develop strategies to navigate relationships assertively and manage conflicts constructively.

Achieve Life Worth Living Goals: In DBT, we talk about life worth living goals as being the personal, value-driven, aspirational goals we all have. By using DBT skills in your day to day life, you’ll be able to move towards these goals mindfully and with purpose.

Embrace Change and Acceptance: DBT encourages a dialectical approach to life, grounded in change and acceptance. DBT will empower you to:

• Accept: Develop mindfulness skills to observe and understand your experiences without judgment.

• Change: Learn emotional regulation techniques to manage distressing emotions and enhance interpersonal connections.

DBT has been extensively researched and proven effective across diverse populations. Studies encompassing individuals of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, races, and ethnicities demonstrate DBT's broad effectiveness. It has shown efficacy in treating conditions such as depression, anxiety, substance use disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), borderline personality disorder (BPD), ADHD, eating disorders, and other self-harming behaviors.

Internationally, DBT's effectiveness has been validated through randomized controlled trials in countries including Australia, Brazil, Great Britain, Spain, and Taiwan. For example, a longitudinal study in Germany highlighted significant improvements in self-injurious behaviors, hospital stays, psychopathology, and severity of borderline symptoms after completing outpatient DBT treatment.

DBT stands as a well-established, evidence-based therapy offering genuine potential for personal transformation worldwide.

With all of that being said, we firmly believe that DBT skills are life skills. Anyone can benefit from learning these skills and applying them to the complexities of life and unique experiences we all navigate. 

Comprehensive DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) refers to the full, standard model developed by Dr. Linehan. This approach includes a combination of the following components:

• Individual Therapy: Establish a supportive therapeutic relationship through regular sessions tailored to your specific needs. One-on-one sessions where the therapist and client work on personal issues, develop skills, and manage crises.

• Group Skills Training: Clients learn and practice DBT skills in a group setting. These skills are categorized into four modules: Mindfulness, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Emotion Regulation, and Distress Tolerance.

• Phone Coaching: Access real-time support during challenging moments, helping you apply DBT skills effectively in daily life. Clients can contact their therapist between sessions for guidance on how to use DBT skills in real-life situations.

• Therapist Consultation Team: All of our therapists receive direct supervision from our Clinical Director, Dr. Alicia Smart, to ensure adherent care by providing therapists with ongoing feedback and support, enhancing treatment effectiveness. Each week, our therapists meet as a consultation team to review cases, receive support, and discuss treatment and care.

Informed DBT, on the other hand, refers to treatments that incorporate some elements or principles of DBT but do not include all the components of the Comprehensive model. For example:

• A therapist might integrate DBT skills training into their practice without offering full individual therapy or phone coaching.

• A group program might focus on teaching DBT skills without providing individual therapy or therapist consultation teams.

While Comprehensive DBT is designed to provide a full, structured, and evidence-based treatment plan, informed DBT offers flexibility for settings or situations where the full model is not feasible. Both approaches aim to improve emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and overall mental health, but Comprehensive DBT is generally more intensive and structured.

A typical journey through DBT will follow a four-stage process (often called the “House of DBT”), all with the goal of moving towards your life worth living goals and better mental health:

• Stage 1: Addresses immediate, self-destructive behaviors and stabilizes crises.

• Stage 2: Focuses on building core skills such as emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness.

• Stage 3: Guides you in applying these skills to improve relationships and enhance self-esteem.

• Stage 4: Encourages mastery of skills, empowering you to achieve long-term mental health goals and build meaningful connections.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO-DBT) are both evidence-based treatments developed to address different types of emotional regulation issues. While both DBT and RO-DBT share the dialectical approach—embracing self-acceptance alongside the desire for personal growth—DBT targets emotional dysregulation and RO-DBT focuses on conditions characterized by excessive self-control. This specialized approach empowers individuals to cultivate greater emotional flexibility, social engagement, and lasting positive change.

DBT, created by Dr. Marsha Linehan, is designed to help individuals with emotional dysregulation, such as those with borderline personality disorder. It focuses on four key areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. DBT aims to balance acceptance and change, helping clients manage intense emotions and improve relationships.

RO-DBT, developed by Dr. Thomas Lynch, is tailored for individuals who exhibit overcontrol, such as those with chronic depression, anorexia nervosa, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. RO-DBT emphasizes three core skills: openness, flexibility, and social connectedness. It aims to foster emotional openness and enhance social interactions by addressing traits like perfectionism and rigidity.

