Redesigning Crisis Hotline Support: Using Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Holistic Approaches

  • Moving to End Sexual Assault (MESA) uses a model based on Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) for its Client Services Programs, including the 24-hour hotline. DBT was selected because it is an evidence-based treatment for trauma survivors.  DBT, as used on MESA’s hotline provides skills that can be used in the moment and taught to callers for future use when they experience dysregulation. MESA’s goal is to empower survivors with skills.