Finding a good treatment program is paramount to success. Regrettably, there are some addiction treatment facilities that may say they offer a particular program but in reality they don’t. One of the things consumers can do to protect themselves is be informed on what addiction therapies work best and find the facilities that offer those therapies. One of the cognitive therapies that is proven to be one of the most effective addiction treatment programs out there today – is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Dialectical Behavioral Therapy is used to treat substance addiction and it also effectively addresses self-destructive behaviors, aggression and depression. When looking for the right treatment program for you or someone you know, it is vital that you find one that utilizes DBT. Unfortunately, in a world of untruthful reporting, it is of much concern that many treatment facilities brand themselves as DBT treatment models when in reality they do little more than offer a DBT skills group and they do not utilize the entire empirical model. Additionally, many treatment centers do not offer the full program as it is more expensive to provide intensive and ongoing training and team consultation. Here are some things you need to know and questions you need to ask when finding information about addiction rehab: Be aware: Justifiably many states and insurance companies are requiring evidenced-based programs like DBT for their clientele. For a program to be a TRUE empirical model it must utilize all the core components of that empirical model. That is, it cannot simply pick and choose what parts are most convenient. To do so destroys the validity of the empirical model. While it is acknowledged that even the use of certain components may be beneficial, treatment centers should be forthcoming and not mislead the public about the services they offer. Knowledge is power A TRUE full DBT program integrates all components of the DBT model including:
- Individual therapy
- Group Therapy
- Skills training
- Recovery Skills Coaching
- Diary Card
- DBT Team Consultation
Also, all clinical staff are trained and integrate and utilize all the components. Be in the know: Knowing the right questions to ask is the first step to take to ensure that you will get the treatment you need. Here is a list of questions you MUST ask to determine if the program you’re calling is in fact using the full DBT program:
- What is the top treatment therapy used at your facility to fight the disease of addiction?
- Do you follow the full DBT model including skills training, Recovery DBT coaching?
- Is there ongoing Team Consultation?
- Is there an ongoing DBT program evaluation?
- Are all of the clinical staff DBT trained or just some of them?
Facilities who do not use the entire model should refer to themselves as “DBT Informed” therapy and not mislead those who are trusting their lives to them. Being informed and knowing what questions to ask will put you in the driver’s seat when it comes to finding the best addiction therapy for you or your loved one. — Bobby Scott Clinical Director of Vertava Health of Mississippi M.A., L.M.F.T., I.C.A.A.D.C.
