Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long is the program?
DBT is a 1-year program, including 4 weeks of pre-treatment followed by 4 modules (or 5 modules for adolescents). People often go through 2 rounds of DBT.
The four modules in DBT are: Emotion Regulation, Distress Tolerance, Interpersonal Effectiveness, and Mindfulness. Adolescents have a fifth module: the Middle Path. The length of certain modules can vary, but each one lasts about 6-8 weeks on average. These modules are held on a rotating basis throughout each year. While each year will typically have its own 'cohort,' new DBT clients can join the program at any time.
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The four weeks of pre-treatment are meant to give you a chance to get to know your therapist without any obligation, and likewise, this time can be used to decide whether this program is right for you. There may also be a period of waiting before you begin your first module (and if so, you would continue individual therapy in the meantime).
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Note: adolescents only need to complete each module once.
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2. What ages do you see?
We have an adult program for ages 18 and up as well as an adolescent/teen program for ages 13-18.
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For those with a child under age 13, while they are not eligible for the comprehensive program, we may consider individual therapy with a focus on DBT. Please contact us if you have further questions.
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3. How much does it cost?
The self-pay costs are $40 for the weekly group skills class and the weekly individual therapy varies based on the clinician, fees range between $80-$150/session. For insurance clients, copays vary based on your insurance provider and plan.
Please note that Adolescent group and Adolescent individual sessions are cash only.
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4. What insurance do you take?
Please remember that insurance is only accepted for adult skills group and adult individual therapy. Adolescent multi-family skills group and adolescent individual therapy are cash pay only.
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Our accepted insurances vary based on clinician. Each group is covered by the insurances accepted by the respective group facilitators:
Kim Decelle accepts: BCBS, Aetna, and Cigna.
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Valerie McBee accepts: BCBS, Cigna, Aetna, United, Ambetter, Humana/Medicare, and Kaiser.
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​Chris Settel accepts: Anthem/BCBS, Aetna, Carelon, Cigna, Horizon BCBS of NJ, Optum/United Healthcare, Oscar, Oxford, Quest, United Healthcare, Medicare.
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At this time, Kim & Chris lead group on Wednesdays, and Valerie & Chris lead group on Thursdays.
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5. What is the time commitment?
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Our comprehensive DBT program consists of one individual therapy session per week (55-60 minutes), one skills group per week (75-90 minutes), and homework.
DBT is a very effective therapy modality but is highly structured and a lot of work. It is expected that you make DBT and the skills group classes a priority. If you have other obligations, such as sports or other extra-curriculars, you must be willing go put DBT first. By joining this program, you make a commitment to come to every skills group class within a 6-8 week module upon beginning that module.
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When it comes to skills group, our clinicians normally use a '4 miss rule': if a given client misses 4 skills group classes in a row (not total), they are discharged from the DBT program. Note that our clinicians are able to consider exceptions for emergencies or other extenuating circumstances.
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The program also includes phone coaching at no added cost. This is 24-hour access to your therapist when help is needed. Of course therapists do have to eat, sleep, shower and aren’t able to answer while in session, but will get back to you as soon as they’re able. (Phone coaching is typically conducted via texting, but phone calls are possible if needed).
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6. Is it in-person or virtual?
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Right now, Adult skills group classes and the majority of individual therapy are occurring virtually, though some therapists are meeting with some clients in-person. Our Adolescent multi-family skills group classes are occurring only in-person.
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Note: at times, for the sake of flexibility, Athens DBT may offer virtual skills group classes for adults.
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7. What is the schedule like?
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Individual sessions are scheduled with each therapist at times that work for both the therapist and the client. Most of our clinicians have daytime and evening options.
The adult skills groups take place virtually on Wednesdays from 5:45-7 pm and Thursdays from 2-3:30pm.
The adolescent skills group takes place at our office on Thursdays from 7-8:30pm. The adolescent skills group is led by Cameron Cheney.
Please remember that group sessions are an integral part of DBT therapy, so if you aren’t able to make it to those group sessions, then you aren’t able to do DBT at our facility.​​
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8. How long is the waitlist or how soon can I start?
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There is not currently a waitlist. At this time, new clients can connect with their new therapist in as soon as one week.
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