Sweden
About Us
DBT was introduced in Sweden in the mid-1990s as part of the SKIP research project at Karolinska Institute, an RCT comparing DBT, Otto Kernberg’s Object Relations Therapy, and TAU. The promising new method quickly gained attention beyond the research setting, leading to growing demand for its use in general psychiatric practice. As more teams were trained, DBT spread across the country. Early on, DBT teams established a network, and teams took turns organising recurring meetings to enhance and disseminate competence. This initiative evolved into an annual event known as ‘The DBT Days’, now a central gathering for Sweden’s DBT community. Over the years, we have continued to have different teams carry the baton in organising the DBT Days. Lecturers have included international authorities such as Alan Fruzzetti, Alec Miller, Kelly Koerner, Charlie Swenson, Linda Dimeff, Julie Brown, Tom Lynch, Randy Wolbert, Sarah Schmidt, Amara Brook and Rachel Kraus. At the DBT Days 2025, Michaela Swales will be the invited guest speaker.
As DBT expanded nationally, the need for a formal interest association became evident. Consequently, DBT Sweden was founded in 2012, and it has taken significant volunteer efforts to build the organisation over the years. Today, it is a nationwide organisation with members from across the country.
Local therapy programmes
1. Outpatient treatment: Standard DBT is available within all regional outpatient psychiatric services, with approximately 50 teams spread across the country. However, access to DBT remains insufficient to meet the demand; in certain large regions there is only one small DBT team. The typical duration of treatment is 1-2 years. Most regions also offer DBT-A for adolescents. Family connections is commonly provided by teams. In addition to standard DBT, several DBT teams also work with DBT Skills System and RO-DBT.
2. Inpatient treatment: For individuals with the most severe self-harm behavior, DBT is available at two inpatient units in Stockholm and Gothenburg, serving patients nationwide. Stockholm provides treatment for adolescents and adults, while Gothenburg focuses on adults. Costs are covered by the referring region, and treatment lasts 4-5 months. Gothenburg also offers RO-DBT and DBT Skills System. Both units collaborate closely with outpatient care and they also provide Family Connections.
3. Residential treatment: For individuals requiring additional support in their daily lives, DBT is offered at several residential care facilities. In some of these locations, DBT teams also provide DBT-SUD and DBT Skills System. Treatment typically lasts 6-12 months and is funded by municipalities, public healthcare, and correctional services.
Members
We currently have 305 members, approximately 50% of whom are licensed professionals, such as psychologists, psychotherapists, nurses, or medical doctors. The remaining 50% are trained as social workers, behavioural counsellors, mental health workers, or social care practitioners. The association has several special interest groups, each with a participating representative from the board or a designated board contact person. Current groups include Research; Adherence; DBT-A; Family Connections; and RO-DBT.
- President: Anna Lindström
- Treasurer/membership secretary: Carolina Wihrén Andersson
- Board members: Karin Perry, Anna Liljestrand, Karin Eriksson, Thérèse Eriksson, Marianne Lundahl
- Deputies: Diana Kjellkvist-Andersson, Ulrica Bonde