disinhibited social engagement disorder treatment
disinhibited social engagement disorder treatment for adults and adolescents
At Galen Hope, we understand that connection is a core human need—but not all forms of connection are healthy or safe. Individuals with Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder (DSED) struggle with boundaries, displaying overly familiar behaviors with strangers and difficulty discerning appropriate relational cues. Perhaps you’re a parent concerned about your teen or an adult managing long-standing patterns rooted in early attachment trauma—we are here to help! Our Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder treatment centers in Florida offer compassionate, evidence-based care that helps clients build safe, trusting, and authentic relationships—starting with themselves.
what is disinhibited social engagement disorder?
DSED is a trauma-related attachment disorder most commonly diagnosed in children, but with lingering impacts in adolescence and adulthood. It typically arises in individuals who experience severe neglect, inconsistent caregiving, or disrupted early attachments during the early years of life. As a result, they struggle to develop the ability to form selective, secure bonds with trusted caregivers.
Common signs include approaching strangers without hesitation, showing inappropriately intimate or overly familiar behavior, and lacking typical social boundaries observed in same-age peers. While these behaviors may appear outgoing on the surface, they often stem from deep unmet attachment needs and emotional dysregulation. Without appropriate treatment, DSED can lead to challenges in emotional development, identity formation, and relational safety across the lifespan.
our approach to disinhibited social engagement disorder treatment
At Galen Hope, we take a relational, trauma-informed approach to treating DSED. We understand that behaviors are adaptive responses to early experiences—and our goal is never to shame or suppress but to understand and transform. Treatment begins with building a foundation of safety. Through therapeutic relationships grounded in empathy, consistency, and attunement, we help clients begin to establish trust—perhaps for the first time.
Our clinical team blends modalities such as attachment-based therapy, trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), expressive arts, and family systems work. We offer interventions that support emotional regulation, boundary awareness, and identity formation. We tailor our approach to meet each client where they are emotionally, developmentally, and relationally.
what disinhibited social engagement disorder treatment might look like at galen hope
1. connect
Connect with us: A compassionate care coordinator will listen and help you take the first step towards healing and moving forward with your life.
2. Collaborate
Collaborate on your treatment plan: Our expert clinical team will design a personalized roadmap based on your goals, needs, and life circumstances.
3. Engage
Engage in our healing community: Participate in a structured, supportive treatment program alongside peers and professionals who understand trauma.
4. Healing
Begin your journey toward lasting healing: As symptoms ease, you will develop skills, insight, and a renewed sense of self to carry with you long after treatment ends.
typical disinhibited social engagement disorder clients we work with
Galen Hope serves clients from across the United States and beyond, offering compassionate, expert care to individuals from states like: Florida, New York, Texas, California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Illinois, Wisconsin, Montana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Arizona, Tennessee, Washington, Maryland, Virginia, and more. Many clients travel nationally and internationally to receive personalized treatment in our welcoming, supportive environment. Our programs are designed to meet the diverse needs of those seeking deeper healing—no matter where they’re coming from.
At Galen Hope, we welcome a wide range of individuals who may be experiencing DSED or its long-term impacts. We work with teens and adults to manage attachment trauma, relational confusion, and boundary challenges. Many of our clients identify as neurodivergent or LGBTQ+ or have lived through early childhood adversity or relational neglect.
We proudly support clients from diverse backgrounds, including Jewish families, Latin and Hispanic communities, and high-performing students or professionals who appear outwardly functional yet feel disconnected inside. No matter your background, our team is here with clinical excellence and heartfelt care.
we invite you here to heal in your own very special way
At Galen Hope, every client is immediately acknowledged as an individual whose story may not be represented by traditional diagnostic criteria. We seek to fully understand their life experience and to provide them with an affirming environment where they feel accepted and supported.
For someone struggling with an eating disorder or mental illness, finding a place in the world, forming connections, developing meaning and purpose in life, and having day-to-day support is vital to better outcomes, long-term health, and well-being. We create a sense of community inside our doors, where we facilitate a commitment to recovery. We find tremendous meaning in bringing someone into our circle and helping them recognize the importance they play in it. It is through these relationships that healing takes place and clients begin to develop the skills to live both independently and in relation to others.
disinhibited social engagement disorder faqs
what are the main symptoms of disinhibited social engagement disorder?
DSED is characterized by a pattern of indiscriminate social behavior, including reduced fear of strangers, overly familiar language or touch, and a lack of checking back with caregivers in unfamiliar settings. Individuals may struggle to understand social boundaries and appear impulsive or overly friendly in situations where caution would be expected.
what are the signs of disinhibited social engagement disorder in children?
Children with DSED may approach unfamiliar adults with little or no hesitation, quickly engage in physical contact, or show a lack of appropriate wariness in public settings. They may struggle with forming close, selective attachments to caregivers, instead displaying overly friendly behavior with nearly everyone. These behaviors can be concerning and confusing for parents, especially when they appear charming but lack depth or reciprocity.
can disinhibited social engagement disorder occur in adults?
While DSED is typically diagnosed in childhood, its effect persists into adolescence and adulthood if left untreated. Adults may experience chronic relationship problems, boundary confusion, and persistent attachment wounds. They often misread social cues, struggle with trust, and engage in risky interpersonal dynamics.
what therapy works best for disinhibited social engagement disorder?
Attachment-based therapies are at the heart of effective DSED treatment, including TF-CBT, relational psychodynamic therapy, somatic therapies, and family-based interventions. At Galen Hope, we use a blend of evidence-based approaches to help clients rebuild secure attachment pathways and establish relational safety.
can someone recover from disinhibited social engagement disorder?
