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Our therapists offer DBT / dialectical behavior therapy in Pittsburgh, PA

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

Find a provider Call (412) 668-1226

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1,915 people sought dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) help in Pennsylvania 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

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Alexandra Moran
Alexandra Moran She/Her
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Aetna, Carelon, Cigna | Evernorth, +24 more
Anger, Addiction, Borderline Personality, Anxiety, Trauma / PTSD

As a therapist who has worked with patients with addictions, patients in the prison system, and has helped couples in their relationship or individual... As a therapist who has worked with patients with addictions, patients in the prison system, and has helped couples in their relationship or individuals with anxiety, I believe that your past doesn't define you. Let me help guide you toward your future. Read more

Next opening: Mon Sep 23, 9:15 am View all availability

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Brenda Slagle
Brenda Slagle She/Her
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Aetna, Carelon, Cigna | Evernorth, +25 more
Domestic Abuse, LGBTQIA+, Anger, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, +13 more

I have dedicated my career development towards understanding and helping my clients.

Next opening: Fri Sep 20, 10 am View all availability

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Kelley Marron
Kelley Marron She/Her
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Aetna, Carelon, Cigna | Evernorth, +25 more
Domestic Abuse, Anger, Coping Skills, Stress, Women’s Issues, +10 more

Next opening: Mon Sep 23, 11 am View all availability

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Dominique Flint
Dominique Flint She/Her
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Carelon, Cigna | Evernorth, Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage, +22 more
Stress, Women’s Issues, Addiction, Life Transition, Relationships, +3 more

Hey, I'm Dominique—and I want to start off by acknowledging the courage it takes to reach out for help.

Next opening: Mon Sep 23, 12 pm View all availability

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Theresa Sobkiewicz Palaski
Theresa Sobkiewicz Palaski
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Aetna, Carelon, Cigna | Evernorth, +25 more
Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, Women’s Issues, +6 more

As a licensed clinical social worker with 30 years of experience, I have been privileged to witness that awareness is the greatest agent for change.

Next opening: Thu Sep 26, 10 am View all availability
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Common approaches to Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

Molly Maureen Alvord

Hear from Molly Maureen Alvord, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

View Molly Maureen Alvord's profile

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

My go-to approach for helping people in therapy is to start where they are, meaning what prompted them to come to therapy and what is weighing on them the most. My style is eclectic, so I prefer to adapt my methods to meet their needs, and this changes as therapy progresses. While an eclectic approach works for many people, sometimes a more structured approach is needed. I will include DBT information and tools in sessions when helpful, but true DBT is a structured program that follows a set of guidelines and written materials to support the process, with a DBT-educated clinician guiding the process.

What tools do you teach in dialectical behavior therapy?

DBT is similar to CBT but has more of a focus on emotional self-regulation, distress tolerance, and acceptance of circumstances. Some of the tools in DBT include acronyms that help people remember the steps of the tools. Some examples include DEAR MAN, ACCEPTS, and IMPROVE.

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

A client is making meaningful progress when they report using skills that they learned in therapy successfully. Anytime someone reports that therapy is helping them feel better, that is progress. When clients use DBT skills, they often see improvement in their relationships with others because they are regulating their own emotions better. Even small positive changes to your perspective and behaviors will have a significant and meaningful impact on your life.

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

Clients can supplement their time in DBT therapy by reading articles or books to increase their knowledge and understanding. If you find information on your own, it is always a good idea to ask your therapist to confirm that the information is accurate, especially for information found on social media or online videos.

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

To prepare for your first DBT therapy session, you can:

  • Make a list of questions and/or concerns.
  • Bring a list of any medications that you are taking — prescription, OTC, and supplements.
  • Have a list of prior mental health treatments with dates and names if possible.
Most of all, though, be kind to yourself and allow yourself to be open to the idea of exploring your thoughts and emotions.

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(412) 668-1226
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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 Pittsburgh, PA 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.

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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 Pittsburgh therapists and counselors accept 31 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Geisinger Health Plan

  • Geisinger Health Plan Medicare Advantage (HMO | PPO)

  • Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Pennsylvania Exchange

  • Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Pennsylvania | Medicare Advantage

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Self-pay costs at Pittsburgh
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
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★★★★★
Therapy has been a self care item on my list for a very long time... I have been avoiding the work as self reflection and honesty about yourself can be very hard. Brenda makes this process so easy! I am very happy I found her and Thriveworks. I have been doing the work and she makes it easy and heartfelt as we process through things in my life. Thank you!
Read more Therapy has been a self care item on my list for a very long time... I have been avoiding the work as self reflection and honesty about yourself can be very hard. Brenda makes this process so easy! I am very happy I found her and Thriveworks. I have been doing the work and she makes it easy and heartfelt as we process through things in my life. Thank you!
Pamela Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
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Where to find us

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307 Fourth Ave Suite 901
Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Pittsburgh is near Wood Street and Fourth Street. Our office is near University Center, and across the street from Madarin Gourmet.

Phone number

(412) 668-1226

Languages spoken by PA providers

  • Russian
  • English
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