Best DBT Workbooks for Teens (2026): 5 Picks Compared

When an adolescent is dealing with overwhelming emotions or school stress, finding the best dbt workbooks for teens provides structured coping tools they can practice every day. This guide is for parents, counselors and adolescents seeking practical exercises in distress tolerance, mindfulness and emotional balance. We compared five dialectical behavior therapy books by listed page length, skill modules, publication date and format to help you find the right fit.

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The books

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	Put Your Feelings Here by Schab	9.8/10	Buy on Amazon
2	DBT Skills Manual by Rathus	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
3	DBT Skills Training by Eich	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
4	The DBT Workbook by Bass	9.5/10	Buy on Amazon
5	DBT Cards for Coping by Fehling	9.4/10	Buy on Amazon

1

Put Your Feelings Here by Schab

Lisa M. Schab LCSW·9.8/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

This guided journal suits teens dealing with intense emotions who prefer creative writing and art prompts over traditional clinical worksheets.

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Pros

• Lists a reading age of 13 years and up and grade level 6 to 12 that directly match teen readers
• Features 100 action-oriented prompts grounded in dialectical behavior therapy exercises
• The 208-page format combines creative writing and expressive art to help teens manage strong feelings

Cons

• Creative journal format may not suit teens who need structured clinical skills instruction
• The description focuses on intense emotions, which may feel overwhelming without adult guidance
• Focuses primarily on personal expression rather than multi-person group or family exercises

2

DBT Skills Manual by Rathus

Jill H. Rathus·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

This comprehensive manual suits clinicians, parents and teens seeking structured, in-depth DBT skills training across five full modules.

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Pros

• Provides 392 pages featuring session outlines, teaching notes and 85 reproducible handouts
• Covers five skills modules including Walking the Middle Path developed specifically for adolescents and parents
• Purchasers receive access to a webpage to download and print reproducible materials

Cons

• No reading age or grade level is stated on the listing
• Written primarily as a clinical guide for professionals rather than an independent teen workbook
• The description references treating suicidal adolescents, which indicates mature clinical themes

3

DBT Skills Training by Eich

Jean Eich·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

This practical workbook suits families and practitioners looking for coordinated DBT exercises divided into dedicated sections for teens, parents and therapists.

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Pros

• Includes dedicated parts for teens, parents and therapists with practical worksheets across all four DBT modules
• Offers 260 pages of applied exercises designed to practice new behaviors in real-life situations
• Provides sample forms, handouts and strategies for active and experiential learning

Cons

• No reading age or grade level is stated on the listing
• Published in 2015, making it an older edition compared to recent releases
• Spans three different audiences in one volume rather than focusing solely on the teen

4

The DBT Workbook by Bass

Richard Bass·9.5/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

This self-guided workbook suits teens who want to learn core DBT skills independently at their own pace without constant parental direction.

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Pros

• Covers four DBT skill sets including mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance and interpersonal effectiveness
• Published in April 2023 with guided exercises walking teens through real-life scenarios
• Includes well-known DBT frameworks such as ABC PLEASE and DEAR MAN for communication

Cons

• No reading age or grade level is stated in the product specifications
• Print length of 110 pages is relatively brief compared to comprehensive manuals
• The description mentions bonus items that require separate printable downloads

5

DBT Cards for Coping by Fehling

Kiki Fehling PhD·9.4/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

This portable coping card deck suits adolescents and young adults who want quick, accessible DBT reminders to carry on the go rather than working through a book.

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Pros

• Features 125 sturdy cards covering all four standard DBT modules with clear organization
• Includes a summary booklet with key concepts and troubleshooting guidance from a certified expert
• Recent October 2024 publication provides accessible explanations that require no prior therapy experience

Cons

• A card deck format rather than a bound workbook with write-in exercises
• No reading age or grade level is stated on the listing
• Lacks extended written explanations, case examples or guided journaling pages

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More picks to compare

• Beyond Coping Skills by BassFor teens ages 13 to 18 seeking self-guided CBT and DBT exercises.Check on Amazon
• Teen Mental Health by EllingtonFor teens wanting an interactive workbook combining ACT, CBT and DBT skills.Check on Amazon
• DBT for Teen Self-Harm by Van DijkFor adolescents in grades 6 to 12 needing targeted DBT emotional regulation.Check on Amazon
• DBT Workbook for Teens by CarterFor readers ages 13 to 18 wanting short DBT exercises and worksheets.Check on Amazon
• DBT Skills for Teens by GarciaFor teens in grades 6 to 12 wanting practical four-module DBT tools.Check on Amazon

Compare the list

Book details as published on each listing, collected 16 October 2026.

How the Shelf Score was applied

The Shelf Score weighs fit for teen readers, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age or level where one is given. Only one of the five picks lists both a reading age and grade level on its listing, while the other four do not state a reading level in their specifications. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best dbt workbooks for teens

Decide between a clinician manual and a self-guided workbook

Some dialectical behavior therapy titles are written for professionals and parents to guide a teenager, while others are built for independent study. For instance, the DBT Skills Manual for Adolescents includes 85 reproducible handouts and session outlines across 392 pages for guided clinical instruction. In contrast, The DBT Workbook for Teens by Richard Bass offers 110 pages of self-guided exercises that adolescents can complete independently.

Check the format and daily practice style

Adolescents learn coping strategies through different mediums depending on how they process stress. Put Your Feelings Here uses 100 guided journaling prompts across 208 pages for creative reflection, whereas DBT Cards for Coping Skills provides a 125-card deck designed for quick reference in stressful moments. Families building an emotional wellness routine at home can explore broader options in our homeschool curriculum resources.

Verify reading age and listed grade bands

Most specialized therapy listings do not publish reading metrics, so checking the preview text before purchase is essential. Put Your Feelings Here lists grade level 6 to 12 alongside a reading age of 13 years and up, matching middle school and high school readers. For additional guided materials targeting emotional resilience, see our guide to workbooks for mental health.

Before you buy

• Check the format: DBT Cards for Coping Skills is a 125-card deck rather than a bound book.
• Confirm whether reproducible handouts are included: the Rathus manual provides 85 handouts with download webpage access.
• Verify the intended audience: Jean Eich’s workbook divides content between teens, parents and therapists.

FAQ for readers

What age is appropriate for teen DBT workbooks?

The Put Your Feelings Here listing specifies a reading age of 13 years and up and grade level 6 to 12. Other workbooks cover general adolescent ranges from middle school through high school.

Can a teenager use these DBT workbooks independently?

Yes, self-guided titles like The DBT Workbook for Teens are written for independent study. Other titles, such as the 392-page Rathus manual, provide structured clinical exercises meant for guidance by clinicians or parents.

Do these workbooks include reproducible handouts or worksheets?

The DBT Skills Manual for Adolescents includes 85 reproducible handouts along with access to a download webpage. Jean Eich’s workbook also provides dedicated worksheets and sample forms across 260 pages.

Still deciding? Our top pickPut Your Feelings Here by Schab

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More lists like this

See every homeschool curriculum list and all workbooks and homeschool lists.

More lists: browse DBT workbooks, self-help books for teens, high school workbooks and self-esteem workbooks.