Dr. Marsha Linehan

1943-2026

It is with deep sadness and profound gratitude that we honor Dr. Marsha Linehan who passed away on November 10,2026. Dr. Linehan served as a Professor of Psychology and Director of the Behavioral Research and Therapy Clinics at the University of Washington. Best known as the treatment developer of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), she was also a beloved mother, friend, colleague, clinician, researcher, trainer, Zen teacher, and mentor.

Driven by immense compassion for those who were suffering, she famously made this commitment: "I was in hell, and I made a vow that when I got out, I was going to come back and get others out of here."

Marsha fulfilled that vow through her life's work, creating a legacy that will continue long beyond her passing. By upholding rigorous standards and ensuring high-level training through Behavioral Tech and the DBT-Linehan Board of Certification (DBT-LBC), she made certain her mission will live on. Through DBT, she has reached thousands of people worldwide, helping them not only find their way out of hell, but also build a life worth living.

Her work has changed our lives in ways words simply cannot express. We will forever be grateful for the opportunity to have known you, trained with you, and learned from you. We commit to honoring your memory through our continued pursuit of training, practice, and by providing compassionate, research-based, high fidelity care to the individuals we treat.

With Gratitude and Love,

Dallas DBT Team