availability-icon

Offered in-person & online

Our therapists offer DBT / dialectical behavior therapy in Cambridge, MA

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.

Connect with a therapist, psychiatrist or counselor near you
http://Verywell%20mind%2013%20Best%20online%20Therapy%20Services%20of%202024
http://Thriveworks%20Choosing%20Therapy%20Award%20Logo%20for%20Best%20Online%20Therapy%20Options%20with%20Insurance%20for%202023

4,690 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.

Start DBT with a licensed therapist as soon as this week

17  therapists available in Cambridge

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

Read more

As a Black Haitian-American woman, I understand what it means to be different, among many other things....

Read more

As a trained physician, experienced oriental medicine practitioner, and PhD medical researcher, I believe in a holistic approach t...

Read more

As a bilingual Latina therapist, I provide a safe and supportive space to explore your inner world and grow into your best self, n...

Read more

I desire to create a space where you can show up exactly as you are—no story sanitation and no respectability performances—because...

Read more

As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, I believe a strong therapeutic relationship is key to your success in therapy, where you ca...

Read more

I seek to understand the complexities of what it means to be human in a rapidly changing environment....

Read more

I strive to offer a steady place where people can slow down, reflect, and move forward....

Read more

The mind is like an iceberg. It floats with one seventh of its bulk above water - Sigmund Freud...

Read more

I bring a calm, grounded presence and a deep respect for each person’s unique story—shaped by years of working through the mind-bo...

Read more

As a person-centered clinician with a multicultural background, I focus on creating a calm, nonjudgmental space for individuals wo...

Read more

As a therapist, I offer a warm and supportive space where clients feel empowered to grow, heal, and thrive....

Read more

Margaret Oloyede is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practioner with 8 years of experience treating adults who are struggling to ...

Read more

As a human being, I understand the myriad of psychiatric, psychological, and mental health problems that humans face throughout th...

Read more

I understand the complex and dynamic needs associated with mental health challenges—and can help you fulfill those needs....

Read more

I love helping individuals become the greatest versions of themselves....

Read more

Jennifer Royster is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) who has experience working with diverse populations acro...

Read more

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.

Leyla Derbali

Hear from Leyla Derbali, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)

View Leyla Derbali's profile

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

My go-to approach for helping people in DBT is empathetic, nonjudgmental listening that can create a safe environment to learn and apply DBT skills.

What tools do you teach in dialectical behavior therapy?

I teach the following tools in DBT:

  • Distress tolerance
  • Communication/interpersonal skills
  • Mindfulness
  • Dialectics
  • Radical acceptance
  • Emotion regulation

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

I know a client is making meaningful progress in DBT when they feel more regulated and mindful, are better able to use skills, and notice improvements in communication with others.

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

Clients can supplement their time in DBT by practicing and applying skills in real-life situations.

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

To prepare for their first DBT session, an individual can learn a little more about DBT and think about how DBT can help them with the issues they want to address.

Starting Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) in Cambridge

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 Cambridge, 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 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 Cambridge accept 28 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Aetna Medicare Advantage

  • 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

Show more
Self-pay costs at Cambridge
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

4.6 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
Karissa is knowledgeable, personable, and easy to connect with
Jillian Sep 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
The flexibility of choosing session days & times.
Edil Sep 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Thriveworks has been engaging, comforting and patient throughout this unknown process of healing. Both with sharing/receiving information and ultimately looking ahead for the next session!
Brittany Sep 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Enel is AMAZING. Everything has been great
Devin Sep 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
i didn't receive a document i was meant go
Alahna Sep 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I love Marissa! I always feel heard and understood. She is the best :)
Jane Sep 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Being able to choose the provider has been great. I feel comfortable speaking to my provider in spanish or english. My provider has been extremely helpful with my personal issue.
Jessica Sep 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I appreciate Mackie. I think she's very thorough and compassionate and knowledgeable.
Matthew Sep 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Cambridge is located off of Massachusetts Ave, on the north side of the Charles River. Our office is in the Cambridge Tower next to Apollo Travel and Tours, Tanjore, and Cambridge Premier Realty. The closest bus stop is Massachusetts Ave opp Lee St. If you have trouble finding our office or have any questions about how to get here, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Phone number

(617) 380-4651

Languages spoken by MA providers

  • Persian
  • English
  • Spanish
  • Creole
  • French
  • Japanese
  • Mandarin
  • Farsi
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
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

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
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

6 photos

Find a provider ...