Utilizing Dialectical Behavioral Therapy in a Partial Hospital and Intensive Outpatient Program: Outcomes on Patient’s Mindfulness, Clinical Ratings, and PTSD

Objective: Few studies have examined Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) being utilized in either a Partial Hospital (PH) program or Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) setting.
MethodThis study examined clinically relevant outcomes with a heterogeneous sample of patients (N = 87) attending either a DBT PH program (n = 42) or IOP (n = 45). This current study assessed intake/discharge data to examine change scores in symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, hopelessness, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Mindfulness changes were also assessed.
ResultsFindings showed symptom reduction on all clinical scales and mindfulness increased on all sub-scales for patients in both programs.
ConclusionClinicians may want to consider the benefits that DBT-PH programs or IOPs may have for patients seeking a more intense alternative or as a supplement to those going through a standardized PTSD regiment. Findings suggest that DBT in PH programs and IOP settings can help with various symptom reductions.