Zoo,
I am not specifically still in DBT therapy, per se, but i have multiple diagnoses and the treatment is ongoing for those issues. DBT is not a cure all for everything, but it is designed for patients with borderline personality disorder and those who are chronically suicidal and self harming. I no longer have those kinds of behaviors, so regular therapy is effective and I use the skills i've learned.

It wasn't unusual to be in DBT for years when i was in it ( but it may have changed since then). Skills training for me was almost two years...i went through the modules three times, and then went on to advanced DBT.

I just want to mention that my t would not return all phone calls promptly. It depends on what i called for. DBT therapists are supposed to be available by phone for coach and counsel, to help in the moment like Solar said when you feel like you are about to SI and don't know the skills well enough, so you need coaching from T to NOT engage in the behavior. So when you called her for help before your suicide attempt, that is what you are supposed to do (as I understand it). But if you called for something else, that would be different.

I'm bowing out of this conversation now because it appears, once again, that a lot of people are opposed to CBT type therapies and it gets too controversial and riles certain people up. I thought my experience with DBT could help you zoo and thought i could clarify some things about the treatment, but like i said before, your T seems to do things a bit differently. And maybe the program has changed some since i have been in it. DBT is also too complex for me to explain to those who are not familiar with it. It helped me. I was an alcoholic, self harming, suicidal person who could not cope with life in any meaningful way. I suffered flashbacks, body memories, nightmares, etc. you name it. But no more, and I do credit dBT with helping me to save my life.

Anyway, I hope you get what YOU need from whatever therapy you are in.
(((((zooropa))))