Towards Online Delivery of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy: A Scoping Review

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) has proven to be an effective treatment for individuals struggling with emotional regulation, self-destructive behaviors, and interpersonal difficulties. Traditionally, DBT has been delivered in face-to-face settings, but with the advancement of technology and the increased accessibility of online platforms, there is a growing interest in exploring the feasibility and effectiveness of online delivery of DBT. A recent scoping review conducted by Lakeman et al. (2022) titled ‘Towards online delivery of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy: A scoping review’ aimed to explore the current literature on online delivery of DBT and identify the key themes and trends in this emerging field. The review included a comprehensive search of electronic databases and identified 18 relevant studies that met the inclusion criteria. The findings of the review shed light on the potential benefits and challenges of online delivery of DBT. One of the key findings of the review was that online delivery of DBT has the potential to increase accessibility to treatment for individuals who may not have access to traditional face-to-face therapy. This is particularly important for individuals living in remote areas or those with physical disabilities that limit their mobility. Furthermore, the review found that online delivery of DBT can be just as effective as face-to-face therapy in reducing symptoms of emotional dysregulation, self-harm, and suicidal ideation. The studies included in the review reported positive outcomes in terms of improved emotion regulation, reduced self-destructive behaviors, and enhanced interpersonal functioning. However, the review also highlighted several challenges associated with online delivery of DBT. These include issues related to privacy and confidentiality, technological barriers, and the need for specialized training for therapists to effectively deliver DBT online. It is crucial to address these challenges to ensure the safe and effective delivery of DBT through online platforms. In conclusion, the scoping review conducted by Lakeman et al. (2022) provides valuable insights into the current state of online delivery of DBT. The findings suggest that online delivery of DBT has the potential to increase access to treatment and can be just as effective as face-to-face therapy. However, it is important to address the challenges associated with online delivery to ensure the quality and safety of the treatment. This study was a collaboration between Southern Cross University and the Australian DBT Institute. Lakeman, R., King, P., Hurley, J., Tranter, R., Leggett, A., Campbell, K. and Herrera, C. (2022), Towards online delivery of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy: A scoping review. Int J Mental Health Nurs. 10.1111/inm.12976

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The Australian DBT Institute, established in 2004, provides a range of professional development opportunities for Mental Health Professionals seeking to become proficient in dialectical behaviour therapy-informed approaches. Our team is led by experienced DBT clinicians who have received training, mentoring, and development from Marsha Linehan’s team at Behavioral Tech LLC (2004-8). The Australian DBT Institute has led high-fidelity DBT programs since 2004 through the Essentia Health Clinics in Melbourne Victoria, Sydney New South Wales, the Gold Coast Queensland, and online. Our clinical programs have included comprehensive DBT and modified DBT programs for specific populations including youth, carers, Indigenous Australians, correctional settings and psychiatric emergency settings.