Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is evidence based comprehensive treatment delivered via three modalities; individual therapy, group skills training, and telephone coaching by a team of DBT-trained providers. Team members meet 90 minutes per week as part of a DBT-specific consultation team. DBT treatment is based in cognitive, behavioral and dialectic principles and incorporates both clinical and rehabilitative interventions. The targeted treatment group is individuals for whom empirical evidence supports its effectiveness; individuals who are suicidal, engaging in self-harm behaviors, and/or diagnosed with a borderline personality disorder.

To promote a recovery-based system of care, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) was added to the list of benefits covered by Minnesota Health Care Programs (MHCP) effective April 1, 2011.

What services are available?
Who is eligible for this service?
Become a DBT IOP provider
- The applicant program must consist of three or more team members who are trained in DBT treatment and may include persons from more than one agency as long as professional and clinical affiliations with the DBT team are delineated as employees, affiliates, or contractors of the DBT program.
- The process for certification of DBT programs in Minnesota involves completing the official certification application and submitting required documentation.
- The application and program manual must contain evidence that the DBT program adheres to the definition of Dialectical Behavior Therapy Intensive Outpatient Program in accordance with Minnesota Statutes 256B.0671 Subd.6.
- DHS will review applications and supporting documentation against the evidence-based standards of DBT as described in Minnesota Statutes 256B.0671 Subd.6.
- Notification of certification status will be sent no more than 30 days after a completed application and supporting documentation is received.
- A certified program will become authorized to use DBT-specific reimbursement codes and will be listed on the DHS website as a certified DBT provider.
DBT IOP application will be used for the following:
- State Certification or Recertification WITH National Certification – certification length is same as national board certification as long as maintenance of certification is verified.
- State Certification or Recertification WITHOUT National Certification – certification length of one to three years depending on score of application.
- Maintenance of National Certification – verification of annual maintenance for certified teams with national certification.
- Staff Update – to inform the Behavioral Health Division of staff changes for all certified teams.
- Business/Location Update – to inform the Behavioral Health Division of updates regarding locations, adding branch offices, administrative contact or other business changes for certified teams.
Provider User Guide (PDF)
Attachment Guidelines (PDF)

Passwords/Login information:

To receive new user name and log in password: Contact dbt.certification@state.mn.us. Include:
- Agency legal name
- Agency NPI
- Team lead name
- Team lead e-mail address
You will receive log in information from Welcome to MNIT@DHS mailbox shortly.

The system will prompt you to set up new password when you log in the first time.

Passwords expire after 90 days of inactivity.

You will be able to set a new password within the system if password has expired or lost.
Reimbursement
Current Certified DBT IOP Providers

Reporting requirements

Mental Health Information System (MHIS) Materials - Reporting through the Mental Health Information System (MHIS) is required of all Crisis Response providers. The MHIS reporting instructions and materials are located on the Adult Mental Health Technical Assistance page. For DBT reporting questions contact the Reporting Help Desk at (651) 431-2239, press 4 for DBT or email DHS.amhis@state.mn.us and include “DBT” in the subject line.

DBT Prolonged Exposure increased units

Minnesota Health Care Programs (MHCP) will increase the number of therapy units allowed during a six-month period to 182 starting January 1, 2018. The increased number of therapy units will allow the integration of dialectical behavior therapy–prolonged exposure (DBT–PE) into standard dialectical behavior therapy. Clinicians doing DBT–PE will need to include measurable goals, objectives and progress notes within standard treatment documentation. (pub. 10/17/17)
DBT Certified Providers List
More information
Additional resources
- DBT IOP Survey Summary - January 1, 2019 (PDF)
- DBT IOP Survey Summary - February 28, 2018 (PDF)
- DBT-A IOP FAQ (PDF)
- DBT IOP FAQ (PDF)
- Minnesota Statutes 256B.0671 Subd.6 Dialectical Behavior Therapy
- Minnesota Statutes 245I Mental Health Uniform Service Standards Act