COPE fees are set based on treatment specialties and standard rates for doctoral level clinicians. Although our rates vary depending on the clinician and the specific services you are requesting, generally speaking our individual therapy rates begin at $250. Lower fee slots do occasionally become available. We welcome you to contact us to discuss your specific treatment and financial needs. If we are unable to accommodate you, we are happy to provide you referrals to lower fee mental health centers. For specific group rates or rates on IMPROVE: Outpatient Substance Use Treatment Program, please contact us for more information.

Do you take insurance?

COPE is not affiliated with a particular insurance panel and is considered an out-of-network provider. However, Dr. Rubin is a Lyra provider and can see individuals with Lyra benefits. Please check with your insurance company to inquire into possible out-of-network benefits and rates for reimbursement. Upon request, COPE providers can provide a monthly statement documenting services received that can be used for possible reimbursement from your insurance company and/or healthcare spending accounts. Some questions that may be helpful to ask your insurance company: Do I have mental health benefits? Do I have out-of-network benefits? If so, what are the benefits? How would I obtain reimbursement for an out-of-network provider? How many sessions will be covered per calendar year? What is my deductible and has it been met?

How long does therapy last?

Treatment length varies greatly depending on your specific concerns. However, research has shown that significant improvements can be made within 12 weeks and sometimes less. Some concerns may require longer-term treatment and some individuals choose to continue coming to therapy even after initial treatment gains to maintain skills, prevent backsliding, and manage weekly stressors. Your therapist will work with you closely in the initial sessions to clarify your presenting concerns and an expected treatment duration.

How do I know if therapy will work?

Finding the right therapist mixed with the right treatment can sometimes feel like finding a unicorn for those looking to begin therapy. However, at COPE we try to make this process a reality with a number of talented, specialty trained clinicians who work with you to customize a course of treatment that suits your needs.

What can I expect from the first few therapy sessions?

The initial therapy sessions are a great time for your therapist to get to know you and for you to get to know your therapist. Both are equally important. Your therapist will use this time to ask you a variety of questions in many different domains to understand as much breadth and depth of your life as possible in order to develop a thorough treatment plan. It is important to develop a set of goals that will guide treatment during these initial sessions.

The Benefits of Depression Treatment

Dealing with depression can be an overwhelming experience, but depression treatment offers effective ways to manage and alleviate symptoms. One of the standout methods in depression treatment is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). This approach equips individuals with skills to handle distress and foster acceptance of life’s unchangeable aspects. Learn how DBT helps with depression, the differences between DBT and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and what to expect during DBT treatment.

How DBT Helps with Depression Symptoms

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) provides a toolkit of skills designed to manage and reduce the distress caused by depression. This toolkit helps individuals accept aspects of their lives that cannot be changed, which can provide immediate relief and reduce feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. depression treatment through DBT involves identifying maladaptive coping mechanisms, such as social withdrawal, substance use, and self-injury, and replacing them with healthier, adaptive strategies.

DBT vs. CBT for Depression

DBT is a specialized form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Both depression treatment methods focus on the interplay between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Therapists help clients identify and replace destructive thoughts and behaviors with supportive and healthy ones. However, DBT includes specific skill development modules focused on mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, making it uniquely suited for managing depression.

Effectiveness of DBT in Depression Treatment

Research suggests that DBT can significantly reduce depressive symptoms. Studies have shown that participants with medication-resistant depression who underwent DBT therapy exhibited notable improvements compared to those in control groups. For instance, among older adults with chronic depression, 71% of those who received both antidepressants and DBT were in remission at the end of treatment, compared to 47% in the medication-only group. Additionally, DBT has been shown to reduce suicidal ideations and self-harm incidents, further highlighting its effectiveness in depression treatment.

DBT Skills Training Applied to Depression Treatment

DBT was initially developed for individuals at high risk of suicide, particularly those with borderline personality disorder. Over time, its application has expanded to include depression and other mental illnesses. The four foundational DBT skills—mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness—are highly relevant in depression treatment.

Imagine a scenario where Sarah, a 32-year-old woman, has been struggling with depression for several years. Her symptoms include persistent sadness, feelings of hopelessness, and frequent anxiety attacks. Sarah often finds herself trapped in negative thinking spirals, unable to focus on the present moment, and her relationships have suffered due to her inability to manage her emotions and communicate effectively. She decides to seek therapy and is introduced to Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), where she learns and practices various skills to help manage her depression.

Mindfulness Skills

Mindfulness skills help individuals focus on the present moment, countering the negative thinking spirals often associated with depression. Techniques such as mindful breathing, mindful observation, body scans, grounding anchors, and yoga can significantly reduce physical, cognitive, and emotional distress.

