686,000 people sought help with Thriveworks in the last year

Discover how starting therapy with a dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

Good news! We have 8 therapists in Washington DC available for an online or in-person session.

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 , 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 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 therapists and counselors accept 25 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield DC | BCBS HMO

  • CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield DC | BCBS PPO

  • Carelon

  • Carelon DC | Medicare Advantage

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

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Self-pay costs at
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

4.5 Thriveworks 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
★★★★★
I really love our counselor. She has been very helpful in addressing our marital concerns/ issues. She has also been flexible in getting us into her schedule during a time that works for us.
Read more I really love our counselor. She has been very helpful in addressing our marital concerns/ issues. She has also been flexible in getting us into her schedule during a time that works for us.
Washington, D.C. Nov 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
So far i am very happy with my counselor. He is understanding and sympathetic and his mindful methods are helping me deal with past hurts and manage stress and anxiety. The environment of the office is also very soothing and calming once you step through the door
Read more So far i am very happy with my counselor. He is understanding and sympathetic and his mindful methods are helping me deal with past hurts and manage stress and anxiety. The environment of the office is also very soothing and calming once you step through the door
Washington, D.C. Aug 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
First time trying it and definitely going back.
Washington, D.C. Jul 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Very welcoming office. Beautiful atmosphere. Different from any other counseling office that I've seen. Highly recommend
Read more Very welcoming office. Beautiful atmosphere. Different from any other counseling office that I've seen. Highly recommend
Washington, D.C. Dec 2017
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I visited this office before it was even officially open, and was beyond impressed at how it looks and the customer service systems Thriveworks was putting in place. Impressive!
Read more I visited this office before it was even officially open, and was beyond impressed at how it looks and the customer service systems Thriveworks was putting in place. Impressive!
Washington, D.C. Nov 2017
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Phone number

(202) 908-6553

Languages spoken by DC providers

  • English

Support Hours

Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm
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

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