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Offered in-person & online

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

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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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

Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS, Cigna | Evernorth, +4 more
Narcissism, Anger, Behavioral Issues, Self Esteem, Stress, +16 more

As a trained physician, experienced oriental medicine practitioner, and PhD medical researcher, I believe in a holistic approach to physical, mental, ... As a trained physician, experienced oriental medicine practitioner, and PhD medical researcher, I believe in a holistic approach to physical, mental, and spiritual health. Read more

Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS, Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card), +24 more
Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Infidelity, Men’s Issues, +18 more

I love helping individuals become the greatest versions of themselves.

98 more therapists available in Massachusetts

Give us a call to schedule your next appointment, or browse through our full list of available providers.

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)

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

Our Cambridge 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

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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
★★★★★
The therapist asked thoughtful questions and her responses were thoughtful and professional. It showed her understanding of mental health issues
Sharon Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
She listened to me. The first time we met she asked me all sorts of questions and then sat back and let me talk. She was THE FIRST to really listen and diagnose me. Once I had the diagnosis, my best friend and I said finally. I'm now on medication and feel like I'm functioning fully for the first time in years.
Read more She listened to me. The first time we met she asked me all sorts of questions and then sat back and let me talk. She was THE FIRST to really listen and diagnose me. Once I had the diagnosis, my best friend and I said finally. I'm now on medication and feel like I'm functioning fully for the first time in years.
Nicole Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Very good attention to detail and caring about my life. I really appreciate everything.
Pierre Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I love my provider (Karissa Peoples). She is very thoughtful, professional and understanding. She has done wonders for my mental health and inner peace. 10/10
Joseph Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My provider has given me tools to work through my challenges.
Alicia Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Marissa does great work, especially given that our appointments are just 30 minutes
Benjamin Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
The patient can talk to his/her doctor using Zoom. It saves time and traveling.
Joseph Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
The honesty of my therapist and how I am always excepted with them.
Robert Apr 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

  • English
  • Spanish
  • Creole
  • French
  • Japanese
  • Mandarin
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
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

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
Friday 8:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

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