DBT Therapists in Alberta

What Is DBT?

Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) is a structured form of therapy that combines acceptance and change strategies to help people manage intense emotions, self-harm urges, impulsive behaviours, and relationship difficulties. It focuses on learning practical skills you can use outside of therapy.

The full DBT model, developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan, includes four components: weekly individual therapy, a skills-training group, phone coaching between sessions, and a therapist consultation team.

No therapist on First Session in Alberta currently offers that complete four-part DBT program. Instead, therapists may use DBT-informed individual therapy, incorporating DBT skills and strategies into one-on-one sessions. That's the type of DBT available through First Session and the focus of this page.

Every First Session therapist profile also includes a short intro video, so you can hear how a therapist talks about emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and other DBT skills before booking a consultation.

What to Know About DBT Therapy in Alberta

Online and In-Person DBT Therapy

DBT-informed individual sessions work well over video, since the core work, building skills and applying them between sessions, doesn't require being in the same room. Alberta runs on Mountain Time, so when booking with an out-of-province therapist, check the time zone before confirming.

Credentials in Alberta

Alberta's counselling-therapist title, including RPC through the CPCA, isn't yet a government-regulated designation like Registered Psychologist. The province announced in 2024 that it will bring counsellors under the College of Alberta Psychologists, but the practice standards and proclamation were still pending as of late 2025.

A precursor group, the Association of Counselling Therapy of Alberta, is expected to become the College of Counselling Therapy of Alberta once that regulation is proclaimed.

Registered and provisional psychologists are already regulated under the Alberta Health Professions Act. First Session verifies every therapist's credentials at onboarding and shows the exact designation on their profile.

Cost and Insurance

Registered psychologists in Alberta typically charge $200 to $235 for a 50-minute session. Counsellors, social workers, and provisional psychologists generally run $120 to $180. Every First Session profile lists fees upfront, and they provide receipts for insurance claims.

How to Choose a DBT Therapist in Alberta

1Ask what "DBT-informed" means for them

"DBT-informed" can describe different levels of training and different approaches to treatment. During your free consultation, ask which DBT skills the therapist uses and how they would apply them to your goals.

For example, you might ask about distress tolerance, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, or mindfulness and how these skills would be incorporated into your sessions.

2Ask about their DBT training

Listing DBT as a specialty doesn't necessarily tell you how extensively a therapist has trained in the approach. Ask whether they completed a formal DBT training program, how long they have been using DBT, and whether they have experience with the concerns you're seeking help for.

Some therapists also hold certification through the DBT-Linehan Board of Certification, which requires specific training and experience requirements. Certification isn't required for a therapist to use DBT-informed approaches, but it can add another credential to consider.

3Watch the intro video

Training and credentials tell you what a therapist has studied. Their intro video gives you a better sense of how they communicate.

Because DBT involves talking openly about difficult emotions and practising new ways of responding, finding someone whose communication style feels comfortable can make a difference.

4Confirm the therapist's designation

Before booking, check the therapist's exact professional designation and whether your insurance plan covers it. Coverage can differ between Registered Psychologists, Provisional Psychologists, social workers, and counsellors.

If you're unsure, contact your insurer and ask whether the specific designation listed on the therapist's profile is eligible for reimbursement.

5Use the free consultation to test the fit

DBT-informed therapy is typically practical and skills-focused. The free 15-minute consultation gives you a chance to ask how the therapist uses DBT, what sessions typically look like, and whether their approach feels like a good fit.

You don't need to commit to a therapist just because you have a consultation. Use the conversation to decide whether you feel comfortable working with them.