DBT Path Online Course Frequently Asked Questions
What differentiates this program from other online resources?
The DBT Path course features exclusive live recorded online classes and recordings.
| We offer live, weekly 60-minute online DBT classes, entirely online. | |
| Course content is delivered by enthusiastic, knowledgeable instructors, so you’re engaged and not bored.
You won’t be bombarded with tons of extraneous, overwhelming, distracting materials: you’re here to learn skills, and that’s what you’re going to get. |
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| Our lesson content is not limited to DBT skills but includes lessons that cover helpful information from other modalities, such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), lessons on Neuroscience and supporting your nervous system, somatics, intergenerational trauma and healing and so much more, equipping you with a toolbox of helpful skills to build the life you want. | |
| You can ask questions each week in real-time by typing into a chat box or by submitting it on our Weekly Q&A thread in our Private Study Hall forum. | |
| You can submit your homework each week for feedback. | |
| Class is recorded, so if you live in a time zone that makes it difficult to attend, or if you have to work or have other life obligations, you can listen to the class each week when it is convenient for you. |
Who teaches the course?
Your class leaders truly understand.
Our classes are co-facilitated by Debbie DeMarco Bennett, BSc., CLC a peer in recovery from BPD who is also a certified life coach with personal and professional DBT experience, (Debbie leads by example. She’s been there!) and Kathryn Holt, LCSW, MA, PhD in process, a compassionate, licensed, Columbia University trained DBT therapist. Kathryn has extensive DBT experience and practices the skills in her own life.
How long has this online program been in existence?
We have been offering online DBT-informed psychoeducational courses since 2013.
Do I need to have Borderline Personality Disorder to take classes here?
No. Our classes are psychoeducational, not therapy or counseling. You do not need to have any formal diagnosis, BPD or otherwise, to attend and potentially benefit from the courses at DBT Path. Although Debbie often draws connections between the skills and BPD/being an emotionally sensitive person, that’s just because that’s her personal story.
Kathyrn and Debbie are really good at helping to address issues of concern for those studying the skills who have a different journey, such as depression, bipolar, PTSD, and eating issues. While we don’t provide therapy, we do teach the skills so that anyone can apply them in their lives as they make sense for them.
What is the format and tech requirements for the weekly online group work?
CLASS FORMAT
- Each week we meet for 60 minutes on Mondays at 4 pm PST.
- At 3:30 pm, the classroom opens for an optional pre-class chat with your peers and fellow students around the globe.
- You will hear your instructors leading the class and see the course content (PowerPoint) on-screen.
INTERNET & DEVICE REQUIREMENTS
- Please have a reliable internet connection. (Ethernet/hardwired internet is best. In the least, we recommend having access to fast wifi.)
- Laptops are best. Some students like to use their tablets or smartphones. Whenever possible, please use Chrome browser for the best experience when accessing the class and course materials.
- You will NOT need to turn your cam or mic on during class.
What if I am unable to attend the live sessions due to scheduling conflicts or other issues?
Many students have other commitments that prevent them from regularly attending the online classes live/in real-time (at 4 pm Pacific/Los Angeles on Mondays) due to work schedules, school, family commitments, or because they are in a different time zone, such as in the UK or Australia.
For your convenience, classes are recorded and may be listened to at your leisure so you can stay caught up at your pace. Some students choose to take the course entirely by recording.
Do I need to join a Facebook Group to participate?
No, we no longer use a Facebook Group as part of our program. Instead, we provide access to a secure, private, encrypted forum for class participation.
What are the required textbooks for this course?
REQUIRED TEXTS:
DBT Skills Training Handouts and Worksheets By Dr. Marsha Linehan
The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook By Matthew McKay
RECOMMENDED (NOT REQUIRED) TEXTS:
Additional recommended books as supplemental reading during the course:
Stronger Than BPD (written by your course instructor!)
Mindfulness for Borderline Personality Disorder By Aguiree and Galen
How do I sign up?
You can enroll by clicking the button below:
Do you accept teen students?
We do accept teen students ages 15 and older into our online DBT class with their parent or guardian’s permission. Most of the time the parent/guardian chooses to supervise studies – especially with younger teens (i.e. attend class, review class recordings and assist with homework).
Our course is primarily attended by adults; and in addition to the weekly classes, students have access to a private Study Hall (similar to a Facebook group) where the conversations really take place (submitting homework, asking questions, etc). That part of the course is accessible 24/7 but is not moderated at all times.
How much is tuition?
TUTION OPTIONS
- Month-to-Month
- $222 USD per month
- 3 Payment Segment
- $584 USD every 3 months (Save $246 USD!)
- Pay Full Tuition in Advance
- $1498 USD (Save $500 USD!)
Some students tell us that they have needed to stretch their budget in order to attend our courses because they realized they couldn’t afford not to study and practice these skills another day. Their lives begin to change, and the investment has been worth it. Hear their stories on our student testimonials page.
Do you accept insurance?
No, we do not directly accept insurance for payment.
However, you may contact your physician or psychiatrist to obtain a Letter of Medical Necessity for BPD/DBT health-related, psychoeducational classes.
Once obtained, contact your health insurance provider, Health Savings Account, or Flexible Spending Account administrator to see if this will allow you to be reimbursed for your tuition costs.
What if I want to cancel or get a refund?
If the program is not right for you, you may cancel at any time for any reason by contacting us and asking us to drop you from the course.
Please note that there are no refunds for any tuition already paid.
How long does it take to complete the program?
The length of the full program is 9 months.
Many students choose to remain continuously enrolled and repeat the modules to stay in the community and to have a weekly foundation for staying in practice with the skills.
Will this course satisfy the courts for my probation or case?
Over the years, several students have enrolled in DBT Skills Course as a condition of their probation or to satisfy a requirement for a custody hearing or other court case.
⚖️Please be sure to consult with your legal counsel to be sure that they will accept proof of your participation and completion of our course to satisfy your requirements.
