Brief Overview

What is DBT-informed skills education?

Our program focuses on teaching practical skills inspired by Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). These include emotional regulation, mindfulness, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. However, our services are educational and non-therapeutic, meaning we do not provide clinical treatment or therapy.

What ages do you serve?

We provide services for young people aged 6-26. We are willing to be flexible on this approximate range if we believe our services will be beneficial to you or your child.

Is this program a substitute for therapy?

No, our program is not a replacement for therapy. While we teach DBT-informed skills, our services are educational. If you or your child require therapy or mental health treatment, we encourage you to consult a licensed professional.

What happens if I (or my child) experience a mental health crisis during the program?

Our program is not designed to handle mental health crises. If a crisis occurs, we recommend contacting a licensed therapist or crisis hotline immediately. You can find a list of resources on our website under the “Resources” section.

More About Our Program

Can your program diagnose mental health conditions?

No, we are an independent educational service. Our staff are not licensed mental health professionals, and our programs are not supervised or accredited by any mental health authority.

Can your program diagnose mental health conditions?

No, we do not diagnose, treat, or manage mental health conditions. Our program focuses solely on teaching practical, skills-based education.

Do you guarantee results from your program?

No, while our programs are designed to provide practical tools and strategies, outcomes vary by individual. Participants are encouraged to practice the skills learned, but we cannot guarantee specific results.

What should I do if I feel the program is not meeting my (or my child’s) needs?

If the program is not the right fit, we recommend consulting with a licensed professional for alternative support. We also provide referrals to licensed therapists or community resources as needed.

Can I ask the staff for advice on specific mental health issues?

No, staff members cannot provide advice or recommendations on personal mental health issues. Their role is to teach DBT-informed skills in an educational context, not to provide therapeutic guidance.

Can participants share personal stories or challenges during sessions?

Our sessions are designed to focus on learning and practicing skills. While participants may share general experiences, we encourage them to avoid disclosing sensitive or personal information, as sessions are not a therapeutic setting.

Legal and Liability

What happens if I feel the program caused harm?

We take all concerns seriously and encourage open communication. However, as our program is non-therapeutic, participants are reminded that we do not provide clinical services or crisis intervention. We also carry liability insurance to address any claims that may arise.

What if I (or my child) need therapy during or after the program?

Our program is not intended to replace therapy. If you or your child need therapy, we encourage you to contact a licensed professional. We can provide a list of external resources to help you find appropriate care.

What safeguards are in place to protect participants’ rights and privacy?

We maintain strict confidentiality for all participants, except in cases of mandated reporting.We require signed consent forms to ensure participants understand our scope of practice.

How do you ensure the program does not exploit vulnerable populations?

We maintain a strong ethical framework by:

• Clearly communicating that our services are educational, not therapeutic.
• Screening participants to ensure they are a good fit for our program.
• Offering referrals to licensed professionals for those who may need additional support.

Why do you work with children and adolescents if they may also need therapy?

Our program is designed to teach practical skills that complement, but do not replace, therapy. We believe that skill-building can be beneficial for all individuals, including those who are also receiving therapeutic care.

Safety

What steps do you take to ensure the program is safe for participants?

Our program is structured to provide general education on DBT-informed skills and is not designed to address crises or severe mental health challenges.

Staff are trained to identify when participants may need therapeutic intervention and will provide appropriate referrals if necessary.

Clear disclaimers are included in all materials to ensure participants understand the non-therapeutic nature of our services.

What if my child or I become distressed during a session?

If a participant becomes distressed, staff will:

• Pause the session as needed to ensure the participant feels supported.
• Recommend taking a break or connecting with a licensed therapist if the distress continues.
• Provide referrals to external mental health resources if necessary.

How do you handle participants who disclose serious mental health concerns or crises?

While we are not equipped to handle crises, staff are trained to:

• Provide participants or their guardians with information about licensed mental health providers and crisis hotlines.
• Comply with mandated reporting laws in cases involving abuse, neglect, or harm to self or others.

Participants in active crisis are encouraged to seek immediate help from a licensed professional or crisis service.

Will my information be kept confidential?

Yes, we prioritize your privacy. While we are not a medical organization and not bound by HIPAA, we follow strict confidentiality protocols. However, staff are mandated reporters and must report any suspected abuse or harm as required by law.

What if I’m already in therapy?

That’s great! Our program complements therapy by providing practical tools for emotional and interpersonal skill-building. We encourage you to share the program details with your therapist to ensure it aligns with your therapeutic goals.

What happens if my child needs more support?

If we identify that a participant may benefit from additional support, we will provide recommendations for licensed professionals or organizations that specialize in mental health care.

What to Expect

What happens during a session at Growing Minds Collective?

In a session with us, you or your child will be listened to, encouraged to express emotions, learn and practice relevant coping skills, and receive constructive guidance on how to integrate them into daily life.

How long is the typical commitment at Growing Minds Collective?

Our programs are flexible. We highly recommend that clients invest in multiple sessions with our counselors because healthy habits are not formed overnight. We offer individual sessions, but discounted rates are given when purchased in packs of 6, 8, or 12.

What are other practices charging?

According to “ThePricer”, the average cost of counseling services ranges from $80-$225 per hour session. At Growing Minds Collective, our sessions can cost as little as $40 when purchased in packs of 12. We provide these services at lower rates because it is part of our mission to make these services accessible for all young people.

Certification and Staff Qualifications

Are your staff members licensed therapists?

No, our staff are not licensed therapists. They are trained educators and skills coaches who have completed our proprietary DBT-informed skills training program. Our services focus on teaching practical skills, not diagnosing or treating mental health conditions.

Are you certified or accredited?

Our program is independently developed and is not accredited by external organizations. Our certification is for internal training purposes only and is not equivalent to professional licensure.

What does your training for staff include?

Our staff undergoes internal training in DBT-informed skills education, focusing on teaching methods, ethical considerations, and recognizing when participants may need additional support. This training is specific to our program and does not equate to licensure or accreditation.

Is the certification offered to interns recognized outside your organization?

No, the certification provided to our interns is for internal use only and is not recognized by external licensing bodies or professional organizations.

How are staff prepared to work with children and vulnerable populations?

All staff complete training on:

• Mandated reporting laws.
• Ethical boundaries when working with children and vulnerable populations.
• Recognizing when participants may require professional intervention.