Compassionate, Proven Therapy for Teens in San Diego
Are you worried about your teen’s emotional struggles, impulsive decisions, or ongoing family conflict? If you’re a parent or caregiver feeling lost after trying other therapies that didn’t work, you’re not alone. At PRI Treatment Center in San Diego, we offer Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Adolescents (DBT-A)—a proven, compassionate approach that helps teens and families create real, lasting change.
What Is DBT-A? A Clear Guide for Parents
Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Adolescents (DBT-A) is a specialized form of DBT adapted to support teens aged 13–18 and their families. It teaches practical, actionable skills in five core areas:
- Mindfulness: Being present without judgment.
- Distress Tolerance: Managing tough moments without harmful behaviors.
- Emotion Regulation: Understanding and controlling intense feelings.
- Interpersonal Effectiveness: Navigating relationships with confidence and clarity.
- Walking the Middle Path: Helping families balance perspectives, resolve conflict, and communicate effectively.
What makes DBT-A unique is its family-centered design, use of teen-friendly language, and emphasis on joint skills training with caregivers. It helps teens and parents work together toward healing.
Does My Teen Need DBT-A? Signs to Watch For
If your teen is showing any of the following behaviors, DBT-A could be a helpful, structured solution:
- Emotional outbursts or frequent mood swings
- Risky behaviors like self-harm, substance use, or disordered eating
- Withdrawal from family or social circles
- Poor school performance or refusal to attend
- Chronic sadness, anxiety, or irritability
- Low self-esteem or identity confusion
- Struggles with peer or family relationships
Many families turn to DBT-A when other therapies haven’t worked. It’s designed to address complex emotional and behavioral challenges in a structured, supportive setting
What to Expect from DBT-A at PRI
At PRI Treatment Center, our DBT-A program is:
- Holistic: We consider the full picture—emotions, behavior, family dynamics, and school.
- Customized: Each teen receives a treatment plan tailored to their goals and challenges.
- Inclusive: Parents and caregivers are active participants in therapy.
Program Highlights:
- Individual Therapy: Teens meet one-on-one with a licensed DBT-A therapist.
- Skills Groups: Teens practice DBT-A tools in small, supportive peer settings.
- Family Sessions: Parents and caregivers attend joint training to strengthen support at home.
- Ongoing Coaching: Our team provides guidance and encouragement to families every step of the way.
Most DBT-A programs last 16 to 24 weeks, with longer treatments often showing better outcomes in reducing depression and suicidal thoughts.
Real Skills, Lasting Results
Families often notice real, positive changes with DBT-A:
- Reduced self-harm and impulsivity
- Improved emotional control
- Healthier communication and fewer conflicts
- Increased confidence in handling peer and family challenges
- Stronger, more understanding relationships
Why Families Choose PRI for DBT-A
- Trusted Expertise: Our clinicians are trained specifically in adolescent DBT and family systems.
- Accredited Care: PRI is fully accredited by The Joint Commission.
- Flexible Options: Convenient San Diego/La Jolla location, with in-network insurance plans accepted.
- Whole-Family Healing: We support teens and their families throughout the entire process.
Joint Commission Accreditation, DHCS License,
& Clinical Partnership with CPCMG
Joint Commission Accreditation, DHCS License, & Clinical Partnership with CPCMG
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If your teen is struggling, now is the time to act. PRI is here to help you and your family heal, grow, and move forward.
- Schedule a Free Consultation
- Call Us for a Confidential Assessment
- Ask Us Questions—We’re Here to Help
Contact PRI Treatment Center Today and begin your family’s journey to lasting change.
In Clinical Partnership With
PRI Treatment Center is proud to clinically partner with Children’s Primary Care Medical Group San Diego to expand access to high-quality mental health services. Together, we’re bridging the gap between primary care and mental health to better support the well-being of children and families in our shared community.
Common Questions About DBT-A
What is DBT-A?
DBT-A is Dialectical Behavior Therapy adapted for teens, focusing on emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and family relationships.
How long does DBT-A last?
Most DBT-A programs run 16 to 24 weeks. Longer durations may lead to better outcomes.
Is DBT-A right for my teen?
Most DBT-A programs run 16 to 24 weeks. Longer durations may lead to better outcomes.
Is treatment covered by insurance?
PRI accepts many insurance plans and will help you navigate coverage options. Call 858-295-1815 to verify treatment coverage today.
PRI Treatment Center | San Diego & La Jolla | Expert Adolescent Mental Health Care
Quick Takeaways
- DBT-A is a specialized form of Dialectical Behavior Therapy tailored for adolescents aged 13–17.
- PRI Treatment Center provides evidence-based DBT-A in San Diego/La Jolla with a strong focus on family involvement.
- Core skills taught include mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and Walking the Middle Path.
- Ideal for teens struggling with emotional dysregulation, self-harm, impulsivity, anxiety, or family conflict.
- Parents are active participants in the therapeutic process through joint sessions and skills training.
- Programs typically last 16–24 weeks, with personalized treatment plans for each teen.
- Insurance-friendly: PRI accepts many in-network plans and offers guidance on coverage.
- Real outcomes include better communication, reduced risky behaviors, and stronger family relationships.
- PRI is accredited by The Joint Commission and staffed by DBT-A-trained specialists.
- Free consultations and confidential assessments are available to help families get started.
Dr. Warter received his doctorate in Clinical Psychology from The Wright Institute in Berkely, California, completed his Predoctoral Internship at USC’s Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and was a Postdoctoral Researcher at USC’s Institute for Integrative Health and Wellness. Dr. Warter has also been trained at UCSF School of Medicine, Kaiser Permanente, and in community clinics in rural, underserved communities in Argentina and Paraguay. Dr. Warter has received training in providing parents with guidelines to help prevent behavior problems and enhance communication skills and strategies to promote children’s social, emotional, and academic competence. Dr. Warter has also published and presented at the University of Naples and the University of Buenos Aires on subjects related to Third Culture Kids and the impacts of Social Media on Personality and Self Esteem.
Dr. Charles Warter, PsyD
