Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) helps inmates involved with the criminal justice system learn how to cope with challenging emotions, thoughts and behaviors that may lead to impulsive, destructive behavior.

The 12-week DBT program, offered by the Rhode Island Department of Corrections and led by therapists from The Providence Center, consists of:

• Group therapy twice a week
• Individual therapy once a week

Participants learn how to:

• Identify areas of conflict
• Resolve conflicts peacefully
• Manage emotions to avoid impulsive, aggressive or other problematic behavior
• Develop better communication skills
• Establish healthy relationships

Participants are connected with a DBT trained clinician at The Providence Center upon release and may engage in counseling for 90 days at no cost to them.