When you are exploring addiction treatment, it helps to know what kinds of therapy may be part of your care. As one of Yonder Behavioral Health’s specialized therapeutic approaches, dialectical behavior therapy, or DBT, can help people manage intense emotions, reduce harmful behaviors, and build steadier ways of coping.
DBT is especially helpful for people who feel overwhelmed by stress, emotional ups and downs, or the urge to shut down, lash out, or use substances to get through the day. It teaches practical skills you can use in real life. For many people in rural Kentucky, that matters. You want treatment that feels personal, useful, and grounded in the kind of problems people actually face.
If alcohol or drug use has become tied to stress, emotional pain, or impulsive choices, DBT may be one part of a treatment plan that helps you regain your footing.
Need help getting a handle on intense emotions, stress, or self-destructive patterns? DBT can help you slow things down, build healthier coping skills, and find a way forward.
Dialectical behavior therapy is a structured type of talk therapy that helps people manage strong emotions and respond to life in healthier ways. It was designed for people who struggle with emotional intensity, but it has also become a valuable part of addiction treatment.
DBT focuses on the connection between emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. When emotions run high, it can be hard to think clearly or make safe choices. For some people, substance use becomes a way to escape, numb out, or calm down fast. DBT helps you learn other ways to handle those moments.
This therapy often centers on four main skill areas. These are mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. In simple terms, that means learning how to stay present, get through hard moments without making them worse, manage emotional swings, and communicate more effectively with other people.
Many people living with addiction are not just dealing with cravings. They are also dealing with anger, shame, fear, stress, grief, or emotional pain that feels too heavy to carry. When that happens, substances can start to feel like the quickest way to cope.
DBT helps interrupt that cycle. It teaches you how to pause, recognize what you are feeling, and choose a healthier response instead of acting on impulse. Over time, that can make a real difference in recovery.
In addiction treatment, DBT may help you:
For people who feel like their emotions often take over, DBT can offer a more grounded way to move through the day. It gives you skills you can practice again and again until they start to feel more natural.
DBT can help many people with substance use disorders, especially those whose addiction is closely tied to emotional distress, impulsive behavior, or unstable relationships. It is often a good fit for people who need more than insight alone. They need tools they can actually use when life gets hard.
You may benefit from DBT if you:
DBT can be helpful whether you have been in treatment before or this is your first time reaching out. It can also work well alongside other therapies in a broader treatment plan.
One of the biggest strengths of DBT is that it teaches you how to handle difficult moments without making them worse. Recovery is not just about avoiding substances. It is also about learning what to do when stress, conflict, or painful emotions show up.
Benefits of DBT in addiction recovery may include:
For many people, DBT helps recovery feel more manageable. Instead of reacting in the heat of the moment, you begin to slow down, think more clearly, and make choices that support the life you are trying to build.
Yes. DBT can be especially helpful for people who are dealing with both addiction and mental health concerns at the same time. That might include anxiety, depression, trauma-related symptoms, mood instability, or other emotional struggles.
When a person is living with both substance use and mental health symptoms, one problem often fuels the other. You may use alcohol or drugs to cope with emotional pain, but that substance use can lead to even more distress, shame, and instability.
DBT can help because it gives you concrete skills for managing both sides of the problem. It does not just ask you to talk about what hurts. It teaches you how to respond to what hurts in a healthier way. When addiction and mental health are treated together, recovery often becomes more stable and more realistic.
DBT is not just something you use while you are in treatment. The skills you learn can continue helping you long after formal care ends. In fact, that is one of the biggest reasons DBT can be so valuable in addiction recovery.
During treatment, you may practice staying present, calming yourself during distress, speaking more clearly with others, and managing emotional highs and lows. After treatment, those same skills can still support you in aftercare, counseling, support groups, work, family life, and everyday recovery.
No one handles every hard moment perfectly. That is not the goal. The goal is to have better tools when life gets heavy. DBT can help you keep building on the progress you made in treatment so you can move forward with more steadiness and less chaos.
Cost is a real issue for many people looking for addiction treatment. When you are already under pressure, worries about insurance and payment can keep you from making the call.
Insurance may help cover treatment services that include DBT as part of an addiction recovery plan. Coverage depends on your provider, your plan, and the level of care you need. One of the smartest first steps is to verify your insurance so you can get a better sense of what may be covered.
If you have questions about cost, coverage, or treatment options, Yonder Behavioral Health can help you understand what the next step may look like.
Yonder Behavioral Health serves Berea and nearby communities like Richmond, Lancaster, Brodhead, Mount Vernon, and Crab Orchard. If addiction and emotional stress have become tangled together, help is close to home. You can find us at:
Yonder Behavioral Health: 330 Hotel Court, Berea, KY 40403
In residential treatment, DBT helps you learn how to manage stress, cravings, and strong emotions in a structured setting. Because you have daily support around you, you can practice those skills in real time instead of trying to figure it all out on your own. That can make it easier to build healthier habits that carry into long-term recovery.
Yes. DBT teaches skills that can still be useful long after a residential program is over. It can help you deal with emotional triggers, relationship stress, and tough moments without falling back into substance use. Those skills can be especially helpful in aftercare, when you are adjusting to everyday life again.
No. While DBT is often used for people with intense emotions or certain mental health concerns, it can also help many people in addiction treatment. If stress, impulsive choices, or emotional overwhelm tend to play a role in your substance use, DBT may be a strong fit for your recovery plan.
DBT puts a strong focus on emotional regulation and distress tolerance. That makes it especially useful for people who do not just need insight, but also need practical ways to get through hard moments without using. It is skill-based, structured, and focused on helping you stay more balanced when life feels hard.
