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Offered in-person & online

Our therapists offer DBT / dialectical behavior therapy in Athens, GA

Start in-person or online sessions with a provider you can trust. We accept most major insurances. Book online or by giving us a call

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.

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2,938 people sought dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) help in Georgia in the last year

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

Start DBT with a licensed therapist as soon as this week

6  therapists available in Athens

With a background in medical social work, I understand the emotional impact and mental health needs of children, adults, and aging...

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When life gets complicated, sometimes it helps to be seen, heard, and understood in a safe and non-judgmental space. **Providing E...

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As a bi-racial gay man raised in the American South, I am intimately familiar with building community, deepening an understanding ...

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As a person who has had many of life's challenges, I understand the need to seek out help when needed....

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I approach therapy as a fellow human who believes in the power of compassion, curiosity, and steady support, and I strive to help ...

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I work hard to provide a safe, affirming, and honest space for all because I understand the importance of being heard, being seen,...

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Look for a confirmation email in your inbox shortly. We'll help find you a provider and guide you through everything you should know about starting care at Thriveworks.

Anna Wohleking

Hear from Anna Wohleking, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

View Anna Wohleking's profile

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

I enjoy teaching practical tools to help clients manage intense emotions and make positive changes to their lives; my go-to approach for clients in dialectical behavior therapy is psychoeducation. Working closely with clients, I gather a robust understanding of their problems and symptoms and together, we develop an individualized DBT toolbox to help reduce or eliminate their symptoms.

My go-to approaches for helping people in dialectical behavior therapy are mindfulness skills and distress tolerance skills. I prefer DBT because there are only 4 pillars that are covered in DBT: distress tolerance, mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, and emotion regulation.

What tools do you teach in dialectical behavior therapy?

I've trained and educated clients navigating substance use, severe depression, and suicidal ideation on the four core modules of DBT: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Facilitating groups as large as 40 individuals, I've taught DBT techniques, which include:

  • TIPP
  • ABC PLEASE
  • Half Smile
  • Validation
  • STOP
  • DEAR MAN
  • HALT
  • Thought defusion
  • Wise Mind
  • RESISTT Techniques
  • Recognizing emotional crisis
  • Emotions & cognitive vulnerability
  • Problem-solving
  • Coping ahead
  • Modulating emotional intensity
  • Assertiveness
  • Interpersonal rights
  • And much more

I teach the following tools in DBT: distress tolerance skills, mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, and emotion regulation skills.

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

Emotional regulation, the development of an emotionally safe environment, the establishment and enforcement of boundaries, as well as a strong sense of self are key indicators I see when clients understand and are applying the DBT skills we discuss and teach. The client is more aligned with their core values with more peace.

I know a client is making meaningful progress in DBT when they come to their session and tell me that they had an episode and did not lose their emotions over it.

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

Outside of individual therapy, I provide clients with homework assignments to help them continue utilizing the skills discussed and taught in sessions.

Clients can supplement their time in dialectical behavior therapy by using the coping skills they are learning in the sessions.

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

To prepare for their first dialectical behavior therapy session, an individual can journal regarding their apprehension about vulnerability, therapy, or trust. As a clinician, I want to work with the client so they become familiar with labeling and expressing their emotions.

To prepare for their first dialectical behavior therapy session, an individual can research what DBT is and how it can benefit them.

Starting Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) in Athens

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 Athens, GA 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 360+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our therapists and counselors in Athens accept 29 insurance plans

  • Adventist Health Associates | Employee Health Plan

  • Adventist Health Associates | Non-Employee Health Plan

  • Aetna

  • Aetna Medicare Advantage

  • AnMed Employee Program

  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia | BCBS - HMO

  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia | BCBS - PPO

  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia | Medicare Advantage

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Clover Health Medicare Advantage

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Self-pay costs at Athens
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

5.0 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
She seemed very approachable and friendly.
Trichia Sep 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Alexes is amazing and has helped me through so much . Very grateful for her
Frednise Sep 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I absolutely love Thriveworks & being able to work with my therapist & do therapy online. I could not stand going to a brick & mortar therapy sessions previously. I also have the best therapist in my opinion. I would not be where I'm at now healing had it not been for Thriveworks & the therapist that works with me.
Read more I absolutely love Thriveworks & being able to work with my therapist & do therapy online. I could not stand going to a brick & mortar therapy sessions previously. I also have the best therapist in my opinion. I would not be where I'm at now healing had it not been for Thriveworks & the therapist that works with me.
Selenamarie Sep 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★
Inviting office space, receptive and engaged therapist, helpful suggestions in making changes in thoughts and/or actions.
Latonya Sep 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My therapist Beth is incredible. I was so anxious about therapy as I'm anxious about many things. Beth has made it a safe place to be me. She has gone above and beyond to accommodate my schedule since my husband is having cancer treatment. The think I appreciate about therapy is Beth listens and the tools she encourages you to use work. I know shocking! It has helped me to remember 'my toolbox' when in situations that can be triggering for me. Beth has taught me so much and I genuinely do not know what I would do without her support, care and guidance.. Only suggestion is keep her around!
Read more My therapist Beth is incredible. I was so anxious about therapy as I'm anxious about many things. Beth has made it a safe place to be me. She has gone above and beyond to accommodate my schedule since my husband is having cancer treatment. The think I appreciate about therapy is Beth listens and the tools she encourages you to use work. I know shocking! It has helped me to remember 'my toolbox' when in situations that can be triggering for me. Beth has taught me so much and I genuinely do not know what I would do without her support, care and guidance.. Only suggestion is keep her around!
Hannah Sep 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I appreciate the way Anna listens and focuses on what I am feeling. She always has tools and good suggestions to help me navigate through my issues.
Belinda Sep 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Dr. Miller is very engaged, empathetic and compassionate and exhibits sincere interest in my well-being
Cheri Jun 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I enjoy Beth's profressionalism and relatable tools.
Christina Jun 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Athens is located at the intersection of North Chase St and Prince Ave. We share an L-shaped building with several other businesses including Ankle & Foot Centers of America. If you kept traveling west on North Chase, you’d pass Piedmont Athens Regional Hospital on your left.

Phone number

(706) 898-3276

Languages spoken by GA providers

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

Shown in ET

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

Shown in ET

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