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1,852 people sought dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) help in Massachusetts 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

Our Boston providers are currently booked, however we have 98 online providers available right now in Massachusetts.
Boston
Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS, Cigna | Evernorth, +4 more
Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, Women’s Issues, +6 more

As a bi-cultural Black woman, I am committed to providing intentional and culturally responsive work.

Worcester
Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS, Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card), +22 more
Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Men’s Issues, Self Esteem, +7 more

As a mental health clinician, I am here to help people develop into the best versions of themselves through their perspective.

Boston
JP Farley Corporation, Mass General Brigham (Optum), Multi Plan PHCS, +2 more
Domestic Abuse, Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Infidelity, +13 more

Life can present challenges that take us by surprise and sometimes we just need a little help.

Boston
Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS, Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card), +5 more
Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, +10 more

As a woman of color and a mom myself, I understand the issues our different communities are presented with on a daily basis with varying perspectives... As a woman of color and a mom myself, I understand the issues our different communities are presented with on a daily basis with varying perspectives. Read more

Cambridge
Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS, Cigna | Evernorth, +4 more
Domestic Abuse, Narcissism, LGBTQIA+, Anger, Behavioral Issues, +19 more

Having spent time in substance use treatment and partial hospitalization programs, I have experience working with clients to figure out what is and is... Having spent time in substance use treatment and partial hospitalization programs, I have experience working with clients to figure out what is and isn't helpful and how to get the most out of the process. Read more

Rebecca MacGillivray

Hear from Rebecca MacGillivray, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)

View Rebecca MacGillivray's profile

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

My go-to approach in dialectical behavior therapy is multifaceted. I find great benefits in helping others develop DBT skills, which encompass mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. DBT also helps to reduce self-judgement and promote progress.

What tools do you teach in dialectical behavior therapy?

In dialectical behavior therapy, there are four categories of behavioral skills that are taught in individual or group settings. Mindfulness skills are utilized to enhance present awareness and acceptance. Distress tolerance focuses on developing coping skills for crisis situations. Emotion regulation focuses on identifying and managing intense emotions. Interpersonal effectiveness focuses on building and maintaining healthy relationships.

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

I know a client is making meaningful progress in dialectical behavior therapy when they are able to utilize skills in everyday situations to help regulate emotions more effectively and develop coping skills to tolerate stress. Another indication the client is making progress is when they improve boundary setting and communication within relationships.

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

Clients can supplement their time in dialectical behavior therapy by increasing present awareness without judgment. It is also helpful to track emotions, urges, and behaviors in order to identify patterns and triggers.

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

To prepare for their first dialectical behavior session, an individual can begin by tracking emotions and behavioral concerns and reflect on what they may want to change or improve upon while they embark on the therapeutic journey.

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 Boston, MA 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 Boston therapists and counselors accept 23 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS Medicare Advantage (HMO | PPO)

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS

  • Carelon

  • Carelon | Medicare Advantage

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Compsych

  • Fallon Health | Medicare Advantage

  • Firefly Health Plan | Cigna PPO Network

  • First Health Network

  • Harvard Pilgrim

Show more
Self-pay costs at Boston
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
★★★★★
thank you for taking my insurance! i love how easy everything is; having an online portal for booking, viewing my schedule, etc is so great. thank you!
Ivy Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I mostly appreciate to have an amazing therapist.
Ella Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
She made me a ease and was really nice
Sergine Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Very warm and accepting
Cassandra Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
all good. Zee is very helpful and I appreciate her accommodating my needs.
Joyce Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Everything has been well done so far and I've been at it almost a year. My therapist Melanie is great. All the stuff online works as well so hope this helps.
Sean Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
She does an excellent job and she has helped me tremendously!
Denise Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Cassidy has been so helpful to me during almost four years of therapy. She has been instrumental in assisting me to process many difficult emotions. She is always kind and professional and has added so many insights. I couldn't have progressed without her help and I will be forever thankful and grateful that I have worked with her.
Read more Cassidy has been so helpful to me during almost four years of therapy. She has been instrumental in assisting me to process many difficult emotions. She is always kind and professional and has added so many insights. I couldn't have progressed without her help and I will be forever thankful and grateful that I have worked with her.
Jeanne Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Boston is located on Water St. We share a building with The Boston Barbor Exchange, Vaanga Boston, PanIQ Escape Room Boston, and other businesses. We’re just a few blocks away from the waterfront.

Phone number

(617) 882-7447

Languages spoken by MA providers

  • English
  • Japanese
  • Farsi
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
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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