Development and clinical outcomes of a dialectical behavior therapy clinic

Acad Psychiatry. 2011 Fall;35(5):325-7. doi: 10.1176/appi.ap.35.5.325.

Abstract

Objective: The authors describe the first 6 months of a dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) clinic operated by trainees in a general adult psychiatry residency program. The purpose of this report is to provide a model for the creation and maintenance of a formalized resident DBT clinic.

Methods: Residents participated in the DBT clinic, attended a weekly combined lecture series and consultation group supervised by the clinic director, and completed a 20-hour online Continuing Medical Education course in DBT skills training.

Results: Eight residents participated in the clinic, each carrying one patient with Borderline Personality Disorder. The clinic did not experience any major administrative problems during 6 months of operation.

Conclusion: A Resident DBT Clinic was successfully implemented as an elective rotation in the adult psychiatry residency training program at the University of Utah.

MeSH terms

  • Behavior Therapy / education*
  • Borderline Personality Disorder / therapy
  • Clinical Competence / standards
  • Humans
  • Internship and Residency / methods
  • Internship and Residency / organization & administration*
  • Program Development