If you’re unsure which treatment option is best for you, we suggest reaching out to our Intake Coordinator to schedule a free consultation with one of our therapists. You can also take our free DBT vs. RO-DBT Quiz for more insights.

RO-DBT, short for Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy, embraces the dialectical philosophy that encourages the integration of opposing viewpoints. While traditional DBT focuses on enhancing emotional control, RO-DBT is uniquely tailored for individuals who may exert excessive control over their emotions, a trait known as "overcontrol." This tendency can sometimes hinder mental health and well-being.

Developed by Dr. Thomas R. Lynch, who trained under Dr. Linehan, the creator of DBT, RO-DBT was designed specifically because standard DBT did not always meet the needs of individuals characterized by perfectionism, rigidity, and difficulty in relaxing. Extensive research has shown RO-DBT to be significantly more effective than conventional treatments for individuals experiencing these challenges.

RO-DBT is an evidence-based, comprehensive mental health therapeutic approach designed to improve psychological well-being by fostering openness and social connectedness. 

Here's how RO-DBT can empower you:

Building Essential Life Skills: RO-DBT focuses on developing three key skills that are crucial for improving mental health:

• Openness: Embrace new experiences and emotional vulnerability.

• Flexibility: Adapt behaviors and thoughts to fit different contexts and situations.

• Social Connectedness: Build and maintain meaningful relationships through effective social signaling.

Achieve Life Worth Living Goals: RO-DBT emphasizes pursuing personal, value-driven goals by using these skills in daily life, helping you move toward these goals with mindfulness and purpose.

Embrace Change and Acceptance: RO-DBT encourages a dialectical approach to life, balancing change and acceptance. It empowers you to:

• Accept: Develop mindfulness skills to observe and understand experiences without judgment.

• Change: Learn techniques to enhance emotional regulation, social connectedness, and psychological flexibility.

Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO-DBT) has been specifically developed to help individuals who exhibit excessive self-control, known as overcontrol (OC). This group includes people with chronic depression, anorexia nervosa, obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD), and certain anxiety disorders. These individuals often struggle with perfectionism, rigidity, and social isolation.

Extensive research has shown RO-DBT to be effective in addressing these conditions by fostering emotional openness and enhancing social connectedness. Studies have demonstrated significant improvements in psychological flexibility, social functioning, and overall well-being for those who complete RO-DBT.

In summary, RO-DBT is particularly beneficial for individuals with overcontrolled temperament traits, helping them lead more flexible, connected, and fulfilling lives.

Comprehensive RO-DBT includes the full, standard model developed by Dr. Lynch with several key components:

• Individual Therapy: Establish a supportive therapeutic relationship through regular sessions tailored to your specific needs. One-on-one sessions focusing on improving emotional openness and social connectedness.

• Group Skills Class: Clients learn and practice RO-DBT skills in a group setting. Group sessions teaching core RO-DBT skills like mindfulness, openness, and social signaling.

• Phone Coaching: Access real-time support during challenging moments, helping you apply RO-DBT skills effectively in daily life. Clients can contact their therapist between sessions for guidance on using RO-DBT skills in real-life situations.

• Therapist Consultation Team: All of our therapists receive direct supervision from our Clinical Director, Dr. Alicia Smart, to ensure adherent care by providing therapists with ongoing feedback and support, enhancing treatment effectiveness. Each week, our therapists meet as a consultation team to review cases, receive support, and discuss treatment and care.

Informed RO-DBT, on the other hand, refers to treatments that incorporate some elements or principles of RO-DBT but do not include all the components of the Comprehensive model. For example:

• A therapist might integrate RO-DBT skills training into their practice without offering full individual therapy or phone coaching.

• A program might focus on teaching RO-DBT skills without providing individual therapy or therapist consultation teams.

While Comprehensive RO-DBT provides a full, structured, and evidence-based treatment plan, Informed RO-DBT offers flexibility for settings or situations where the full model is not feasible. Both approaches aim to improve emotional regulation and social connectedness, but Comprehensive RO-DBT is generally more intensive and structured.

RO-DBT revolves around three key capabilities essential for emotional well-being:

• Openness: Encourages a mindset that values and embraces new, unexpected, or challenging feedback. It helps individuals overcome the tendency to avoid uncertainty and consider constructive criticism positively.

