Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

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

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia Medicare Advantage, +22 more
Anger, Coping Skills, Addiction, Anxiety, Depression

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS, Cigna | Evernorth, +3 more
Stress, Life Transition, Anxiety, Grief / Loss, Depression

As a woman of color I seek to provide a space where all are welcome to be themselves regardless of color or gender identity.

130 more therapists available in Virginia

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

Anthony Vecchio

Hear from Anthony Vecchio, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

View Anthony Vecchio's profile

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

My go-to approach for helping people in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a structured and collaborative process that focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. I prefer this approach because it is highly effective in treating a wide range of mental health concerns and empowers individuals to develop practical skills for managing their emotions and behaviors.I find the best benefit in the structured nature of CBT, which provides a clear framework for therapy sessions and goal setting. By collaboratively setting specific and achievable goals with my clients, we can track progress over time and make adjustments as needed. Additionally, CBT emphasizes the importance of homework assignments and skill practice between sessions, which allows clients to apply what they've learned in real-life situations and reinforces positive changes.In CBT, I also prioritize the development of a strong therapeutic alliance built on trust, empathy, and collaboration. I believe that a supportive and nonjudgmental therapeutic relationship is essential for clients to feel comfortable exploring difficult thoughts and emotions and implementing changes in their lives.By combining these elements within a CBT framework, I aim to empower my clients to break free from negative thought patterns, develop healthier coping strategies, and achieve their goals for improved mental health and well-being.

What tools do you teach in cognitive behavioral therapy?

I teach the following tools in cognitive behavioral therapy:

  • Thought monitoring: Helping clients identify and track their automatic thoughts, which are often negative or distorted, and recognize the impact these thoughts have on their emotions and behaviors. Thought monitoring helps clients develop awareness of their thinking patterns and begin to challenge irrational beliefs.
  • Cognitive restructuring: Guiding clients through the process of challenging and reframing unhelpful or irrational thoughts. This involves examining evidence for and against negative beliefs, generating alternative interpretations, and adopting more balanced and realistic perspectives.
  • Behavioral activation: Encouraging clients to engage in enjoyable and meaningful activities as a way to counteract depressive or anxious symptoms and increase positive reinforcement. Behavioral activation helps clients overcome avoidance behaviors and regain a sense of pleasure and accomplishment in their lives.
  • Exposure and response prevention (ERP): Gradually exposing clients to feared situations or stimuli in a controlled and systematic manner, while teaching them coping strategies to manage anxiety or distress. ERP is particularly effective in treating phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and other anxiety disorders.
  • Problem-solving skills: Teaching clients practical problem-solving techniques to address life stressors and challenges more effectively. Problem-solving skills empower clients to break problems down into manageable steps, generate potential solutions, and evaluate their effectiveness.
  • Relaxation techniques: Introducing clients to relaxation exercises such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery to reduce physiological arousal and promote a sense of calmness and relaxation. Relaxation techniques can help clients manage stress and anxiety more effectively.
  • Social skills training: Providing guidance on effective communication, assertiveness, and interpersonal skills to improve relationships and social support networks. Social skills training helps clients develop healthier and more satisfying connections with others.
By teaching these tools and techniques in cognitive behavioral therapy, I empower clients to develop the skills and strategies they need to overcome challenges, manage their emotions, and achieve their therapeutic goals.

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 I observe the following indicators:

  • Increased awareness: The client demonstrates a greater awareness of their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, as well as the connections between them. They may articulate their cognitive distortions more readily and recognize patterns of thinking that contribute to distress.
  • Use of coping skills: The client actively applies the coping skills and techniques learned in therapy to manage challenging situations and regulate their emotions. They may report using cognitive restructuring to challenge negative thoughts or behavioral activation to engage in activities they previously avoided.
  • Behavioral changes: The client exhibits changes in their behaviors and habits that reflect progress towards their therapy goals. This may include increased participation in enjoyable activities, improved social interactions, or decreased engagement in maladaptive coping strategies.
  • Reduction in symptoms: The client experiences a reduction in the severity and frequency of their symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, or obsessive-compulsive behaviors. They may report feeling less overwhelmed by their emotions and more in control of their reactions.
  • Improvement in functioning: The client demonstrates improvements in their daily functioning and quality of life, such as better performance at work or school, improved relationships, and increased engagement in meaningful activities. They may express a greater sense of satisfaction and fulfillment in their lives.
  • Feedback and collaboration: The client provides positive feedback on their therapy experience and expresses satisfaction with their progress. They may actively participate in therapy sessions, collaborate with their therapist on treatment goals, and demonstrate a willingness to explore new strategies and perspectives.
By monitoring these signs of progress and engaging in ongoing assessment and feedback with the client, I can evaluate the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy and make any necessary adjustments to support continued growth and recovery.

