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

3,571 people sought dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) help in Virginia 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, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS HMO, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO, +6 more
Anger, Coping Skills, ADHD, OCD / Obsessive-Compulsive, Sleep / Insomnia, +6 more

I will work to develop a space that allows clients to feel safe and secure to achieve their therapeutic goals.

Johanna Hunt

Hear from Johanna Hunt, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

View Johanna Hunt's profile

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

My go-to approach with DBT is to use lots of worksheets and handouts. I find the best benefit in using visual aids to teach the core skills of DBT because this allows clients to have a reference to practice what we learn outside of sessions. We also discuss a ton of hypothetical examples to ensure a comprehensive understanding as we go along.

What tools do you teach in dialectical behavior therapy?

I teach:

  • Mindfulness: Learning to be more aware of thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations in the present moment.
  • Distress tolerance: Learning skills to get through difficult moments and experiences, which builds resilience in the long term.
  • Emotional regulation: Understanding your emotions, what’s influencing them, and how to cope with them.
  • Interpersonal skills: Increasing your confidence to communicate and meaningfully connect with others.

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 share awareness of their emotions and the impact they have on thoughts, behaviors, and interactions with others. When clients can then use this emotional awareness to choose and practice an appropriate DBT skill, we’re getting somewhere!

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

Clients can supplement their time in dialectical behavior therapy by reviewing handouts and worksheets. Practice is very important in DBT! Often we use a DBT diary card, which is a very handy tool to track emotions and skills practiced between sessions.

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

To prepare for their first dialectical behavior therapy session, an individual can reflect on areas in their life where they feel they are getting “stuck” (for example in relationships, at work, etc.) and how they envision those areas changing for the better. It is also helpful to know that making progress with DBT takes time and effort, but with commitment to the process comes increased self-awareness, knowledge, and a sense of agency in daily 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 Richmond, 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 Richmond therapists and counselors accept 24 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

  • CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS HMO

  • CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO

  • Carelon

  • Carelon | Medicare Advantage

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

Show more
Self-pay costs at Richmond
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

4.9 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
Jaclyn creates a safe space for you to let your guard down. She goes at your pace. She challenges you in love. She asks what you need, and it's up to you to communicate that need. She makes herself available. And, you never feel like a bother.
Nichole Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Great Person to talk to.
Joseph Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I have recommended Thriveworks to co-workers and friends that are going thru tough times. #1 reason is Johanna Hunt. Johanna is professional, attentive and sympathetic. Johanna helped me get out of a dark place and back on track to living a happy more healthy life. Johanna is the best :)
Read more I have recommended Thriveworks to co-workers and friends that are going thru tough times. #1 reason is Johanna Hunt. Johanna is professional, attentive and sympathetic. Johanna helped me get out of a dark place and back on track to living a happy more healthy life. Johanna is the best :)
Matt Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
In person sessions are valuable. The office environment and happy lobby space make a big difference in the experience. Our therapist has amazing recall and memory. She can often link past statements to current situations. She does have an expansive view of the big picture. She also helps prepare us for what is happening, what may be happening and how best to be prepared. This has been a frightening experience and having our Thriveworks therapist in our toolbox helps us navigate these unknown waters. It helps us move forward knowing she is on our team.
Read more In person sessions are valuable. The office environment and happy lobby space make a big difference in the experience. Our therapist has amazing recall and memory. She can often link past statements to current situations. She does have an expansive view of the big picture. She also helps prepare us for what is happening, what may be happening and how best to be prepared. This has been a frightening experience and having our Thriveworks therapist in our toolbox helps us navigate these unknown waters. It helps us move forward knowing she is on our team.
Brian Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Ease of discussion and good ideas
Robert Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★
CJ is present, thoughtful, and engaged in the process. One of the best therapists I've had.
Timothy Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Fantastic provider! Highly recommend.
Megan Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My therapist's listening skills are paramount in helping me navigate my issues. She readily ties my historical issues to show impact, improvement. She's helps me greatly.
Elizabeth Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Richmond is located in the neighborhood of Newtowne West on W Broad St. We share a building with Silk Hair Studio and Milano Market. We’re also right next to Grace Park and only a few blocks away from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU).

Phone number

(804) 312-3118

Languages spoken by VA providers

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

Shown in ET

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
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

5 photos