686,000 people sought help with Thriveworks 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.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Cigna | Evernorth, Compsych, +12 more
Military / Veteran, Domestic Abuse, LGBTQIA+, Stress, Autism, +8 more

As someone with a history of anxiety and isolating behaviors, I understand the importance of reaching out to others for help during challenging times.

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Connecticut | BCBS, Cigna | Evernorth, +16 more
Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Men’s Issues, Self Esteem, +8 more

Having experienced traumatic life changes, I’ve come to understand that within every crisis lies an opportunity to discover your strengths and creat... Having experienced traumatic life changes, I’ve come to understand that within every crisis lies an opportunity to discover your strengths and create a meaningful and fulfilling life. Read more

16 more therapists available in Connecticut

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

Cristina Perera

Hear from Cristina Perera, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT)

View Cristina Perera's profile

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

I believe in an eclectic approach, seeing everyone as their own person. DBT groups can be very effective for clients who have experienced success with DBT. The approach uses specific strategies like mindfulness, emotional regulation, and distress tolerance, to name a few.

What tools do you teach in dialectical behavior therapy?

Self-validation is a very helpful tool for those struggling with self-esteem issues or relying on others to feel validated.

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

Noticeable improvement in one's emotional tolerance naturally shows growth.

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

The DBT workbook has been reported to be very helpful for supplementing DBT outside of sessions.

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

Clients can research DBT and related techniques to be prepared going into the first session.

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 New Haven, CT 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 New Haven therapists and counselors accept 23 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Connecticut | BCBS

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Connecticut Medicare Advantage

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • Connecticare

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

  • Humana HMO/POS

Show more
Self-pay costs at New Haven
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 Thriveworks New Haven reviews are collected through Thriveworks.com.
★★★★★
I started seeing Cristina after I suffered a tremendous loss. She has been a light in my healing journey and I feel so lucky to have connected with her. I cannot recommend her enough and know that anyone who has the fortune of receiving her care is in great hands!!
Read more I started seeing Cristina after I suffered a tremendous loss. She has been a light in my healing journey and I feel so lucky to have connected with her. I cannot recommend her enough and know that anyone who has the fortune of receiving her care is in great hands!!
New Haven Apr 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Cristina Perera is helping me in many ways to get out of my fears and insecurities in my life! I really will live appreciating her as a great therapist!!!
Read more Cristina Perera is helping me in many ways to get out of my fears and insecurities in my life! I really will live appreciating her as a great therapist!!!
New Haven Mar 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Christina is one amazing counsler. She has helped tremendously with my marriage and business relationships.
Read more Christina is one amazing counsler. She has helped tremendously with my marriage and business relationships.
New Haven Mar 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Overall, my experience with Thriveworks has been fantastic. My wife and both sought counseling after having some tough times, and Thriveworks quickly connected us with therapists that have had a positive impact on our lives. The continuing support has been invaluable. Getting insurance and payment info processed is also smooth and efficient. I would definitely recommend the service to anyone looking for help.
Read more Overall, my experience with Thriveworks has been fantastic. My wife and both sought counseling after having some tough times, and Thriveworks quickly connected us with therapists that have had a positive impact on our lives. The continuing support has been invaluable. Getting insurance and payment info processed is also smooth and efficient. I would definitely recommend the service to anyone looking for help.
New Haven Feb 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
My husband and I have been attending marriage counseling for a few months now and Christina has been great. She is so down to earth and really tries to understand us as a couple and individuals. Her style is unique and very hard to find.
Read more My husband and I have been attending marriage counseling for a few months now and Christina has been great. She is so down to earth and really tries to understand us as a couple and individuals. Her style is unique and very hard to find.
New Haven Feb 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I’ve been in and out of therapy most of my life. I’ve worked with many different providers in people and doctors, and I have to say that I have found my match. Finally, after all these years, wonderful can’t say enough good things will continue to use the service for many years to come, or at least until I figure out all my own stuff.
Read more I’ve been in and out of therapy most of my life. I’ve worked with many different providers in people and doctors, and I have to say that I have found my match. Finally, after all these years, wonderful can’t say enough good things will continue to use the service for many years to come, or at least until I figure out all my own stuff.
New Haven Feb 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Christina has been a blessing. She has a way of listening that helps you come to an understanding of the current situation on your own and doesn't push anything on you.
Read more Christina has been a blessing. She has a way of listening that helps you come to an understanding of the current situation on your own and doesn't push anything on you.
New Haven Feb 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Carolnette Graham is a friend and a confidant and also one of the therapist at Thrive Counseling New Haven. She is a great listener, thoughtful, empathic, kind hearted, compassionate, sweet and warm. She gives some of the best advice. A2qfter a talk with her you will see immediate improvement in your situation because of how she takes her time to let you talk and then help you to figure out how you feel about the situation and what leads to you feeling that way. She is also friendly and full of energy. She is indeed a nice and helpful individual.
Read more Carolnette Graham is a friend and a confidant and also one of the therapist at Thrive Counseling New Haven. She is a great listener, thoughtful, empathic, kind hearted, compassionate, sweet and warm. She gives some of the best advice. A2qfter a talk with her you will see immediate improvement in your situation because of how she takes her time to let you talk and then help you to figure out how you feel about the situation and what leads to you feeling that way. She is also friendly and full of energy. She is indeed a nice and helpful individual.
New Haven Dec 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry New Haven is located off of Sherman Ave, just east of Monitor Square and west of the Hospital of St Raphael. We're inside the Sherman Medical Building, along with Renal Research Institute New Haven Home Dialysis and Quest Diagnostics. The closest bus stop is George St and Sherman Ave. 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

(203) 633-8772

Languages spoken by CT providers

  • Russian
  • English
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
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

Shown in ET

Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

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