Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a form of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for mood disorders. There are three categories of core strategies employed in DBT: change strategies, acceptance and validation strategies, and dialectical strategies. Change strategies in DBT, for the most part, are based on learning principles. One rationale for using DBT to treat mood disorders is the significant co-morbidity between borderline personality disorder (BPD) and mood disorders. Adapting DBT is different from adopting DBT. In the latter, DBT, e.g. the modes of treatment delivery, may be changed to meet the needs of the setting or target population. Programs which adopt comprehensive DBT benefit from the existing evidence base. DBT is an efficacious treatment proven to reduce suicidal behavior and nonsuicidal self-injury. DBT has been adapted for both bipolar adolescents and geriatric patients with treatment-resistant depression or depression co-morbid with BPD.