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Offered in-person & online

Our therapists offer DBT / dialectical behavior therapy in Alexandria, VA

Start in-person or online sessions with a provider you can trust. We accept most major insurances. Book online or by giving us a call

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Care without the wait

142 licensed therapists & providers in Virginia—10 in Alexandria. Available as soon as today, in person and online

Therapy for every life stage

Our providers work with individuals, couples, families, & teens for anxiety, depression, grief, & more

#1 for in-network coverage †

We accept UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, BCBS Plans, Humana, Aetna, & many more. Self-pay options available, no membership fees

Patients who get better

94% of patients feel truly understood by their provider. 3 out of 4 see improvement in depression & anxiety symptoms within 3 months

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7,995 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.

Start DBT with a licensed therapist as soon as this week

Alexandria, VA

Jessica Lee is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 3 years of experience working with children, adults, and familie...

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Alexandria, VA

I believe life is not without struggles and it is important that we have the necessary support and skills to help better navigate ...

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We don’t have any providers with availability. Our schedules change daily. We’ll reach out as soon as a spot opens up.
George Wanke

Hear from George Wanke, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

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

Explaining core mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness as primary concepts is my starting place. I enjoy mindfulness while having clients ask more for interpersonal effectiveness skills.

What tools do you teach in dialectical behavior therapy?

The difference between “emotion mind,” “reasonable mind,” and “wise mind;” validation; self-soothing; heartfelt acceptance; changing emotions; assertiveness; and reinforcement are the most frequently taught concepts.

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

EBP TP goals are established at the beginning of therapy, and when they are accomplished, enough progress has been made that treatment can end. Common goals relate to improved self-esteem, improved relations with others, and enhanced capacity to manage emotions.

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

Clients can practice mindfulness and deep breathing.

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

I refer clients to “DBT Skills for Highly Sensitive People” for them to read and get ideas from.

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) FAQs

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 Alexandria, 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 insurance and we offer self-pay options too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling at Thriveworks.

Our therapists and counselors in Alexandria accept 31 insurance plans

  • Adventist Health Associates | Employee Health Plan

  • Adventist Health Associates | Non-Employee Health Plan

  • 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

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Compsych

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Self-pay costs at Alexandria
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 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
Lydia is very attentive and concerned for my well being. She listens to what I have to say and takes that into account as she manages my health. We carefully review my medications and she regularly orders bloodwork to ensure my levels are ok. Other doctors have used the results of her testing and commended her diligence to monitor my health. I’m greatful to have been her patient for many years now.
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Juan Aug 2026Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Lydia is a very good listener and very well educated on all the pharmaceuticals I take daily. Comfortable and easy to talk with
Emery Aug 2026Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Everything is fine
Austin Aug 2026Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Krista made me feel very comfortable
Nora Aug 2026Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Has helped me through really difficult family relationships
Nadia Aug 2026Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Being heard without judgment is a blessing!
Breanna Jul 2026Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I love Meghan! Not only does she listen carefully to my symptoms and concerns, she also gives me holistic advice about ways I can help address symptoms through lifestyle and therapy modalities.
Elena Jul 2026Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Excellent therapists.
Lucy Jul 2026Thriveworks.com verified review
8 of 142 reviews

Where to find us

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Address

6076 Franconia Rd Suite D
Alexandria, VA 22310

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Alexandria is located near Franconia Rd and Beulah St, off I-95. It is close to the Franconia Museum and right by the Manchester Lakes Park.

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Phone number

(703) 454-8246
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Languages spoken by VA providers

  • Portuguese
  • English
  • Korean
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Hours

Friday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Thursday 8:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

Friday 8:00am - 11:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 6:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 11:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 11:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 11:00pm
Thursday 8:00am - 11:00pm

Shown in ET

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