Some children feel emotions more intensely than others. They may become overwhelmed quickly, have frequent meltdowns, struggle to calm down after getting upset, or have a hard time coping with frustration, disappointment, or change. Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Children (DBT-C) is designed to help children develop the skills they need to better understand and manage those emotions.

DBT-C is an evidence-based treatment for children, typically between the ages of 6 and 12, that teaches practical skills for recognizing emotions, coping with distress, solving problems, and improving relationships. Therapy is tailored to each child’s developmental level and uses activities, games, and hands-on practice to make learning engaging and meaningful.

Parents and caregivers are an essential part of the process. Rather than working only with the child, DBT-C helps parents learn strategies to respond effectively during difficult moments, reinforce new skills at home, and create a more supportive family environment. Because children practice these skills both in and outside of sessions, lasting change is much more likely.

At Rivermind Counseling, DBT-C is provided by Betty Bae, who has nearly 20 years of experience providing DBT in a variety of settings, including youth-focused programs, community mental health, and correctional settings. Betty has extensive experience working with children and families facing complex challenges and is especially skilled at adapting treatment for neurodivergent children, including those on the autism spectrum. Her approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in meeting each child where they are.

DBT-C can be helpful for children who experience:

• Frequent emotional outbursts or meltdowns
• Difficulty managing frustration or disappointment
• Anxiety or intense worry
• Impulsive behaviors
• Challenges with friendships or family relationships
• Emotion regulation difficulties associated with autism or other forms of neurodivergence

The goal of DBT-C isn’t to stop children from having big emotions. It’s to help them build the skills to navigate those emotions more effectively, strengthen their relationships, and feel more confident in themselves.