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

Clients can supplement their time in cognitive behavioral therapy with the following activities:

  • Daily thought records: Keeping a daily thought record to track and challenge automatic negative thoughts. Clients can jot down situations that trigger distressing thoughts, identify the associated emotions and automatic thoughts, and work through them using cognitive restructuring techniques learned in therapy.
  • Behavioral experiments: Conducting behavioral experiments to test the validity of negative beliefs or predictions. Clients can design experiments to challenge their fears or assumptions, gather evidence for more balanced perspectives, and evaluate the outcomes to refine their understanding and coping strategies.
  • Homework assignments: Completing assigned homework exercises or activities provided by their therapist. This may include practicing relaxation techniques, engaging in exposure exercises, or implementing coping skills in real-life situations. Consistent practice outside of therapy sessions reinforces learning and promotes skill mastery.
  • Self-monitoring: Monitoring their mood, thoughts, and behaviors using self-monitoring tools such as mood trackers or behavioral logs. Clients can track changes over time, identify patterns and triggers, and share observations with their therapist to inform treatment planning and progress evaluation.
  • Mindfulness practices: Incorporating mindfulness meditation or mindfulness-based exercises into their daily routine. Mindfulness practices promote present-moment awareness, acceptance of difficult emotions, and nonjudgmental observation of thoughts and sensations, which can complement the cognitive restructuring techniques used in CBT.
  • Social support: Seeking support from friends, family members, or support groups who can provide encouragement, validation, and accountability. Connecting with others who understand and support their therapeutic goals can enhance motivation and resilience in the face of challenges.
  • Educational resources: Reading books, articles, or workbooks related to cognitive behavioral therapy and mental health. Clients can gain additional insight, learn new techniques, and deepen their understanding of CBT principles to support their progress in therapy.
Encouraging clients to engage in these supplemental activities outside of therapy sessions can enhance the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy and promote lasting positive change.

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

To prepare for their first cognitive behavioral therapy session, an individual can take the following steps:

  • Reflect on their goals: Spend some time reflecting on what they hope to achieve through therapy. Consider the specific issues or symptoms they want to address, as well as their long-term goals for improved mental health and well-being. Clarifying their goals can help guide the direction of therapy and ensure that they get the most out of their sessions.
  • Identify specific concerns: Identify any specific concerns or challenges they want to discuss with their therapist. This may include particular thoughts, emotions, behaviors, or situations that are causing distress or difficulty. Being prepared to discuss these concerns can help facilitate a productive and focused discussion during the session.
  • Compile relevant information: Gather any relevant information or documentation that may be helpful for their therapist to know, such as previous therapy records, medical history, or medication lists. Providing this information can provide valuable context for the therapist and inform their treatment approach.
  • Prepare questions: Write down any questions or concerns they have about cognitive behavioral therapy or the therapeutic process. This can help alleviate any anxiety or uncertainty about the first session and ensure that they have a clear understanding of what to expect.
  • Establish logistics: Familiarize themselves with the logistics of therapy, including session scheduling, payment arrangements, and confidentiality policies. Clarify any questions or concerns with their therapist prior to the first session to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience.
By taking these proactive steps, an individual can feel more prepared and empowered as they embark on their journey in cognitive behavioral therapy.

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 take most major forms of insurance, meaning many of our clients only pay a small $0-$50 co-pay. However, we have self-pay options, too. For those out-of-network, our therapy and psychiatry services are around $200, depending on the service and location.

