Practitioners often ask, “How do I tell if this person’s behavior is a result of a substance use disorder, personality disorder, both, or neither?” This presentation seeks to help attendees understand salient factors when diagnosing clients presenting with substance use and/or personality disorders, particularly Borderline PD. Eric Schmidt, a 24-year DBT practitioner, intensively trained in DBT and Linehan Board Certified DBT Clinician, will help answer these questions. He will also introduce participants to the DBT Substance Use Disorder protocols and skills.

As a result of attending this session, participants will be able to:

(1) Apply diagnostic criteria of substance use disorders and common personality disorders and ask salient questions to differentiate between these diagnoses; and,

(2) DTeach clients DBT skills that address dual diagnosis.