• Flexibility: Promotes a balanced approach by loosening rigid behaviors such as perfectionism and compulsive planning. It emphasizes the importance of exploring diverse strategies to achieve personal goals, enhancing resilience and outcomes.

• Social Connectedness: Enhances awareness of others' emotions and improves the expression of one's own emotions. By fostering deeper connections and reducing discomfort around emotional expression, RO-DBT supports meaningful interpersonal relationships and enhances self-awareness.

At Guidepost, our DBT skills groups follow the Dr. Marsha Linehan DBT Workbook (included in the group materials provided by Guidepost) and move through all four modules of DBT over the course of 28 weeks: distress tolerance, mindfulness, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. 

Each week, clients attend their group either in-person at our office or online via Zoom. The group follows the same general structure each week:

• Mindfulness Opening Activity: Grounded in Zen practices, each group starts with a mindfulness activity to bring focus and calmness in preparation for the instruction to come.

• Homework Review & Chain Analysis: Each week, clients work on DBT skills and complete homework around their attempt (successful or not!) at using the new skills. During the group, everyone gets a chance to share how their practice went and consider alternative ways they could have used or tried the skill in a process called Chain Analysis.

• New Skill Instruction: A large part of each group is focused on learning the next DBT skill. Our expert DBT therapists use a variety of teaching methods to explain one to three new skills for clients to practice in the week to come.

• Next Homework Assignment: After learning the new skills, the group leaders will give clients a variety of different worksheets and options for practicing the skills outside of the group. 

At Guidepost DBT, our RO-DBT classes follow the Dr. Thomas R. Lynch RO-DBT Skills Manual (included in the group materials provided by Guidepost) and move through all 30 lessons in approximately 30 weeks. Classes are structured to foster openness and social connectedness. 

Each week, clients attend their group either in-person at our office or online via Zoom. Each class follows a consistent format:

• Mindfulness Opening Activity: Grounded in Zen practices, each class starts with a mindfulness activity to bring focus and calmness in preparation for the instruction to come.

• Homework Review & Chain Analysis: Each week, clients work on RO-DBT skills and complete homework around their attempt (successful or not!) at using the new skills. During the class, everyone gets a chance to share how their practice went and consider alternative ways they could have used or tried the skill in a process called Chain Analysis.

• New Skill Instruction: A large part of each class is focused on learning the next RO-DBT skills. Our expert RO-DBT therapists use a variety of teaching methods to explain one to three new skills for clients to practice in the week to come.

• Next Homework Assignment: After learning the new skills, the class leaders will give clients a variety of different worksheets and options for practicing the skills outside of the class. 

Yes, you can participate in a Guidepost DBT group or RO-DBT class to complement your current therapy.

Guidepost DBT groups and RO-DBT classes are beneficial for reinforcing skills learned in individual therapy. They offer coaching, peer support, and opportunities to practice DBT/RO-DBT skills in real-life scenarios, including role-playing exercises.

To join our DBT groups, you must have an individual therapist, preferably one trained in DBT. In certain cases, we may allow participation with a non-DBT trained therapist. Please note, if you elect to continue seeing your outside therapist while participating in a DBT skills group with Guidepost, you will be required to fill out a Release of Information (ROI) form so that our group leaders can connect with your therapist and coordinate your treatment and care. This case coordination time is billed at the hourly rate of our therapists. For more information, please connect with our Intake Coordinator directly.

To join our RO-DBT classes, you are not required to be seeing an individual therapist. If you are seeing an outside therapist while participating in a RO-DBT skills class with Guidepost, you will be required to fill out a Release of Information (ROI) form so that our group leaders can connect with your therapist and coordinate your treatment and care. This case coordination time is billed at the hourly rate of our therapists. For more information, please connect with our Intake Coordinator directly.

If you already have an individual therapist but are considering additional support from a Guidepost DBT therapist, we also offer individual coaching services, typically on a less frequent basis (once or twice a month).

We welcome the opportunity to discuss how participating in a therapy group can help you develop skills to effectively manage life’s challenges.

Group therapy is integral to Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and is highly effective for learning DBT/RO-DBT skills.

In group sessions, you focus on weekly lessons, learn from others' experiences, and practice DBT/RO-DBT skills in a supportive environment. Groups foster a sense of community and accountability, distinct from individual therapy.

However, we recognize that group therapy may not be suitable for everyone. Individuals with social anxiety or learning challenges may find it challenging to participate actively. Some individuals may prefer to work exclusively with a therapist to address their mental wellness goals. To discuss your options, please connect with our Intake Coordinator directly.

