Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in Pasadena
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Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of therapy for people who struggle with overwhelming emotions, thoughts, and actions.
The goal of DBT is to help individuals manage difficult situations in their life more effectively. While there are many types of therapy out there, few have been as successful at reducing suicide rates and improving quality of life as Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Read on to learn about the benefits and drawbacks of this treatment method so you can decide if it’s right for you.
About Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which means it focuses on changing patterns and thoughts while taking into account how they affect actions and emotions. In addition, it is utilized to help people with mental health issues live happier and healthier lives. Dialectical Behavior Therapy was developed in the late 1980s by Dr. Marsha Linehan, who built the therapy around the following criterion:
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The Origins of DBT
- Expanding and sustaining the motivation to transform
- Providing opportunities for further developing skills
- Assimilating new skill sets that can be used in the right circumstances
- Developing the therapist’s abilities and increasing their wishes to effectively treat people
- Providing a secure, nonjudgmental environment to aid with the process of healing
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24/7 Comprehensive Care
Our residential setting provides round-the-clock support, medical detox when needed, and structured days designed to build stability and healthy routines.
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Safe & Supportive Environment
Clients heal in a fully supervised space, free from outside triggers and distractions, ensuring the focus stays on recovery and long-term personal growth.
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More Than Outpatient or Rehab-Only
Unlike outpatient care, our program offers full residential treatment—combining medical support, therapy, and daily structure for lasting results.
Who is Dialectical Behavior Therapy For?
The techniques used in DBT were originally designed to reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors in individuals who struggle with intense emotions. Today the therapy is used with great success in:
- Improving self-image and reducing relationship conflicts
- Decreasing anger and irritability
- Increasing positive emotions like joy and interest in life, and decreasing feelings of shame and guilt
- Addressing thoughts of suicide or self-harm
- Treating eating disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders and issues with substance abuse.
6 Main Points of DBT
Dialectical Behavior Therapy follows a six-point structure, and trained therapists use it to promote new thinking methods and develop behavioral skills among clients. They include:
- Acceptance and change—circumstances must first be accepted to make positive changes.
- Behavioral modification—problems are analyzed so that they can be replaced with healthy patterns.
- Cognitive transformation—the focus is on changing actions and thoughts that aren’t beneficial.
- Skillset acquisition—as in learning new skills and hobbies.
- Collaboration and teamwork—clients learn to work collaboratively and as part of a team.
- Recognizing strength—strong points are recognized, as are positive attributes that help others.
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Benefits of Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Dialectical Behavior Therapy has been shown to effectively reduce negative behaviors in a wide range of populations. For example, in 2010, suicidal individuals who received DBT were half as likely to attempt suicide compared to those receiving treatment as usual.
DBT has also been shown to be effective for people with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), who are highly likely to attempt suicide. For example, in one study of adolescents with BPD or subthreshold BPD symptoms, those receiving Dialectical Behavior Therapy were less likely than usual care participants to make suicide attempts and required less hospitalization.
How Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Works
There are three forms of DBT, all of which involve talk therapy with a trained specialist.
- One-on-one: A therapist teaches behavioral skills and helps the client adapt them to life’s everyday challenges.
- Group sessions: A professional-led group works in teams to role-play and complete assignments about handling troubling situations.
- Phone coaching: The client can call their therapist between sessions for guidance during difficult times.
What DBT Sessions Looks Like
A typical Dialectical Behavior Therapy session is typically 50 minutes long and meets once or twice a week. The first 20-30% of the time, clients meet with their therapist to discuss whatever issues they want to be addressed. Topics like anger management, healthy relationships and other coping skills are quite common.
Clients then meet with their group therapist for the last 20-30% of each DBT session to discuss problems they’re experiencing due to coping with intense emotions. Methods like role-playing, storytelling, and practicing new techniques provide tools that help clients manage these difficulties more effectively in daily life.
How to Tell if DBT is Right For You
The best way to determine which type of therapy treatment is best for you is to talk with a mental health professional – a therapist, psychiatrist or psychologist. They will consider your symptoms, treatment history, and the goals you outline for what you want out of therapy and recommend the best next steps.
Get Started with Dialectical Behavior Therapy in Pasadena CA Today
Annandale Behavioral Health offers Dialectical Behavior Therapy in Pasadena, California. If you or a loved one believes you might benefit from DBT therapy in Pasadena, CA, you can talk with our mental health professionals who are trained in the approach. In addition, our treatment center has several highly trained medical professionals that can help you today, so please feel free to contact us anytime at 855-778-8668. We’ll be glad to answer any questions you have or help you with your needs.
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You deserve care that respects your privacy and supports your healing. We’re here to guide you every step of the way!
