Jen Eaton, Director of DBT Services

Evidence-Based Practices

The Bridge is dedicated to the development of clinical programs based in the framework of the most relevant evidence-based or best practices for the people we serve. We currently specialize in the following evidence-based practices and best practices:

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

DBT is an evidence-based, cognitive-behavioral treatment that has been empirically proven to be effective in helping people to regulate their emotions and to improve their interpersonal effectiveness and distress tolerance skills. DBT combines Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy with a philosophy of mindfulness, acceptance, skill building and validation. Using individual therapy, group skills training and coaching techniques, DBT becomes a way of life for individuals who seek to manage their emotions and behaviors.

Illness Management & Recovery (IMR)

IMR is an evidence-based practice that empowers individuals to set a personally meaningful goals that become the focus of their recovery process. The IMR Program consists of weekly sessions in which mental health practitioners help people who have experienced persistent psychiatric symptoms to develop personal strategies for coping with mental illness and move forward with their lives. The program can be provided in individual or group formats and generally lasts 6 to 12 months. As the first agency of its kind to implement IMR in residential programs, The Bridge’s experience now extends to eight programs, and dozens of internal staff who are trained in IMR techniques.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CBT-PTSD)

CBT-PTSD is an evidence-based practice for people whose lives have been significantly impacted by trauma. The unique feature of this 16 week, structured treatment process is that it does not include the element of exposure. Many people find that the exposure element that is common to traditional PTSD treatments is very difficult to tolerate and find this method to be more effective.

Supported Employment (SE)

Supported Employment is an evidence-based practice that assists individuals with persistent psychiatric symptoms to find and maintain meaningful employment. The central feature of this model is that it does not require the person to undergo a lengthy process of preparing for work. Rather, SE focuses on assisting the person into the world of work as quickly as possible. The program provides ongoing supports to the employee and employer to ensure occupational success.

Assertive Community Treatment (ACT)

The ACT program is an evidence-based practice that supports people with persistent psychiatric symptoms to live independently in the community. The staff are an integrated team that includes peer support workers, counselors, therapists and a psychiatrist who work collaboratively with the individual to ensure success.

Wraparound Services for Children and Families (WRAP)

The WRAP program is a best practice that prioritizes serving the child in the larger context of his/her family system and supports the family to be full participants in the development of services. The program is designed to empower children and families to identify their unique needs and program staff provide support and assistance needed to meet these goals.  Download our Wraparound Brochure.  

Transition Age Service Initiative (TASI)

TASI is a best practice that provides a range of services and supports to young adults who are living in the community. This population has unique needs that are often not well met in the existing service system. The program specializes in providing a range of supports that address each person's vocational, financial, social and educational needs. The program also operates a peer support program that employs young adults who have personal experience in the mental health system to provide assistance to others.