For Comprehensive treatment, which involves intensive DBT or RO-DBT with an individual therapist, group therapy, and phone coaching, group participation is part of the treatment process.

For Informed therapy, group therapy is encouraged but not required as part of this approach. Informed DBT and RO-DBT treatment integrate skills into individual therapy, but in a less structured approach compared to Comprehensive treatment. 

Decisions regarding group therapy should be discussed with your therapist as part of your personalized treatment plan and intake process. 

The first step in your intake process is to connect with our Intake Coordinator to learn more about your goals and match you with one of our therapists. Following this matching process, you’ll meet with a therapist for a free 15-minute consultation to dive more into your options for treatment. 

When you begin treatment at Guidepost DBT, you'll undergo two to three initial intake sessions with one of our therapists. During this time, you'll establish rapport and assess compatibility. Your therapist will evaluate the goals prompting therapy and suggest how DBT or RO-DBT can support them. This evaluation results in a proposed treatment plan.

A treatment plan includes:

• A summary of the goals leading you to seek therapy

• Possibly an initial diagnosis

• Outlined recommendations for our services best suited to help you

• A timeline for treatment

Based on this assessment, your treatment plan will be tailored for either Informed or Comprehensive DBT/RO-DBT. 

The duration of DBT treatment at our center typically ranges from one year to a year and a half, although this can vary based on your treatment goals, the severity of your diagnosis, and whether you're in an Informed DBT or Comprehensive DBT program. Some clients complete their treatment in as little as three months.

Comprehensive DBT: This involves approximately one year of individual therapy and seven months (28 lessons) of concurrent participation in a DBT skills group. Clients usually begin individual therapy before joining a skills group. Most clients go through the entire skills group curriculum twice, for a total of 14 months. After completing the group sessions, clients may gradually reduce the frequency of individual therapy over the course of about a year. Some clients may choose to continue therapy for longer at a reduced frequency after this period, or graduate into our advanced DBT program.

Informed DBT: Clients in this program often have a shorter treatment duration. This may be because they do not require participation in a skills group or because their treatment goals allow for a briefer engagement. 

DBT Skills Group: Our DBT skills groups move through 28 lessons, learning new skills each week. While we typically cancel groups that occur on official holidays, we try to adhere to a 7-month schedule. Most clients participate in our groups for two rounds (14 months). Please note, our DBT skills groups are available only to clients participating in individual therapy with most clients seeing an individual therapist on our team, though individual therapy can be conducted with an outside therapist. There is a minimum 30-day commitment to join a DBT skills group.

Comprehensive RO-DBT: This involves approximately one year of individual therapy and seven months (30 lessons) of concurrent participation in a RO-DBT skills class. Clients usually begin individual therapy before joining a skills class. Most clients go through the entire skills class curriculum twice, for a total of 12 months. After completing the group sessions, clients may gradually reduce the frequency of individual therapy over the course of about a year. Some clients may choose to continue therapy for longer at a reduced frequency after this period, or graduate into our advanced RO-DBT program.

Informed RO-DBT: Clients in this program often have a shorter treatment duration. This may be because they do not require participation in a skills class or because their treatment goals allow for a briefer engagement. 

RO-DBT Skills CLass: Our RO-DBT skills classes move through 30 lessons, learning new skills each week. While we typically cancel groups that occur on official holidays, we try to adhere to a 7-month schedule. Most clients participate in our groups for two rounds (14 months). Our RO-DBT skills classes are available to clients participating in individual therapy with most clients seeing an individual therapist on our team, but also to clients who are not participating in individual therapy. Please note, there is a minimum 30-day commitment to join a RO-DBT skills class.

When a therapy or treatment is labeled as "evidence-based," it signifies that rigorous scientific research has demonstrated its effectiveness, safety, and value for those undergoing treatment.

Treating mental health conditions involves navigating various psychotherapy options, some with robust scientific backing and others with little or none. To qualify as evidence-based, a therapy must meet specific criteria: multiple independent studies must consistently show significant improvements in mental health outcomes. These studies must be unbiased and conducted without vested interests.

For instance, researchers might conduct randomized controlled trials (RCTs), where individuals with similar conditions (like depression, anxiety, or substance use disorder) are randomly assigned to receive different treatments (Treatment X vs. Treatment Y). If Treatment X consistently proves more effective across studies, it may earn the status of an evidence-based treatment.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) As An Evidence-Based Treatment

DBT exemplifies an evidence-based therapy with over thirty years of research supporting its effectiveness. According to Psychiatric Times, DBT skills training can serve as a standalone or complementary intervention for a wide range of mental health conditions.

