Dissemination and Implementation Field Trial of Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Adolescents With Bipolar Disorder

The overarching goal of this project is to evaluate the feasibility of implementing dialectical behavior therapy DBT for adolescents with bipolar disorder in an outpatient mental health clinic. In collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh, this study will measure study therapists' knowledge of the DBT model, adherence to the treatment model, and satisfaction with the treatment model.

This study proposes to implement dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) for adolescents with bipolar disorder (BD) in an outpatient mental health clinic serving youth with bipolar spectrum disorders. In collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh, this study will systemically operationalize, implement, and examine the specific training, supervision, and programmatic systems needed to successfully implement and sustain the intervention in an adherent manner to achieve positive patient outcomes. This study therefore presents a unique opportunity to enhance understanding of the necessary procedures for implementing the treatment in the community, while allowing us to examine effectiveness of the intervention at the community level. Aim 1: To examine the short- and longer-term feasibility and acceptability of a training program in DBT for adolescents with BD through clinician satisfaction ratings. Aim 2: To examine the short- and longer-term effects of the training on practitioner knowledge and performance, and patient outcomes.