DBT Certification FAQ

TADBiT seeks to provide information that will serve our professional community who are committed to the Linehan model of DBT and effective outcomes in therapy.

DBT Certification Frequently Asked Questions

I’m interested in becoming certified as a DBT therapist. Is certification available?

Yes, certification is available.  Currently, there are different certification processes available to DBT clinicians and treatment programs. TADBiT endorses the certification offered by DBT-Linehan Board of Certification (DBT-LBC). 

Here are some facts for DBT therapists to know about DBT-LBC:

·  The DBT-Linehan Board of Certification (DBT-LBC) is the only DBT certification program in the U.S. endorsed by Dr. Marsha Linehan, the treatment developer of DBT. DBT-LBC is a member of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence and is pursuing accreditation by The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). 

·  The DBT-LBC certification program is faithful to the Linehan model as it has been researched and relies on measurable criteria (re: written exam, case conceptualization, and videotapes coded for adherence) to assess the clinician's actual skills and competence.

·  In addition to certifying clinicians, as of April 2017, the DBT-LBC offers certification to DBT treatment programs that demonstrate having the necessary components and organization to deliver DBT with fidelity to the model.  

·  There are now over 1000 clinicians who are in process or have completed the DBT-LBC certification process.

How can I find out more about becoming a DBT-Linehan Board of Certification Certified Clinician?

If you want to see more about the DBT certification program that was developed with Marsha Linehan, you can find a description of how to become a DBT-LBC Certified Clinician at http://www.dbt-lbc.org/index.php?page=101138.

Is there training available for DBT therapists that has fidelity to the Linehan Model and that is consistent with DBT-LBC certification?

Here are respected, national training organizations and individuals that are committed to preparing clinicians to deliver DBT with fidelity to the Linehan model.

·         Behavioral Tech (BTech)

·         Treatment Implementation Collaborative (TIC)

·         PracticeGround

·         Portland DBT Institute

·         Charlie Swenson

·         Alan Fruzzetti

·         Our local DBT network, TADBiT, has offered trainings by BTech Approved Trainers, as well as DBT Intensively Trained or DBT-LBC Certified Clinicians.

Is it necessary to become certified as a DBT therapist?

You are NOT required to be certified as a DBT therapist to work with clients.

What do I need to present myself as a DBT therapist?

The key elements toward becoming a more adherent DBT therapist are described in this link on the necessary criteria and how to apply to the TADBiT DBT Therapist Directory.

·         A central requirement is to be an active member of a DBT Training or Consultation Team. Marsha Linehan states that if a clinician is not on a DBT Team, they are not doing DBT.

·         Attend an introductory DBT training (minimum 11 contact hours).

·         Practicing adherent, comprehensive DBT involves all 5 functions/modes and can be provided as a DBT team or extended DBT network like we have in the Triangle. More information in the link above.

Note: Therapists listed in the directory are not limited to exclusively providing DBT in their practices.