Built upon cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), DBT integrates acceptance-based strategies to enhance the effectiveness of change-focused CBT methods. It emphasizes four core modules: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Through collaborative therapy sessions, clients identify target behaviors and develop skills to reduce negative behaviors and enhance positive coping strategies.

Typically, DBT involves a structured program lasting about a year with weekly sessions. However, some individuals may complete the program sooner, benefiting from the skills learned to manage life's challenges more effectively.

Originally developed in the United States, DBT's effectiveness is now recognized globally. Research and validation studies support its application in countries such as Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Italy, and Taiwan. DBT programs are widespread across North and South America, Europe, Asia (including South Korea), and other regions. Ongoing developments in countries like China and France underscore DBT's expanding global presence and relevance in mental health treatment.

Radically Open Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (RO-DBT) As An Evidence-Based Treatment

RO-DBT is a form of DBT tailored to address conditions characterized by excessive self-control, such as chronic depression, anorexia nervosa, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. Developed by Dr. Thomas Lynch, RO-DBT extends the principles of traditional DBT to promote psychological flexibility and openness.

The evidence supporting RO-DBT comes from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and other rigorous research methods. These studies consistently show significant improvements in mental health outcomes for individuals undergoing RO-DBT compared to those receiving other treatments. For instance, participants in RO-DBT programs often experience better emotional regulation, enhanced social connectedness, and reduced symptoms of their respective disorders.

RO-DBT focuses on cultivating three core skills: openness, flexibility, and social connectedness. Through individual therapy sessions, skills training classes, and weekly consultation teams, clients learn to embrace emotional experiences and build stronger interpersonal relationships.

The structured nature of RO-DBT typically involves a treatment duration of around seven months to a year, with clients attending weekly sessions. The comprehensive approach of RO-DBT, combined with its strong evidence base, makes it a valuable option for individuals struggling with disorders related to excessive self-control.

For specific rates associated with each therapist, please connect with our Intake Coordinator. At Guidepost DBT, therapy rates vary based on the therapist's level of experience and specialization. Here's a breakdown of how rates are determined:

• Associate DBT Therapists: Our Associates offer the lowest rates as they are supervised by a licensed DBT therapist with more than 5 years of experience and are still completing their clinical hours to become licensed. All of our Associates complete the Foundational DBT training during their first six months of joining Guidepost, as well as their Level 1 RO-DBT training within their first year with us. Associate therapists often have 1-3 years of clinical experience.

• Licensed DBT Therapists: Our Licensed Therapists have extensive experience in DBT and have all completed the Foundational DBT and Level 1 RO-DBT training. Their rates range depending on how many years of experience they have as a DBT clinician and their level of specialty in other modalities of DBT (for example, RO-DBT, DBT-PE, DBT-A, DBT-C).

• Certified Licensed DBT Therapists: Our Certified Licensed Therapists have completed the highest level of DBT training available and are certified by the Linehan Board of Certification, offering the highest rate due to their extensive expertise. 

For more information about our therapy rates, please see this page. Please note, there may be a waiting list for some therapists.

Details regarding the cost of our skills groups and classes can be found on our Rates page.

For more information about our rates and to learn more about our enrollment process for groups and classes, please connect with our Intake Coordinator.

At our practice, we provide clients with properly formatted superbills for submission to their insurance companies for reimbursement.

The extent of coverage and reimbursement rates depends on your specific policy and insurance provider. On average, most insurance policies will cover up to 50% of the session cost up to your deductible (usually around 10 to 20 sessions). After that, most insurance policies reimburse between $65 and $85 per session.

Please note:

• We do not accept insurance directly or handle insurance claims on your behalf.

• We are committed to supporting our clients by providing the necessary paperwork for reimbursement through our Client Portal on Simple Practice.

A superbill is a particular billing document that is generated for the purpose of being submitted to your health insurance company. This financial form lists the session care that you received and includes codes and information about Guidepost DBT required by insurance companies. 

