We practice an evidence-based therapy for individuals and families

DBT is the fastest growing therapeutic approach for a range of diagnoses. Unlike traditional therapies, it's skills based so you can track your progress and ultimately graduate.

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Our team of therapists have been trained by Behavioral Tech, the institute that founded the Dialectical Behavior Therapy approach. In addition, our team has been trained in related therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. On average our therapists have over ten years of work experience and the DBT Center of Marin has been serving the Bay Area since 2000.

Therapy Services

Individual & Comprehensive DBT Therapy
Short- and Long-term Psychotherapy for Depression, Anxiety, Life Stressors
Adolescent, Couples & Family Psychotherapy
Consultation and Counseling for Parents
Training & Consultation for Professionals and Organizations

Group Skills Programs

Adult Group

Mondays
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Therapist: Steve Melendy

Wednesdays
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Therapist: Michael Vurek Co Leader: Julie Miknis

Fridays
10:00am - 12:00pm
Therapist: Dave Fish

Teen Group

Mondays
4:30pm - 6:30pm
Therapist: Nancie Jordan Co Leader: Julie Miknis

Thursdays
4:30pm - 6:30pm
Therapist: Shelley Richardson Co Leader: Julie Miknis

Parent Group

Thursdays
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Therapist: Shelley Richardson

Family Group

First Tuesday of the Month
7:00pm - 900pm
Therapist: Alicia Smart

Meet Our Clinical Director

Dr. Alicia L. Smart, PsyD (PSY 24516) Clinical Director and Psychologist

Dr. Alicia Smart has experience working with a wide range of individuals, ranging from older adults to adolescent clients. She specializes in working with older adults, depression, grief/loss, anxiety, relationship difficulties, impulsivity, and anger management. .... Read more

Our Therapists

David Fish, MFT (MFC 52446)

“There’s a theme that runs through the various kinds of work I do with clients: Compassionate, Mindfulness-based Psychotherapy. You are more than the web of thoughts and feelings that ensnare you. By turning towards your present experience, using a supportive therapeutic relationship, and experimenting with new learning, you can discover more fulfilling ways of living." ... Read more

Michael Vurek, LCSW (LCS 12882)

Michael a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who uses various forms of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with individuals and groups for adults who are experiencing difficulties living their lives with strong emotions or anxiety. His clients may have diagnoses of depression, bipolar disorder, various anxiety disorders, as well as borderline or other personality disorders. The approaches he uses are supported by basic behavioral science and are focused on increasing psychological flexibility and values-based actions .... Read more

Nancie Jordan, MFT (MFC 48481)

Nancie is the Co Director of Southern Marin Services, a non profit counseling agency in Sausalito affiliated with Family Service Agency. She has a private practice and sees clients in both San Francisco and San Rafael. Her specialties include working with couples with relationship issues, intimacy issues, couples considering divorce, couples with parenting issues, and co-parenting issues. She has been running DBT groups for eight years .... Read more

Julie Miknis, MS, MFTi 74428

As a Marriage Family Therapist Intern, I am committed to providing a safe and hope-filled space for my clients to explore their experiences and move towards healing and transformation. In a confidential, caring, and supportive environment, my goal as a therapist is to help clients work through the struggles they face that hold them back from living a life of happiness, purpose, and meaning .... Read more

Shelley Richardson, MFT (MFC 48073)

Marriage and family therapist, specializing in DBT, EMDR trauma, grief, addiction and couples (including high-conflict couples using DBT).

"I enjoy working with individuals and couples who are looking for ways to heal from past hurts, create lives worth living, or deal with anxiety, stress, and life transitions. Approaching each client from a place of acceptance, my style varies depending on your needs - from listening and supporting you to asking tough questions or providing more direction ... Read more

Steve Melendy, PsyD, Psych Assistant (PSB 94020158)

“I believe that your history, personality, and life circumstances are entirely unique and deserve a singular respect, focus, and therapeutic plan. You have the right to be approached without judgment and with warmth, compassion, understanding, and openness.” .... Read more

Testimonials

"Dr. Smart is a deeply intelligent and compassionate professional and human being. I spent several years as her client and I attribute her with being the beacon which guided me through a very dark time.
Her patient counsel and skillful understanding of DBT has been pivotal in helping me learn, quite simply, how to live; training and practicing distress tolerance and eventually being able to let go of life-long self-destructive behaviors."

-DBT Center of Marin Client 2014

"You folks are great - DBT has changed my life. Just last week, I recommended an acquaintance contact you about DBT."

-DBT Center of Marin Client 2014

"The DBT center of Marin provided a structure and methodology which delivered nothing short of a miracle. They quite possibly saved my daughters life. They provided tools for my daughter, my ex, and myself to accept, communicate, and heal. We now have our lives back and our daughter is happy and thriving again. A big thank you to David, Alicia, Shelly and the entire team!"

-DBT Center of Marin Client 2014