DBT Therapy in Huntington Beach, CA - Dialectical Behavior Therapy & RO-DBT

Welcome to DBT Center of Long Beach and RO-DBT California Collective

DBT Center of Long Beach and RO-DBT California Collective operates as Southern California's leading comprehensive group practice for DBT and RO-DBT services. We work with individuals and families through in-person sessions and virtual appointments. All clinicians have completed foundational DBT training plus Level-3 certification in Radically Open DBT.

Clients travel to us from Huntington Beach and nearby areas for treatment at our Long Beach and Irvine offices. We focus on creating a supportive atmosphere while addressing borderline personality disorder, anxiety, depression, self-harm, substance abuse, suicidal ideation and eating disorders.

"Tiana and her entire team are incredible. Many therapists claim to do DBT, but DBT Center does it as it was intended. DBT is hard work. It takes commitment and dedication and as long as you commit to do that hard work, it will change your life. So thankful I found them!"

CP

What is Standard DBT and RO-DBT?

Marsha Linehan created Dialectical Behavior Therapy during the late 1980s to help people with borderline personality disorder. Mental health professionals now use this approach to treat depression, anxiety, eating disorders, ADHD, PTSD, self-harm and suicidal thoughts.

DBT works by teaching skills that reduce emotional suffering while helping people change problematic behaviors. We offer two versions: standard DBT for those who struggle with too much emotion, and RO-DBT for people who hold back their feelings.

The Four Pillars of Standard DBT

DBT treatment combines four different parts that work together:

• Individual therapy helps you work on personal issues and practice new skills in real situations

• Group skills training teaches specific methods for handling emotions, relationships, stress and staying present

• Phone coaching gives you support during difficult moments between your regular appointments

• Consultation groups allow therapists to get advice from colleagues about helping their clients

Each piece builds on the others to give you the tools needed for handling whatever life brings.

Standard DBT for Emotional Undercontrol

People who benefit from standard DBT usually feel overwhelmed by their emotions. Their feelings change quickly and intensely, making daily life exhausting and unpredictable.

You might act without thinking, hurt yourself, feel empty inside, or have relationships that feel like roller coasters. Some people describe it as drowning in their own emotions.

Through DBT, you learn four main skill sets: staying aware of the present moment, managing intense feelings, getting through crises without making things worse, and asking for what you need while keeping relationships healthy.

Radically Open DBT for Emotional Overcontrol

Dr. Thomas Lynch developed RO-DBT for people who keep their emotions locked up too tightly. Instead of being overwhelmed by feelings, these individuals often feel cut off from others and have trouble adapting when life changes.

Many appear highly controlled and responsible on the outside while feeling lonely and disconnected inside. They might be perfectionists, avoid taking risks, or smile when they're actually upset. Their pain stays hidden rather than spilling out.

RO-DBT teaches different skills: how to show emotions appropriately, be more flexible when plans change, take calculated risks, and form genuine connections with other people.

Is Standard DBT Right for Me?

Undercontrolled: Emotionally Dysregulated and Impulsive

You might benefit from standard DBT if you've hurt yourself, thought about suicide, or can't seem to control destructive impulses. Maybe your moods swing dramatically, leaving you feeling empty or constantly angry.

Other signs include feeling paranoid when stressed, being terrified that people will leave you, and having relationships that blow up repeatedly. Your sense of who you are might change depending on your mood or the people around you.

Recommended Treatment Path: Standard DBT

Is RO-DBT Right for Me?

Overcontrolled: Emotionally Constrictive and Risk Averse

RO-DBT might help if you struggle with depression and anxiety but keep these feelings to yourself. You might restrict what you eat, avoid anything unpredictable, or spend excessive time planning and rehearsing before acting.

Perhaps you follow rules rigidly, put on a happy face when you're suffering inside, or set impossibly high standards for yourself. Despite appearing successful, you probably feel isolated and have trouble forming close friendships.

Recommended Treatment Path: RO-DBT

What We Treat

We treat many different mental health conditions using DBT and RO-DBT methods. People come to us for help with borderline personality disorder, long-term depression, anxiety problems, bipolar disorder and trauma reactions.

Our therapists also work with eating disorders, addiction issues, obsessive-compulsive personality patterns, autism spectrum differences and situations where people experienced harsh criticism or rejection growing up. Each person gets treatment designed for their specific situation.

We see teenagers, young adults and older adults. Some people come alone, others bring their partner or family members for therapy together. Mental health problems affect everyone in a family, so we help the whole system heal.

Convenient Access from Huntington Beach

Our Long Beach office sits just a short drive from Huntington Beach, giving local residents quick access to specialized DBT and RO-DBT treatment. When you don't have to travel far for therapy, you're more likely to stick with treatment and see real progress.

The office space feels comfortable and private, allowing you to focus on getting better without distractions. We chose this location specifically to reach people throughout Orange County and LA County who need this type of specialized help.

You can meet with us in person or join sessions from home through video calls. Some people prefer face-to-face meetings while others find virtual sessions more convenient due to work schedules, transportation issues or other practical concerns.

Contact Us for a Free Assessment

Ready to take the first step toward building a life worth living? Schedule a free 15-minute consultation with our clinical director to determine if our comprehensive DBT or RO-DBT program is the right fit for your needs.

We are offering both in-person and virtual appointments.