Personality Disorders Therapists in Boston, MA

Photo of Kelly Broderick, MSCJ, MSW, LICSW, LISW-CP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kelly Broderick
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSCJ, MSW, LICSW, LISW-CP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Boston, MA 02109  (Online Only)
I have extensive experience in working with personality disorders.
One of the most important things you can do is start the journey to understanding and living your own truth. This is a guiding force in my practice. My name is Kelly Broderick and I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in Massachusetts and a Licensed Independent Social Worker - Clinical Practice (LISW-CP) in South Carolina. I have over ten years of experience working with individuals and groups in both inpatient and outpatient mental health settings. I have significant experience from my forensic background, working in specialized prisons and outpatient work with vulnerable populations.
I have extensive experience in working with personality disorders.
One of the most important things you can do is start the journey to understanding and living your own truth. This is a guiding force in my practice. My name is Kelly Broderick and I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in Massachusetts and a Licensed Independent Social Worker - Clinical Practice (LISW-CP) in South Carolina. I have over ten years of experience working with individuals and groups in both inpatient and outpatient mental health settings. I have significant experience from my forensic background, working in specialized prisons and outpatient work with vulnerable populations.
(617) 336-8492 View (617) 336-8492
Photo of Kelsey Brey, LMHC, Counselor
Kelsey Brey
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Boston, MA 02116
As a member of the community, I cultivate an environment that is safe and welcoming for those identifying as LGBTQ+. I support those dealing with more severe psychological conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, self harm, personality disorders, and trauma. I also have interest and commitment to helping my clients navigate the unique challenges associated with young adulthood which include the commonly experienced issues of identity exploration, relationship growth, learning to thrive in academic environments, achieving success with vocational pursuits, and establishing independence.
As a member of the community, I cultivate an environment that is safe and welcoming for those identifying as LGBTQ+. I support those dealing with more severe psychological conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, self harm, personality disorders, and trauma. I also have interest and commitment to helping my clients navigate the unique challenges associated with young adulthood which include the commonly experienced issues of identity exploration, relationship growth, learning to thrive in academic environments, achieving success with vocational pursuits, and establishing independence.
(781) 579-6551 View (781) 579-6551
Photo of Muriel Radocchio, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Muriel Radocchio
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Boston, MA 02115
Utilizing evidence-based practices, I have extensive experience treating depression, anxiety, panic, personality disorders, trauma, anger, self-harming behavior, and adjustment distress.
We all have the need to feel supported and understood. Therapy should be constructive and transformative, as well as serve as an important, set aside time for self-care. We know how far the physical environment goes towards making you feel comfortable, and have a positive experience. No one wants the stress of a hectic waiting area before your session, and we have built a comfortable environment to make your therapy appointments feel like a weekly getaway from the hustle and bustle of New York City.
Utilizing evidence-based practices, I have extensive experience treating depression, anxiety, panic, personality disorders, trauma, anger, self-harming behavior, and adjustment distress.
We all have the need to feel supported and understood. Therapy should be constructive and transformative, as well as serve as an important, set aside time for self-care. We know how far the physical environment goes towards making you feel comfortable, and have a positive experience. No one wants the stress of a hectic waiting area before your session, and we have built a comfortable environment to make your therapy appointments feel like a weekly getaway from the hustle and bustle of New York City.
(551) 261-4061 View (551) 261-4061
Photo of Malika Bouajaj, LMHC, CAGS, Counselor
Malika Bouajaj
Counselor, LMHC, CAGS
Verified Verified
Boston, MA 02110
Currently Accepting New Clients ..... “Do you feel like no one understands the difficulties you are experiencing? Do you feel like you are falling into a deep confusion? Are you in need of clarity and support? You don’t have to be alone in your struggles”. I am a licensed clinical psychotherapist, practicing in Boston, MA since 1998. I treat individuals, couples, and families with a range of mental health concerns and personal problems, such as addiction, anxiety, depression, grief, and personality disorders.
