Frequently Asked Questions

Our waitlist is currently open for next group program commencing March 2026.

Apply now - places limited to 10 participants 

CORE DBT is not a crisis service and is not monitored 24/7. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 000.

If you need urgent support, please contact one of the following 24/7 services:

• Lifeline: 13 11 14 (Crisis Support & Suicide Prevention)
• Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
• 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 (Domestic, Family & Sexual Violence)
• Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 (For young people aged 5–25)
• Victorian Mental Health Triage: Each area in Victoria has a 24-hour triage line. Find yours here  Mental health services directory

 Research shows that multi-disciplinary teams lead to better outcomes.

• Emma & Lisa (AMHSWs) ensure the program is clinically rigorous, safe, and aligned with evidence-based practice.
• Jess (Peer Support Clinician) ensures the program is relatable, reducing the power imbalance often felt in therapy.

Together, we provide a 360-degree support system for your recovery.

No. We provide all necessary handouts, worksheets, and resources. You will receive a comprehensive Participant Workbook (PDF) at the start of the program (plus a few added extras!) 

No. This program includes weekly group skills training and weekly individual therapy sessions. Unlike "comprehensive" 12-month DBT programs, we do not offer 24-hour phone coaching. Support is provided during your scheduled individual and group appointment times. 

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 This group is designed for adults (18+) living in Victoria whose experiences might include:

• Emotional dysregulation
• Difficulties managing distress
• Interpersonal difficulties
• Mood fluctuations
• Difficulties recognising and tolerating emotions

You do not need a referral to register for the group itself. However, to access Medicare rebates for the individual therapy component, you must have a valid Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from your GP or Psychiatrist before sessions commence. 

We are unable to accept participants who are currently experiencing acute psychosis or unmanaged substance dependence that would interfere with group participation. 

No. CORE DBT is a closed group, meaning participants start and finish together to build safety and trust. New participants can only join during designated intake periods (Next intake: March 2026).

  We are committed to making DBT accessible.

Group Sessions

• Cost: $30 per week (Total $300 for the 10-week program).
• Note: There is no Medicare rebate available for group sessions.

Individual Sessions

• Standard Fee: $140 per week.
• Medicare Rebate: Approximately $87.25 is available with a valid Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP)
• Gap Fee: This brings your out-of-pocket cost to approx. $52.75 per session.
• Bulk Billing: Health Care Card Holders with a valid MHCP are eligible for bulk billing ($0 per week out of pocket)
• Reduced Rates: Low income earners may be eligible for reduced rates. Please contact us to discuss. 

 Yes. Health Care Card Holders with a valid MHCP are eligible for Bulk Billing for individual sessions (no gap fee). Low-income earners without a Health Care Card may be eligible for reduced rates—please contact us to discuss. 

 Yes. We welcome NDIS participants (Self-Managed and Plan-Managed). The program costs will be billed in line with the current NDIS Price Limits for Therapeutic Supports. 

Group Sessions: Due to the closed nature of the program, group fees are non-refundable and will be charged even if you miss a session.

Individual Sessions: We require a minimum of 24 hours' notice to cancel an individual appointment.

• Late cancellations (less than 24 hours) will result in the full session fee being charged.
• If you arrive late or leave early, you will still be billed for the entire allocated session time.

Yes. The entire 10-week program is delivered via Telehealth (secure video link). This allows you to access high-quality support from the comfort of your own home, no matter where you live in Victoria. 

Yes. To create a safe and connected therapeutic space, we require all participants to have their cameras on during the group sessions. This helps us build trust and ensures we can support you if you become distressed. 

We understand that life happens. However, DBT is a skills-based program where each week builds on the last. We ask that you commit to attending all 10 weeks to get the most out of the program. 

Yes, but we keep it manageable! "Home practice" is where the real change happens. Each week, you will be invited to practice the skill we learnt and fill out a brief diary card or worksheet to discuss in your individual session. 

No. To protect the privacy and confidentiality of all participants, sessions are never recorded by facilitators or participants. We ask that you ensure you are in a private, quiet space where you cannot be overheard by others (including family members or housemates) during the group. 

 No. To ensure the group remains a confidential and safe space for all participants to share openly, only registered group members are permitted to attend or listen in on the sessions.