Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

686,000 people sought help with Thriveworks 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

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield DC | BCBS PPO, Carelon, +16 more
Stress, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Sleep / Insomnia, Eating Disorder, +3 more

As a practitioner, Kate will bring a holistic care approach of both the body and mind, together with commitment to individual, personal and compressiv... As a practitioner, Kate will bring a holistic care approach of both the body and mind, together with commitment to individual, personal and compressive care to patients. Read more

8 more therapist available in Washington DC

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

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).

What's better: CBT or DBT?

The selection between Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) hinges on an individual's distinct requirements and the specific nature of their concerns. CBT is commonly preferred for a broad spectrum of conditions like anxiety and depression, whereas DBT stands out in aiding individuals dealing with borderline personality disorder and challenges associated with emotional regulation.

Is DBT conducted in person or online?

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) with therapists at Thriveworks in Washington, DC 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 actualnumber 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 Washington therapists and counselors accept 22 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield DC | BCBS HMO

  • CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield DC | BCBS PPO

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

  • Humana HMO/POS

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Self-pay costs at Washington
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 Washington reviews are collected through Thriveworks.com.
★★★★★
I’ve really been helped by Thriveworks. I have a wonderful counselor who has been able to arm me with resources and knowledge surrounding my mental illness so I can be more prepared against my own future thoughts or environments. I’ve been able to request a different psychiatrist when one was not entirely a correct match for me, and I always get great positive feedback and respect from my mental health care professionals. It seems like they actually want you to have a good match with someone and will help you along the way.
Read more I’ve really been helped by Thriveworks. I have a wonderful counselor who has been able to arm me with resources and knowledge surrounding my mental illness so I can be more prepared against my own future thoughts or environments. I’ve been able to request a different psychiatrist when one was not entirely a correct match for me, and I always get great positive feedback and respect from my mental health care professionals. It seems like they actually want you to have a good match with someone and will help you along the way.
DC Dec 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
As an educator of students with a variety of special needs, I can attest to Sam's pedigree as a counselor. He is a skillful communicator, a staunch advocate for his clients, and he demonstrates an uncanny ability to remain calm and knowledgeable despite every and any difficult situation. Sam has been an invaluable resource to me in understanding the underlying conditions and trauma that provoke certain behaviors in children. In short, he has made me a better teacher!
Read more As an educator of students with a variety of special needs, I can attest to Sam's pedigree as a counselor. He is a skillful communicator, a staunch advocate for his clients, and he demonstrates an uncanny ability to remain calm and knowledgeable despite every and any difficult situation. Sam has been an invaluable resource to me in understanding the underlying conditions and trauma that provoke certain behaviors in children. In short, he has made me a better teacher!
Washington, D.C. Jun 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
As the mother of a son with behavioral challenges finding an advocate to join your team is essential. Sam, my son’s therapist, came into our lives and changed our lives. We is extremely competent, caring, committed, tenacious and firm, unrelenting as an advocate and therapist for my son. He has also encouraged me and assured me of my successes. Everyone NEEDS a Sam...he’s available!
Read more As the mother of a son with behavioral challenges finding an advocate to join your team is essential. Sam, my son’s therapist, came into our lives and changed our lives. We is extremely competent, caring, committed, tenacious and firm, unrelenting as an advocate and therapist for my son. He has also encouraged me and assured me of my successes. Everyone NEEDS a Sam...he’s available!
Washington, D.C. Jun 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I've known Sam for many years and I can honestly say he truly cares. If you have Sam on your side, he'll give you the shirt off his back if you need it. He is hardworking, ethical and completely committed to his clients and their wellbeing.
Read more I've known Sam for many years and I can honestly say he truly cares. If you have Sam on your side, he'll give you the shirt off his back if you need it. He is hardworking, ethical and completely committed to his clients and their wellbeing.
Washington, D.C. Jun 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry DC is located on Wisconsin Ave near the waterfront. We currently share a building with Core Architecture and Design, Quarterlife Center, and Window Wears.

Phone number

(202) 932-7587

Languages spoken by DC providers

  • English
  • Creole
  • French
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm
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

Shown in ET

Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm
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

Shown in ET

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