DBT groups offer rich peer support and therapist feedback, but access, cost, and schedules can create barriers. Use this guide to pick a digital, in-person, or hybrid path that keeps skills alive between sessions.
WithMarsha
24/7 on iOS, offline skill cards, instant crisis plan.
DBT Group
Weekly live slot; waitlists common, cancellations mean gaps.
WithMarsha
Free to start, $9.99/mo premium, cancel anytime.
DBT Group
$60–$120 per 2-hour session, multi-month commitments.
WithMarsha
Guided chat coaching, audio practices, micro-habits.
DBT Group
Therapist-led lessons, roleplays, printed homework.
WithMarsha
Compassionate AI, optional therapist summaries, private.
DBT Group
Peer validation, live therapist feedback, shared stories.
Deep Dive Matrix
Many members use both options—WithMarsha between weekly lessons, or while waiting for a group spot. Scan each row to decide which combination fits your goals.
How quickly you can get support when emotions spike.
WithMarsha
DBT Group
How each option fits into budgets and changing schedules.
WithMarsha
DBT Group
How well the format helps DBT skills stick.
WithMarsha
DBT Group
Finding the right skill match for unique histories.
WithMarsha
DBT Group
Staying on track as life gets messy.
WithMarsha
DBT Group
| What matters most | WithMarsha | DBT Group |
|---|---|---|
| Access & Schedule | Open the app anytime, day or night. Daily nudges keep momentum between therapy sessions. Crisis plan and resource list available instantly. | Attend at a fixed weekly time with the same cohort. If work or health interrupts, you miss a full week. Limited spots—many programs have 4–12 week waitlists. |
| Cost & Flexibility | Free tier includes the skill library and reflections. Premium unlocks unlimited chat and audio drills for < $10/mo. Pause or cancel anytime without admin fees. | Typical fees range $60–$120 per session (often 16+ sessions). Insurance pre-approval and copays required; many are out-of-network. Missed sessions are rarely refunded. |
| Skill Reinforcement | Guided evening reflections and mood logs reinforce concepts. Chat prompts surface relevant skills in context. Audio walkthroughs and micro-practices support repetition. | Weekly homework sheets rely on self-motivation. Feedback happens once per week unless extra coaching is scheduled. Less structure for practicing skills during real-life stressors. |
| Personalization | Adaptive recommendations based on check-ins and triggers. Build favourite skill stacks for recurring scenarios. Optional therapist email summaries keep human providers in the loop. | Facilitator balances needs of 6–10 members first. Individual coaching is limited to brief check-ins. Curriculum follows a set rotation regardless of personal pace. |
| Accountability | Streaks, progress badges, and intention setting keep practice visible. Push reminders for diary cards, skills-of-the-day, and evening reviews. Option to share weekly digests with your therapist or DBT team. | Accountability is verbal; depends on showing up weekly. Facilitators can only follow up during scheduled check-ins. Peers provide encouragement, but consistency varies. |
Live groups shine if you value therapist feedback, need accountability from peers, or require an insurance-covered program. Many clients layer WithMarsha on top of group work for daily practice: diary cards, crisis planning, and skills-of-the-day keep progress moving between sessions.
Long waitlists, rural access, caregiving, or cost can block traditional groups. WithMarsha keeps DBT skills accessible: guided chat, mood logs, and crisis-safe guardrails fit into mornings, commute breaks, or late-night reflection without needing a weekly appointment.
Yes. Many members keep WithMarsha open between meetings to finish diary cards, rehearse skills, and share weekly digests with their therapist so the group can focus on deeper coaching.
WithMarsha delivers the core DBT modules, crisis planning, and real-time chat support so you can keep practicing while you search for a clinician, wait for a seat, or supplement telehealth sessions.
The skill library, reflections, and daily prompts are free. Premium tiers unlock unlimited chat coaching, therapist summaries, and deeper analytics for $9.99 per month.
Curious about the evidence behind digital DBT practice? Review our DBT evidence library and explore recent blog breakdowns of mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotion regulation.
Explore the daily flow