During her therapy sessions, Sarah’s therapist introduces her to mindfulness skills to help her stay grounded in the present moment. She learns mindful breathing techniques, where she focuses on her inhale and exhale to calm her mind. Sarah also practices mindful observation by paying attention to her surroundings, noticing colors, sounds, and smells without judgment. Her therapist guides her through body scans, helping her become aware of physical sensations from head to toe, which reduces her physical tension. Additionally, Sarah incorporates grounding anchors into her daily routine, such as identifying five things she can see, four things she can touch, three things she can hear, two things she can smell, and one thing she can taste when she feels overwhelmed by negative thoughts.

Distress Tolerance Skills

Distress tolerance skills enable individuals to cope with intense emotional distress without resorting to destructive behaviors. These skills include self-soothing activities, radical acceptance, physical activity, spending time with loved ones, regular eating, guided progressive muscle relaxation, and engaging in creative activities.

Sarah often experiences intense emotional distress, especially during difficult situations at work and home. Her therapist teaches her distress tolerance skills to help her cope without resorting to destructive behaviors. Sarah learns self-soothing techniques, such as wrapping herself in a warm blanket and taking hot baths to relax. She practices radical acceptance by acknowledging her current situation without judgment, focusing on what she can control. Physical activities, like going for a brisk walk or practicing gentle yoga, become part of her routine to release stress. Sarah also makes an effort to spend time with loved ones, finding comfort and support in their presence. Regular eating habits and engaging in creative activities, such as painting, further help her manage her distress.

Emotion Regulation Skills

Emotion regulation skills in DBT help individuals identify, acknowledge, and experience the full range of emotions without becoming overwhelmed. Techniques include removing oneself from stressful situations, counting to ten, debriefing with a friend, focusing on desired outcomes, journaling, and discussing issues with a therapist.

Managing her emotions has always been challenging for Sarah, often leading to emotional outbursts or feeling overwhelmed. In therapy, she learns emotion regulation skills to identify, acknowledge, and experience her emotions without being consumed by them. When faced with a stressful situation, Sarah practices removing herself to a quiet space to calm down. She counts to ten and focuses on her breathing to interrupt impulsive reactions. Sarah finds journaling particularly helpful, using it to process her feelings and gain a clearer perspective on her emotions. During therapy sessions, she discusses her emotional challenges with her therapist, exploring healthy responses and strategies to manage her emotions more effectively.

Interpersonal Effectiveness Skills

Interpersonal effectiveness skills focus on developing healthy, assertive, and respectful relationships. Skills include honoring personal values, asking open-ended questions, setting personal boundaries, shifting from judgment to curiosity, expressing emotions assertively, and avoiding unnecessary apologies.

Sarah’s relationships have suffered due to her inability to communicate her needs and emotions assertively. Her therapist teaches her interpersonal effectiveness skills to help her develop healthy, respectful relationships. Sarah learns to honor her personal values in relationships and sets clear boundaries with others. She practices asking open-ended questions to better understand others’ perspectives and shifts from judgment to curiosity when struggling to comprehend their beliefs or choices. In conflicts, Sarah expresses her emotions and needs assertively without attacking the other person, and she stops apologizing unnecessarily for her feelings and opinions. These skills empower Sarah to navigate her relationships with greater confidence and respect, leading to healthier and more supportive connections.

What to Expect During DBT Depression Treatment

DBT treatment for depression typically involves a structured format, which can vary based on whether the treatment is in a group or individual setting. Clients may participate in both types of sessions. Individual therapy often includes weekly 50-minute sessions, while group therapy involves two-hour sessions weekly. The treatment emphasizes mindfulness practice and the application of learned skills in daily life.

Alternative Depression Treatment Options

In addition to DBT, several other treatment options are available for depression:

Medications: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are common.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Focuses on the connections between thoughts, behaviors, and emotions.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Emphasizes living in the present moment and accepting pain.
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): Aims to resolve interpersonal conflicts and enhance connections.
Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS): Focuses on identifying and releasing pain from different parts of the self.
Psychodynamic Therapy: Examines the unconscious mind to support adaptive responses.

Conclusion

depression treatment, particularly through DBT, offers a structured and effective approach to managing depression. By equipping individuals with mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness skills, DBT can significantly reduce depressive symptoms and improve overall well-being.

Call COPE Today

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, consider exploring depression treatment with a focus on DBT. Reach out to a licensed therapist today to start your journey toward better mental health.