title: Dialectical behavioral therapy informed treatment with deaf mental health consumers: an Australian pilot program.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This paper outlines the process of implementation of a dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) informed treatment for Australian Deaf mental health consumers.
  
  
  METHODS
  The pilot project team members adapted DBT materials for the Australian Deaf population. Feedback was obtained from the pilot participants and modifications made during the pilot. Participant progress and therapeutic alliance were monitored using culturally valid tools.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The DBT informed therapy approach was well received by this target group, with the observation and self report of improved interpersonal skills and emotional regulation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  While labor intensive, the process of developing a DBT informed treatment program for Australian Deaf mental health consumers appears to be beneficial for this group. Culturally valid, objective measures of skill attainment need to be developed and further studies comparing different adapted therapeutic approaches would be useful.
authors.affiliation: Deafness and Mental Health Statewide Consultation Service, Metro South Mental Health, Upper Mt Gravatt, QLD, Australia.
authors.forename: Fiona
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Davidson
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cave
authors.forename: Rebecca
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Reedman
authors.forename: Dianne
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Briffa
authors.forename: Frances
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Dark
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D001883:Borderline Personality Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D003638:Deafness / Q000150:complications*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D016584:Panic Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D019986:Persons with Hearing Disabilities / Q000523:psychology*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012813:Sign Language