DBT for teens and young adults (ages 12-25). When emotions feel overwhelming, we need more than just talk.
You've found someone who specializes in this exact age group and these exact challenges.
Independent practice | Comprehensive DBT | Lexington, SC
Serving all of South Carolina via telehealth
About
I specialize exclusively in comprehensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy for teens and young adults (ages 12-25). When emotional dysregulation, self-harm, OCD, or PTSD are making life unbearable, I can help.
I maintain a limited practice of 15-17 clients at a time—significantly smaller than most general therapists. This allows me to provide intensive DBT treatment, including between-session phone coaching and the time needed to work effectively with adolescents and young adults.
I participate in a DBT consultation team for ongoing adherence and professional development. Evil Plan Productions is not affiliated with any other practice or provider. If you're uncertain whether I'm the right fit, please call me directly.
A note about eating disorders: If your teen has anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder as a primary diagnosis, they need specialized eating disorder treatment. I'm happy to help you find appropriate resources. I work with teens when emotional dysregulation is the primary issue, and disordered eating may be present but secondary.
Credentials & Training
Licensed Independent Social Worker - Clinical Practice (LISW-CP)
Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200)
National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC)
Specialized training in DBT, MBCT, OCD, and PTSD treatment
Working with young people since 1981 (swim coaching, education, clinical work)
The Path Here
I came to this work through an unusual path. Before becoming a therapist, I studied computer science and mathematics. I've been working with young people since 1981—first as a swim coach, now as a clinician. I live in a household of gamers, build Warhammer armies, and can talk MTG strategies or Elden Ring boss fights as easily as I can discuss emotional regulation skills.
This isn't incidental. The young people I work with live in worlds their parents often don't understand—online communities, gaming spaces, digital cultures that are just as real as physical ones. I meet them where they are, speaking their language, while helping them build skills that work in all their worlds.
I also teach yoga and mindfulness (MBCT), train in evidence-based treatments for OCD and PTSD, and believe strongly in keeping young people connected to their lives while they're in treatment. That's why I offer evening hours and telehealth across South Carolina—so therapy doesn't become another thing that pulls them away from what matters.
DBT for Teens & Young Adults
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based treatment specifically designed for people whose emotions feel overwhelming and whose usual coping strategies aren't working.
What DBT Treats
DBT was originally developed for borderline personality disorder but has proven remarkably effective for adolescents and young adults struggling with:
Emotional dysregulation and intense mood swings
Self-harm and suicidal ideation
Anxiety disorders and OCD
PTSD and trauma responses
Difficulty maintaining relationships
Impulsive or risky behaviors
Note about eating disorders: If your teen has an eating disorder (anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder) as their primary diagnosis, they need specialized eating disorder treatment first. I'm happy to help you find appropriate resources. I work with teens when emotions are the primary issue, and food concerns may be present but secondary.
Want to learn more about finding quality DBT? Download our free guide for parents with questions to ask and what to look for in a DBT therapist.
Why Age-Specialization Matters: Adolescence and young adulthood (ages 12-25) is a distinct developmental period. The brain is still developing, identity is forming, and the challenges of this age require a therapist who understands the unique social, emotional, and neurological landscape of this stage. Adult DBT approaches don't always translate effectively.
How DBT Works
DBT teaches four core skill sets:
Mindfulness: Being present and aware without judgment
Distress Tolerance: Getting through crises without making things worse
Emotion Regulation: Understanding and managing intense feelings
Interpersonal Effectiveness: Navigating relationships while maintaining self-respect
Treatment typically includes individual therapy sessions where we work on your specific goals and challenges, applying these skills to real situations in your life. I also provide coaching support between sessions when needed.
The Dialectical Philosophy
DBT is built on a core principle: two seemingly opposite things can both be true at the same time. You can want to change and accept yourself as you are. You can validate someone's feelings and still set boundaries. This "both/and" thinking replaces the "all or nothing" patterns that often trap people in emotional extremes.
This is the philosophy embedded in the Evil Plan Productions logo—the asymmetric crescents representing productive tension rather than perfect balance. Growth exists in dialectical relationship, not in achieving impossible equilibrium.
Working Together
What to Expect
We'll begin with an initial consultation to assess fit and discuss your goals. If we decide to work together, treatment includes weekly individual therapy sessions (50 minutes), participation in a skills training group, and access to phone coaching for support between sessions.
