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Offered in-person & online

Our therapists offer cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in Alexandria, VA

Get in-person or online care, and cover the majority of the costs with your insurance.

Connect with a therapist, psychiatrist or counselor near you
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9,318 people sought cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) help in Virginia in the last year

Discover how starting cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) therapy can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, Carelon, +21 more
Medical / Health Issues, Anger, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, +8 more

Let us start a conversation.

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, Carelon, +16 more
LGBTQIA+, Coping Skills, Men’s Issues, Stress, Women’s Issues, +6 more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, Carelon, +20 more
LGBTQIA+, Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, +11 more

As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, my priority is to help break down the stigma around mental health and create a comfortable-safe env... As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, my priority is to help break down the stigma around mental health and create a comfortable-safe environment for you to share. Read more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, Carelon, +20 more
Stress, Life Transition, Relationships, Anxiety, Grief / Loss, +2 more

As a Nurse Practitioner who specializes in psychiatric and mental health care, I engage in a partnership with individuals to provide person centered c... As a Nurse Practitioner who specializes in psychiatric and mental health care, I engage in a partnership with individuals to provide person centered care. Read more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, Carelon, +21 more
LGBTQIA+, Anger, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, +8 more

As a therapist, it is my hope to work alongside my clients to discover practical solutions to life's problems.

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, Carelon, +19 more
LGBTQIA+, Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, +14 more

I am curious to listen to assess factors that contribute to the diagnosis, to establish priorities, discuss treatments, and provide education and opti... I am curious to listen to assess factors that contribute to the diagnosis, to establish priorities, discuss treatments, and provide education and options in a holistic manner. Read more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, Carelon, +19 more
Anger, Behavioral Issues, Stress, ADHD, OCD / Obsessive-Compulsive, +5 more

As a woman of color who is part of the LBGTQIA+ community, I am no stranger to complications and emotional trauma.

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, Carelon, +20 more
Military / Veteran, Anger, Coping Skills, Infidelity, Men’s Issues, +11 more

My job is to help you find the version of better you are seeking.

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, Cigna | Evernorth, +6 more
LGBTQIA+, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Women’s Issues, Life Transition, +3 more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, Carelon, +19 more
Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Women’s Issues, ADHD, +7 more

As a person who has suffered depression, i understand how debilitating and isolating mental health issue can be and i am here to work with you to ensu... As a person who has suffered depression, i understand how debilitating and isolating mental health issue can be and i am here to work with you to ensure your needs are met. Read more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, Carelon, +19 more
Military / Veteran, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, ADHD, +6 more

As a licensed mental health provider, I specialize in the compassionate treatment of a diverse range of disorders, fostering healing and well-being th... As a licensed mental health provider, I specialize in the compassionate treatment of a diverse range of disorders, fostering healing and well-being through evidence-based practices and individualized care. Read more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, Carelon, +11 more
Coping Skills, Infidelity, Self Esteem, Stress, Women’s Issues, +8 more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, Carelon, +20 more
Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma / PTSD

As a woman who has treated patients in multiple specialties from all walks of life, I understand the unique yet common goal of every person to achieve... As a woman who has treated patients in multiple specialties from all walks of life, I understand the unique yet common goal of every person to achieve a life of peace, happiness, and success; and I am excited, humbled, and privileged to help clients on their journey. Read more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, Carelon, +20 more
Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, +9 more

As a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and a Family Nurse Practitioner who holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from George Mason Un... As a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and a Family Nurse Practitioner who holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from George Mason University, Virginia, I understand the need to assess and treat each individual based on evidence. Read more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, Carelon, +21 more
Coping Skills, Infidelity, Men’s Issues, Self Esteem, Divorce / Breakup, +7 more

As a parent myself, I know how much you care about your child doing well and getting along in school.

Starting Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

What is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)?

At Thriveworks, Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a widely recognized and evidence-based form of psychotherapy or talk therapy. It focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns, emotions, and behaviors that can contribute to various mental health issues or challenges that people are struggling with.

What does a cognitive behavioral therapist do?

Cognitive behavioral therapists specialize in Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and can help you to identify and comprehend your thought patterns, which often encompass automatic negative thoughts, cognitive distortions, and self-defeating beliefs. Once these negative thought patterns are pinpointed, cognitive behavioral therapists aim to challenge and replace them with the objective of fostering more constructive and logical thinking. In addition, these therapists place significant emphasis on implementing positive behavioral changes based on the newly established, healthier thought patterns.

What is CBT best for?