Giorgio Albanese
18:55 07 May 25
Annandale helped change my life. The clinical programming helped me tremendously and the house felt like a home. The environment was safe and comfortable. My life has improved significantly and the internal awareness I've gained has followed me into my work, my fellowship, and my marriage. I cannot thank the staff enough for helping me get back on my feet. I will recommend this facility to anyone that comes to me for help.
Chloe Nett
20:27 05 May 25
Darryl and Remy are both incredible and run a tight program that is highly ethical. Changed my life!
Larkin Hill
23:41 03 May 25
Be wary of one star reviews for treatment centers. There are some vindictive, bitter, angry clients who will blame anyone but themselves; and treatment centers and their staff tend to be a go-to target for abuse and retaliation.
In short, Annandale worked for me.
Short story made long: Like any treatment center, you will get out what you put in though. But a good treatment center will give you all the tools, support and understanding you need. And that is what Annandale provides: a structure and foundation for your success, which you build on once you leave.
All the various treatment center bells, whistles and accoutrements don’t matter without a good staff/therapists on hand to guide and support. Luckily, Annandale has both.
The program itself focuses not only on getting sober/maintaining sobriety, but also on modifying negative thought patterns and the troublesome behavior that arises as a result. They know that you must focus on the problem itself, not just the symptoms, in order to recover. Drinking is a symptom of a deeper rooted issue.
They also offer some unique elements to the program, such as equine therapy and soundbaths. I scoffed initially, but kept an open mind. And guess what? It was a great help. Other groups/activities included yoga, meditation, mindfulness walks, nature walks, art, gardening, etc. They take you to 12 step recovery meetings, but Annandale itself is non-denominational as far as I could gather. Which is a plus in my book.
Great location in Pasadena. Right up the street from the Rose Bowl, where you’ll take walks some days. Other walks go a block or two in the other direction and offer absolutely breathtaking panoramic views of the Rose Bowl, Pasadana and its environs, mountain ranges etc. It’s truly a sight to behold.
The house and its campus are extremely serene and quiet. The house is comfortable, a comfy “home” vibe with people that genuinely care. A special feeling to it. Doesn’t feel like some “facility”.
Private bedrooms with their own flat screen TVs. Almost all have their own private bathroom. You get to place takeout lunch and dinner choices (with a mind towards healthy options from some great restaurants) on the iPad every day (which is included with your stay).
But more than anything, it is the staff that makes or breaks the place. Darryl is the owner and possibly the first person you’ll speak to. a very kind, caring, genuine, astute and just cool guy. Very helpful and personable. I was in a bad way when I initially called and Darryl was an immeasurable help in easing my concerns and providing comfort in a very distressful time in my life. Remy, the on-site nurse, is extremely attentive and understanding. Dr Coe is one of the most brilliant doctors I’ve ever had the pleasure of speaking with—the guy pulled things out that shocked me, things that no doctor-therapist/psychiatrist has been able to reach or decipher in all my years. He gave me a true, unbridled diagnosis of where my issues stemmed from. My wife of 20 years co-signed what he said with a very troubling passion (haha). Said he was spot-on, and he was.
Roxanne is one of the kindest and most lovely people I’ve ever met. The most gentle eyes, emphatic tone — a truly calming presence who offered me immeasurable support so thank you 🙏. Jordan was relatable, friendly and easy to talk to. Very intelligent and understanding of how addiction and sobriety work. Kevin, one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met. Michael, who became a genuine friend and somebody I could always talk to — and was always willing to listen.
Becky, Carrie, Xenia, Alex, Chris and I know I’m missing a few, but really, everyone was great and offered their own unique approach/personality. This place quite literally saved my life. I was on death’s door and couldn’t even walk in my own when I went in. And walked out a “new’ man.
In short, Annandale worked for me.
Short story made long: Like any treatment center, you will get out what you put in though. But a good treatment center will give you all the tools, support and understanding you need. And that is what Annandale provides: a structure and foundation for your success, which you build on once you leave.
All the various treatment center bells, whistles and accoutrements don’t matter without a good staff/therapists on hand to guide and support. Luckily, Annandale has both.
The program itself focuses not only on getting sober/maintaining sobriety, but also on modifying negative thought patterns and the troublesome behavior that arises as a result. They know that you must focus on the problem itself, not just the symptoms, in order to recover. Drinking is a symptom of a deeper rooted issue.
They also offer some unique elements to the program, such as equine therapy and soundbaths. I scoffed initially, but kept an open mind. And guess what? It was a great help. Other groups/activities included yoga, meditation, mindfulness walks, nature walks, art, gardening, etc. They take you to 12 step recovery meetings, but Annandale itself is non-denominational as far as I could gather. Which is a plus in my book.
