Frequently Asked Questions

These are technical terms for scientifically tested and effective. One of the most rigorous ways to study a treatment is called a randomized controlled trial (RCT). This means the people who participate are randomly assigned to DBT, treatment as usual, and a group not receiving treatment (a control group). This is the type of study that is used to show if medications are effective. RTC’s are considered the gold standard for confirming that a clinical intervention is effective. For example, DBT has about 20 RCT’s showing consistent reduction of suicidal and self-injurious behaviors, hospitalizations, and treatment drop out

DBT is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy developed for chronically suicidal patients often diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder. Research has shown that it works with substance misuse, eating disorder, depression, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). More generally, DBT focuses on pervasive emotional dysregulation. If you notice any of the following;

  1. Emotions that are at times intense and seem they won’t go away unless you do something to make them. They seem to shoot up, and then take forever to come back down. They feel like they control your life (Emotional Dysregulation).
  2. Relationships that are chaotic. You fight, you make up, it’s a rollercoaster. Or, people take advantage of you, ignore you, and walk over you and you still couldn’t stand it if they left (Interpersonal Dysregulation).
  3. You worry a lot, about everything, especially what people are thinking about you. Sometimes it feels like your thoughts are in control and won’t stop. Sometimes if feels like everything shuts down, or you dissociate. You don’t know who you are or what you want, sometimes blending in with the crowd just to belong (Cognitive Dysregulation). 
  4. You resort to cutting, think about suicide, using substances, or other ineffective behavioral impulses to control your chaotic emotions, thoughts, or relationships (Behavioral Disregulation).​

DBT targets each of these areas specifically in treatment:

  1. Emotion Regulation 
  2. Interpersonal Effectiveness
  3. Core Mindfulness
  4. Distress Tolerance  

Choosing a therapist is an important and difficult decision. It takes a certain level of commitment on the part of both people, and isn’t a relationship that should be taken lightly. In fact, a certain level of commitment and a good working relationship are key components to effective therapy. With that in mind, the first few sessions are considered pre-treatment.

It gives you and your therapist the opportunity to assess what it is you want out of therapy, what therapy can be provided, and if you’re a good fit. For Comprehensive DBT, pre-treatment is required prior to starting Skills Training, so make sure you set up an appointment at least 3 or 4 weeks prior to starting group.

Dr. Benson and Decision Tree Mental Health, PLLC are not currently on insurance panels. This means, insurance coverage will depend on what your specific plan provides for out-of-network reimbursement. However, it is important that you check with your insurance in advance concerning your policy and reimbursement, since due to the differences between plans and companies, we will not be able to provide information on who provides what. 

Our Skills Training is not covered by insurance, but we have different structures set in place to help self pay be more accessible to everyone and their circumstance. Both options are non-refundable and need to be paid in full at least one week prior to beginning the group you’re attending.

For more information on pricing for therapy and skill training please give us a call or fill out our consultation form.

DBT-LBC is an acronym for DBT-Linehan Board of Certification, Certified DBT Clinician. In short, it is a certification that Dr. Benson understands, and is able to provide to a high standard, DBT as prescribed by the developer, Dr. Marsha Linehan. Dr. Linehan’s certification organization has assessed Doug’s demonstration and applicable knowledge as well as his performance of DBT. It’s a good thing. A longer explanation can be found at https://dbt-lbc.org/index.php?page=101118.

We want to hear from you!

Are you ready to get the help that you have been looking for?
Fill out the form below and one of our amazing staff members will contact you to help get you scheduled for your consultation or appointment.

Decision Tree Mental Health

It sadness me to say, the physical office of Decision Tree Mental Health, PLLC located at 363 N. University Ave. Suite 104, (385) 327-9181 has closed due to unforeseen economic difficulties. It has been our pleasure and honor to serve you for the last 9 years.

At your request, copies of the pertinent information for your records can be made available to the mental-health professional of your choosing.  If you wish to make a request regarding your patient records, please contact the office before the permeant closing date of June 11th, 2025. We will need your written authorization to make your recorded available to you or another professional. After that date, June 11th, please direct your requests in writing to Doug Benson, PsyD, DBT-LBC at PO Box 117, Springville, UT, 84663.

Current clients will be seen virtually through June of 2025, but no new clients will added. Doug Benson, PsyD, DBT-LBC will no longer be providing private services, and Brynn (Celestino) Andersen will continue offering services through DBT Networks of Utah found at 92889 S Redwood Rd, Suite C, West Jordon, UT 84088. They can be reached at (801) 568-2898. If a referral is needed, my first recommendation would be Brynn and Kristie Lemmon at DBT Networks of Utah. They provided comprehensive DBT to fidelity. Brynn is also trained in empirically supported treatment for PTSD, BPD and PTSD combined, and couples therapy for emotion dysregulation.