Currently Accepting New Clients ..... “Do you feel like no one understands the difficulties you are experiencing? Do you feel like you are falling into a deep confusion? Are you in need of clarity and support? You don’t have to be alone in your struggles”. I am a licensed clinical psychotherapist, practicing in Boston, MA since 1998. I treat individuals, couples, and families with a range of mental health concerns and personal problems, such as addiction, anxiety, depression, grief, and personality disorders.
(617) 544-2286 View (617) 544-2286
Photo of Mackenzie Sheridan, LMHC, Counselor
Mackenzie Sheridan
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Boston, MA 02110  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I have experience working with individuals living with eating disorders, anxiety, depression, personality disorders, substance use disorders, and ADHD.
I am a licensed mental health counselor with experience working with adults, teens, and children living with a variety of mental health diagnoses. I value a warm, realistic, and person centered approach to help clients achieve their goals and best support them through difficult times. I aim to be a safe space where clients can be themselves, feel comfortable to open up, and process current and past life events.
I have experience working with individuals living with eating disorders, anxiety, depression, personality disorders, substance use disorders, and ADHD.
I am a licensed mental health counselor with experience working with adults, teens, and children living with a variety of mental health diagnoses. I value a warm, realistic, and person centered approach to help clients achieve their goals and best support them through difficult times. I aim to be a safe space where clients can be themselves, feel comfortable to open up, and process current and past life events.
(617) 663-8039 View (617) 663-8039
Photo of Dr. Vanessa Rojas, PhD, CSAT, C-PD, CCTP-II, EMDR, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Dr. Vanessa Rojas
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, CSAT, C-PD, CCTP-II, EMDR
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Boston, MA 02116  (Online Only)
I am trained in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, Gottman Method couples therapy Level 3, and have completed several certifications/courses to treat personality disorders, complex trauma, love/porn/sexual addiction, disordered eating, anxiety, and depression.
Do you dread coming home to conflict or the cold shoulder? Did you just find out your partner has been repeatedly cheating on you? Are you looking for a therapist who specializes in personality disorders to help you understand what exactly you are dealing with? Wondering how you keep ending up in toxic situationships? Is unprocessed trauma from growing up in an alcoholic and/or dysfunctional family causing you difficulties in all areas of your life? Allow me to help you heal yourself and/or relationship.
I am trained in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, Gottman Method couples therapy Level 3, and have completed several certifications/courses to treat personality disorders, complex trauma, love/porn/sexual addiction, disordered eating, anxiety, and depression.
Do you dread coming home to conflict or the cold shoulder? Did you just find out your partner has been repeatedly cheating on you? Are you looking for a therapist who specializes in personality disorders to help you understand what exactly you are dealing with? Wondering how you keep ending up in toxic situationships? Is unprocessed trauma from growing up in an alcoholic and/or dysfunctional family causing you difficulties in all areas of your life? Allow me to help you heal yourself and/or relationship.
(214) 972-2520 View (214) 972-2520
Photo of Tedra Halzel, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Tedra Halzel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Boston, MA 02130  (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker & graduate of Simmons School of Social Work. I have worked in a multitude of settings including outpatient, community corrections, long-term chronic care, and in-home. I have experience with supporting adolescents, adults, and older adults living with trauma, psychosis, mood disorders, self-injurious behavior, substance use issues, ADHD, and personality disorders. I specialize in LGBTQ+ and gender-affirming care. I employ a warm & inviting, empathetic, person-centered, and trauma-informed approach to treatment.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker & graduate of Simmons School of Social Work. I have worked in a multitude of settings including outpatient, community corrections, long-term chronic care, and in-home. I have experience with supporting adolescents, adults, and older adults living with trauma, psychosis, mood disorders, self-injurious behavior, substance use issues, ADHD, and personality disorders. I specialize in LGBTQ+ and gender-affirming care. I employ a warm & inviting, empathetic, person-centered, and trauma-informed approach to treatment.
(617) 925-6325 View (617) 925-6325
Photo of Eric Rosin, MA, Pre-Licensed Professional
Eric Rosin
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Boston, MA 02116
I specialize in men's issues, complex trauma, family therapy, personality disorders and schizophrenia.