Skills Training Groups
All clients participate in weekly skills training groups led by two DBT therapists.
Multi-Family Skills Group (ages 18 and under, or currently enrolled in high school)
• Thursday evenings, 5-7pm
• Includes parents/caregivers learning alongside their teens
• Two-therapist model ensures comprehensive skill teaching
Adult Skills Group (ages 19+ and out of high school)
• Tuesdays, two time options: 10:30am-12:30pm OR 5:30pm-7:30pm
• Also led by two therapists
• Young adults participate in this group
Evening Hours & Telehealth
I offer evening appointments because keeping young people connected to their lives—school, activities, friends, work—is essential. Therapy shouldn't require missing what matters.
I provide services via telehealth throughout South Carolina, which means you can access specialized DBT care regardless of where you live. My physical office is in Lexington, SC, but geography doesn't need to be a barrier to getting help.
Parent Coaching
For parents who want additional support using behavioral principles to create peace in their households, parent coaching is available from Rachel Martin, LMFT. Visit www.rachelmartintherapy.com to learn more.
Fees & Insurance
Session Rate: $125 per 50-minute session
Insurance: I do not accept insurance directly, but I provide detailed superbills you can submit to your insurance company for potential out-of-network reimbursement.
Many families find that out-of-network coverage combined with my session rate makes specialized care accessible. I'm happy to discuss this during our initial conversation.
For Referring Providers
Thank you for considering Evil Plan Productions for your clients. I maintain a limited practice of 15-17 clients focused exclusively on comprehensive DBT for teens and young adults (ages 12-25).
Important: I participate in a DBT consultation team for ongoing adherence and professional development, but Evil Plan Productions is an independent practice, not affiliated with any other provider or organization. If you're uncertain whether I'm the right fit for your client, please call me directly.
My Specialization
Age Range: Exclusively 12-25 years old
Treatment: Comprehensive DBT including individual therapy, skills training groups (multi-family for 18 and under), phone coaching, and consultation team participation
Service Area: Telehealth throughout South Carolina; office in Lexington, SC
Additional Training: MBCT, evidence-based OCD and PTSD treatment
Cultural Competencies: Gaming, online communities, digital spaces where adolescents/young adults spend significant time
Schedule: Evening hours available to minimize disruption to school/work/activities
Ideal Referrals
I work best with adolescents and young adults who:
Are struggling with emotional dysregulation
Have not responded well to traditional talk therapy
Need skill-based, structured intervention
Are dealing with self-harm, OCD, PTSD, or significant anxiety
Are willing to engage actively in learning and practicing new skills
Note on eating disorders: For clients with eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder) as a primary diagnosis, I refer to specialized eating disorder treatment programs. I work with clients when emotional dysregulation is primary, and disordered eating may be present but secondary. I'm happy to collaborate with eating disorder treatment teams when appropriate.
Referral Process
Phone: [803-399-8638] (office)
Fax: [866-622-7189]
Email: [heather@evilplanproductions.com]
You can call me directly to discuss whether a client is a good fit. I typically respond within 24 hours. For formal referrals, you can fax records or have your client complete the registration form on this website.
Insurance: I do not participate in insurance panels. I provide superbills for out-of-network reimbursement. Session rate is $125.
Get Started
Ready to discuss whether DBT might be right for your teen? Complete the form below and I'll contact you within 24 hours to schedule an initial consultation.
During our consultation, we'll discuss whether DBT is appropriate and whether we're a good fit to work together. I work with a limited number of families to ensure I can provide the intensive support this treatment requires. There's no commitment until we both agree it's the right match.
Questions First?
If you'd like to speak with me before filling out the form, you're welcome to call the office at [803-399-8638].
In Crisis? If you or your teen is in immediate danger, please call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or go to your nearest emergency room. I cannot provide crisis services via email or form.
Not Ready Yet? Download Our Free Guide
Finding Quality DBT for Your Teen: What Parents Need to Know
Learn what comprehensive DBT includes, questions to ask any DBT therapist, and how to evaluate whether a therapist is the right fit for your teen.
This guide is genuinely helpful whether you work with me or find another DBT therapist. My goal is to help you make an informed decision about your teen's care.