DBT Skills Group

Illustration of of three people sitting on chairs in a circle talking

Our groups are now full. If you’re looking for DBT groups outside of Layla or additional DBT support options, please explore the resources below.

See Resources

What does a DBT skills group look like?

As part of the online 12 week/2-hours per week DBT Skills Group, participants work in a group format with a dedicated Layla partner therapist to:

  • bullet points
    Gain control of their emotions and thought patterns
  • Increase ability to act and communicate effectively with others
  • Implement Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) techniques and strategies including: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness

DBT can be an effective therapy for a number of mental health concerns, including: Borderline Personality Disorder, Anxiety, Depression and Mood disorders, Suicidal ideation, Self-harm, Binge eating disorder, Substance use disorders

Program Lead & Upcoming Dates

Portrait image of Lisa Huntsburg, DBT therapist

Lisa Huntsburg, MSW RSW

Registered Social Worker
in ON, AB and NS.

DBT Skills Group

Day: Wednesdays

Starting: November 26, 2025

Time: 6-8PM EST / 4-6PM MST / 7-9PM AST

Early bird pricing ends: November 12, 2025

Registration deadline: November 21, 2025

Additional Information: Open to residents of Ontario, Alberta, and Nova Scotia

Full
Portrait image of Lisa Huntsburg, DBT therapist

Lisa Huntsburg, MSW RSW

Registered Social Worker
in ON, AB and NS.

DBT Skills Group

Day: Tuesdays

Starting: January 13, 2026

Time: 6-8PM EST / 4-6PM MST / 7-9PM AST

Early bird pricing ends: December 23, 2025

Registration deadline: January 9, 2026

Additional Information: Open to residents of Ontario, Alberta, and Nova Scotia

Full

DBT Resources

Trillium Health Partners (THP) Intensive Outpatient Program

Program Information

This skills based program runs a maximum of 12 weeks with a commitment of 3 hours per week. The program is designed to help clients develop tools and increase their supports through the use of Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). A referral from a physian is required and should be directed to Centralized Intake at one-Link, who would conduct a screening call as eligibility requirements vary across programs. To see a psychiatrist, clients must meet specific eligibility standards, and the psychiatrist determines next steps in care. For certain diagnoses, documented medication trials are required before accessing some services. Please note that one-Link doesn’t directly place clients into THP or other specific programs. Its role is to help coordinate services and guide individuals to the most appropriate supports.

905-338-4123

https://www.thp.ca/patientservices/mentalhealth/ambulatoryCareOutpatientServices/ambulatorymentalhealthprogram/Pages/Intensive-Outpatient-Program.aspx

CAMH

Program Information

This program runs 24 weeks with a commitment of 2.5 hours per week. Referrals must be submitted by a family physician using the CAMH referral form and faxed to Access at 416-979-6815. Access completes the initial triage process; a formal diagnosis is not required for referral, though the physician may indicate if the client is seeking diagnostic clarification. Processing typically takes approximately three weeks, and wait times vary. Clients will be informed of the expected wait time once triage is complete.

https://www.camh.ca/en/patients-and-families/programs-and-services/borderline-personality-disorder-clinic

416-535-8501, option 2

211 Alberta

Helpline and online database of Alberta's community and social services.

https://ab.211.ca/

2-1-1

Ontario Shores

Program Information

A referral from a physician, nurse practitioner, or other authorized healthcare provider is required. Clients may be connected to the program through the Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) Clinic, the Eating Disorders (ED) Clinic, or Psychiatry Consult Services.

https://www.ontarioshores.ca/dialectical-behavioural-therapy-dbt

905-430-4055

CMHA

Program Information

The CMHA Toronto Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Program is a one-year intensive treatment designed for adults (18+) experiencing significant emotion regulation difficulties, including those diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). A referral form is required to apply (physician referral or self referral). The program is currently full, but individuals may sign up to receive notification when referrals reopen. Upon completion, graduates may join the DBT Alumni Program for continued support.

https://cmhato.org/programs/dbt/

416-789-7957
Email: info@cmhato.org

DBT Virtual
Program Information

This service offers 12-week group programs, including a foundational Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) program and advanced program for those who have participated in DBT previously. Most programs are for adults 18+, but they also offer an adolescent program for ages 14-17. Sessions are $50-$70 per session and are available to clients in Ontario, British Columbia, Nova Scotia and Alberta. Participants can self-refer or be referred from a physian or community partner. DBT Virtual also offers free webinars which can be found here.

https://www.dbtvirtual.com/dbt-skills-group

289-203-3021
Email: info@dbtvirtual.com


Assaulted Women's Hotline

Crisis counselling for women and seniors in the province of Ontario.
Available by phone (24/7)

http://www.awhl.org/

Crisis Line - phone:
GTA: 416-863-0511
GTA TTY: 416-364-8762
TOLL-FREE: 1-866-863-0511
TOLL FREE TTY: 1-8666-863-7868#SAFE (#7233) on your Bell, Rogers, Fido or Telus Mobile
Senior Safety Line - phone:
TOLL-FREE:  1-866-299-1011

Centre for Mind Body Health
Program Information

CMBH offers Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills Training, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Graduate Skills and a Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Family and Friends Support Group. Sessions are $140 per session and the program runs for 12 weeks with a 2 hour commitment per week. No referral is required to access services.

https://www.cmbh.ca/

647-729-5551


Ontario Victim Services

Support services for victims of crime and families of victims.
Available by phone

https://www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/english/ovss/programs.php

416-314-2447

Emergency Shelter and Housing Ontario

Helpline and online database of emergency shelter and housing searchable by location.

https://www.ementalhealth.ca/Ontario/Emergency-Shelter-and-Housing
Walk-in Counselling Ontario

Helpline and online database of walk-in counselling searchable by location.

https://www.ementalhealth.ca/Ontario/Walk-In-Counselling
Broadview Psychology
Program Information

Broadview Psychology offers a DBT skills groups for different age groups (children, adolescents, young adults, and adults) and stages of support. These groups run weekly for 6–9 months, mostly in person, though some virtual options are available. In addition, there are DBT parent and family groups, providing training and support for parents, caregivers, partners, and family members across different age ranges. Costs range from $105-$140 per session. Intake is continuous, meaning clients do not have to wait for a cohort to start treatment. Clients are required to be simulataniously meeting with an individual therapist either through their clinic or externally.

https://broadviewpsychology.com/treatments/group-therapy

647-348-5140

DBT Virtual

Free DBT Skills Webinars

Free DBT skills webinars led by trained DBT experts.

https://www.dbtvirtual.com/free-dbt-skills

Ontario Shores

Free Videos for Dialectical Behavioural Therapy

Free DBT videos by modules.

https://www.ontarioshores.ca/dbt-videos-module