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\'s 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?

When you think about your life right now, what is one challenge or hardship you would like to overcome? Maybe you want a new job or a big promotion. Maybe you want a healthier relationship with your child. Maybe you want to feel less anxious. Now, think for a moment about what is holding you back from making the changes necessary to achieve that goal? Most of us, when we are truly honest with ourselves, have to admit that we are holding ourselves back to some degree or another. Negative thoughts like, “nothing ever changes” or “I could never do that” can undermine our best efforts. We may have little to no control over other people and certain circumstances, but we have significant control over our own thoughts and perspectives. Many people are learning how to change these negative thoughts into true, positive thinking, and in the process, they are changing their lives. They are looking to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to teach them how.

“A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events, and outcomes. It is a catalyst and it sparks extraordinary results.” —Wade Boggs

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a therapeutic method that focuses upon what people are thinking. Clinical research shows that people who go through CBT are often able to sustain significant life changes because they have first changed themselves. Even clients struggling with severe mental health challenges like anxiety and depression experienced substantial symptom relief. Further, CBT often equips people with emotional and cognitive skills they can use for many years after therapy ends.

Thriveworks Virginia Beach provides cognitive behavioral therapy because we have seen the positive change that it can bring to clients. Often, the hardest part of change is looking inward, and our therapists and counselors are ready to offer the support many people need as they seek to change their lives by changing themselves.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

In a typical CBT session, therapists and clients work together, processing a specific relational, emotional, psychological, and/or social challenge the client may be facing. Clients often present a wide array of challenges. 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’s main focus is upon the client’s response to the particular situation they present, not the challenge itself. For example, consider Patrick. He is struggling to connect with his parents who live in a different city. They asked Patrick to visit over Labor Day weekend, but Patrick said no. He preferred to stay home with his girlfriend. Now, Patrick is dealing with intense guilt. He feels like a terrible son. At his weekly session, he and his therapist begin to process this event and his thoughts about it. Patrick begins to see that this one decision does not define him. Patrick plans to visit his parents at Thanksgiving, and he keeps up with his parents in other ways. Seeing this situation from a different angle has allowed Patrick to let go of his negative thoughts and feelings.

Cognitive Distortions

In some way, everyone experiences the negative thoughts that Patrick faced. These are called cognitive distortions, and they often fuel unhelpful or even destructive actions within an individual’s life. People can change these negative thoughts into positive ones. That process often begins by recognizing them. Examples of common cognitive distortions follow:

  • “Black and white” or polarized thinking occurs when people put everything into one of two distinct categories: good-or-evil, awful-or-awesome, amazing-or-terrible. There is no in-between, shade, or grey.
  • Filtering occurs when people minimize or deny positive, beneficial, and good realities. The only data that they acknowledge is the negative, bad, and/or adverse.
  • Catastrophizing occurs when people expect the worst. Every setback is a sign of impending doom, even when the reality points to a favorable outcome.
  • Overgeneralization occurs when people take one experience and extrapolate a lesson from it that they apply universally to unconnected circumstances.
  • Personalization occurs when people take another’s actions as a direct reflection of themselves. For example, when a friend does not immediately answer a text message, it does not mean that she is ignoring you. It may mean that she is busy with something else.
  • Blaming occurs when people constantly look to find fault. However, at times, no one is to blame. At other times, blame does not help.
  • Emotional reasoning occurs when people equate their own emotions with an external reality. When people feel guilty, they may assume that they have done something wrong. Maybe they have, but maybe they have not. The feeling and the situation are two distinct realities.

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

Think back to that change you would like to make in your life. Are you ready to go for it? Would you like help in the process? Thriveworks Virginia Beach has appointments for CBT, and our therapists are ready to help.

When you call Thriveworks Virginia Beach to schedule an appointment, a scheduling specialist will answer your call and schedule your session. New clients frequently have that first appointment within 24 hours of their call. Weekend and evening appointments are available. We do not keep a waitlist, but most insurance plans are accepted.

If you are ready to make a change, we are ready to help. Contact Thriveworks Virginia Beach today.

