DBT Group in Ann Arbor, Michigan

DBT Group Therapy for Teens in Ann Arbor, Michigan

What is DBT?

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based treatment that helps clients learn skills to manage emotions, cope with challenges, and improve relationships.

At Mala Child & Family Institute in Ann Arbor, Michigan, our trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming DBT group provides teens with the tools they need to thrive — in a setting where they feel safe, seen, and supported. These treatments and methods give adolescents a chance to participate with others who might be going through similar experiences and feel a sense of belonging. It also gives them a safe environment to learn and build necessary skills to support emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance. 

Group Care helps with things like:

Managing intense emotions

Recovering from eating disorders

Reducing impulsivity and risky behaviors

Reducing anxiety, depression, and anger

Reducing substance abuse and self-harm

Navigating family and relationship difficulties

Healing from traumatic experiences and reducing symptoms of PTSD

Group Participation Requirements

To ensure a strong therapeutic experience, participants must:

  • Complete a minimum of 1-hour intake and assessment to ensure both teen and parents are motivated to engage in the program and that the program is a good fit for the client’s needs.

  • Parents sign a Release of Information form so we can coordinate care with other providers (individual therapist, and psychiatrist if applicable).

  • Family and client commit to attending weekly sessions for the full program duration. Attending DBT weekly is essential for program effectiveness.

  • Teens must engage willingly in sessions and complete skill-building homework. The more they practice, the better they get at using the skills.

  • Respect group boundaries, including refraining from contact with other members outside the group during the active cycle

Who Our DBT Group is For

Teens (ages 13–18) who may be struggling with:

Anxiety and panic

Intense emotional reactions

Depression or suicidal thoughts

Self-harm or impulsivity

Social difficulties and relationship conflicts

Whether your teen is navigating high sensitivity, executive function challenges, or emotional dysregulation, this group offers a structured, compassionate space to grow.

Available Groups:

Kiera Dressler-Reed LLMSW

Give us a call at (248) 206-0486 or fill out the registration form by tapping the button below.

What Our DBT Program Offers

  • Weekly 90-minute group sessions led by licensed clinicians

  • Skills modules including mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness

  • A supportive peer group where teens feel seen and heard

  • Adaptations and affirming approaches for neurodivergent participants

  • Parent support to reinforce DBT skills at home

Why Choose Mala for DBT?

  • Multidisciplinary support from therapists, psychologists, and medical providers

  • Deep expertise in working with neurodivergent youth

  • Emphasis on connection, safety, and skill-building

  • Culturally responsive and LGBTQIA+ affirming

  • BCBS, BCN, Aetna, and private pay accepted