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Offered in-person & online

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in Virginia Beach, VA

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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703 people sought cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) help at Virginia Beach in the last year

Discover how starting cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) 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, +5 more
Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, Women’s Issues, Addiction, +3 more

Hi there! I want you to know that you are not alone in whatever you are facing.

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS HMO, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO, +6 more
Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Infidelity, Men’s Issues, +10 more

I am passionate about aiding those in difficult situations to focus on their strengths and build on them.

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS HMO, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO, +21 more
Military / Veteran, Anger, Coping Skills, Infidelity, Men’s Issues, +10 more

I am passionate about supporting individuals in their journey towards improved mental health and well-being.

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS HMO, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO, +20 more
Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Infidelity, Men’s Issues, +14 more

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS HMO, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO, +25 more
Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, +4 more

Karion Walker

Hear from Karion Walker, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

View Karion Walker's profile

What is your go-to approach for cognitive behavioral therapy?

My go-to approach for helping people in cognitive behavioral therapy is structured and collaborative. I prefer this approach because it allows for clear goal-setting and empowers clients to actively engage in their own therapy process.

What tools do you teach in cognitive behavioral therapy?

I use:

  • Thought monitoring: Encouraging clients to track their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to identify patterns and triggers.
  • Cognitive restructuring: Helping clients challenge and reframe negative or irrational thoughts into more balanced and realistic ones.
  • Behavioral experiments: Encouraging clients to test out new behaviors or beliefs to gather evidence and challenge old assumptions.
  • Relaxation techniques: Teaching clients various relaxation methods such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or mindfulness to manage stress and anxiety.

How do you know when a client is making meaningful progress in cognitive behavioral therapy?

I know a client is making meaningful progress in cognitive behavioral therapy when they demonstrate increased self-awareness, use of coping skills in challenging situations, and a gradual reduction in symptom severity or frequency.

What can clients do in their personal time to supplement cognitive behavioral therapy?

Clients can supplement their time in cognitive behavioral therapy by practicing techniques learned in sessions, such as thought monitoring or relaxation exercises. Engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and seeking support from loved ones can also enhance the effectiveness of therapy.

What should someone do to prepare for starting cognitive behavioral therapy?

To prepare for their first cognitive behavioral therapy session, an individual can jot down any specific goals or concerns they have, reflect on past experiences with therapy or mental health treatment, and come with an open mind and willingness to actively participate in the therapeutic process.

Starting Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

What is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)?

At Thriveworks, Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a widely recognized and evidence-based form of psychotherapy or talk therapy. It focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns, emotions, and behaviors that can contribute to various mental health issues or challenges that people are struggling with.

What does a cognitive behavioral therapist do?

Cognitive behavioral therapists specialize in Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and can help you to identify and comprehend your thought patterns, which often encompass automatic negative thoughts, cognitive distortions, and self-defeating beliefs. Once these negative thought patterns are pinpointed, cognitive behavioral therapists aim to challenge and replace them with the objective of fostering more constructive and logical thinking. In addition, these therapists place significant emphasis on implementing positive behavioral changes based on the newly established, healthier thought patterns.

What is CBT best for?

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is particularly effective for addressing conditions like anxiety disorders, depression, phobias, and obsessive-compulsive disorders. It focuses on identifying and modifying negative thought patterns and behaviors, making it well-suited for issues related to distorted thinking and emotional regulation.

How much does a CBT session cost?

At Thriveworks, we accept most major insurance plans, allowing many clients to pay as little as $0–$50 per session with their co-pay. We also offer self-pay options for those out-of-network or without insurance. Self-pay rates for talk therapy range from $160 to $240 for intake sessions and $135 to $195 for follow-ups, depending on your state. For psychiatry services, self-pay intake sessions are $255–$375, with follow-ups ranging from $175–$300, also varying by state. More information on current self-pay costs is available on our pricing page.

What is the success rate of CBT?

The success rate of CBT varies depending on the intentions of the client and their condition(s).

What is better: CBT or DBT?

The selection between cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is based on an individual’s unique needs and challenges. CBT is commonly chosen for addressing conditions such as anxiety and depression, whereas DBT is especially beneficial for individuals dealing with borderline personality disorder, emotional regulation issues, and difficulties in interpersonal relationships.

Is CBT conducted in person or online?

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with our Thriveworks therapists in Virginia Beach, VA is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How many sessions is CBT?

