DBT IOP Program
Knowledge is power in recovery. At Inspire Services, our Substance Abuse Education programs help individuals, families and communities understand addiction, the risks of substance use and the path to a healthier future.
Whether you’re attending as part of a treatment plan, fulfilling a court requirement or seeking information for yourself or a loved one, our educational services provide the insights and skills to make lasting changes.
What is DBT IOP?
DBT IOP is an outpatient program for people struggling with severe emotional dysregulation, self-harm, impulsive behaviors or difficulties in relationships. It’s based on the principles of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), an evidence-based treatment for:
- Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
- Depression and anxiety
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Self-harming behaviors
- Substance use disorders
- Eating disorders
- Other mental health concerns with intense mood swings or emotional distress
The program includes multiple therapy sessions per week, skills groups and individual support, a structured environment where change can happen while clients live at home and continue with daily responsibilities.
Why Choose DBT IOP?
Sometimes weekly outpatient therapy sessions aren’t enough to provide the level of support someone needs. DBT IOP offers:
- More Intensive Support – Multiple sessions per week to reinforce learning and practice.
- Skills in Real Life – Clients use skills daily and get immediate feedback and guidance.
- Community and Accountability – Group settings provide encouragement, connection and shared learning.
- Crisis Reduction – Frequent contact with therapists helps stabilize dangerous or destructive behaviors.
- Flexibility – Clients get intensive care while still maintaining work, school or family commitments.
DBT IOP Components
Our DBT Intensive Outpatient Program is based on the four skill modules of DBT:
- Mindfulness – Learning to stay present, observe thoughts and emotions without judgment.
- Distress Tolerance – Building tools to manage crises without self-harm or impulsive actions.
- Emotion Regulation – Understanding emotions, reducing vulnerability to extreme moods and finding healthy ways to cope.
- Interpersonal Effectiveness – Strengthening communication, setting boundaries and healthier relationships.
- Individual DBT Therapy – Weekly one-on-one sessions to apply skills to personal challenges.
- Skills Training Groups – Group sessions to learn and practice DBT skills in a safe environment.
- Coaching Between Sessions – Access to therapists for real-world support when applying skills outside the program.
- Team Consultation – Our DBT clinicians collaborate regularly to ensure clients receive the best care.
Who is DBT IOP for?
DBT IOP may be right for you if:
- You experience frequent, intense emotional ups and downs
- You struggle with impulsive behaviors, including substance use, self-harm or binge eating
- You have difficulty with healthy relationships
- You feel “stuck” despite trying outpatient therapy
- You need structured support but don’t need inpatient hospitalization
This program is for adults and adolescents (depending on program design) who are committed to change and willing to participate actively.
What to Expect
1. Intake & Assessment
We start with a comprehensive evaluation to understand your history, challenges and goals.
2. Personalized Treatment Plan
We create a plan that integrates DBT into your daily life.
3. Program Participation
Most DBT IOP programs run several days a week, for several hours a day. Clients participate in a mix of individual therapy, group skills training and experiential activities.
4. Ongoing Progress Monitoring
Therapists track progress regularly and adjust treatment as needed to ensure skills are being learned and applied effectively.
Benefits of DBT IOP
- Emotional Stability – Reduce emotional intensity and increase self-control.
- Safer Coping – Replace harmful behaviors with healthier skills.
- Self-Awareness – Understand and manage thoughts, feelings and triggers.
- Healthier Relationships – Communicate more clearly and build stronger connections.
- Long-term Recovery – Tools for lasting recovery and better living.
Why Inspire Services for DBT IOP in Southern Minnesota?
DBT Trained Therapists
Our therapists are trained and committed to delivering DBT.
Full Service Options
Access to individual therapy, substance use treatment, ARMHS and residential programs.
Local Locations
Programs offered in Montgomery, St. Peter and New Ulm.
Holistic Approach
We treat the whole person, not just the symptoms.
Safe Environment
A safe, respectful space where every client is supported and valued.
Get Started
If emotions are overwhelming, behaviors are harmful or relationships are unstable and life is unmanageable, DBT IOP can give you the structure and skills to get back in control and move forward.
At Inspire Services we’ll walk with you with compassion, accountability and proven tools for change.
Contact us today to learn more about our DBT Intensive Outpatient Program and see if it’s right for you.
