Borderline Personality (BPD) Treatment Centers in Palo Alto, CA

La Selva Group
Treatment Center
Palo Alto, CA 94306
La Selva Group provides comprehensive mental health treatment for adults 18 and older through our Residential, Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). We accept commercial insurance and offer evidence-based care for a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, schizophrenia, and functional neurological disorder. Our clients receive a structured blend of group therapy, individual therapy, and medication management, all designed to support stabilization, skill-building, and lasting recovery in a compassionate, collaborative environment.
La Selva Group provides comprehensive mental health treatment for adults 18 and older through our Residential, Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). We accept commercial insurance and offer evidence-based care for a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, schizophrenia, and functional neurological disorder. Our clients receive a structured blend of group therapy, individual therapy, and medication management, all designed to support stabilization, skill-building, and lasting recovery in a compassionate, collaborative environment.
(650) 955-1033 View (650) 955-1033
Evolve East Bay Teen Treatment Center
Treatment Center
Serves Area
We treat complex conditions including borderline personality disorder ( BPD), psychosis, and other co-occurring disorders.
Evolve offers proven, evidence-based therapy programs for teens struggling with mental health, substance use, or behavioral challenges. Our short-term residential treatment center (RTC) provides 24/7 supervision and individualized care in a safe, supportive setting. With only six teens in the program at a time, we deliver highly focused and personalized treatment. We also provide structured outpatient therapy through our full-day teen Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and after-school teen Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Families can expect compassionate care and meaningful progress at every step.
We treat complex conditions including borderline personality disorder ( BPD), psychosis, and other co-occurring disorders.
Evolve offers proven, evidence-based therapy programs for teens struggling with mental health, substance use, or behavioral challenges. Our short-term residential treatment center (RTC) provides 24/7 supervision and individualized care in a safe, supportive setting. With only six teens in the program at a time, we deliver highly focused and personalized treatment. We also provide structured outpatient therapy through our full-day teen Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and after-school teen Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Families can expect compassionate care and meaningful progress at every step.
(925) 886-0258 View (925) 886-0258
The Beach Cottage at Seasons in Malibu
Treatment Center
Serves Area
The Beach Cottage at Seasons in Malibu is a CARF-accredited, luxury mental health treatment center in beautiful Malibu, CA. We specialize in treating a wide variety of mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, PTSD and trauma. We are very proud that in surveying our clients, more than 95% say they would recommend our Malibu Mental Health Rehab Center to a friend or loved one. We believe this is the greatest testament to the compassionate, world-class treatment we offer at Seasons in Malibu.
The Beach Cottage at Seasons in Malibu is a CARF-accredited, luxury mental health treatment center in beautiful Malibu, CA. We specialize in treating a wide variety of mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, PTSD and trauma. We are very proud that in surveying our clients, more than 95% say they would recommend our Malibu Mental Health Rehab Center to a friend or loved one. We believe this is the greatest testament to the compassionate, world-class treatment we offer at Seasons in Malibu.
(424) 346-6190 View (424) 346-6190
The Lotus Collaborative
Treatment Center
Serves Area
The Lotus Collaborative provides compassionate, individualized treatment for eating disorders and mental health in Santa Cruz and San Francisco. We offer Eating Disorder PHP and IOP, Mood & Trauma IOP, and outpatient therapy and nutrition, with in-person and virtual options. Our collaborative, inclusive approach combines evidence-based and experiential care to help clients build meaningful, sustainable recovery while feeling heard, respected, and supported. We’re in-network with several major insurers, work with Medi-Cal referrals, and are often able to secure Single Case Agreements (SCAs) for other plans.
The Lotus Collaborative provides compassionate, individualized treatment for eating disorders and mental health in Santa Cruz and San Francisco. We offer Eating Disorder PHP and IOP, Mood & Trauma IOP, and outpatient therapy and nutrition, with in-person and virtual options. Our collaborative, inclusive approach combines evidence-based and experiential care to help clients build meaningful, sustainable recovery while feeling heard, respected, and supported. We’re in-network with several major insurers, work with Medi-Cal referrals, and are often able to secure Single Case Agreements (SCAs) for other plans.