Contact Information Listed

This is basic information, listing the Center’s name, address, and contact information so that your insurance company can identify the Guidepost DBT. When you contact your insurance company, use the below information for the Center: 

• Company Name: The DBT Psychology Center of Marin d.b.a. Guidepost DBT

• Address: 300 Tamal Plaza, Suite 220, Corte Madera, CA 94925

• Tax ID Number: 81-1554551

• NPI Number: 1154776516

EIN/Tax Id Number

EIN stands for Employer Identification Number, also called a Federal Tax Identification Number. It could be described as a social security number for businesses and it specifically identifies Guidepost DBT. 

NPI

The National Provider Identifier (NPI) is a 10-digit identification number. It has been adopted as the standard provider identifier and it allows Guidepost DBT to work within the insurance system as a self-pay center.

Appointment Dates

A superbill will show a date for each separate appointment where services are rendered. The document can include a single appointment or many appointments, but it requires a date for each individual appointment that is being billed for. Insurance companies will only allow Superbills to include sessions that you attended. 

Diagnosis Codes

This code is a tool to classify your mental health diagnoses. This identifies to your insurance company why you are receiving care. In some cases, there may be multiple diagnosis codes if you are being treated at the same time for a variety of issues. If you have any questions about this, please talk directly with your DBT therapist.  

Procedure CPT codes

CPT stands for Current Procedural Terminology, a medical coding system to define procedures. This is a code listed for each procedure performed at each session, specified by a 5-digit number. 

Prior to an intake with one of our DBT therapists, it can be challenging to know what CPT code(s) may be required for treatment. Below is a list of the more common CPT codes that we use at the Guidepost DBT. Please note that we are not sure yet what CPT codes could be required for your care, but this list will hopefully facilitate a productive conversation with your insurance company: 

• 90791: CPT code for initial client session (only used once at our Center for the initial session)

• 90834: CPT code for 50 minute psychotherapy session

• 90837: CPT code for 60 minute psychotherapy session

• 90832: CPT code for 30 minute psychotherapy session 

• 90853: CPT code for skills group therapy

• 90847: CPT code for 50 minute family psychotherapy with the client present

• 90846: CPT code for 50 minute family psychotherapy without the client present

Of course, let us know if there is anything else that we can do to help by emailing: accounting@guidepostdbt.com

We understand that private mental healthcare costs may be challenging for some clients. As a training center, we offer Associate therapists at a discounted rate as a way to help provide financial assistance. Our Associates work under the supervision of a fully licensed and experienced DBT therapist and receive direct supervision from our Clinical Director.

If affordability is a concern, we can assist you in finding less expensive care providers and DBT resources. For more information on our payment policies or to discuss your specific needs, please connect with our Intake Coordinator directly. We are here to help you navigate your options and access the care you need.

We require a minimum of forty-eight (48) hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule an individual therapy appointment without charge.

If you cancel or reschedule an individual therapy appointment with less than forty-eight (48) hours’ notice but more than twenty-four (24) hours’ notice, you will be charged a late cancellation fee of $30.

If you cancel or reschedule an individual therapy appointment with less than twenty-four (24) hours’ notice, you are responsible for paying the full session fee.

If you are unable to make your scheduled appointment, please contact our Intake Coordinator directly via email or phone. Please note, frequently no-showing or late canceling appointments without proper notice will be considered therapy interfering behavior and may result in immediate termination of care.

When you join a group at Guidepost DBT, you are signing up for the entirety of the group program (28 weeks for DBT, 30 weeks for RO-DBT). If you miss a skills group session, you are responsible for the session fee. Even if you provide us with advanced notice, you will still be charged for missed group sessions as our group sessions are limited to a small number of clients and we hold your seat in the group even if you are not able to attend.

If you miss two or more consecutive group sessions, you are required to attend a 30-minute make-up session, billed at the therapist’s rate. You will be responsible for paying both the weekly group session fee and the fee for the make-up session. 

Missing four consecutive group sessions without notice will result in termination of therapy for non-adherence and removal from the group. Please see our notice policy for dropping out of a group for more information.

You can cancel on-demand skills coaching (phone coaching) at any time. Please note, if you repeatedly ask for phone coaching from your therapist but fail to use phone coaching appropriately as outlined in our phone coaching guidelines, you may not be eligible to use this service in the future. 

If you decide to discontinue DBT or RO-DBT skills group, you must provide thirty (30) days advance notice in writing via email to admin@guidepostdbt.com or by voicemail at 415-465-1821. You remain responsible for payment of skills group sessions occurring within the thirty (30) days following notification, regardless of attendance. Of course, we do hope that you are able to attend your remaining skills group sessions.