9,318 people sought cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) help in Virginia in the last year

Discover how starting therapy with a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

Good news! We have 70 therapists in Virginia available for an online or in-person session.
Elizabeth Malin

Hear from Elizabeth Malin, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

View Elizabeth Malin's profile

What is your go-to approach for cognitive behavioral therapy?

My go-to approach for helping people in cognitive behavioral therapy is changing distorted thinking patterns (reframing). I prefer using a thought record to record triggers and challenge negative thinking because clients are able to get anxious thinking patterns out of their heads, think of things more objectively when they put them on paper, and use facts to challenge distorted thinking.

What tools do you teach in cognitive behavioral therapy?

I teach the following tools in cognitive behavioral therapy: challenging cognitive distortions, mindfulness (being intentional about recognizing what is going on in and around you), grounding techniques (using breathing and 5 senses to calm down the body and mind), and journaling.

How do you know when a client is making meaningful progress in cognitive behavioral therapy?

I know a client is making meaningful progress in cognitive behavioral therapy when they begin to reframe and think more objectively instead of sitting in negative thinking patterns. I tell my clients it is like teaching their brain to take a detour, and eventually, the detour is not something they have to think about—they just do it automatically.

What can clients do in their personal time to supplement cognitive behavioral therapy?

Clients can supplement their time in cognitive behavioral therapy through practicing self-care, possible medication management, and mindfulness.

What should someone do to prepare for starting cognitive behavioral therapy?

To prepare for their first cognitive behavioral therapy session, an individual can just come to the session open to retraining thinking patterns and willing to work hard and change.

Starting Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

What is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)?

At Thriveworks, Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a widely recognized and evidence-based form of psychotherapy or talk therapy. It focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns, emotions, and behaviors that can contribute to various mental health issues or challenges that people are struggling with.

What does a cognitive behavioral therapist do?

Cognitive behavioral therapists specialize in Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and can help you to identify and comprehend your thought patterns, which often encompass automatic negative thoughts, cognitive distortions, and self-defeating beliefs. Once these negative thought patterns are pinpointed, cognitive behavioral therapists aim to challenge and replace them with the objective of fostering more constructive and logical thinking. In addition, these therapists place significant emphasis on implementing positive behavioral changes based on the newly established, healthier thought patterns.

What is CBT best for?

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is particularly effective for addressing conditions like anxiety disorders, depression, phobias, and obsessive-compulsive disorders. It focuses on identifying and modifying negative thought patterns and behaviors, making it well-suited for issues related to distorted thinking and emotional regulation.

How much does a CBT session cost?

At Thriveworks, we accept most major insurance plans, allowing many clients to pay as little as $0–$50 per session with their co-pay. We also offer self-pay options for those out-of-network or without insurance. Self-pay rates for talk therapy range from $160 to $240 for intake sessions and $135 to $195 for follow-ups, depending on your state. For psychiatry services, self-pay intake sessions are $255–$375, with follow-ups ranging from $175–$300, also varying by state. More information on current self-pay costs is available on our pricing page.

What is the success rate of CBT?

The success rate of CBT varies depending on the intentions of the client and their condition(s).

What is better: CBT or DBT?

The selection between cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is based on an individual’s unique needs and challenges. CBT is commonly chosen for addressing conditions such as anxiety and depression, whereas DBT is especially beneficial for individuals dealing with borderline personality disorder, emotional regulation issues, and difficulties in interpersonal relationships.

Is CBT conducted in person or online?

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with our Thriveworks therapists in McLean, VA is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How many sessions is CBT?

Generally, CBT is considered a short-term therapy, typically lasting for about 12 to 20 weekly sessions. In some cases, it might extend to around 16 to 20 sessions for more complex issues.

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 McLean therapists and counselors accept 24 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS HMO

  • CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

  • Humana HMO/POS

  • Humana Medicare Advantage

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Self-pay costs at McLean
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

Thriveworks McLean has no reviews yet, but check out these reviews from locations in Virginia.

4.5 Thriveworks McLean reviews are collected through Thriveworks.com.
★★★★★
Thriveworks helped me realize that I do believe people can change. I’m not the person I was three months ago, broken and fearful. I’m healthy and happy and for the first time being kind to myself. Thank you for giving me my life back.
Read more Thriveworks helped me realize that I do believe people can change. I’m not the person I was three months ago, broken and fearful. I’m healthy and happy and for the first time being kind to myself. Thank you for giving me my life back.
Anonymous Thriveworks Client
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry McLean is located on Elm St. across from Palmercare Chiropractic - McLean. We are cushioned between two buildings — one of which houses Century Duct Cleaning and M C C Aviation Services, and the other of which houses Deirdre Maull Orthodontics, Care Connect Pharmacy, and several other businesses. There are also several parks nearby including Elm Street Park and McLean Pocket Park. The closest bus stop is Elm & Fleetwood.

Phone number

(703) 372-9547

Languages spoken by VA 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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