20 Hours / 20 CEs

On Demand | Self-Paced Professional Training

This on-demand professional training program on Skills Training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is presented by Michele Galietta, PhD.

DBT Skills are an essential component of comprehensive DBT. However, some evidence suggests that just skills and case management may be efficacious for less acute individuals. Therefore, the primary focus of this program will be the content and delivery of the four DBT skills with emphasis on appropriate adaptations (e.g., substance abuse, violence reduction, and obsessive thinking).

Didactic presentation, including relevant case examples, will alternate with observing several role-plays implementing DBT skills throughout the program. This program contains strategies for successfully implementing and applying DBT Skills to various settings/populations. Participants will learn how to use and teach the effective DBT skills of Mindfulness, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Distress Tolerance, and Emotion Regulation.

For those that are interested in getting DBT Certified, there is a requirement to obtain a minimum of 40 didactic training hours specific to DBT. The DBT skills program is 20 hours, and we offer another program called Forensic Applications of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) which is another 10 hours towards certification.

To learn more about the DBT Certification process. Click here.

Learning Objectives

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

  • 1 Describe the rationale for skills training & the skills component of DBT
  • 2 Describe how to set up and run skills training groups & how to conduct homework review
  • 3 Describe how to use behavioral strategies to enhance participation in skills groups
  • 4 Describe Skills in the areas of Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Interpersonal Effectiveness, and Emotion Regulation
  • 5 Describe strategies for successful implementation into specific settings/populations
  • 6 Describe the elements of Skills Coaching
  • 7 Describe the importance of behavioral rehearsal Skills Training Groups
  • 8 Describe the importance of role plays in Skills Training Groups
  • 9 Describe skills adaptations for specific groups (e.g., forensic patients, substance abuse, students)
  • 10 Describe didactics with relevant case examples

  • Intended Audience

    This training is designed for mental health professionals who want to develop or enhance their skills in delivering Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills training and comprehensive cognitive-behavioral treatments. It is intended for those who work with individuals experiencing emotional dysregulation, substance use issues, or behavioral concerns.

    • Mental Health Professional
    • Psychologist
    • Psychiatrist
    • Social Worker
    • Nurse
    • Marriage and Family Therapist
    • Substance Use/Alcohol & Drug Abuse Counselor
    • Case Manager
    • Other Mental Health Professional

  • Experience Level

    This training is applicable for all career stages: entry-level, mid-career, and experienced professionals. This training is designed for licensed and pre-licensed mental health professionals at varying levels of experience with DBT skills training.

    • Beginner: Participants new to DBT or with limited experience in skills training groups, seeking foundational knowledge of DBT theory, core skills (Mindfulness, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation), and practical strategies for group facilitation and skills coaching.
    • Intermediate: Participants with some experience implementing DBT skills who wish to deepen their understanding of skills adaptations for specific populations (e.g., substance use, forensic, adolescent), enhance group management techniques, and integrate behavioral rehearsal and role-play into practice.
    • Advanced: Participants with substantial DBT experience aiming to refine skills training delivery, apply advanced adaptations for complex cases, and strengthen supervision or training of other clinicians in DBT skills.

  • Practice Setting

    Mental health professionals who deliver DBT skills training and cognitive-behavioral treatments typically practice in structured, supportive environments that facilitate both individual and group interventions. These settings are designed to provide a safe, confidential space for clients experiencing emotional dysregulation, substance use issues, or behavioral concerns. Practitioners may work independently or as part of multidisciplinary teams, often collaborating with other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive care. The environment emphasizes evidence-based practice, ongoing professional development, and adaptability to meet the needs of diverse populations.

    • Outpatient mental health clinics
    • Community mental health centers
    • Hospital psychiatric units
    • Substance use treatment programs (inpatient or outpatient)
    • Private practice offices
    • School-based mental health programs
    • Residential treatment facilities
    • Correctional or forensic settings
    • Integrated primary care clinics
    • Crisis intervention centers

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.

View More Programs from this Presenter
Michele Galietta, PhD

Training Outline

Key topics covered in this training include:

  • Participants will be taken through an overview of DBT, the theoretical background, the research base, and notable issues to consider

  • Participants will review and discuss the key components of DBT
    Core Mindfulness Skills
    Interpersonal Effectiveness Skills
    Emotion Regulation Skills
    Distress Tolerance Skills

  • Participants learn about adolescent and forensic applications of DBT

Earning a Certificate

This is a badge-earning program, which means it will help you earn a certificate that can be showcased on digital platforms like LinkedIn.
View Certificates

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.