School-Based DBT: Merging Mental Health and Behavioral Supports for High School Students at Tiers II & III: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy in the Public Schools

Abstract

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a research-based methodology to teach students and families emotional, behavioral, cognitive, and interpersonal regulation skills. School-Based DBT (SB-DBT) is an adaptation of DBT designed as a Tier II and Tier III mental health intervention within a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). Data support the effectiveness of SB-DBT for students with mental health challenges. Large-Group Session During the large-group session, Mr. Hanson will provide an overview of SB-DBT and how it fits into a MTSS. Learn which systems that must be in place to implement SB-DBT as well as how Student Support Teams can coordinate SB-DBT with other evidence-based interventions. The SB-DBT foundation in behaviorism and dialectics will be examined. Finally, student and program results from seven years of implementation in a large urban high school in Portland, OR will be shared. Break-Out Session During a break-out session following the large-group session, Mr. Hanson will provide a more in-depth examination of SB-DBT implementation, fidelity, and sustainability. He will examine issues such as practitioner qualification and training and supervision, student selection, scheduling, and treatment plans/IEP goals. Practical tools such as an SB-DBT syllabus, agenda, curriculum, and orientation checklists will be shared. Finally, facilitators and obstacles to district and site-based implementation will be discussed