(831) 273-7880 View (831) 273-7880
Many of our teens struggle with depression, anxiety, substance use, behavioral issues, ADHD, psychosis, borderline personality disorder, and other high-acuity mental health issues and co-occurring disorders.
When severe emotion dysregulation or self-harm requires more than weekly therapy, expert local support is vital. Located in San Jose, our specialized DBT outpatient center offers the intensive, daily care teens need to build coping skills close to home. We treat teens ages 12-17 struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, and dual diagnosis. Our licensed clinicians use DBT to teach essential distress tolerance and emotion regulation skills. Through our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), teens practice these tools in real-time while staying connected to family.
Many of our teens struggle with depression, anxiety, substance use, behavioral issues, ADHD, psychosis, borderline personality disorder, and other high-acuity mental health issues and co-occurring disorders.
When severe emotion dysregulation or self-harm requires more than weekly therapy, expert local support is vital. Located in San Jose, our specialized DBT outpatient center offers the intensive, daily care teens need to build coping skills close to home. We treat teens ages 12-17 struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, and dual diagnosis. Our licensed clinicians use DBT to teach essential distress tolerance and emotion regulation skills. Through our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), teens practice these tools in real-time while staying connected to family.
(844) 330-5457 View (844) 330-5457
Rather than merely containing or shaping behaviors, we are committed to assisting young people by addressing the deeper, more difficult issues that impact their lives including anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and more.
At Paradigm Treatment, we have been providing residential treatment for teenagers (12-17) for over 12 years. Our program focuses on addressing mental health issues during this crucial developmental phase. While most teen treatment is focused on containing and changing behaviors, our goal is to identify the core issues driving negative coping skills. We help clients build self-awareness, heal from past traumas, learn coping strategies, life skills, and interpersonal tactics. Our skilled medical, clinical, and psychological staff work closely with each client, ensuring personalized support from the moment they enter our program. At Paradigm, we empower teens to build meaningful lives and equip them with skills to thrive beyond the completion of our program.
Rather than merely containing or shaping behaviors, we are committed to assisting young people by addressing the deeper, more difficult issues that impact their lives including anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and more.
At Paradigm Treatment, we have been providing residential treatment for teenagers (12-17) for over 12 years. Our program focuses on addressing mental health issues during this crucial developmental phase. While most teen treatment is focused on containing and changing behaviors, our goal is to identify the core issues driving negative coping skills. We help clients build self-awareness, heal from past traumas, learn coping strategies, life skills, and interpersonal tactics. Our skilled medical, clinical, and psychological staff work closely with each client, ensuring personalized support from the moment they enter our program. At Paradigm, we empower teens to build meaningful lives and equip them with skills to thrive beyond the completion of our program.
(310) 912-7295 View (310) 912-7295
At California Recovery Center, we know recovery is more than a single step—it’s a journey. That’s why we provide a full continuum of care, beginning with detox, moving through residential treatment, and continuing into outpatient and aftercare programs. With support available 24/7, our team ensures you’re never alone in the process. By combining evidence-based therapies with genuine compassion, we help you build a strong foundation for lasting recovery and a healthier future.
At California Recovery Center, we know recovery is more than a single step—it’s a journey. That’s why we provide a full continuum of care, beginning with detox, moving through residential treatment, and continuing into outpatient and aftercare programs. With support available 24/7, our team ensures you’re never alone in the process. By combining evidence-based therapies with genuine compassion, we help you build a strong foundation for lasting recovery and a healthier future.
(916) 943-7823 View (916) 943-7823
Amae Health Los Altos
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Amae Health delivers psychiatry-led, whole-person care to individuals 18+ at our outpatient clinic in Los Altos, California designed to foster healing, recovery, and connection. We treat individuals with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, psychosis, severe anxiety, suicidal ideation, and co-occurring substance use and work with all major insurance providers in California.