If emotional stress, impulsive choices, or unhealthy coping patterns keep pulling you back toward substance use, DBT may be one of the therapies that helps you find a steadier path. It is practical, skill-based, and focused on helping you handle real-life challenges without losing your footing.
At Yonder Behavioral Health in Berea, we understand substance use and co-occurring mental health concerns. Contact us online or call (859) 715-1116 to get started today.
Franklin Bland serves as Executive Director of Yonder Behavioral Health, bringing more than a decade of experience in the substance use disorder treatment field and a longstanding commitment to developing strong, compassionate teams.
Franklin holds a Bachelor of Health Administration from Capella University and has served in a variety of leadership roles throughout the SUD treatment field. He is intimately familiar with processes from the first call, to the ride to the next step in the recovery journey for those he has the honor of providing care for. Prior to entering healthcare, he spent approximately 20 years building and managing teams in the construction industry. Together, these experiences have shaped a leadership style centered on accountability, collaboration, mentorship, and the belief that exceptional client care begins with a cohesive and supported staff.
As a Mandt-trained leader, Franklin places a strong emphasis on trauma-informed care and expects staff interactions with patients to reflect dignity, respect, compassion, and an understanding of each individual’s experiences. He is passionate about mentoring employees, developing future leaders, and helping team members identify opportunities to advance in their own careers.
Franklin believes effective treatment must respect client autonomy, individual choice, and person-centered care. He recognizes that recovery is deeply personal and that there is no single path that works for everyone.
“Not all recovery looks the same, and every human deserves the chance to recover.”
As Executive Director, Franklin works to foster a culture in which compassionate care and accountability go hand in hand. He places a high value on interdepartmental collaboration and believes every department has a role in creating an environment where clients can feel safe, respected, and empowered to pursue lasting recovery.
Dr. William Cooke is the Medical Director of Yonder Behavioral Health, an inpatient facility dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate care for individuals struggling with substance use disorders. With over two decades of experience in addiction medicine, Dr. Cooke leads the clinical team with a focus on evidence-based practices and patient-centered care.
As a board-certified expert in both Family Medicine and Addiction Medicine, Dr. Cooke brings a holistic approach to treatment, integrating medical, psychological, and social support to address the complex needs of individuals on their journey to recovery. Under his leadership, Yonder BH emphasizes a “whole-person” philosophy, ensuring that each patient receives tailored treatment plans that foster long-term recovery and overall well-being.
Dr. Cooke is also a Fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), reflecting his commitment to advancing the field of addiction medicine through continuous learning, advocacy, and collaboration. He is dedicated to creating a safe, supportive, and effective environment where patients can begin their path to healing.
Norma Edwards is an accomplished Human Resources professional with more than 30 years of experience across human resources leadership, employee relations, recruitment, compliance, and organizational development. She has a proven track record of establishing and strengthening HR departments, developing effective systems and processes, and partnering with organizational leadership to support a strong and positive workplace culture.
Currently, Norma serves as Director of Human Resources at Yonder Behavioral Health / Aspen BHC, where she is an active member of the Leadership Team. She oversees all aspects of human resources and plays an integral role in supporting organizational compliance and operational effectiveness.
Throughout her career, Norma has successfully led human resources initiatives within new, rapidly growing, and established organizations. She is particularly experienced in building HR infrastructure from the ground up, developing effective policies and processes, and establishing collaborative partnerships with leaders throughout an organization.
Her professional experience spans the behavioral health, nonprofit, and hospitality industries, providing her with a broad perspective on workforce management, organizational culture, and employee engagement.
Jordan serves as the Director of Nursing at Yonder Behavioral Health and is passionate about helping individuals find hope, healing, and lasting recovery. She believes that every person deserves to be treated with dignity, compassion, and respect, especially during life’s most challenging moments.
Throughout her nursing career, Jordan has been dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey toward better health and wellness. Her approach is grounded in empathy, understanding, and the belief that meaningful connections can make a lasting impact on recovery.
Jordan is passionate about creating a supportive environment where patients feel safe, valued, and empowered to make positive changes in their lives. She is equally committed to encouraging teamwork, growth, and compassion among those who have the privilege of caring for others.
A strong advocate for recovery-focused care, Jordan believes in meeting people where they are and supporting them every step of the way. Her dedication to helping others and commitment to Yonder Behavioral Health’s mission continue to inspire patients and colleagues alike.
“I believe that every person deserves hope, compassion, and the opportunity to heal. Recovery is a journey, and it’s an honor to walk alongside individuals as they rediscover their strength and potential.”
Joshua Sherbert is a Kentucky native and serves as Program Director at Yonder Behavioral Health. He is passionate about creating a strong recovery culture built on connection, accountability, and support. Joshua believes in meeting people where they are while challenging them to recognize what they are capable of.
What he enjoys most about his work is building meaningful connections, developing a strong team, and watching people begin to believe in themselves as they build a better life through recovery.
Keisha Jones, LCSW, is an experienced behavioral health leader and licensed clinical social worker specializing in substance use disorder treatment, clinical operations, and patient-centered care. She earned her Master of Social Work degree from Campbellsville University, providing the foundation for a career dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families impacted by mental health and substance use disorders.
With extensive experience in clinical leadership, Keisha has a strong background in developing high-performing teams, supervising and supporting clinicians, improving clinical programming, and maintaining high standards of quality and regulatory compliance. Her experience includes overseeing multidisciplinary clinical services, strengthening treatment programs, and promoting evidence-based, person-centered approaches to care.
Keisha is passionate about creating treatment environments where both patients and professionals can thrive. Her leadership approach emphasizes collaboration, accountability, compassion, and open communication while maintaining a strong commitment to clinical excellence.
Throughout her career, Keisha has remained dedicated to advancing the quality of behavioral health and addiction treatment and helping individuals build meaningful, sustainable lives in recovery.