Generally, CBT is considered a short-term therapy, typically lasting for about 12 to 20 weekly sessions. In some cases, it might extend to around 16 to 20 sessions for more complex issues.

Need more help deciding?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)—Counselors and Therapists in Virginia Beach, VA

CBT is a therapeutic method that focuses on understanding and changing thought patterns. Clinical research shows that CBT can lead to significant life changes by first altering thought processes. Clients struggling with severe mental health challenges like anxiety and depression often experience substantial symptom relief through CBT. Additionally, CBT equips people with emotional and cognitive skills they can use long after therapy ends.

Contact our office today at (757) 520-0827 and schedule your CBT appointment with a Thriveworks therapist.

How Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Works

In a typical CBT session, therapists and clients work together to address specific relational, emotional, psychological, and/or social challenges. Clients present a wide array of challenges, and therapists have utilized CBT as a treatment for:

  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder
  • Child and adolescent issues
  • Self-destructive habits
  • Relationship issues
  • Anger management
  • Self-mutilation
  • Anxiety
  • Mood swings
  • General health issues
  • Depression
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Insomnia
  • Drug and/or alcohol addiction

CBT focuses on the client’s response to specific situations rather than the situations themselves. For example, consider a client who feels intense guilt for not visiting their parents over a holiday weekend. Through CBT, the client learns to view the situation differently and let go of negative thoughts and feelings.

Recognizing and Changing Cognitive Distortions

Everyone experiences negative thoughts known as cognitive distortions, which can fuel unhelpful or destructive actions. The process of changing these negative thoughts into positive ones begins with recognizing them. Common cognitive distortions include:

  • “Black and white” thinking: Categorizing everything into extremes, such as good or evil.
  • Filtering: Denying positive realities and acknowledging only the negative.
  • Catastrophizing: Expecting the worst and seeing every setback as impending doom.
  • Overgeneralization: Applying one experience to all unrelated circumstances.
  • Personalization: Taking others’ actions as a direct reflection of oneself.
  • Blaming: Constantly looking to find fault, even when blame does not help.
  • Emotional reasoning: Equating emotions with external reality, such as feeling guilty and assuming wrongdoing.

Setting Up an Appointment for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) at Thriveworks Virginia Beach

Thriveworks Virginia Beach offers appointments for CBT, and our therapists are here to help. When you call to schedule an appointment, a scheduling specialist will assist you. New clients often have their first session within 24 hours of calling. We offer weekend and evening appointments, do not keep a waitlist, and accept most insurance plans.

If you are ready to make a change, contact Thriveworks Virginia Beach today at (757) 520-0827. Let us help you transform your thoughts and your life.

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 Virginia Beach 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

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Self-pay costs at Virginia Beach
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

4.8 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
It was straight forward and easy to apply. With insurance it almost costs nothing and the counseling has helped a lot.
Taylor Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Abel is an excellent therapist. He has helped me change my life!
Michael Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
After, initial visit, I think I found Karen Todaro to be thoughtful and helpful
Lori Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I enjoy my time during my appointments and wish I would have done it sooner honestly.
Jason Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My provider, James Martin, is a mental health professional of the highest caliber. I've seen several mental health providers throughout the past 20 years and not a single one can hold a candle to his technical expertise and compassion.
Alexander Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Flexibility in scheduling. Pressure-free conversational atmosphere.
Dan Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Nicole has been a game changer for my mental health. I switched to try her after leaving another provider who left me feeling defeated and hopeless about my situation. Nicole has navigated me out and through that situation, and continues to help me heal things. I am so thankful and grateful and excited for what's to continue to come with working with her.
Read more Nicole has been a game changer for my mental health. I switched to try her after leaving another provider who left me feeling defeated and hopeless about my situation. Nicole has navigated me out and through that situation, and continues to help me heal things. I am so thankful and grateful and excited for what's to continue to come with working with her.
Melissa Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Abel is the best . He Has helped me delve deeper into who I am and how to get where I think I need to be:-)
Albert Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Virginia Beach is located off of S Independence Blvd, in a shopping center right by Lake Trashmore. As you enter this shopping center, you’ll pass Making a Difference Foundation, Inc. on your right. We currently share a building with Interm Healthcare of Virginia Beach, VA, and Bug-Masters.

Phone number

(757) 520-0827

Languages spoken by VA providers

  • English
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
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

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Tuesday 8:00am - 9:30pm
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

Shown in ET

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