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is particularly effective for addressing conditions like anxiety disorders, depression, phobias, and obsessive-compulsive disorders. It focuses on identifying and modifying negative thought patterns and behaviors, making it well-suited for issues related to distorted thinking and emotional regulation.

How much does a CBT session cost?

At Thriveworks, we take most major forms of insurance, meaning many of our clients only pay a small $0-$50 co-pay. However, we have self-pay options, too. For those out-of-network, our therapy and psychiatry services are around $200, depending on the service and location.

What is the success rate of CBT?

The success rate of CBT varies depending on the intentions of the client and their condition(s).

What\'s better: CBT or DBT?

The selection between cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is based on an individual’s unique needs and challenges. CBT is commonly chosen for addressing conditions such as anxiety and depression, whereas DBT is especially beneficial for individuals dealing with borderline personality disorder, emotional regulation issues, and difficulties in interpersonal relationships.

Is CBT conducted in person or online?

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with our Thriveworks therapists in Alexandria, VA is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How many sessions is CBT?

Generally, CBT is considered a short-term therapy, typically lasting for about 12 to 20 weekly sessions. In some cases, it might extend to around 16 to 20 sessions for more complex issues.

Need more help deciding?

Feeling overwhelmed by a particular life challenge is a normal, human experience. Have you ever faced a situation and thought, “This is impossible. I have no options.” Most likely you have. At some point, we all tell ourselves things that are negative and not true. These are called cognitive distortions, and they make difficult situations worse. In some cases, cognitive distortions can create problems for people that did not previously exist. While people cannot always control others or the circumstances in their lives, they can change their perspective. Identifying and confronting these negative thinking patterns can bring people significant relief with a wide variety of problems they may face. Many people are working with a counselor to do just that. They are pursuing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

“Only I can change my life. No one can do it for me.” —Carol Burnett

CBT is a model for therapy that can help people who are ready to make a change in their lives but may not know how. It has helped a wide range of people facing a wide range of problems. In clinical trials, patients who participated in cognitive behavioral therapy experienced substantial and long-term change. When people struggled with anxiety and depression, CBT was shown to bring as much relief as medication. Because CBT focuses on empowering and strengthening an individual’s emotional skills, the benefits of CBT can continue long after therapy ends.

Thriveworks Alexandria, VA (Franconia) offers cognitive behavioral therapy, and our therapists, psychologists, and counselors have seen clients change their lives by changing themselves first. Positive change often begins with positive thinking, and our staff is ready to help.

What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

CBT is a therapeutic method that addresses a particular social, emotional, or relational problem that a client presents. It is a proactive and practical way of addressing life’s difficulties. With a therapist’s help, people seek to change their own perspective upon and thinking about a specific difficulty. Cognitive Behavior Therapy can be used to treat challenges such as…

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Insomnia
  • Mood swings
  • Self-destructive habits
  • Anger management
  • Self-mutilation
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Drug and/or alcohol addiction
  • Child and adolescent issues
  • General health issues
  • Relationship issues

How does CBT work in these situations? Consider James, who struggles with anxiety. A week ago, James’ friend said he would email him a few dates for a potential weekend to go skiing. Since then, James has not heard from his friend. James is growing angrier with his friend and is telling himself that his friend does not want to go skiing with him. This is an example of negative thinking—a cognitive distortion. James does not know why his friend has not emailed him. Maybe his friend had a busy week at work and simply has not had time to look at his calendar. Instead of indulging negative thoughts, James could be proactive and contact his friend, asking him how his week has been instead of assuming the worst.

CBT is most effective when it focuses upon a client’s response to a specific issue. Because it zeroes in on a particular challenge, CBT is a short-term therapeutic model. A counselor may work with a client for six months to one year, meeting once a week for a 50-minute session. Often, clients will be assigned homework. Homework may include activities like journaling to identify negative thought patterns and potentially different responses.

Cognitive Distortions and the Problem’s Roots

Cognitive distortions occur when people interpret their circumstances inaccurately and negatively. There are specific negative thought patterns that can entrap people. Cognitive behavioral therapy does not try to fix an individual’s circumstances, but it seeks to identify any cognitive distortions the individual may hold. Once these are identified, they can be replaced with more accurate and positive thinking. Possible cognitive distortions may be…