I enjoy working with clients struggling with intense feelings like anger, aggression, fear and paranoia to create a working alliance that helps misunderstood people live more freely and openly. All people want to feel safe and loved, but some are overwhelmed by the intensity of close connection. They want to feel known, but they are also allergic to intimacy. They want to feel attached, but they are also deeply distrustful of others. I also enjoy helping these clients in couples therapy to navigate the intersections of intimacy, vulnerability and sexuality. I work with a multicultural perspective, celebrating diversity of all kinds.
I specialize in men's issues, complex trauma, family therapy, personality disorders and schizophrenia.
I enjoy working with clients struggling with intense feelings like anger, aggression, fear and paranoia to create a working alliance that helps misunderstood people live more freely and openly. All people want to feel safe and loved, but some are overwhelmed by the intensity of close connection. They want to feel known, but they are also allergic to intimacy. They want to feel attached, but they are also deeply distrustful of others. I also enjoy helping these clients in couples therapy to navigate the intersections of intimacy, vulnerability and sexuality. I work with a multicultural perspective, celebrating diversity of all kinds.
(857) 232-8407 View (857) 232-8407
Photo of Sarah Kroesser Nichols, MEd, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sarah Kroesser Nichols
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MEd, LICSW
Verified Verified
Boston, MA 02117  (Online Only)
*NOT ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS AT THIS TIME* In my previous position at McLean, I worked with adolescents/families struggling with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorders and related family and relationship issues such as adoption, interpersonal conflict, etc, in addition to work with adults with substance abuse disorders. I also enjoy working with couples and families struggling with problems such as difficulty communicating and problems with intimacy. I love my job and hope that my work with clients continues to benefit the community as much as it does my own development.
*NOT ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS AT THIS TIME* In my previous position at McLean, I worked with adolescents/families struggling with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorders and related family and relationship issues such as adoption, interpersonal conflict, etc, in addition to work with adults with substance abuse disorders. I also enjoy working with couples and families struggling with problems such as difficulty communicating and problems with intimacy. I love my job and hope that my work with clients continues to benefit the community as much as it does my own development.
(617) 440-4163 View (617) 440-4163
Photo of Luisa Ibner, MA, LMHC, Counselor
Luisa Ibner
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Boston, MA 02114  (Online Only)
My work has developed my skillsets in addressing symptoms and/or issues stemming from anxiety, depression, personality disorders, traumatic experiences, self-injurious behaviors, and more.
Hello! Oi! Hola! I am a bilingual therapist who speaks English and Brazilian Portuguese. I specialize in working with children and adolescents who struggle to manage daily stressors and feel out of control in some way shape or form. My clients have felt supported in managing symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and more in order to live a more balanced and fulfilling life. I enjoy accompanying my clients in their journey of self-exploration and growth.
My work has developed my skillsets in addressing symptoms and/or issues stemming from anxiety, depression, personality disorders, traumatic experiences, self-injurious behaviors, and more.
Hello! Oi! Hola! I am a bilingual therapist who speaks English and Brazilian Portuguese. I specialize in working with children and adolescents who struggle to manage daily stressors and feel out of control in some way shape or form. My clients have felt supported in managing symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and more in order to live a more balanced and fulfilling life. I enjoy accompanying my clients in their journey of self-exploration and growth.
(339) 331-2761 View (339) 331-2761
Photo of Adam A Tuttle, LMHC, Counselor
Adam A Tuttle
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Boston, MA 02118  (Online Only)
I have worked extensively with managing anxiety, depression, PTSD, grief/loss, couples counseling, bi-polar disorder, personality disorders, schizoid disorders, and much more.
Currently taking new patients! Developing a deeper understanding of why we do the things we do is an integral part of becoming the person we desire to be. Therapy can be an important tool for self discovery and recognizing our problematic patterns. I believe that therapy should meet the individual where they are and the unique set of circumstances that they exist in. I utilize a client-centered therapeutic model and have a specialization in trauma. In addition, I have expertise in addiction, CBT, existential therapy, object relations, and navigating psychiatry systems (having run a clinic myself).
I have worked extensively with managing anxiety, depression, PTSD, grief/loss, couples counseling, bi-polar disorder, personality disorders, schizoid disorders, and much more.
