viabout the a uthor
Marsha M. Linehan, PhD, ABPP, is the developer of Dialectical Behavior Ther -
apy (DBT) and Professor of Psychology and of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences 
and Director of the Behavioral Research and Therapy Clinics at the University of 
Washington. Her primary research interest is in the development and evaluation of  evidence-based treatments for populations with high suicide risk and multiple, 
severe mental disorders. 
Dr. Linehan’s contributions to suicide research and clinical psychology research 
have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Gold Medal Award for 
Life Achievement in the Application of Psychology from the American Psychological Foundation and the James McKeen Cattell Award from the Association for Psy -
chological Science. In her honor, the American Association of Suicidology created the Marsha Linehan Award for Outstanding Research in the Treatment of Suicidal Behavior. 
She is a Zen master and teaches mindfulness and contemplative practices via 
workshops and retreats for health care providers.