Yes, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) can be done online, and DBT Path has been the original provider of online DBT skills classes since 2013.

When I first started sharing DBT skills online over a decade ago, many people wondered if this specialized work could truly translate to a digital space. They worried that the lack of a physical office might diminish the power of the skills. However, our community has known for years what the scientific community is now confirming through rigorous study: learning these life-changing skills from the comfort and privacy of your own home is not just possible, it is highly effective.

What the Latest Research Tells Us

While we have seen thousands of students transform their lives through our classes, I always find it helpful to look at what the broader scientific community is discovering. It is important to note that while larger randomized trials directly comparing online versus in-person DBT are still needed, the early evidence is incredibly promising.

A 2025 pilot study by Bohus et al., published in JMIR Formative Research, followed 39 participants through a one-year telehealth DBT program delivered via videoconference. The results were significant. Researchers found large pre-post effect sizes for borderline personality disorder symptoms and overall quality of life. Perhaps most notably, reported self-harm behavior dropped from 80% of participants to just 28% within a ten-week window. Both patients and therapists reported high satisfaction with the digital format.

Another key study by Bean et al. (2022) compared a DBT-based intensive outpatient program delivered via videoconference against one delivered in person. They found large symptom reductions in both formats, with no significant difference in effectiveness between the two. This suggests that the “active ingredients” of DBT, the skills themselves and the way they are taught, remain powerful regardless of whether you are sitting in a clinic or on your own sofa.

What Changes (and What Stays the Same) Online

The core of DBT remains exactly the same. You are still learning the same evidence-based tools for mindfulness, emotional regulation, and distress tolerance. What changes are the logistics, which often makes the work much more accessible for emotionally sensitive people.

• No Commute: You can join class from your “safe space” without the stress of traffic or public transportation.
• No Waitlists: While local in-person groups often have months-long waitlists, online options like DBT Path allow for much faster access to help.
• Camera Optional: For many of our students, the pressure to “be seen” can be overwhelming. In our classes, your privacy is respected, and you are never required to be on camera.
• Catch Up with Recordings: Life happens. If you miss a live session, you can watch the recording on your own time, ensuring you never miss a piece of the curriculum.

An Important Note on Care

While online skills classes are a powerful educational tool, it is important to remember that a skills class is not a substitute for individual therapy or a personal crisis plan. Our classes at DBT Path are focused on education and skill-building. If you are currently experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please reach out for immediate support. You can call or text 988 in the US and Canada to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at any time.

How We Teach at DBT Path

At DBT Path, we believe that the environment where you learn is just as important as the skills themselves. We offer a 9-month program that covers all four essential modules of the original DBT curriculum:

1. Mindfulness: Learning to live in the present moment without judgment.
2. Distress Tolerance: Tools to survive a crisis without making it worse.
3. Emotion Regulation: Strategies to understand and manage intense feelings.
4. Interpersonal Effectiveness: Skills to communicate your needs and set healthy boundaries.

I, Debbie DeMarco Bennett, MA and my co-teacher Dr. Kathryn Holt, are the same two instructors you will see every single week. We don’t use rotating coaches because we believe in building a consistent, stable learning environment.

Our approach is lecture-style, meaning there is no group therapy or required personal sharing. This ensures your privacy while you learn. To support your growth, every student receives personalized written homework feedback each week. This asynchronous coaching is included in your tuition, giving you a direct line to your teachers as you apply these skills to your real life.

To learn more about how our digital classroom feels, you can read more about what to expect in an online DBT class or view our full schedule of DBT therapy skills classes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can DBT be done online?

Yes, DBT skills can be effectively learned online. DBT Path has specialized in this format since 2013, offering a structured, lecture-style environment that delivers the full evidence-based curriculum through live classes and recordings.

Is online DBT as effective as in-person DBT?

Recent research, including studies by Bean et al. (2022), suggests that online delivery of DBT-based programs can result in symptom reductions comparable to in-person delivery. DBT Path provides the same core skills taught in traditional settings but with added benefits like privacy and no commute.

Do I have to share my personal story in an online DBT class?

No, at DBT Path, our classes are educational and lecture-style. We do not require personal sharing or group processing. This allows you to focus on learning the skills in a way that feels safe and private.

Can I join an online DBT class if I have a busy schedule?

Absolutely. One of the primary benefits of the DBT Path program is flexibility. Because our classes are online, there is no travel time, and we provide recordings of every session so you can stay on track even if you miss a live class.

Start Your Journey Toward Balance

If you are ready to explore these skills in a supportive, private, and human-led environment, we would love to have you join us. Our 9-month program is designed to meet you exactly where you are, providing the tools you need to build a life that feels more manageable and meaningful.

Click here to see our upcoming classes and enroll today.