8 week DBT day program being recommended by pdoc

My psychiatrist wants me to do an 8 week DBT program that would require me to take a leave from work. Since this would be a huge financial and career setback, I would like to know if you all think it's worth the sacrifice. I've looked into programs in the evenings and none of them accept my insurance (and my insurance won't accept them).

What gives? Why are there so few in-person groups for BPD? A free support program for BPD with a sponsor of some kind would be so helpful. Maybe I'm missing something, but I've done a lot of research and come up with squat. Since behavioral therapies and emotional validation are so vital to BPD recovery (vs drugs alone), we need more free or insurance-covered programs.

My theory is that since BPD is so difficult to treat with drugs, it is significantly de-prioritized by the medical establishment. DBT is still a very lengthy process with mixed results, so insurance companies don't want to cover it.

So anyway, for those who have done DBT programs, what is your feedback on making a huge life sacrifice to do it?

Is it gonna be worth it? Well, that's a tricky question because not everyone is at the same place in their life. Some people might gain more than others. If you're seeing this as a sacrifice, I think you should wait before starting this program 'cause you will get the most of therapy if you're a 100% committed into it.

Personally, I wasn't fully ready for this program. But I have learned decision-making skills that are going useful for the future. Being in a group with people with BPD had a positive effect on me 'cause I realized that I wasn't the only one living who had to cope with these difficult situations.

When I was started this program, I was really messed up and I didn't see the light at the end of the tunnel. Therapy gave me some useful tools for the future... but it also gave me the hope that recovery is possible.

Therapy isn’t always easy. But if you're willing to commit yourself 100% into it, I think it's the most worthwhile gift you can give yourself.

Thanks Ella. It's a sacrifice because I could lose my job. I'm more than willing to do the work, I just have tried so hard to access it with no luck. I just joined a Yahoo DBT group and it's a great resource, but a bit difficult to navigate. I think I would benefit more from something in person, but it's just not possible right now.

I did some DBT in my intensive outpatient program after my hospitalization in 2014. I found it useful, but I do have a very hard time with mindfulness. That probably means I really need it.

I have a new therapist and she is very good, but doesn't do DBT. I may not absolutely need DBT, but my pdoc seems to think it would help me.

Hi littlewing,

*mod edit*

Hope this can help a little.

This is a huge sacrifice for you to attend. You really should feel prepared for it if the stakes are having to leave your job. I would suggest having a good amount in savings and see if you can have job security and just take a leave of absence. I feel like it's worth it just be smart and prepare. Good luck

Yes, I actually just perused that website today. It looks like a great program, but I can't tell if they are just really good at marketing it. I will ask my pdoc if he is familiar with it. I like the fact that it is interactive and seems to be the next best thing to in-person.

I'm currently just reading as much as I can about DBT and trying to grasp the basics.