Development and Clinical Outcomes of a Dialectical Behavior Therapy Clinic

Objective: The authors describe the first 6 months of-a dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) clinic operated by trainees in a general adult psychiatry residency program. The purpose of this report is to provide a model for the creation and maintenance of a formalized resident DST clinic. Methods: Residents participated in the DBT clinic, attended a weekly combined lecture series and consultation group supervised by the clinic director, and completed a 20-hour online Continuing Medical Education course in DBT skills training. Results: Eight residents participated in the clinic, each carrying one patient with Borderline Personality Disorder. The clinic did not experience any major administrative problems during 6 months of operation. Conclusion: A Resident DBT Clinic was successfully implemented as an elective rotation in the adult psychiatry residency training program at the University of Utah.