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Offered in-person & online

Our therapists offer DBT / dialectical behavior therapy in Charlotte, NC

Get in-person or online care, and cover the majority of the costs with your insurance.

All Charlotte services

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2,400 people sought dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) help in North Carolina 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 40 therapists in North Carolina available for an online or in-person session.
Tori Sweeting

Hear from Tori Sweeting, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

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

My go-to approach in dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is helping individuals develop a sense of self-awareness: One's ability to identify the mood he/she finds to be the most distressing and matching the appropriate intervention/skill to assist with alleviating the distressful thought, feeling, and/or behavior. Treatment planning is beneficial and integral in the journey of recovery; thus, I find the following skill areas to be beneficial in DBT, i.e., distress tolerance, emotion regulation, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness.

What tools do you teach in dialectical behavior therapy?

I utilize the following tools in DBT: Distress tolerance:

  • Weighing the pros and cons: The ability to identify the pros and cons of a decision that is causing distress and the consideration of the short and long term effects of one's decision.
  • Self-soothing skills: The utilization of the five (5) senses to encourage mindfulness.
Emotion regulation:
  • Opposite to emotion: With this skill, one identifies his/her current emotion and participates in activities that encourage the desired emotion. If one is experiencing an increase in anxiety, one should participate in mindfulness or self-soothing skills to assist with managing the anxiety.
  • Opposite to behavior: Opposite to behavior is often utilized when one experiences a lack of motivation; it suggests that one should consider the long-term effects of not participating in a specified behavior, thus motivating oneself to do its opposite. For example, not taking out the trash could potentially lead to an increase in trash and pests.
Life satisfaction:
  • The utilization of a daily schedule or routine: This skill assists clients in developing a sense of happiness in their day-to-day. It is the planning of day-to-day activities coupled with identifying the actual task one has completed. It assists with monitoring an individual's mood from day-to-day and prompts the utilization of skills to encourage the desired emotion.
Interpersonal Effectiveness:
  • Listening: Listening requires that an individual develops a mindfulness practice; it emphasizes the following: 1) attentiveness, 2) letting go of distractions, and 3) focusing on what is communicated in the moment.
  • Validation: This skill requires that one non-judgmentally value others opinions with the utilization of listening skills to assist with clarification and reflection. It encourages the communication of emotions, an awareness of the non-verbal communication/behaviors, and the acceptance of others.

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 when an individual is able to identify the fluctuation in mood, is able to identify and implement boundaries in their relationships, and able to create balance in one's decision making.

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

I encourage individuals to focus their time and effort in participating in activities that encourages their desired emotion, i.e., spending time with friends and/or the utilization of a schedule or routine to assist with developing a sense of accomplishment from day to day.

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

In preparation for a DBT session, an individual should have a qualitative assessment or numerical value of their mood that has prompted the need for individual therapy, i.e., the number of days per week one experiences depression and/or anxiety.

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 Charlotte, NC 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 Charlotte therapists and counselors accept 27 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | BCBS

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | BCBS Medicare Advantage

  • Carelon

  • Caresource

  • Carolina Behavioral Health Alliance (CBHA)

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

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Self-pay costs at Charlotte
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 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
I have been seeing Terryn Maher for a couple of months now and she is awesome!! Very knowledgeable, attentive, thorough, thoughtful, caring, etc. I could go on for awhile. I’ve been in counseling with another therapist for about 14 years but I already feel like I’m getting so much more from working with Terryn. Thriveworks on a whole has been great to work with as well. They are easy to work with and schedule appointments with. I was nervous about working with a company over directly with just the therapist but it has actually worked out well. I highly recommend them!
Read more I have been seeing Terryn Maher for a couple of months now and she is awesome!! Very knowledgeable, attentive, thorough, thoughtful, caring, etc. I could go on for awhile. I’ve been in counseling with another therapist for about 14 years but I already feel like I’m getting so much more from working with Terryn. Thriveworks on a whole has been great to work with as well. They are easy to work with and schedule appointments with. I was nervous about working with a company over directly with just the therapist but it has actually worked out well. I highly recommend them!
Jennifer Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Clarissa is a true professional and I love working with her!
Charlotte Aug 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Dr Patricia shows her professionalism by having a positive attitude, using time effectively, and providing excellent service. Dr. Patricia's communication is wonderful when showing her active listening skills. Dr. Patricia shows compassion because she is passionate about what she brings to this field.
Read more Dr Patricia shows her professionalism by having a positive attitude, using time effectively, and providing excellent service. Dr. Patricia's communication is wonderful when showing her active listening skills. Dr. Patricia shows compassion because she is passionate about what she brings to this field.
Charlotte Aug 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Gabrielle is an amazing therapist. She is very empathetic to her clients and their needs. She can help you through what ever you are going through. Schedule with her! You will not be disappointed.
Read more Gabrielle is an amazing therapist. She is very empathetic to her clients and their needs. She can help you through what ever you are going through. Schedule with her! You will not be disappointed.
Charlotte Feb 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I have had the pleasure of working with Clair Crow professionally and can attest to what an incredible therapist she is! She has a calm demeanor and creates safety with her clients. She balances that safety and care with clear boundaries. I highly recommend her and have often referred clients to her for her expertise.
Read more I have had the pleasure of working with Clair Crow professionally and can attest to what an incredible therapist she is! She has a calm demeanor and creates safety with her clients. She balances that safety and care with clear boundaries. I highly recommend her and have often referred clients to her for her expertise.
Charlotte Oct 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I've worked with Mrs. Matson for close to a year now and I can say with certainty that she's a great counselor to go to for help with emotional regulation and understanding, grief management, and processing trauma in healthy and beneficial ways. Her use of meditation techniques to get to the root of my emotions and habits have helped me understand so much about myself and why I operate the way I do. I'd definitely recommend her to anyone just starting out looking for a good counselor, or anyone looking for a friendly empathetic professional who listens well and draws from a wealth of information to provide really quality services.
Read more I've worked with Mrs. Matson for close to a year now and I can say with certainty that she's a great counselor to go to for help with emotional regulation and understanding, grief management, and processing trauma in healthy and beneficial ways. Her use of meditation techniques to get to the root of my emotions and habits have helped me understand so much about myself and why I operate the way I do. I'd definitely recommend her to anyone just starting out looking for a good counselor, or anyone looking for a friendly empathetic professional who listens well and draws from a wealth of information to provide really quality services.
Charlotte Feb 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I have seen Dr. Daniel Stillwell for a year for individual and couples counseling and I trust him immensely. He is a skilled, authentic, and highly competent professional. I’ve also referred him to others and they described the same. Thriveworks staff have been very helpful with insurance and appointments.
Read more I have seen Dr. Daniel Stillwell for a year for individual and couples counseling and I trust him immensely. He is a skilled, authentic, and highly competent professional. I’ve also referred him to others and they described the same. Thriveworks staff have been very helpful with insurance and appointments.
Charlotte Jan 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Adriana Blanco is wonderful. I never felt any judgement from her during our sessions. She is compassionate, firm and extremely knowledgeable. I could not see myself opening up as much with another counselor, thank you for putting her in my path.
Read more Adriana Blanco is wonderful. I never felt any judgement from her during our sessions. She is compassionate, firm and extremely knowledgeable. I could not see myself opening up as much with another counselor, thank you for putting her in my path.
Charlotte Apr 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Child Therapy Charlotte is near the corner of Park Road and Woodlawn Road. We are across the street from Starbucks and Exxon. Sharonview Federal Credit Union is the building next to our office.

Phone number

(980) 217-6901

Languages spoken by NC providers

  • English
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
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

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
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

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