
Complete the application (linked at the bottom of this page). This brief screening form is a preliminary tool for us to begin determining whether our DBT program is an appropriate treatment for you. It is not a substitute for a more thorough, in-person intake process. Note: Clicking on the application link at the bottom of this page will take you to the HelloSign website, where you will be required to enter your email address in order to proceed with the application process. After submitting your email address, you will receive an email from HelloSign with the subject line "Click here to sign DBT Application." Following the link in the email ("Review Document") will allow you to begin completing your application electronically. Upon completion, the application will be securely transmitted to us.
Once we receive your application, our intake coordinator (202-686-7699, ext. 30) will contact you for a brief phone screening. The purpose of this phone screening is to review your application and address any questions that you may have.
Unless it is clear from this brief telephone screening that our DBT program is not appropriate, your name will be put on the waiting list. Please make sure you get the treatment you need while you are waiting to get into our program.
We ask that you call our intake coordinator every three weeks to express your continued interest. She will return your calls and, with time, be able to offer closer estimates regarding possible start dates. If a few months pass without updates from you, your name will be dropped from the waiting list.
Once it becomes clear that we will have an opening in a group, we will assign you to an individual therapist. We ask that you call this therapist within 1-2 days to schedule an initial intake appointment.
You will then begin a 3-6 week phase of “Pre-DBT individual therapy.” This is a time for building a therapeutic relationship; history-taking; identifying goals for treatment; honing in on target behaviors; developing a diary card; getting oriented to core DBT theories, concepts, and strategies; solidifying commitment; etc. Assuming both parties continue to view DBT as a good treatment fit, group skills training would commence at the end of pre-treatment.