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Offered in-person & online

Our therapists offer DBT / dialectical behavior therapy in Alexandria, VA

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

Get in-person or online care, and cover the majority of the costs with your insurance. Scheduling is easy — call our team and they’ll help you find your perfect match.

Connect with a therapist, psychiatrist or counselor near you
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3,571 people sought dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) help in Virginia in the last year

Discover how starting dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) therapy can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS HMO, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, +19 more
Military / Veteran, Medical / Health Issues, Domestic Abuse, Narcissism, LGBTQIA+, +22 more

I am committed to providing effective and compassionate care.

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS HMO, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, +20 more
LGBTQIA+, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Women’s Issues, Life Transition, +3 more

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS HMO, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, +21 more
Anger, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, Women’s Issues, +6 more

I believe life is not without struggles and it is important that we have the necessary support and skills to help better navigate the journey.

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS HMO, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, +20 more
Domestic Abuse, Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Infidelity, +17 more

I am a seasoned and experienced Licensed Professional Counselor who is passionate about wellness and providing a nonjudgmental and safe space for all ... I am a seasoned and experienced Licensed Professional Counselor who is passionate about wellness and providing a nonjudgmental and safe space for all people. Read more

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS HMO, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, +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.

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS HMO, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, +21 more
Coping Skills, Infidelity, Men’s Issues, Self Esteem, Stress, +8 more

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

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS HMO, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, +5 more
Coping Skills, Men’s Issues, Self Esteem, Stress, Addiction, +4 more

As a Latinx therapist, I'm passionate about helping individuals achieve their goals and live their best lives, and I'm committed to providing a safe a... As a Latinx therapist, I'm passionate about helping individuals achieve their goals and live their best lives, and I'm committed to providing a safe and non-judgmental space for my clients to explore their thoughts and feelings. Read more

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS HMO, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, +20 more
Coping Skills, Infidelity, Self Esteem, Stress, Women’s Issues, +8 more

George Wanke

Hear from George Wanke, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

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What is your go-to approach for dialectical behavior therapy?

Explaining core mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness as primary concepts is my starting place. I enjoy mindfulness while having clients ask more for interpersonal effectiveness skills.

What tools do you teach in dialectical behavior therapy?

The difference between “emotion mind,” “reasonable mind,” and “wise mind;” validation; self-soothing; heartfelt acceptance; changing emotions; assertiveness; and reinforcement are the most frequently taught concepts.

How do you know when a client is making meaningful progress in dialectical behavior therapy?

EBP TP goals are established at the beginning of therapy, and when they are accomplished, enough progress has been made that treatment can end. Common goals relate to improved self-esteem, improved relations with others, and enhanced capacity to manage emotions.

What can clients do in their personal time to supplement dialectical behavior therapy?

Clients can practice mindfulness and deep breathing.

What should someone do to prepare for starting dialectical behavior therapy?

I refer clients to “DBT Skills for Highly Sensitive People” for them to read and get ideas from.

Starting Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

What is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)?

At Thriveworks, Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) primarily concentrates on assisting individuals in emotion regulation, enhancing interpersonal relationships, and acquiring effective coping strategies for managing stress and emotional difficulties.

How does DBT work?

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) targets your personal challenges. You may work with your DBT therapist to maintain diary cards to monitor progress, emphasizing validation and support in the therapeutic relationship. DBT follows a stage-based approach, prioritizing crisis reduction initially and life satisfaction.

What is DBT best used for?

DBT was initially developed to address the needs of individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, its versatile approach has enabled its application to a wide range of mental health conditions, including but not limited to, anxiety, depression, stress, and anger issues.

What are the 4 pillars of DBT?

The 4 pillars of DBT are mindfulness, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance.

Is DBT better than EMDR?

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) have distinct purposes and aren’t inherently superior or inferior to one another. DBT is most effective for managing emotional regulation, personality disorders, and interpersonal challenges, while EMDR is specifically tailored for individuals with trauma-related conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Is DBT conducted in person or online?

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) with therapists at Thriveworks 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 months is DBT?

The duration of a standard DBT program is typically around 24 weeks, which is roughly six months. The actual number of sessions will vary depending on the issues you wish to address.

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 24 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia Medicare Advantage

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS HMO

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | Exchange

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

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

  • Carelon

  • Carelon | Medicare Advantage

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

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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 am extremely satisfied with my therapist. She listens and provides positive feedback. She is professional, caring, compassionate, and has a beautiful spirit!
Cynthia Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Open and honest dialog
Darren Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Mary Fields has been an enormous part of my ability to successfully handle a serious medical condition as well as a divorce after 44 years of marriage. She's a terrific counselor and I would recommend her to anyone.
Mardrey Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My therapist, Beatrice is so wonderful. It's almost like talking to a good friend, I respect her she's a fantastic listener to the point where she remember everybody's name in the conversation and I just can't believe I found such a highly professional therapist. I recommend everyone if they're looking for therapist to look into having Beatrice your therapist.
Read more My therapist, Beatrice is so wonderful. It's almost like talking to a good friend, I respect her she's a fantastic listener to the point where she remember everybody's name in the conversation and I just can't believe I found such a highly professional therapist. I recommend everyone if they're looking for therapist to look into having Beatrice your therapist.
Lennia Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Very pleased with everything
Beecher Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
The dashboard needs to be a little more user friendly as far as updating the information and information about the appointments info.
John Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
She listens
Elizabeth Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Dee is amazing - she's been really helpful. What could be a LOT better is booking future appointments in the portal. It's NOT intuitive or easy.
Laura Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review

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
  • Korean
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
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Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm

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

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