Begin by reviewing the available DBT Skills Training tracks on our Fees & Payments page and selecting the level of support that best fits your needs, your schedule, and the structure you're looking for. All three tracks include the full DBT skills curriculum, delivered in the same group — what differs is the degree of access, continuity, and added support. Your track reflects how you want to be supported, not the severity of your needs. Once you've chosen, you'll complete the Program Eligibility & Readiness Form. This is a brief but meaningful clinical screening, not a formality: it helps us understand what brings you to DBT now, confirm the group is an appropriate fit, and ensure we can support you safely. Among other things, it confirms that you're currently engaged in individual therapy — required of every participant throughout the program — and, for the BPD-Focused group, that you have a documented diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder. The form also includes a short readiness and safety check. If any of your responses suggest you may need more immediate or intensive support than a skills group can provide, we'll pause here and reach out to you personally, before any payment is collected, so we can talk through the right level of care for you.

Submit your initial payment for the track you chose to hold your place while clinical review is completed. This payment is fully refunded if you're not approved or the program isn't the right fit. Your seat isn't held without it.

After you complete registration, you'll be directed to submit your initial payment for the track you selected. This payment reserves your seat in the group while your clinical screening is completed. A few important things to understand at this stage. Your payment holds your place, but enrollment is not yet finalized — final confirmation happens only after clinical review. Your seat is not held without payment, as our group spaces are limited and intentionally kept small. And if, after review, the program isn't the right fit or eligibility requirements aren't met, your initial payment is refunded in full — you are never financially committed to a placement that isn't clinically appropriate for you. Please note that A Life In Balance is a private-pay practice and does not bill insurance directly. Upon request, we can provide a superbill you may submit to your insurer for possible out-of-network reimbursement, though reimbursement is determined by your plan and is not guaranteed.

With your Eligibility & Readiness Form and intake materials in hand, your information is reviewed to determine whether DBT Skills Training is the appropriate level of care for you at this time. This is a thoughtful clinical review, not a rubber stamp. It confirms that: •you are engaged in ongoing individual therapy, required of all participants throughout the program; •for the BPD-Focused group, your diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder is documented; •you are stable enough to participate in and benefit from an outpatient skills group; •the group format aligns with your current clinical needs and goals; •you are not currently experiencing a crisis or circumstance better served by a higher level of care; and •you can participate safely, consistently, and with adequate support in place outside the group. If individual therapy isn't yet in place, it's available on an as-needed basis through A Life In Balance, or we can discuss referrals. Following review, you'll be approved and moved to enrollment, deferred with a clear plan and timeframe to revisit when the timing is right, or — if the program isn't the appropriate fit — referred to more suitable support with your initial payment refunded in full.

Once your enrollment is approved, you'll receive your official enrollment confirmation along with your program schedule and welcome materials, so you know exactly when your group begins and what to expect as you start. Your Zoom access link is provided separately, after all of your required forms are signed and returned in the portal. This final step ensures everything needed for your participation — clinical, logistical, and consent-related — is fully in place before your first session. As soon as your completed forms are confirmed on our end, your link is released and your place in the group is fully secured. From there, you're ready to join your first session on the date in your schedule.