This is my first review. And I feel forced to write it after reading the one (incredibly negative) review posted. I wasn't even looking for CBT DBT Associates on Yelp. I was just minding my business, googling the group to get to their website (I can never remember the URL) and Crystal B's review popped up. I was horrified that this was the only impression available, so here I am, attempting to provide information from someone who's actually been a DBT patient and a patient at CBT DBT Associates.
The first thing in Crystal B's review I'd like to respond to is the cost of treatment at CBT DBT Associates. Yes, it's pricey, but not abnormally so. People who have experience with professional psychotherapy know that providers frequently do not accept insurance. CBT DBT Associates's rates are in line with market rates for DBT therapy offered in Midtown Manhattan by experienced and well-trained therapists. If you are looking for a provider that accepts insurance, I highly recommend the program at NY Presbyterian, but there is usually a waiting list.
Secondly, DBT is designed to be delivered with individual AND group therapy conjointly. If you find a practitioner willing to offer either aspects alone to someone new to DBT, you should ask a lot of questions. The research results on DBT's effectiveness are about the joint therapy. Moreover, the purpose of each aspect of the therapy is different. The group therapy is like a class: you learn, practice, and discuss the core DBT skills with others. Individual therapy is used to track your progress towards achieving your goals, to work in-depth with individual issues, and to provide you with an on-call therapist who will coach you on the use of DBT skills between sessions. Many people work with DBT therapists on an individual basis without attending group, but that is only after completing the skills training modules in group.
DBT was a god-send for me. I learned how to recognize and process my emotions, how to deal with challenging interpersonal situations more effectively, and how to tolerate very distressful emotions without hurting myself or others. I only attended the structured DBT program at CBT DBT Associates for a brief period of time (I ultimately attended and graduated from NY Presbyterian's program due to financial difficulties), but I never had any issues with the professionals delivering the therapy.
After graduating from the structured DBT program at NY Presbyterian, I have now moved my treatment to CBT DBT Associates at the recommendation of my previous therapist. I no longer follow a structured DBT process, but my therapist has a background in DBT and refers to the skills as needed. My therapist is very good and worth the significant investment of time and money.
Just one more thing to note: finding the right therapist for you can be a lengthy and challenging process. Often, one needs to have open discussions with one's therapist when treatment is not going as hoped. This can be difficult, but tends to help develop the relationship and improve the work (or it may underline the fact that you need a different therapist). You must also recognize that not all therapists have the same level of training and experience and those with more training and experience may cost more money. That's not to say that the more expensive a therapist, the better s/he is, but you may have to pay more to get what you need.
Best of luck to all in their journey to better mental health! read more