Currently taking new patients! Developing a deeper understanding of why we do the things we do is an integral part of becoming the person we desire to be. Therapy can be an important tool for self discovery and recognizing our problematic patterns. I believe that therapy should meet the individual where they are and the unique set of circumstances that they exist in. I utilize a client-centered therapeutic model and have a specialization in trauma. In addition, I have expertise in addiction, CBT, existential therapy, object relations, and navigating psychiatry systems (having run a clinic myself).
(617) 766-0481 View (617) 766-0481
Photo of Eugene Hall, PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Eugene Hall
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Boston, MA 02116  (Online Only)
I have experience with anxiety, depression, couple/family/relationship issues, PTSD, substance use, personality disorders, minority stress, spiritual/religious/existential issues, anger management, and co-parenting.
Many come to therapy knowing only that they are struggling to get things done, their relationships have become a source of stress rather than comfort, or they need help processing trauma, loss, or other painful experiences impacting their daily lives. Whatever your circumstances, I strive to help each person or family I work with achieve greater emotional, psychological, and social well-being, while also alleviating symptoms. I use the power of storytelling and understand that each person I work with has many, important stories to tell. I also value and work with each person's nervous system in the healing process.
I have experience with anxiety, depression, couple/family/relationship issues, PTSD, substance use, personality disorders, minority stress, spiritual/religious/existential issues, anger management, and co-parenting.
Many come to therapy knowing only that they are struggling to get things done, their relationships have become a source of stress rather than comfort, or they need help processing trauma, loss, or other painful experiences impacting their daily lives. Whatever your circumstances, I strive to help each person or family I work with achieve greater emotional, psychological, and social well-being, while also alleviating symptoms. I use the power of storytelling and understand that each person I work with has many, important stories to tell. I also value and work with each person's nervous system in the healing process.
(612) 429-4092 View (612) 429-4092
Photo of Christina Brothers, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Christina Brothers
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Boston, MA 02108
My practice has primarily lended itself to the treatment of Eating disorders, and other co-occurring struggles such as OCD, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders that are commonly associated with this illness. Currently, I also work in a University setting with both undergrad and grad students, but in the past was the Clinical Director of both an Inpatient Eating Disorder Unit and a Psychiatric Unit. These experiences have provided me with the background of treating adolescents, young adults/adults, and families from all different backgrounds.
My practice has primarily lended itself to the treatment of Eating disorders, and other co-occurring struggles such as OCD, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders that are commonly associated with this illness. Currently, I also work in a University setting with both undergrad and grad students, but in the past was the Clinical Director of both an Inpatient Eating Disorder Unit and a Psychiatric Unit. These experiences have provided me with the background of treating adolescents, young adults/adults, and families from all different backgrounds.
(339) 330-1364 View (339) 330-1364
Photo of Rachel Weiss, PhD, Psychologist
Rachel Weiss
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Boston, MA 02116
I have expertise in the treatment of mood, anxiety, and personality disorders.
I am a clinical psychologist with faculty/staff appointments at McLean Hospital and Harvard Medical School. I believe that therapy should be collaborative, supportive, and warm, while also facilitating real change in clients' lives. You may benefit from working with me if you're feeling overwhelmed, stressed, angry, or lonely; or struggling with low self-esteem or lack of confidence. I can assist you in better managing relationship or family conflict, work- or school-related stress, parenting or caregiver stress, grief/loss, and major transitions.
I have expertise in the treatment of mood, anxiety, and personality disorders.
I am a clinical psychologist with faculty/staff appointments at McLean Hospital and Harvard Medical School. I believe that therapy should be collaborative, supportive, and warm, while also facilitating real change in clients' lives. You may benefit from working with me if you're feeling overwhelmed, stressed, angry, or lonely; or struggling with low self-esteem or lack of confidence. I can assist you in better managing relationship or family conflict, work- or school-related stress, parenting or caregiver stress, grief/loss, and major transitions.
