10 Hours / 10 CEs

On Demand | Self-Paced Professional Training

This on-demand professional training program on an Introduction to Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is presented by Michele Galietta, Ph.D. 

This program discusses the dialectical nature of DBT, i.e., the balance between change-based technology (via behavior therapy) with acceptance-based principles (via validation) in depth. In addition, the program describes the theoretical and empirical foundations for DBT. It reviews empirical findings, limitations of the current research, and the extent to which research findings are generalizable. The program also examines the structure of DBT, treatment targets, and DBT’s philosophical assumptions. Lastly, using case examples, it will demonstrate how DBT treats or ameliorates mental health problems rather than just managing them.

This program discusses the dialectical nature of DBT, i.e., the balance between change-based technology (via behavior therapy) with acceptance-based principles (via validation) in depth. In addition, the program describes the theoretical and empirical foundations for DBT. It reviews empirical findings, limitations of the current research, and the extent to which research findings are generalizable. The program also examines the structure of DBT, treatment targets, and DBT’s philosophical assumptions. Lastly, using case examples demonstrates how DBT treats or ameliorates mental health problems rather than just managing them.

Learning Objectives

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

  • 1 Describe an introduction to DBT
  • 2 Describe salient features of the research behind DBT
  • 3 Describe adaptations of DBT for specialized settings and populations
  • 4 Describe the structure of DBT
  • 5 Describe bio-social theory of DBT
  • 6 Describe the therapist and client agreements in DBT
  • 7 Describe the assumptions of clients and therapy in DBT
  • 8 Describe the modes of DBT and their function
  • 9 Describe the modes and functions for their DBT Program

  • Intended Audience

    This training is designed for mental health professionals who provide comprehensive cognitive-behavioral treatments, particularly those working with individuals facing complex or high-risk mental health concerns. The program emphasizes Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)-informed care and other evidence-based cognitive-behavioral approaches, making it suitable for professionals seeking to enhance their skills in delivering these interventions.


    • Mental Health Professional
    • Psychologists (clinical and counseling)
    • Psychiatrists
    • Social workers
    • Counselors
    • Marriage & family therapists
    • Case managers
    • Nurses
    • Alcohol & drug abuse counselors
    • Other clinicians and mental health professionals working with individuals needing comprehensive cognitive-behavioral treatments

  • Experience Level

    This program is designed for licensed and pre-licensed mental health professionals at all experience levels who wish to develop foundational through advanced understanding of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). It provides a comprehensive overview of DBT’s theoretical foundations, core principles, structure, and evidence base, with emphasis on practical clinical application and skill integration.

    • Beginner: Participants are new to DBT or have limited exposure, seeking to understand the core principles, theoretical foundations, structure, and research supporting DBT, as well as its application through case examples.

    • Intermediate: Participants with some familiarity or training in DBT who wish to strengthen their ability to apply DBT strategies and skills in individual and group settings. Emphasis is placed on case conceptualization, behavioral analysis, and effective use of acceptance and change-based interventions.

    • Advanced: Participants who have experience implementing DBT and aim to refine their clinical formulation skills, enhance adherence to the DBT model, and address complex presentations such as comorbid personality disorders, chronic emotion dysregulation, or treatment-interfering behaviors. Focus includes consultation team functioning and supervision practices.

  • Practice Setting

    Mental health professionals who participate in this training typically work in environments where comprehensive, evidence-based interventions are essential for individuals with complex or high-risk mental health needs. These settings often require collaboration among multidisciplinary teams and emphasize structured, therapeutic approaches such as DBT. Professionals may provide care in both individual and group formats, addressing a range of emotional, behavioral, and psychiatric challenges. The practice environment is client-centered, focused on safety, skill-building, and the integration of change and acceptance strategies.

    • Outpatient mental health clinics
    • Inpatient psychiatric units or hospitals
    • Community mental health centers
    • Private practice offices
    • Residential treatment facilities
    • School-based mental health programs
    • Substance use treatment centers
    • Crisis intervention services
    • Integrated primary care/behavioral health settings
    • Correctional or forensic mental health programs
Presented By

Michele Galietta, PhD

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. Her areas of clinical expertise include the assessment and treatment of trauma, self-harm, and suicide across the lifespan. Dr. Galietta has created specialized units and/or consulted to numerous civil, forensic, and correctional settings on risk assessment, risk management, behavioral interventions, and complex needs case formulation.

Dr. Galietta is regarded as a leading expert in the implementation of dialectical behavior therapy. Dr. Galietta is a certified DBT clinician. For over a decade, Dr. Galietta served as a principal trainer for Behavioral Tech, LLC, the company founded by the developer of DBT, Dr. Marsha Linehan. Dr. Galietta has consulted to over 100 agencies in the US and abroad on DBT initiatives. She has worked extensively in public sector settings including state psychiatric hospitals and jails, prisons, and juvenile justice settings. She was principal investigator of an NIMH funded trial of DBT for individuals charged with interpersonal violence or stalking and authored the article, “Adapting DBT for the Treatment of Psychopathy.” She has conducted trainings for New York City Police Officers on mindfulness, communicating with mentally ill individuals, and hostage negotiations. Dr. Galietta has appeared on CNN and Court TV, and has been cited in the New York Times, the Washington Post, Time Magazine, and other media outlets.


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Training Outline

Key topics covered in this training include:

  • Introduction to DBT

  • DBT Research

  • DBT Theory

  • DBT with Emotion Regulation Deficits

  • DBT Structure

  • DBT Inpatient Adaptations

  • DBT Stages of Treatment

  • DBT Skills Groups

  • Review

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).

Sponsorship Approval Statements

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), is approved by the Canadian Psychological Association to offer continuing education for psychologists. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7190. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Palo Alto University, #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. Palo Alto University 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. Continuing and Professional Studies, Palo Alto University, is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0103. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. Palo Alto University, Continuing & Professional Studies (CONCEPT), 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. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies, is recognized by 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.