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Offered in-person & online

Our therapists offer DBT / dialectical behavior therapy 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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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, +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, +25 more
Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, +4 more

181 more therapists available in Virginia

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

James R Martin

Hear from James R Martin, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

View James R Martin's profile

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

I prefer utilizing dialectical behavior therapy because it addresses a wide range of mental health concerns by teaching practical skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness. I find there is a benefit to utilizing other therapies (CBT, REBT, ACT) in conjunction with DBT to better serve clients.

What tools do you teach in dialectical behavior therapy?

The DBT skills that I teach and work to implement in sessions include the following:

  • Mindfulness
  • Distress tolerance skills
  • Emotional regulation skills
  • Interpersonal effectiveness
  • Middle path skills (finding balance and acceptance)

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

I know a client is making meaningful progress in DBT therapy when they demonstrate an improved ability to identify, label, and manage their emotions, as well as improvement in interpersonal relationships, with healthier boundaries and improved conflict resolution skills. The client will show improvements in regulating emotions and have improved impulse control. When implementing meditation, there will be enhanced feelings of being present in the here and now. With improvements in impulse control, awareness of feelings and emotions, and communication, the frequency of self-harm tends to decrease as well.

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

Clients can implement a regular exercise routine, develop and practice mindfulness meditation, implement boundaries, and practice regular self-care.

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

I would recommend that clients educate themselves on the basic tenets of DBT therapy. Work to clarify goals and set realistic expectations. I would also recommend complete honesty and transparency with your therapist to build trust and rapport.

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 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 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 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

Shown in ET

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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