The Skills Group in Baltimore: Group Counseling and DBT Skills Training for Adults

The Skills Group is a counseling practice in Baltimore that specializes in group therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills classes, designed for adults managing emotion regulation, interpersonal conflict, self-harm behaviors, and co-occurring substance use. The practice operates independently and focuses on structured, evidence-based group formats rather than one-on-one therapy, which shapes both its cost structure and clinical approach.

What The Skills Group actually is

The Skills Group offers group-based DBT skills modules, process-oriented therapy groups, and support for people transitioning off individual therapy or seeking peer-based accountability. DBT, developed for borderline personality disorder and chronic suicidality, has expanded to treat anxiety, depression, and self-harm across diagnoses. The group format is central: it reduces per-person costs, builds peer support, and normalizes struggle. This practice is not a full psychiatric clinic; it has no prescribers on site and does not handle psychiatric emergencies. It works well alongside individual therapy with another provider or psychiatry elsewhere.

Services and pricing

The Skills Group runs DBT skills groups (typically 60 to 90 minutes per week), process groups (peer-led discussion), and psychoeducational workshops on topics such as emotion regulation and distress tolerance. Group sizes usually range from six to ten participants. Weekly group sessions typically cost between $35 and $75 per session, depending on the specific group and whether you pay per session or commit to a monthly package. (Verify current rates with the practice; pricing can shift seasonally.) Individual DBT coaching calls, available to group members, usually run $40 to $60 per 20-minute call. The practice accepts most major insurance plans and offers sliding scale fees for uninsured or underinsured clients; call to discuss affordability before the first session.

How The Skills Group compares to other Baltimore counseling options

Baltimore has numerous individual therapy practices and larger psychiatric clinics such as those within University of Maryland Medical System and Johns Hopkins, but dedicated group-only DBT services are less common in the city. Sheppard Pratt, a major regional psychiatric system, offers both individual and group DBT, though group wait times can extend four to eight weeks and per-session costs are typically higher ($80 to $120 without insurance discount). Community health centers such as Chase Brexton and Health Care for the Homeless offer group therapy at lower cost ($0 to $30 on sliding scale) but may have shorter group runs and less DBT specialization. Choose The Skills Group if you want focused, ongoing DBT skills training from a practice built around the group model; choose Sheppard Pratt if you need integrated psychiatric care (medication management, inpatient backup); choose a community health center if cost is the primary barrier and you are uninsured or underinsured.

Who The Skills Group suits and who it does not suit

This practice works well for adults who are comfortable learning in groups, have a baseline ability to manage acute crises (or already see a psychiatrist or individual therapist for crisis support), and want to build practical coping skills or process patterns with peers. It suits people stepping down from intensive individual therapy who need continued structure, and people whose insurance or budget makes one-on-one therapy prohibitive. It does not suit individuals in acute suicidal or psychotic crisis (which require emergency care), those who cannot tolerate group settings, or people seeking medication management. It may not be right for people with no current crisis support system; if you are not seeing another provider, confirm that The Skills Group's clinicians can help you build one before starting.

What the first visit involves

New clients typically complete an intake assessment (30 to 45 minutes) conducted by a clinician. This covers psychiatric history, current symptoms, substance use, and what you hope to get from group work. You will be matched to a group that fits your needs and schedule. Many groups allow you to start immediately or within one to two weeks; some fill and maintain a waitlist. The clinician will clarify whether individual coaching calls are recommended and how payment and insurance will work. Bring a photo ID, insurance card if applicable, and a list of current medications and providers.

Hours, parking, and logistics

The Skills Group operates Monday through Thursday evenings, with some Saturday morning groups; specific group meeting times vary. The practice is located in a professional office building with street parking and a small lot; metered parking is available nearby. Confirm the exact address and group schedule before your intake appointment, as group times can shift seasonally. The practice also offers online group options, which may suit people with transportation or scheduling barriers.

The Skills Group fills a specific niche in Baltimore's mental health landscape: affordable, ongoing, evidence-based group training for people managing emotion and behavior change. It works best as part of a larger care plan, not a standalone resource for crisis or medication needs.