Yes—recovery is absolutely possible. While early experiences shape the brain and behavior, neuroplasticity means healing can occur at any age. With consistent therapeutic support, individuals can learn to set boundaries, regulate emotions, and develop meaningful, reciprocal relationships. Healing from DSED isn’t about “fixing” behavior—it’s about restoring connection and dignity.
what role does early trauma play in dsed?
Early trauma, especially neglect, inconsistent caregiving, or repeated caregiver changes, is central to the development of DSED. The disorder reflects a disruption in the ability to form selective attachments due to unmet emotional and physical needs during critical developmental windows. Effective treatment addresses this foundational trauma and helps individuals develop the secure relational templates they may have missed early in life.
what's the difference between an inpatient vs outpatient treatment center?
Inpatient treatment involves 24/7 care in a hospital or residential setting, usually for acute stabilization. Outpatient treatment, like the care at Galen Hope, provides structured support while allowing clients to engage in daily life. We offer a unique, relationship-rich outpatient experience that bridges intensive support with real-world integration—ideal for clients ready for relational healing in a community-based setting.
how can I help a friend or family member with disinhibited social engagement disorder?
Start by offering safe, consistent support without judgment. Avoid reinforcing overly familiar behavior while modeling appropriate boundaries and emotional availability. Encourage professional help and remain patient—healing takes time! Galen Hope also offers family therapy and education to empower loved ones to be part of the healing journey.
does galen hope take insurance?
Yes. Galen Hope accepts insurance for mental health and eating disorder treatment. We are in-network with ComPsych, Claritev (formerly called Multiplan), Aetna, and Optum/UnitedHealthcare plans. We also work with many out-of-network insurance providers and offer benefit verification to help you understand your options.
What insurance plans does Galen Hope accept for eating disorder and mental health treatment?
Galen Hope is currently in-network with ComPsych, Multiplan, Aetna, and select Optum/UnitedHealthcare plans. Through our Optum contract, we may also be able to work with commercial plans such as UnitedHealthcare, AvMed, and Oscar. We also support many clients through out-of-network benefits with providers like Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Cigna, First Health, and others. To determine how your specific plan may apply to treatment, please contact us for a complimentary insurance verification.
Can I use out-of-network insurance to pay for treatment at Galen Hope?
In some instances, we can accept out-of-network (OON) as full payment while in others, we provide a scaled partial payment. This may also be connected with your out or pocket max, as well as co-pays and co-insurance. The degree to which out of network benefits cover the full cost of treatment varies greatly from policy to policy. In some instances it can serve as full payment, while others may cover a portion. In all cases, individuals using out of network benefits will be subject to paying their out-of-network deductible and other fees such as the out of pocket max, co-insurance or co-pays as dictated by your insurance policy.
Does Galen Hope help verify insurance benefits for treatment?
Absolutely. We offer free insurance benefit verification to help you understand what your policy may cover before you begin treatment. We aim to provide full transparency around coverage and any potential out-of-pocket costs.
Can I get a Single Case Agreement (SCA) for treatment at Galen Hope?
When clinically indicated and appropriate, we pursue Single Case Agreements (SCAs) to help families access in-network-level coverage with an out-of-network provider. Our team advocates on your behalf and provides clinical documentation to support the request. We encourage you to call us so that we can determine if a SCA is warranted.
What happens if my insurance stops covering treatment early?
If your insurance coverage ends unexpectedly and we believe the denial of care is not in your best clinical interest, our team will work directly with your insurance carrier to appeal the decision. You will receive timely notification of any changes in authorizations for care in order to explore financial options and clinical recommendations to help minimize any disruption in care.
How can I find out what my insurance covers for eating disorder or mental health treatment?
Our admissions team will assess your insurance policy, the recommended level of care, and your treatment location to give you a clear understanding of what your plan is likely to cover. We’ll guide you every step of the way.
Are insurance benefits different depending on where I live?
Yes. Insurance coverage may vary by state and plan type. We consider your plan’s regional requirements when evaluating your benefits.
Will I know my treatment costs before starting at Galen Hope?
Yes. Before admission, we’ll walk you through all anticipated costs, including what insurance is likely to cover and any out-of-pocket expenses, so there are no surprises.
Can Galen Hope help me understand my insurance coverage?
Yes. Our experienced admissions team will break down your policy, explain your mental health or eating disorder benefits, and help you make the most informed decision possible.
our disinhibited social engagement disorder treatment centers in florida
Galen Hope, committed to transforming lives through integrative, relationship-focused care, operates two state-of-the-art Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder treatment centers in Florida. Our programs go beyond symptom or behavioral management to address the deep-rooted attachment wounds that fuel DSED. Whether you’re a local in Florida or traveling from out of state, you’ll find a therapeutic community that supports healing, builds connection, and guides each client toward sustainable change.
Galen Hope proudly serves clients across South Florida through our two conveniently located treatment centers. Our Coral Gables location, just south of Miami and ~30 miles south of Fort Lauderdale, offers accessible care in a vibrant, culturally rich setting. In Delray Beach—just south of Palm Beach—clients will find a serene and supportive environment ideal for healing and growth. Whether you’re local to Florida or traveling from out of state, our programs offer a safe, welcoming space for true healing and growth.
coral gables
Address: 806 Douglas Road, Suite 625
Coral Gables, FL 33445
delray beach
Address: 4600 Linton Blvd.
Delray Beach, FL 33445