Lifeline program DBTeen, designed to help teens change unhelpful thinking and behaviour and manage their emotions has celebrated five years of providing early intervention for teenagers experiencing mental health difficulties.
The program offers free Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) skills training for young people aged 14-18 who are experiencing difficulties managing their emotions, behaviours and interpersonal relationships. Since its launch as a pilot in 2019, the program has received over 300 referrals annually, many involving acute mental health challenges.
Young people who have graduated from the program reported significant improvement, with 75 per cent of those experiencing the highest levels of distress at the start showing the most improvement by the end. The program boasts an impressive completion rate of over 85 per cent and 88 per cent of participants would highly recommend the program to others.
The program aims to improve the mindfulness, communication and emotional responses of participants through skills training.
Lifeline Funded Services Manager, Matthew Nichols, has seen the program evolve over the past five years, with the program consistently undergoing quality improvement activities to enhance service delivery. Some of the key changes include:
- Volunteer observer role: Over 80 volunteer observers have sat in on the program, allowing them to observe and upskill themselves in DBT and group facilitation. These observers, who include private psychologists, social workers, service managers and students, are then empowered to apply these skills in various community settings.
- Consistent resource editing: DBTeen booklets are developed and edited with input from a youth advisory group, past participants, and facilitators. This ensures that the resources are effective for those who teach the content, and those who receive the content.
- Inclusive language: Resources and graduation certificates have been edited to ensure that inclusive language is present throughout.
- Information sessions: Implemented to inform participants about program benefits and challenges, helping families decide if it’s right for them before commencing.
Mr. Nichols credits the program’s success to its family-inclusive model, where parents and guardians develop skills alongside their teens, and can support them in implementing the skills into their everyday lives.
“The program facilitates caregivers and teenagers to have a common language and skillset when approaching recovery. DBTeen is the only free, public option for young people to receive DBT-based skills training alongside their parents and guardians.”
By providing early intervention and enlisting a young person’s support network in the therapy process, young people are empowered to regulate their emotions through evidence-based coping strategies.
“It has brought my teen and I together with a common goal to make our life better.” – Adult Participant
“My parents understand me better and I am able to regulate my emotions” – Teen Participant
“I have looked forward each week to spending Saturday mornings with our DBT group. It has greatly helped my stress, confidence and ability to discuss things with my teenager. I am so grateful for the opportunity to do the course” – Adult Participant
DBTeen has recently been awarded the Priority Populations Award at the WA LiFE (Living is for Everyone Awards).
More information about DBTeen is available on Lifeline WA’s website.
This activity has been made possible through funding provided by the Australian Government under the PHN Program.