Great location in Pasadena. Right up the street from the Rose Bowl, where you’ll take walks some days. Other walks go a block or two in the other direction and offer absolutely breathtaking panoramic views of the Rose Bowl, Pasadana and its environs, mountain ranges etc. It’s truly a sight to behold.
The house and its campus are extremely serene and quiet. The house is comfortable, a comfy “home” vibe with people that genuinely care. A special feeling to it. Doesn’t feel like some “facility”.
Private bedrooms with their own flat screen TVs. Almost all have their own private bathroom. You get to place takeout lunch and dinner choices (with a mind towards healthy options from some great restaurants) on the iPad every day (which is included with your stay).
But more than anything, it is the staff that makes or breaks the place. Darryl is the owner and possibly the first person you’ll speak to. a very kind, caring, genuine, astute and just cool guy. Very helpful and personable. I was in a bad way when I initially called and Darryl was an immeasurable help in easing my concerns and providing comfort in a very distressful time in my life. Remy, the on-site nurse, is extremely attentive and understanding. Dr Coe is one of the most brilliant doctors I’ve ever had the pleasure of speaking with—the guy pulled things out that shocked me, things that no doctor-therapist/psychiatrist has been able to reach or decipher in all my years. He gave me a true, unbridled diagnosis of where my issues stemmed from. My wife of 20 years co-signed what he said with a very troubling passion (haha). Said he was spot-on, and he was.
Roxanne is one of the kindest and most lovely people I’ve ever met. The most gentle eyes, emphatic tone — a truly calming presence who offered me immeasurable support so thank you 🙏. Jordan was relatable, friendly and easy to talk to. Very intelligent and understanding of how addiction and sobriety work. Kevin, one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met. Michael, who became a genuine friend and somebody I could always talk to — and was always willing to listen.
Becky, Carrie, Xenia, Alex, Chris and I know I’m missing a few, but really, everyone was great and offered their own unique approach/personality. This place quite literally saved my life. I was on death’s door and couldn’t even walk in my own when I went in. And walked out a “new’ man.
judy hiep
20:08 02 Feb 24
I love this place. I had to check my niece in 2 years ago. It was a difficult time for our family. Remy explained everything step by step and reassured us she will be in good hands. Like most family, this is our first time having to figure things out. The Facility and staff were very sweet and knowledgeable. The place is like a sanctuary. Peaceful, well thought out and comfortable. We are forever thankful what they have done for us, and appreciate everyone on the team.
Zorina Pelant
16:21 26 Jan 24
Remy Olivier is wonderful. She is the Program Director at Annandale. She is caring, conscientious and so knowledgeable. She makes multiple arrangements and was always available to assist with anything that came up. Remy is an RN who has worked in behavioral health for many years and uses her nursing skills and knowledge of addition when dealing with patients. I can’t say enough nice things about her.
Annandale is owned and operated by Remy and her husband Darryl, who has also been working in the field for 30 years. You can expect outstanding clinical care in a program that is family owned.
Annandale is owned and operated by Remy and her husband Darryl, who has also been working in the field for 30 years. You can expect outstanding clinical care in a program that is family owned.
Alan Coe
03:26 26 Jan 24
Fantastic Rehab with intelligent, compassionate, and knowledgeable staff. This is easily the best facility in all of Los Angeles. Remy is the kindest and most supportive person I have ever met.
Samantha Myles
03:02 07 Dec 23
First class medical detox - the level of experience, compassion and care is unmatched. They are a hands-on, genuine team who truly treats their clients like their own family. Brendan and Remy have been a pleasure to work with. I would send my own family members to Elevate Wellness Center.
Morgan Vandewater
16:34 07 Apr 23
Elevate is a wonderful place. Treatment is tailored to each individual and the staff is absolutely wonderful. I would highly recommend this place for residential treatment. It is an incredibly calming and motivating environment to recover in.
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Our Medical & Clinical Treatment Team
Annandale Behavioral Health offers a highly experienced and trained treatment team to help you or your loved one safely detox from substances and design a customized aftercare plan to maintain sobriety. Our comprehensive treatment team includes Case Managers, Individual Therapists, RNs, LVNs, Psychiatrists, and more.
Darryl Olivier
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Remy Olivier, RN
Founder and Program Director
Jennifer Bembry
Founder and Chief Medical Officer
Eric Bembry
Founder and Chief Financial Officer
Tour Our Addiction Treatment Facility
Annandale Behavioral Health is located in a contemporary farmhouse situated on the sprawling grounds in one of Pasadena’s most beloved neighborhoods. This intimate recovery setting has just six beds, allowing for a higher level of care within a safe, supportive treatment environment. The park-like setting features beautiful gardens and an outdoor fireplace that enhances the serene atmosphere.
191052AP
Exp. 07/31/26
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