DBT Eastside

My teen and I participated in the year long RO-DBT program at Eastside DBT. The year long format for group sessions makes the content easier to understand and put into practice than typical shorter intensive programs. I appreciated that parents learn alongside their teens and receive support. The staff is extremely well trained in many modalities and they work hard to match client & provider for a successful relationship. Another of the benefits to E-DBT is that after the completion of the year program you are able to continue sessions with your individual therapist if you choose to do so. This is one of the few places that provides the option for RO-DBT (radically open dialectical behavior therapy), which has greatly impacted both of our lives. I highly recommend Eastside DBT for teens and adults alike.

I went to DBT Eastside 2018-2019 and this program saved my life. I was apart of the teenager skills group and being around peers who were going through very difficult times as well, was so validating. The skills I learned in that year have followed me the last 4/5 years. I learned how to not only function again, but actually thrive. My therapist does not work there anymore but she was phenomenal. The counselors that ran the group were awesome as well. Starting DBT was one of the best (and life-saving) decisions I have ever made.

I reached out to DBT Eastside last Saturday, May 13 while in the middle of a panic attack. My best friend recommended their Gold Standard program due to my current issues, and it sounded perfect for me! On Wednesday, May 17 my partner reached out to them after I still hadn’t heard anything back, and also because they were also thinking about using them. They called back within several hours of my partner calling, and we realized the receptionist must’ve been on vacation and that’s why we weren’t hearing back. In actuality, DBT Eastside had heard my voicemail and gotten my email and not responded because they decided I needed a higher level of care. They knew nothing about me apart from a panicked voicemail and email, and decided off of that alone that they were going to deny me the care I’ve been needing. Their entire service is about 24/7 phone coaching—which is exactly what I needed in that panicked message. I’m not a self-harm risk, I’m not at risk of hurting others, and I’m pretty stable all things considered. But talking to them made me feel like I was insane and undeserving of help. I would recommend you spend your money on mental health professionals that treat you like a human and talk to you before making decisions on your behalf—which is not something you will find at DBT Eastside, based on my experience.

DBT Eastside is an incredible organization with even more incredible people operating it. If you are looking to feel seen, heard and valued I highly suggest checking them out. There is no shame or judgement involved in their care ((even when you are just calling to figure out how to make an appointment)) which takes a lot of the fear/hesitancy out of seeking help. I am truly thankful for them!

I am a big believer in DBT Eastside! Our experience working with therapists one on one, as well as the group sessions is far beyond what I have come to expect from therapists. I've previously gone to therapy on my own and have taken my child to different therapists over the years. Mary Erickson and Michael Savage are my new "go to" referral when people ask me for help finding a therapy program. Very professional, knowledgeable, kind, responsive and insightful. I wish I could give six stars!