DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) — Texas Mental Health Court
Co-Founding Partners
Texas Bar verified. Reggie London (Texas Bar No. 24043514) and Njeri London (Texas Bar No. 24043266) are the co-founding partners of L and L Law Group, PLLC — based at 5899 Preston Rd, Suite 101 in Frisco, Texas (Collin County), with many 5-star Google reviews, and available 24/7 for criminal defense consultations.
Table of Contents
How DBT works
Combines cognitive behavioral therapy with acceptance-based approaches (mindfulness, Zen). "Dialectical" refers to integration of acceptance and change — accepting yourself as you are while working to change behaviors. Four core skill modules: (1) Mindfulness — present-moment awareness. (2) Distress tolerance — managing crises without making things worse. (3) Emotional regulation — managing intense emotions. (4) Interpersonal effectiveness — assertiveness, boundary-setting, relationship skills. Typically 6-12 month commitment; weekly individual therapy + weekly group skills training + between-session phone coaching.
DBT applications
FDA-recognized: borderline personality disorder. Other evidence-supported uses: chronic suicidal ideation; self-harm behaviors; complex PTSD; substance use disorder (DBT-SUD); eating disorders; emotional dysregulation; intermittent explosive disorder; anger management; adolescent emotional problems (DBT for Adolescents). Strong evidence base for high-risk populations. Reduces hospitalization, self-harm, suicide attempts.
Texas mental health court applications
Texas mental health courts under Government Code Chapter 125 commonly incorporate DBT for: defendants with borderline personality disorder; chronic self-harm/suicidal ideation; emotional regulation issues contributing to offenses; complex trauma history; co-occurring substance use disorder. Mental health court teams in Harris, Dallas, Bexar, Travis counties commonly approve DBT as primary treatment modality. Drug courts use DBT for emotional regulation in substance use disorder recovery.
DBT vs. CBT
Both evidence-based cognitive behavioral approaches. CBT: changes thoughts and behaviors; shorter-term (12-20 sessions); good for anxiety, depression, specific phobias; less intensive structure. DBT: balances acceptance and change; longer-term (6-12 months); good for emotional dysregulation, self-harm, borderline personality; intensive structure (individual + group + phone coaching). Both can be effective; choice depends on specific issues and treatment preferences.
Finding Texas DBT providers
DBT requires specific training — not all therapists are DBT-trained. Linehan Institute provides certification standards. Comprehensive DBT programs require multiple components (individual therapy, skills training group, phone coaching, therapist consultation team) — many programs offer adherent comprehensive DBT. Texas DBT programs available in major cities (Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin); some rural areas have limited access. Insurance coverage variable; Texas Medicaid covers DBT through behavioral health benefits.
Texas Marijuana Charges by Weight
| Weight | Offense | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Under 2 oz | Class B misdemeanor | Up to 180 days + $2,000 |
| 2-4 oz | Class A misdemeanor | Up to 1 year + $4,000 |
| 4 oz - 5 lb | State jail felony | 180 days-2 years + $10K |
| 5-50 lb | 3rd degree felony | 2-10 years + $10K |
| 50-2,000 lb | 2nd degree felony | 2-20 years + $10K |
| 2,000+ lb | Enhanced 1st degree | 5-99 years/life + $50K |
| Hemp products with delta-9 THC ≤ 0.3% are legal under HB 1325 (2019) | ||
Have a Texas legal question?
Call L and L Law Group for a free, confidential consultation. We handle criminal defense across Collin, Dallas, Denton, and Tarrant counties.
Call (972) 370-5060In our practice defending Texas criminal cases, we have represented clients in Collin, Dallas, Denton, and Tarrant County criminal courts on the full Texas Penal Code and Health & Safety Code spectrum. Reggie's prosecutor background in Dallas County means we know the State's evidentiary playbook; Njeri's trial-trained motion practice anchors the suppression-driven defense work.
Key Legal Terms
- Penalty Group
- Texas Health & Safety Code § 481.102-481.105 classification of controlled substances by abuse potential and accepted medical use. Determines weight tiers and punishment ranges.
- Article 38.23
- Texas Code of Criminal Procedure exclusionary rule. Evidence obtained in violation of any federal or Texas constitutional or statutory provision is inadmissible against the accused.
- Aggregation
- Texas H&S § 481.002(5) rule that the total weight of any controlled substance, including adulterants and dilutants, counts toward the offense weight tier.
- 3g Offense
- CCP Article 42A.054 list of offenses ineligible for judicial probation and requiring 50% sentence served before parole eligibility (formerly Article 42.12 § 3g).
- Pretrial Diversion
- Pre-charge alternative under CCP Article 32.02 in which the prosecution agrees to dismiss charges upon successful completion of conditions (counseling, community service, restitution).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy)?
Evidence-based therapy combining CBT with acceptance-based approaches (mindfulness, Zen). Developed by Marsha Linehan for borderline personality disorder; now used for emotional regulation, self-harm, suicidal ideation, substance use disorder. Four skill modules: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness.
How is DBT different from CBT?
CBT: changes thoughts/behaviors; shorter-term (12-20 sessions); good for anxiety/depression. DBT: balances acceptance and change; longer-term (6-12 months); good for emotional dysregulation, self-harm, borderline personality; intensive structure (individual + group + phone coaching).
Does Texas mental health court accept DBT?
Yes — commonly. Texas mental health courts under Government Code Chapter 125 use DBT for defendants with borderline personality disorder, chronic self-harm, emotional regulation issues, complex trauma history, co-occurring substance use disorder.
How long does DBT take?
Comprehensive DBT typically 6-12 months. Standard format: weekly individual therapy + weekly group skills training + between-session phone coaching + therapist consultation team. Skills training group module rotates through four modules over approximately 6 months; full curriculum requires completing all modules.
Does insurance cover DBT?
Variable. Most major insurance covers DBT through behavioral health benefits when medically necessary. Mental health parity laws require coverage comparable to medical/surgical care. Texas Medicaid covers DBT. Out-of-pocket cost without insurance: $150-$300/individual session + group fees. Comprehensive DBT programs typically cost $500-$1,500/month.
