DBT group therapy programme for young people

Priory Hospital Chelmsford is pleased to soon offer an outpatient therapy group, which has been specifically designed to help young people aged 14-17, to overcome anxiety using dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) techniques and mindfulness.

The 12-week programme has been developed to support young people experiencing anxiety
and emotional instability. By supporting young people to better understand and feel empowered over their own mental health, our aim is symptom reduction, specifically
looking at reducing harmful behaviours such as self-harming.

What does the programme involve?

The programme provides: 

• Support for young people and their families, to develop skills in managing personality disorders, and to increase self-worth and confidence
• A person-centred, dialectical approach, tailored to the ages of the young people and their individual needs
• Activities to help demonstrate how coping skills can be applied to real life situations
• An interactive and structured programme with homework to be completed weekly

We will help those attending to manage their emotions, cope with stressful situations and handle interpersonal relationships, through a structured therapy programme.

We help attendees to realise they are not alone in their difficulties, and we assist them in building a support network with others experiencing the same challenges, as well as family support.

Programme timetable

The programme will take place every Tuesday evening between 4-6.30pm, for 12 weeks.

The pathway starts with an individual assessment followed by:

• 1/2 day pre-treatment introduction
• 12 week intensive CBT for mindfulness course with weekly group and Individual therapy programme

The group programme is a rolling timetable and can be joined on the first week of each module.

• Weeks 1-4: Mindfulness and emotion regulation
• Week 5-8: Mindfulness and interpersonal effectiveness
• Week 9-12: Mindfulness and distress tolerance

Prices, funding and more information

The teen DBT for mindfulness therapy group can be accessed following an initial assessment with a consultant psychiatrist, who will confirm the personality disorder diagnosis and recommend the group if deemed suitable. Patients will need a referral from their GP prior to assessment.

The 12 sessions will cost £334.00 per session, totalling £4008 for the programme. Patients wishing to access the group through their private medical insurer should check their policy details with their provider.

The Priory Group is a registered and approved provider for all of the UK’s leading private medical insurers, including Bupa, Vitality, Aviva, Cigna, WPA and AXA PPP. Patients wishing to access the group through their private medical insurer should check their policy details with their provider.

For further information on the programme, our expert team, and the hospital environment, please download our overcoming anxiety therapy group leaflet.