3,571 people sought dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) help in Virginia in the last year

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

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Good news! We have 97 therapists in Virginia available for an online or in-person session.
Wendy Couch

Hear from Wendy Couch, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

View Wendy Couch's profile

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

My go-to approach for helping people in dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is to integrate skills and build on them in a logical and sequential manner. There are four pillars of DBT: emotional regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness. These four areas build on each other, and I find the best benefit in working on layering these skills to help people build toward the life they want to live.

What tools do you teach in dialectical behavior therapy?

I teach the following tools in dialectical behavior therapy:

  • Emotional regulation: This area addresses our understanding of our emotions and our ability to label, identify, and manage them during times of high stress
  • Distress tolerance: This area addresses how we learn to tolerate and cope with difficult situations that we can't change
  • Mindfulness: This area teaches mindfulness as a skill to remain aware, present, and non-judgemental of our experiences
  • Interpersonal effectiveness: This area teaches effective and assertive communication skills

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 report that they are able to achieve emotional regulation in spite of stressors, assert their needs, and continue to work toward their goals.

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

Clients can supplement their time in dialectical behavior therapy with different types of homework including diary cards (to ensure that they are using their skills on a daily to weekly basis) and other types of bibliotherapy to reinforce skills addressed in sessions.

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

To prepare for their first dialectical behavior therapy session, an individual can come ready and willing to work on practical skills to effect positive changes in their life!

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 Henrico, 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 Henrico therapists and counselors accept 27 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

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

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Self-pay costs at Henrico
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
★★★★★
Trish is VERY good at listening and responding with the right questions to get to your issue and literally talk it out. Therapists in the past seemed to have canned suggestions not relating to my specific issues.
Read more Trish is VERY good at listening and responding with the right questions to get to your issue and literally talk it out. Therapists in the past seemed to have canned suggestions not relating to my specific issues.
Joe Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Jennifer is a very caring therapist. She listens attentively and asks leading questions. This helps you work out the answer yourself.
Read more Jennifer is a very caring therapist. She listens attentively and asks leading questions. This helps you work out the answer yourself.
Sharon Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I've worked with Domonique and I've seen the care and concern she provides her clients. She is invested in their wellbeing and offers clinically sound services. She is supportive, down to earth, but is also willing to tackle the tough issues, and by doing so, increases clients' growth and sets clients up for long-term success. She supported me in handling various major life changing situations.
Read more I've worked with Domonique and I've seen the care and concern she provides her clients. She is invested in their wellbeing and offers clinically sound services. She is supportive, down to earth, but is also willing to tackle the tough issues, and by doing so, increases clients' growth and sets clients up for long-term success. She supported me in handling various major life changing situations.
Short Pump Dec 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I was drinking just to cope with my depression 9 months ago. I thought it was the drinking that caused me to be depressed and miserable. I was so in denial I didn’t see how depressed and sad I really was. I had no hope. Mary put everything in perspective for me and helped challenge me to change. She gave me a little tough love and guidance that I needed. With the help of Mary’s help, coping skills, -and medication, I feel like a new woman! Thanks Mary for all your help! You rock! ❤️
Read more I was drinking just to cope with my depression 9 months ago. I thought it was the drinking that caused me to be depressed and miserable. I was so in denial I didn’t see how depressed and sad I really was. I had no hope. Mary put everything in perspective for me and helped challenge me to change. She gave me a little tough love and guidance that I needed. With the help of Mary’s help, coping skills, -and medication, I feel like a new woman! Thanks Mary for all your help! You rock! ❤️
Short Pump Sep 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I have used Roberta as a consultant for three years. Her consultations about therapeutic and ethical situations have been both professional and wise. I am a hospital chaplain at a busy hospital and for our most challenging cases, I turn to Roberta. She is responsive and empathetic. I highly recommend Roberta as both a therapist and consultant.
Read more I have used Roberta as a consultant for three years. Her consultations about therapeutic and ethical situations have been both professional and wise. I am a hospital chaplain at a busy hospital and for our most challenging cases, I turn to Roberta. She is responsive and empathetic. I highly recommend Roberta as both a therapist and consultant.
Short Pump Jul 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Mary and I have worked together for the last two years. She has been instrumental in assisting me to reach my goal of being a Licensed Professional Counselor. Her clinical perspective, knowledge, and understanding of counseling principles has made an positive impact on how I approach my clients. Mary offers an abundance of education and clinical expertise that she easily shares with others. Mary demonstrates empathy, clinical knowledge, has a sense of humor, and realistic view of client needs. She has the ability to tap into the client's world which enhances their therapeutic experience.
Read more Mary and I have worked together for the last two years. She has been instrumental in assisting me to reach my goal of being a Licensed Professional Counselor. Her clinical perspective, knowledge, and understanding of counseling principles has made an positive impact on how I approach my clients. Mary offers an abundance of education and clinical expertise that she easily shares with others. Mary demonstrates empathy, clinical knowledge, has a sense of humor, and realistic view of client needs. She has the ability to tap into the client's world which enhances their therapeutic experience.
Short Pump Oct 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I've worked with Caitlin Devey, and I've seen the care and concern she provides her clients. She is invested in their wellbeing and offers clinically sound services. Caitlin is supportive, down to earth, but is also willing to tackle the tough issues, and by doing so, increases clients' growth and sets clients up for long-term success.
Read more I've worked with Caitlin Devey, and I've seen the care and concern she provides her clients. She is invested in their wellbeing and offers clinically sound services. Caitlin is supportive, down to earth, but is also willing to tackle the tough issues, and by doing so, increases clients' growth and sets clients up for long-term success.
Short Pump Jun 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Mrs. Lowenstein is one of my favorite people and one of the best supervisors I've ever had the pleasure of working with. Her commitment to my success as an MSW is nothing short of miraculous. She has advocated for me to get supervision from the Board of Social Work and has been next to me every step of my journey. Rebekah continues to go above and beyond for me and I have not doubt that she will do this for her clients as well. She is patient, funny, personable, competent, and one of the smartest women I know.
Read more Mrs. Lowenstein is one of my favorite people and one of the best supervisors I've ever had the pleasure of working with. Her commitment to my success as an MSW is nothing short of miraculous. She has advocated for me to get supervision from the Board of Social Work and has been next to me every step of my journey. Rebekah continues to go above and beyond for me and I have not doubt that she will do this for her clients as well. She is patient, funny, personable, competent, and one of the smartest women I know.
Short Pump Dec 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

We share a building with Tranquility Yoni Steam. Across the street is Divine World Changers International Ministries. We are near the intersection of Gayton Road and Cambridge Drive.

Phone number

(804) 265-4857

Languages spoken by VA providers

  • English
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

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Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm

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