5 Hours / 5 CEs

On Demand | Self-Paced Professional Training

This on-demand professional training program on Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Substance Abuse is presented by Michele Gailetta, PhD.

The program provides a brief overview of standard DBT and introduces the adaptation of DBT for persons with substance use disorders. The program explains strategies and skills designed specifically for use with persons with substance use disorders.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:

  • 1 Describe the DBT concept of dialectical abstinence.
  • 2 Describe two ways in which DBT commitment strategies are enhanced for use with persons with substance use disorders.
  • 3 Describe DBT's position on replacement medications for those with substance dependence.
  • 4 Describe the DBT concepts of Clean Mind, Addict Mind, and Clear Mind.
  • 5 Describe a mindfulness practice for urge-surfing.
  • 6 Describe and explain at least two other DBT skills for substance use disorders.

  • Intended Audience

    This training is designed for mental health professionals who provide care to individuals with substance use disorders, particularly those specializing in substance use treatment, behavioral interventions, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).


    Examples of Relevant Professionals:
    • Mental Health Professionals
    • Counselors
    • Therapists
    • Social Workers
    • Psychologists

  • Experience Level

    This training is appropriate for mental health professionals at various stages of experience with Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and its adaptation for substance use disorders.

    • Beginner: Participants are new to DBT or have limited experience with its application to substance use disorders and seek foundational knowledge of DBT concepts and skills.

    • Intermediate: Participants have some experience using DBT, are familiar with its core principles, and are looking to deepen their understanding of DBT-SUD adaptations and specific strategies for substance use disorders.

    • Advanced: Participants are experienced in delivering DBT and DBT-SUD, seeking to refine their skills, integrate advanced techniques, and enhance their application of DBT strategies for complex substance use presentations.

  • Practice Setting

    They work in structured behavioral health environments that deliver DBT-informed care for substance use disorders, providing individual and group interventions across varying levels of care. Services are delivered within multidisciplinary teams and may occur in person or via telehealth, with adaptations for co-occurring mental health needs.


    Examples of Practice Settings:
    • Outpatient mental health or substance use clinics
    • Community mental health centers
    • Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) and partial hospitalization programs (PHP)
    • Residential or inpatient substance use treatment programs
    • Hospital behavioral health units and detox services
    • Integrated primary care/behavioral health practices
    • Telehealth-based DBT programs
    • Correctional or forensic treatment settings

Presented By

Michele Galietta, PhD Associate Professor of Psychology at John Jay College of Criminal Justice

Dr. Michele Galietta is Associate Professor of Psychology at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York where she served as Director of the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. Program from 2005-2013. Dr. Galietta is a researcher and clinician specializing in the training, adaptation and dissemination of empirically-supported treatments to community and forensic/correctional settings.

View More Programs from this Presenter
Michele Galietta, PhD

CE Sponsorship Information

Palo Alto University, Continuing & Professional Studies (CONCEPT) is approved by, recognized by, or maintains sponsorship provider status with the following boards and agencies. We maintain responsibility for all content in our CE/CPD programs. For more information, visit here. 

  1. American Psychological Association (APA): Approved sponsor of continuing education for psychologists.

  2. Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB): Approved continuing education provider (ACE program, Provider #1480), 11/22/2023–11/22/2026.

  3. Canadian Psychological Association (CPA): Approved to sponsor continuing education for psychologists.

  4. National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC): Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEP No. 7190).



Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) maintains responsibility for this program and its content. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT), is approved by the Canadian Psychological Association to offer continuing education for psychologists. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT), SW CPE is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0356 and the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0073. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6811. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CONCEPT Professional Training, #1480, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. CONCEPT Professional Training maintains responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period: 11/22/23-11/22/26. Social workers completing this course receive (clinical or social work ethics) continuing education credits.