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 25 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia Medicare Advantage

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

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

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

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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

4.7 Thriveworks Virginia Beach reviews are collected through Thriveworks.com.
★★★★★
I have been seeing Sharyn Ingrum for a couple months now, she is very kind and welcoming and has helped me so much. I have seen great improvement in myself since seeing her. 10/10 recommend her, she makes therapy engaging and you can feel that she truly cares about her patients.
Read more I have been seeing Sharyn Ingrum for a couple months now, she is very kind and welcoming and has helped me so much. I have seen great improvement in myself since seeing her. 10/10 recommend her, she makes therapy engaging and you can feel that she truly cares about her patients.
Virginia Beach Dec 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I’ve known John McAnulty for a few years, and I have to say he’s the most compassionate counselor I’ve encountered so far! He helped my husband and I through a very rough time and I’m eternally grateful. His skills and empathy for his clients is evident!
Read more I’ve known John McAnulty for a few years, and I have to say he’s the most compassionate counselor I’ve encountered so far! He helped my husband and I through a very rough time and I’m eternally grateful. His skills and empathy for his clients is evident!
Virginia Beach Oct 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I would definitely recommend Thriveworks. Rarely can you reach for a counselor online and be able to take practical and progressive steps to work toward personal goals, growth and healing. John McAnulty Is a consummate professional, lending compassionate attention and assistance to clients as they navigate the path to well-being. I could not be more appreciative of his service.
Read more I would definitely recommend Thriveworks. Rarely can you reach for a counselor online and be able to take practical and progressive steps to work toward personal goals, growth and healing. John McAnulty Is a consummate professional, lending compassionate attention and assistance to clients as they navigate the path to well-being. I could not be more appreciative of his service.
Virginia Beach Sep 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Nikol is top tier when it comes to professional counselors. She has the ability to connect with individuals while providing sound therapy. I have interacted with Nikol personally and professionally, and would most definitely trust my loved ones and friends in her care.
Read more Nikol is top tier when it comes to professional counselors. She has the ability to connect with individuals while providing sound therapy. I have interacted with Nikol personally and professionally, and would most definitely trust my loved ones and friends in her care.
Virginia Beach Jun 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Don is an incredible human being who is right where he needs to be helping people regain balance in their lives. I lost mine. My husband lost his. We lost our marital balance. Don helped us face hard truths and taught us how to acknowledge our negative communications and replace it with the knowledge of how to break the cycle. We learned how to healthfully detach, accept & grow. We are forever thankful to Don for his guidance.
Read more Don is an incredible human being who is right where he needs to be helping people regain balance in their lives. I lost mine. My husband lost his. We lost our marital balance. Don helped us face hard truths and taught us how to acknowledge our negative communications and replace it with the knowledge of how to break the cycle. We learned how to healthfully detach, accept & grow. We are forever thankful to Don for his guidance.
Virginia Beach Sep 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Great session,fair priced and mr. Costigan is very friendly and knowledgable. Great help
Virginia Beach May 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
This is a review for Mandy Donnelly at the Virginia Beach location. I worked with Mandy for more than one year in community mental health and she is the real deal. Mandy was able to build strong relationships with her clients and had a great impact with with children, adolescents, and adults. Mandy is also highly ethical and respectful. I would strongly recommend Mandy and would take my own children to her.
Read more This is a review for Mandy Donnelly at the Virginia Beach location. I worked with Mandy for more than one year in community mental health and she is the real deal. Mandy was able to build strong relationships with her clients and had a great impact with with children, adolescents, and adults. Mandy is also highly ethical and respectful. I would strongly recommend Mandy and would take my own children to her.
Virginia Beach Apr 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I started seeing Don in Feb. of this year. I have several behaviors I am currently dealing with. Don is compassionate, knowledgeable, sympathetic and easy to talk to. He is like a friend and has helped me with so many things I'm currently dealing with.
Read more I started seeing Don in Feb. of this year. I have several behaviors I am currently dealing with. Don is compassionate, knowledgeable, sympathetic and easy to talk to. He is like a friend and has helped me with so many things I'm currently dealing with.
Virginia Beach Sep 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com

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

Shown in ET

Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
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

Shown in ET

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