  • Polarized or “black and white” thinking means people are see everything as perfect or terrible, good or evil, pure or tainted. It is all-or-nothing thinking.
  • Blaming means people are always looking for someone or something to place fault upon.
  • Catastrophizing means people expect the worst.
  • Control fallacies have two versions. External control places blame upon luck, fate, or a natural power for life’s circumstances. Internal control means people take responsibility for circumstances that are not within their control—such as when a child blames themself a parent’s divorce.
  • Filtering means people put a negative spin on every situation and dismiss positive realities.
  • Overgeneralization means people take one experience and interpret life through that one event.
  • Emotional reasoning means people equate their feelings with reality despite contrary evidence.
  • Personalization means people take others’ actions as a direct reflection of themselves.
  • Fairness fallacy means people use an irrational standard of fairness to evaluate their life. They may live their lives comparing themselves to others.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with the Counselors at Thriveworks Alexandria, VA (Franconia)

What is happening in your life right now and how you are responding? If you recognized some of the listed cognitive distortions, you may be ready to make a change—within yourself. If you are ready, Thriveworks Alexandria is too.

When you contact our office to schedule an appointment, you may be meeting with your therapist the following day. We do not keep a waitlist, but we do offer evening and weekend appointments. We also accept most insurance plans. Let’s work together to make a positive change. Call Thriveworks Alexandria today.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our Alexandria therapists and counselors accept 25 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

  • Humana HMO/POS

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Self-pay costs at Alexandria
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

4.9 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
I was very satisfied with first session/consultation with my therapist. I feel confident she will address my needs and look forward to working with her.
Read more I was very satisfied with first session/consultation with my therapist. I feel confident she will address my needs and look forward to working with her.
Marjorie Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
At 75 years old and still learning is wonderful. My counselor is simply an outstanding individual and human being. The "bank is closed", I understand more clearly by my counselor who, have been instrumental in " breaking down some walls" in my forward motion and healing from the pain
Read more At 75 years old and still learning is wonderful. My counselor is simply an outstanding individual and human being. The "bank is closed", I understand more clearly by my counselor who, have been instrumental in " breaking down some walls" in my forward motion and healing from the pain
Horace Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Bank closure is fundamentally when a financial institution goes bankrupt; however, parents can't go into bank closure for their children, family, and friends. Nevertheless, parents do close their bank (hearth) to minimize disrespect, abuse, and abundant misuse of LOVE. So I closed my life to abuse, disrespect, and misuse of ❤️
Read more Bank closure is fundamentally when a financial institution goes bankrupt; however, parents can't go into bank closure for their children, family, and friends. Nevertheless, parents do close their bank (hearth) to minimize disrespect, abuse, and abundant misuse of LOVE. So I closed my life to abuse, disrespect, and misuse of ❤️
Horace Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★
I am very happy with my therapist, I would give him 5 Stars but I am handicapped and the facility I go to has No Handicap access, No ramp or elevator and is on the third floor of a three story building.
Read more I am very happy with my therapist, I would give him 5 Stars but I am handicapped and the facility I go to has No Handicap access, No ramp or elevator and is on the third floor of a three story building.
Ed Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My therapist, Dee Jacobi Edwards, continues to help me deal with my individual struggles in life so that I can achieve peace in dealing with life situations. She is a wonderful therapist.
Read more My therapist, Dee Jacobi Edwards, continues to help me deal with my individual struggles in life so that I can achieve peace in dealing with life situations. She is a wonderful therapist.
Louisa Dec 2023
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★
Love our therapist.
Heidi Dec 2023
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My daughter's dad and I had a few sessions with Dee Jacobi-Edwards and she was great. She was very neutral and honest with both of us when it came to our disagreements and downfalls. She was also extremely patient with us throughout our sessions. I would absolutely recommend Dee.
Read more My daughter's dad and I had a few sessions with Dee Jacobi-Edwards and she was great. She was very neutral and honest with both of us when it came to our disagreements and downfalls. She was also extremely patient with us throughout our sessions. I would absolutely recommend Dee.
Alexandria Mar 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I have been battling anxiety and depression for years, and Mary Alice Fields has helped me finally find some relief. She is dedicated to helping her clients live their best possible life, and she has helped me gain some peace in my life. I know she has help countless others, and I would highly recommend her to anyone who suffers from depression or anxiety issues.
Read more I have been battling anxiety and depression for years, and Mary Alice Fields has helped me finally find some relief. She is dedicated to helping her clients live their best possible life, and she has helped me gain some peace in my life. I know she has help countless others, and I would highly recommend her to anyone who suffers from depression or anxiety issues.
Alexandria Jan 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Alexandria is located off of Franconia Rd., just behind Oak Tree Plaza. We share a building with MRM Associates. Right next door to us is a MakeSpace, and the closest bus stop is at Franconia Rd. & Beulah St.

Phone number

(703) 454-8246

Languages spoken by VA providers

  • Portuguese
  • English
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

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