DBT is a highly structured form of behavioral therapy that teaches patients the skills necessary to regulate emotions, avoid self-destructive behaviors and improve interpersonal relationships. Silver Hill Hospital's DBT program is one of the few residential treatment programs available.

The program is staffed 24 hours a day with DBT-trained personnel. Under the guidance of this staff, patients have the opportunity to "live" the skills and coping strategies they learn -- as they learn them.

The clinical treatment team includes a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, group therapist, residential counselors and a nurse. The program includes individual DBT psychotherapy sessions, daily group skills training and skills homework review in all four DBT modules, daily mindfulness meditation groups and DBT skills coaching. Participation in a daily 12-Step meeting is available for patients who are dually diagnosed. Families may meet with the patient's social worker, psychiatrist or other members of the treatment team who are involved in treatment and discharge planning. DBT training and consultation are provided to family members and significant others during the weekly DBT family group.

The minimum stay for the Transitional Living program is 28 days for patients transferred from the inpatient units of Silver Hill Hospital. Patients seeking admission from the community or other facilities will require a brief stay in an observation bed on the inpatient service prior to beginning treatment in the DBT track of the Transitional Living Program.