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Do what works. DBT Works

In DBT, we teach the skill of acting effectively. Acting effectively means letting go of what you believe to be right or fair so that you can do what is needed. It is a focus on outcomes over ideals. It is doing what works.

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Our Services

DBT Works is an adherent DBT treatment team located in Concord, Massachusetts, accessible to Middlesex County, the greater Boston area, and beyond.

We treat clients ages 13-25 who are struggling with all forms of emotion dysregulation.

  • Five days per week, in-person, for adolescents and young adults ages 15-25.

    The Day Program is an intensive program designed to provide a large “dose” of DBT skills and therapy to help young adults get back on track.

    The Day Program is ideal for adolescents and young adults who have recently been in the hospital, are struggling with multiple problems, or are having trouble at school or work due to mental health concerns.

    While in the Day Program, clients take a short break from school or work to focus on their mental health and build the skills they need to succeed when they return to their everyday lives. Many clients take a short medical leave and return to school after completing the program, while some choose to take a full semester off.

  • Comprehensive outpatient DBT for individuals ages 13 and up.

    The Comprehensive Outpatient DBT program is an adherent DBT program, with separate tracks for adolescents (ages 13-18) and young adults (ages 18-25). The Comprehensive Outpatient Program includes:

    Weekly individual DBT therapy
    Weekly multifamily skills group for adolescents / weekly skills group for young adults
    Weekly family therapy
    Parent coaching as needed
    24/7 access to DBT telephone skills coaching

    The curriculum is 24 weeks long.

  • As space allows, we offer DBT-informed or “DBT-lite” services for individuals who are not in need of a comprehensive program. DBT-informed services allow families to collaborate with the treatment team to design a treatment plan that meets their particular needs. Please inquire about current availability.

  • We also offer evidence-based trauma treatment (DBT-Prolonged Exposure). DBT-PE can be included in any of our other programs.

Find out more

At DBT Works, we’re passionate about DBT (dialectical behavior therapy)

You might say we’re DBT nerds.

Our staff have been highly trained by leaders in the DBT community, including Alan and Armida Fruzzetti, Seth Axelrod, Alec Miller, Jill Rathus, and Michael Hollander. Our staff have trained and worked at McLean's 3East DBT Programs, Yale New Haven Hospital’s DBT Program, and Cognitive Behavioral Consultants. Multiple staff members are Linehan Board (LBC) Certified.

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  • "DBT Works isn’t just a regular therapy center, it’s a place filled with people who genuinely care about their clients and their families. They go to incredible lengths to support their clients, and it truly shows. I can’t recommend them enough!"

    Client

  • "The entire DBT Works team showed me incredible kindness, compassion, and understanding throughout a very difficult time in my life. Working with my therapist was the first time I ever felt genuinely seen and understood. Because of her, I now feel like I understand myself in a way I never did before."

    Client

  • "Through the day program and the comprehensive outpatient program, I learned valuable skills that help me persevere not only through challenging situations but also in my everyday life."

    Client

  • “Our experience with DBT Works has been transformative. The dedication, expertise, and empathy of the entire team have made a significant difference in our daughter’s life and in our family’s well-being. We wholeheartedly recommend DBT Works to any family seeking comprehensive and compassionate care.”

    Parent

  • “Our daughter, who has been through some incredibly challenging times, has found a safe and supportive environment at DBT Works that has truly facilitated her healing and growth.”

    Parent

  • “DBT Works has been a lifeline for our family during one of the most challenging years of our lives. From the moment we reached out, we were met with compassion, responsiveness, and unwavering support.”

    Parent

  • “Through their thoughtful approach and deep commitment to those they serve, DBT Works has empowered our family to move forward with hope. We are forever grateful for their support and highly recommend them to anyone seeking compassionate, effective care.”

    Parent

  • “The expertise and dedication of the DBT Works team have not only helped our child but have also provided us, as parents, with the tools and guidance to navigate this journey with greater understanding and resilience.”

    Parent

What is DBT?

DBT is a comprehensive treatment developed by Marsha Linehan at the University of Washington in the 1980s. DBT was originally developed to treat people struggling with multiple, self-destructive problems.

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DBT is a behavioral treatment

The “B” and “T” in DBT refer to “behavior therapy.” Behavior therapies use the scientific principles of behavior change to help clients achieve their goals.

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Meet the Team

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Molly Crossman Ruiz, PhD

Pronouns: she/her/hers

FOUNDER & CLINICAL DIRECTOR

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Nora Gerardi, PsyD

DIRECTOR OF DBT TRAINING & ADHERENCE, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF OUTPATIENT SERVICES

Pronouns: she/her/hers

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Rebecca Shaw, LMHC

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Briana Carbone, DSW

Pronouns: she/her/hers

DIRECTOR OF OUTPATIENT & TRAUMA SERVICES

CLINICIAN

Pronouns: she/her/hers

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Alan E. Fruzzetti, PhD

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Addison Kay, BA

CLINICAL ASSOCIATE

Pronouns: he/him/his

SENIOR CONSULTANT

Pronouns: he/him/his

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Olivia Buckley, BA

Pronouns: she/her/hers

CLINICAL ASSOCIATE

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Christina Colantonio

Office Coordinator

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Domenica Hudy, MSW

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Therapist

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Emily George, LCSW

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Therapist

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Justine Uhlenbrock, DNP, PMHNP-BC, MPH

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

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Trystan Melas, BA

Pronouns: he/him/his

Clinical Associate

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Erika C. Esposito, PhD

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Director of Research & Program Evaluation

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Victoria Sheppard, PhD

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Therapist

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Amanda Jackson, BS

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Director of Operations

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Jess Fedorowicz, PhD

Pronouns: she/her/hers

CLINICIAN

FAQ

  • Yes, when staffing allows, we offer as-needed, DBT-informed services. Please see our services page or get in touch for more information about our as-needed services.

  • The cost of treatment is based on which services you’re seeking and which team member is best suited to help with your unique needs. You are entitled to a good faith estimate of what your services may cost under the No Surprises Act. Please contact us for more information. Please also let us know if cost will be a barrier to care.

  • We are currently a private pay and out-of-network provider. This means that if you have out-of-network benefits, we can bill your insurance directly. If you don't have out-of-network benefits, we are happy to apply for a single case agreement (SCA).

    We’ll work with you and your insurance provider to determine eligibility and cost if your plan offers out-of-network benefits. If you prefer to seek reimbursement yourself, we can also provide an insurance-friendly “superbill”, which you can submit to your insurance after paying out of pocket.

    We’re also working toward being an in-network provider with major insurance carriers in the area. In the meantime, we ask that you let us know if cost is a barrier to your care.

  • Yes! While we cannot guarantee that your plan will provide one, we are more than happy to consider a single-case agreement .

  • Yes, if your plan allows, we accept HSA/FSA payments.

  • We do not provide lunch. However, there is an onsite cafe where clients can purchase lunch. We also have a kitchenette with a refrigerator and microwave for those who prefer to bring their own lunch.

If you have more questions please see our “What is DBT?” page

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