Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of talk therapy that is based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) but is specially adapted for people who experience emotions very intensely. DBT was developed in the 1970s by Marsha Linehan, an American psychologist. The term "dialectical" comes from the idea that bringing together two opposites in therapy - acceptance and change - brings better results than either one alone. DBT focuses on helping people accept the reality of their lives and their behaviors, as well as helping them learn to change their lives, including their unhelpful behaviors.

DBT is a structured program of psychotherapy with a strong educational component designed to provide skills for managing negative emotions and behaviors. It is an effective treatment for people who experience very intense, negative emotions. DBT is commonly used for people with borderline personality disorder, but therapists provide it for other mental health conditions as well. DBT combines strategies like mindfulness, acceptance, and change-oriented strategies in the most effective possible manner.

Standard comprehensive DBT has four parts: individual therapy, group skills training, phone coaching, if needed for crises between sessions, and consultation group for healthcare providers to stay motivated and discuss patient care. Patients agree to do homework to practice new skills, which includes filling out daily "diary cards" to track more than 40 emotions, urges, behaviors, and skills, such as lying, self-injury, or self-respect. DBT focuses on high-risk, tough-to-treat patients who often have multiple diagnoses. It was initially designed to treat people with suicidal behavior and borderline personality disorder, but it has been adapted for other conditions as well.