| dc.description.abstract | Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) is a psychological treatment developed for
individuals experiencing significant mental health issues along with high-risk behaviours (e.g.,
suicidal behaviours, self-harm, substance use, aggression, impulsivity). Despite substantial
evidence supporting its use, many DBT programs have problems with sustainability, which
leaves individuals with severe mental health issues without the treatment they need. The goals of
the current study were to: a) identify factors that impact the functioning of DBT programs in
Thunder Bay, Ontario; b) identify factors that are particularly relevant for youth DBT programs;
c) make recommendations to foster the facilitators of success and address the barriers that hinder
the functioning of DBT programs. Clinicians (N=31) trained in DBT completed a semistructured
interview exploring their experiences providing DBT and thoughts on the factors that
facilitate or hinder the functioning of the DBT programs. The interviews were transcribed
verbatim and then organized into themes using inductive thematic analysis. Three major themes
emerged as barriers to the functioning of DBT programs: systemic challenges, conflicts within
the consultation teams, and clinician burnout. Factors influencing the success of DBT programs
included: systemic support, clinician commitment and “buy in,” and team cohesion. Unique
factors specific to providing DBT with youth (i.e., level of commitment, simplifying the
language, and parental investment) were also identified. The findings provide novel information
on barriers that impact the functioning of DBT programs from clinicians’ perspectives within a
Canadian publically funded mental health system. These findings have clear clinical utility and
can be used to generate solutions to clinicians’ perceived barriers and to foster perceived
facilitators. | en_US |
