DBTeen
Mental wellbeing skills groups for young people and families
Places are still available for Semester 1, 2025.
Here are some key dates to help you plan your availability
STEP 1: Introduction Session Tues 7th January, 2025
STEP 2: Assessments Thurs 2nd to Mon 20th January, 2025
STEP 3: Course Dates across 5 groups Between Tues 18th February and Sat 24th May, 2025
About DBTeen
DBTeen is a dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) informed program delivered in a Primary Care environment, offering skills training for young people aged 14-18 experiencing some or all of the following:
- Difficulties with frequent and intense emotional and mood states
- Problem behaviours such as self-injury, suicidal behaviour, substance misuse, school avoidance, disturbed eating and risky sexual behaviour
- Interpersonal difficulties which can result in frequent intense conflict with family and peers
- Feelings of emptiness and identity confusion.
The program is delivered in multifamily groups whereby carers develop the same skills alongside their teens and support them to embed the skills in their day to day lives. The program is as much for carers as the young person.
Find out more about the DBTeen program by using the links below: download our brochure or view other mental health resources for young people.
DBTeen is an award-winning program
Lifeline WA developed the DBTeen program in 2019 in response to gaps in service provision. It is the only program of its kind in Western Australia being delivered free of charge, making it accessible to the whole Perth community, regardless of their socio-economic status.
WAPHA | DBTeen providing unique support to teenagers and families for five years
2024 Suicide Prevention Australia Western Australian LIFE Awards for Priority Populations
"I’m very thankful to have done this course and I believe my relationships are stronger and I’ve made positive relationships with people in this course as well."
- Young Person
"The best thing about DBTeen was the people in the group, the flexibility and the food. The skills most importantly have been the most valuable skills I have ever learnt."
- Young Person
"The program is amazing it has helped me a lot to improve as a young person the I use the skills on a daily basis."
- Young Person
"Learning all the different emotional regulation and interpersonal skills alongside my teen meant I could support her in putting those skills into place to help her have a better and happier life. Every single one of the parents in the course learned and grew as a person as well as a parent and support person for the young people."
- Adult
"Thank you so much this, this has helped both of us! It has helped my daughter understand herself a lot, helped her in life situations and throughout her schooling."
- Adult
"I’m so grateful for this opportunity that we had to receive this training at no cost. It has positively impacted my family and I would like to send my partner and other teen in the future. Thank you so much."
- Adult
Frequently Asked Questions
DBTeen is a dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) program for young people aged 14-18 who exhibit difficulty regulating their emotions and behaviour. A parent or adult carer must also commit and attend all 12 sessions with the young person.
Young people who are already receiving hospital and community mental health services (eg: CAMHS, CMHT, CATT, hospital inpatient) are inelligible.
For more information on eligibility, see our brochure below.
Lifeline WA is offering 12-week DBTeen skills groups which will cover the following key components:
- Mindfulness skills: staying focused on the present moment without having to react.
- Distress tolerance skills: coping with distressing situations and painful emotions without making things worse.
- Walking the Middle Path skills: balancing ways of thinking and behaving to improve flexibility in responding to common family dilemmas.
- Emotion regulation skills: developing skills to use when faced with intense and painful emotions.
- Interpersonal effectiveness skills: communicating your needs and wants, improving relationships, and building self-respect in relationships.
There is no charge. DBTeen is fully funded by the West Australian Primary Health Alliance.
Anyone can refer, including your GP, mental health professional or yourself. Following the referral, teens and their fellow adult participant attend a compulsory introduction session and an assessment with a Clinician to determine final admission to the program.
So, download, complete and return the DBTeen Referral Form to register.