(617) 440-5241 View (617) 440-5241
Photo of Emma H Moscardini, PhD, MA, Psychologist
Emma H Moscardini
Psychologist, PhD, MA
Verified Verified
Boston, MA 02116
I have expertise in the treatment of mood, anxiety, and personality disorders.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist at McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School. I believe that therapy should be collaborative, supportive, and warm, while also facilitating real change. You may benefit from work with me if you feel overwhelmed, lonely, hopeless, lost, or are having thoughts of suicide. I can assist you in better managing relationships, conflict, work, and life transitions all in pursuit of building a meaningful and fulfilling life. I work both with adults and adolescents (over the age of 14).
I have expertise in the treatment of mood, anxiety, and personality disorders.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist at McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School. I believe that therapy should be collaborative, supportive, and warm, while also facilitating real change. You may benefit from work with me if you feel overwhelmed, lonely, hopeless, lost, or are having thoughts of suicide. I can assist you in better managing relationships, conflict, work, and life transitions all in pursuit of building a meaningful and fulfilling life. I work both with adults and adolescents (over the age of 14).
(617) 214-1279 View (617) 214-1279
Photo of Erin Johnson - Actualize Counseling & Nutrition, CSW, Pre-Licensed Professional
Actualize Counseling & Nutrition
Pre-Licensed Professional, CSW
Verified Verified
Boston, MA 02111  (Online Only)
With a deep focus on groups and family relationships, I specialize in assisting individuals who face fears of abandonment and loss of control, which can manifest in eating disorders, anxiety, and mood and personality disorders. By championing a healing journey centered on compassionate exploration, I employ effective strategies to help regulate emotions, alleviate stress, and promote self-discovery. My aim is to empower you to embark on a transformative journey equipped with courage and resilience. Together, we will chart a course towards profound healing and personal growth.
With a deep focus on groups and family relationships, I specialize in assisting individuals who face fears of abandonment and loss of control, which can manifest in eating disorders, anxiety, and mood and personality disorders. By championing a healing journey centered on compassionate exploration, I employ effective strategies to help regulate emotions, alleviate stress, and promote self-discovery. My aim is to empower you to embark on a transformative journey equipped with courage and resilience. Together, we will chart a course towards profound healing and personal growth.
(617) 404-4576 View (617) 404-4576
Photo of Melissa A Whelan, MSW, LCSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Melissa A Whelan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Boston, MA 02101  (Online Only)
Have you experienced traumatic grief and been ignored by others; people don't know what to say to you? Do you suffer from anxiety and depression? Feel like you are stuck in a hole and can't get out or full of dread and worry with a heaviness in your chest? Have you experienced grief and trauma from parents with narcissistic traits, expecting them to be who they will never be. We can work together to relieve the trauma, allow for a healthy grieving process and develop strategies for the anxiety and depression. You will work on looking at yourself, changing you and your perceptions of others.
Have you experienced traumatic grief and been ignored by others; people don't know what to say to you? Do you suffer from anxiety and depression? Feel like you are stuck in a hole and can't get out or full of dread and worry with a heaviness in your chest? Have you experienced grief and trauma from parents with narcissistic traits, expecting them to be who they will never be. We can work together to relieve the trauma, allow for a healthy grieving process and develop strategies for the anxiety and depression. You will work on looking at yourself, changing you and your perceptions of others.
(508) 761-1870 View (508) 761-1870
Photo of Samantha Johnson - Samantha Johnson, LICSW, Leek Therapy, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Samantha Johnson, LICSW, Leek Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Boston, MA 02124  (Online Only)
I am a partner at Leek Therapy and I predominantly work with adolescents, young adults, and adults in the following areas: trauma/PTSD, eating disorders, anxiety and phobias, mood disorders, and personality disorders. My therapeutic approach is strengths based and person centered. I strive to provide a non-judgmental, safe space to problem solve, work through struggles, and build effective coping skills. Our life experiences and stressors can make this feel extremely difficult. Maybe you’ve tried to do this on your own, but feel stuck. I want to help you to feel unstuck!
I am a partner at Leek Therapy and I predominantly work with adolescents, young adults, and adults in the following areas: trauma/PTSD, eating disorders, anxiety and phobias, mood disorders, and personality disorders. My therapeutic approach is strengths based and person centered. I strive to provide a non-judgmental, safe space to problem solve, work through struggles, and build effective coping skills. Our life experiences and stressors can make this feel extremely difficult. Maybe you’ve tried to do this on your own, but feel stuck. I want to help you to feel unstuck!
