Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities: A Program Description
Marvin Lew, Ph.D., ABPP, Christy Matta, M.A., Carol Tripp-Tebo, M.A. & Doug Watts, M.Ed

The use of Dialectical Behavior Therapy for the intellectually disabled population is discussed with regard to the adaptations clinicians and programs must make in the standard manualized approach developed by Marsha Linehan. A specialized program developed by The Bridge of Central Massachusetts is presented along with examples and data from its implementation. Clinical recommendations for using this psychotherapy technique are included.