About Us
Born from a desire to share life-changing tools, we believe that healthy coping skills and a strong community are essential for well-being.
How DBT with Friends started
In 2014, founder Megan Burke completed a traditional DBT program and hoped to teach her friends and family about DBT. In 2021, co-founders Melanie Bentley and Nathan Gallenson completed their own programs, inspired by Megan's experience. Understanding the profound impact of DBT on their lives, they realized a universal truth among graduates: “Oh my God, everybody needs this.”
Driven by the high cost and inaccessibility of traditional DBT programs, they started what began as “adulting nights” among friends — and it evolved into a mission to build supportive communities where anyone can learn evidence-based skills, no clinical training or therapy prerequisite required.
Who's behind this
DBT with Friends was founded by a group of friends who discovered that practicing DBT skills together — outside of a clinical setting — was transformative. What started as a living room meetup has grown into a community-driven project with multiple groups across multiple cities.
Our board includes a licensed MSW and a clinical psychology PhD candidate who advise on curriculum, group practices, and safety standards. Every group leader has completed a DBT program or has attended our groups long enough to know the skills well.
We're working toward a future where anyone can pick up a leader manual and start a group in their community — no clinical training required, just the desire to help people learn skills that work.
Our mission
To empower individuals and communities by providing accessible, skills-based learning in Dialectical Behavior Therapy.
Democratize mental health
Offer a solution for those who cannot afford traditional therapy or are waiting to access programs, ensuring that life-changing skills are available without a significant financial barrier.
Foster community
Create a supportive environment where individuals can work on themselves with like-minded peers, fostering a community that offers support inside and outside of group meetings.
Promote healthy coping
Equip people with the foundational coping skills they may not have learned as children, helping them navigate life’s challenges healthily.
Spread well-being
Inspire the creation of new DBT with Friends groups in communities everywhere, creating a ripple effect of healing and growth.
Why it matters
Our society often lacks robust community support, expecting individuals to seek emotional help from paid professionals rather than their immediate circles. We believe that by teaching people how to be supportive, empathetic, and effective in their interactions, we can help build healthier, more resilient communities. As the Buddhist saying goes, “You are your environment,” and by surrounding ourselves with people committed to growth and compassion, we all benefit.
We are not therapists; we are peers who have experienced the transformative power of DBT and are passionate about sharing it. Join us in creating a world where everyone has the tools to cope, connect, and thrive.