DBT Therapists in Montreal

What is DBT?

Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) was developed by psychologist Marsha Linehan to help people experiencing intense emotions, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts. It has since been adapted for a range of concerns, including difficulties with emotion regulation, relationships, eating disorders, and substance use.

DBT teaches practical skills to manage difficult emotions, tolerate distress, stay present, and communicate more effectively. In individual therapy, a therapist may use these skills and principles to help you understand patterns, respond differently to difficult situations, and build more effective coping strategies.

DBT was originally developed as a comprehensive treatment program that included individual therapy, skills training, phone coaching, and therapist consultation. However, many therapists use DBT-informed approaches in individual sessions without providing the entire program. First Session features therapists who offer DBT-informed individual therapy, rather than full DBT programs.

Every First Session profile explains the therapist's credentials, training, and approach, so you can find someone whose DBT experience fits what you're looking for.

What to know about DBT in Montreal

Online and in-person DBT

DBT can work well both online and in person. In-person sessions offer face-to-face interaction and a dedicated space for therapy, while online sessions can be more convenient and accessible from home. You can use core DBT skills and techniques effectively in either format, so the best choice often comes down to what feels most comfortable and practical for you.

Credentials and DBT training in Quebec

Psychologists are regulated by the Ordre des psychologues du Québec (OPQ), while psychotherapists must hold a psychotherapy permit issued by the OPQ. A psychotherapy permit can be held by professionals from certain base professions, including social workers and counsellors, who meet Quebec's additional education and supervised-practice requirements.

The therapist's professional designation tells you how they are regulated, but it doesn't necessarily tell you how much DBT training or experience they have. If DBT matters to you, check whether the therapist has completed formal DBT training, certification, or other specialized coursework, and how they incorporate DBT into their practice. DBT-Linehan Board of Certification (DBT-LBC) certification is one formal way of demonstrating competency in DBT. Some DBT therapists on First Session may hold DBT-specific certifications or other formal training, which you can review on their profiles.

Cost and insurance

Private sessions with a psychologue or psychothérapeute in Montreal typically run $120 to $180 for fifty minutes, per the OPQ’s own fee survey. The cost of DBT-informed individual therapy is not necessarily different from other forms of psychotherapy.

Insurance coverage depends on your specific plan and the therapist's professional designation. Many private and employer-sponsored plans cover services from psychologists, psychotherapists, or other eligible mental health professionals, but the requirements and annual maximums vary. Check your plan to see which designations it covers and whether it has a per-session or annual limit.

How to choose a DBT therapist in Montreal

1Look at their DBT training

DBT training varies between therapists. Some have completed extensive formal DBT training or certification, while others incorporate DBT techniques into a broader psychotherapy practice. Check the therapist's profile to understand their training and experience.

2Think about what you want help with

DBT can be used for many different concerns, from managing intense emotions and difficult relationships to coping with stress, impulsivity, or overwhelming situations. Look for a therapist whose experience matches the issues you want to work on.

3Check your insurance coverage

Before starting regular sessions, confirm that your plan covers the therapist's professional designation and check your annual or calendar-year mental-health maximum. If you're using the PSHCP, you can also check how much of your benefit you've already used.

4Watch the therapist's intro video

A therapist's approach matters as much as their credentials. A short intro video can give you an early sense of their communication style and whether you'd feel comfortable working with them.

5Ask how they use DBT in individual therapy

DBT-informed therapy can look different from one therapist to another. During your consultation, ask how they use DBT skills and principles in sessions and whether their approach matches what you're hoping to get from therapy.

6Use the free consultation to ask about fit

Your free 15-minute consultation is an opportunity to explain what you're looking for and ask how the therapist typically approaches DBT. You can ask about session frequency, the DBT skills you might learn, and whether their approach matches your goals.