(774) 484-7102 View (774) 484-7102
Photo of Kadian James - Freedom Happy Counseling LLC, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Freedom Happy Counseling LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Boston, MA 02101  (Online Only)
Identifying narcissistic abuse and other forms of emotional and psychological abuse.
Breaking free from emotional and psychological wounds can be harder to heal than physical wounds! Predators come in many forms...some are covert, sneaky and manipulative, while others are bold, in your face and irrefutable! My trauma-informed care & psychoed approach will support you in understanding and processing your trauma and struggles. This, while educating and coaching you on selfcare, selflove and self compassion, as you heal. I'll help you command the boundary boss living within, to emerge. Life gets stressful -I get it! Need help in striking that delicate balance in a world of uncertainties! You're in the right place.
Identifying narcissistic abuse and other forms of emotional and psychological abuse.
Breaking free from emotional and psychological wounds can be harder to heal than physical wounds! Predators come in many forms...some are covert, sneaky and manipulative, while others are bold, in your face and irrefutable! My trauma-informed care & psychoed approach will support you in understanding and processing your trauma and struggles. This, while educating and coaching you on selfcare, selflove and self compassion, as you heal. I'll help you command the boundary boss living within, to emerge. Life gets stressful -I get it! Need help in striking that delicate balance in a world of uncertainties! You're in the right place.
(508) 374-9079 View (508) 374-9079
Photo of Antonio S. Gomes, MA, MAEd
Antonio S. Gomes
MA, MAEd
Verified Verified
Boston, MA 02124  (Online Only)
While we are fully aware of what is happening at the conscious level, we have no idea what information is stored in the unconscious. For the most part, the source of most of our problems is stored in the unconscious. I help patients verbalize and get in touch with their unconscious, leading to a successful treatment. I Work with adults diagnosed with a psychotic mental disorder; highly functional patients, however, under psychotic medications. I also have experience working with individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar, depression, and narcissistic personality disorder.
While we are fully aware of what is happening at the conscious level, we have no idea what information is stored in the unconscious. For the most part, the source of most of our problems is stored in the unconscious. I help patients verbalize and get in touch with their unconscious, leading to a successful treatment. I Work with adults diagnosed with a psychotic mental disorder; highly functional patients, however, under psychotic medications. I also have experience working with individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar, depression, and narcissistic personality disorder.
(857) 273-1671 View (857) 273-1671
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Personality Disorders Therapists

What are the common treatment options for personality disorders?

Personality disorders are typically treated with psychotherapy, sometimes in conjunction with medication. Therapy can help people with personality disorders develop skills to tolerate difficult emotions, navigate interpersonal relationships, and solidify their sense of self. Medications can treat symptoms that co-occur with the disorder, such as depression, anger, aggression, and impulsivity.

When to seek treatment for personality disorders?

Even though treatment for personality disorders can be an uphill battle, it’s best to seek help if you suspect that you or a loved one is struggling with one, because personality disorders can create substantial problems in life. Symptoms depend on the specific disorder, but overall signs of personality disorders include consistent difficulty maintaining close relationships, dramatic variations in self-esteem, and an unstable sense of identity.

How long does therapy take for personality disorders?

The timeline for treating personality disorders isn’t as clear-cut as it is for other disorders. Change can be difficult, taking from around one year to five, 10, or more. The key is finding a therapist who has extensive experience treating the relevant disorder. For example, a psychologist who specializes in narcissistic personality disorder has specific communication strategies that allow them to sustain the relationship and be more effective with narcissistic patients.

Can therapy help people with personality disorders?

Research suggests that for those who are motivated to address concerns or interpersonal conflict related to a personality disorder, therapy is far more effective than no treatment, and that most people in therapy see improvements. However, since personality disorders involve entrenched elements of identity, they are less responsive to treatment than are other mental health conditions. Finding an expert who has extensive experience working with a given personality disorder is one factor that increases the likelihood of successful treatment.