Amae Health delivers psychiatry-led, whole-person care to individuals 18+ at our outpatient clinic in Los Altos, California designed to foster healing, recovery, and connection. We treat individuals with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, psychosis, severe anxiety, suicidal ideation, and co-occurring substance use and work with all major insurance providers in California.
(650) 383-3522 View (650) 383-3522
Guide Behavioral Health
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Guide Behavioral Health provides structured, evidence-based outpatient care for teens ages 12–17 facing anxiety, depression, self-harm, school avoidance, substance use, and other behavioral health challenges. Our IOP and PHP combine proven therapies, small-group support, and close family collaboration—so teens learn coping skills, build resilience, and stay engaged in school and life. With quick admissions and flexible after-school and daytime schedules, we make treatment doable, while parents stay in the loop and schools stay coordinated. Located in Menlo Park, we serve Palo Alto, San Mateo County, and nearby communities.
Guide Behavioral Health provides structured, evidence-based outpatient care for teens ages 12–17 facing anxiety, depression, self-harm, school avoidance, substance use, and other behavioral health challenges. Our IOP and PHP combine proven therapies, small-group support, and close family collaboration—so teens learn coping skills, build resilience, and stay engaged in school and life. With quick admissions and flexible after-school and daytime schedules, we make treatment doable, while parents stay in the loop and schools stay coordinated. Located in Menlo Park, we serve Palo Alto, San Mateo County, and nearby communities.
(650) 507-3888 View (650) 507-3888
Elevation Behavioral Health
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Elevation Behavioral Health is a fully licensed residential treatment facility located in Southern California. Elevation is licensed with the Department of Health Care Services and the Department of Social Services. The facility is co-owned and operated by Dr. Priya Chaudhri and Steven Booth, both individuals with extensive experience running high-end rehabs for over a decade. Clients at Elevation Behavioral Health live in luxurious accommodations and receive individualized treatment that is designed to help them develop a solid foundation of recovery using evidence-based methods of treatment. Clients with primary mental health diagnosis are treated as are those with co-occurring substance abuse issues.
Elevation Behavioral Health is a fully licensed residential treatment facility located in Southern California. Elevation is licensed with the Department of Health Care Services and the Department of Social Services. The facility is co-owned and operated by Dr. Priya Chaudhri and Steven Booth, both individuals with extensive experience running high-end rehabs for over a decade. Clients at Elevation Behavioral Health live in luxurious accommodations and receive individualized treatment that is designed to help them develop a solid foundation of recovery using evidence-based methods of treatment. Clients with primary mental health diagnosis are treated as are those with co-occurring substance abuse issues.
(818) 877-4617 View (818) 877-4617
Rather than merely containing or shaping behaviors, we are committed to assisting young people by addressing the deeper, more difficult issues that impact their lives including anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and more.
At Paradigm Treatment, we have been providing residential treatment for teenagers (12-17) for over 12 years. Our program focuses on addressing mental health issues during this crucial developmental phase. While most teen treatment is focused on containing and changing behaviors, our goal is to identify the core issues driving negative coping skills. We help clients build self-awareness, heal from past traumas, learn coping strategies, life skills, and interpersonal tactics. Our skilled medical, clinical, and psychological staff work closely with each client, ensuring personalized support from the moment they enter our program. At Paradigm, we empower teens to build meaningful lives and equip them with skills to thrive beyond the completion of our program.
Rather than merely containing or shaping behaviors, we are committed to assisting young people by addressing the deeper, more difficult issues that impact their lives including anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and more.
At Paradigm Treatment, we have been providing residential treatment for teenagers (12-17) for over 12 years. Our program focuses on addressing mental health issues during this crucial developmental phase. While most teen treatment is focused on containing and changing behaviors, our goal is to identify the core issues driving negative coping skills. We help clients build self-awareness, heal from past traumas, learn coping strategies, life skills, and interpersonal tactics. Our skilled medical, clinical, and psychological staff work closely with each client, ensuring personalized support from the moment they enter our program. At Paradigm, we empower teens to build meaningful lives and equip them with skills to thrive beyond the completion of our program.
(818) 369-3582 View (818) 369-3582
Zion Hills Academy (501C3)
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Zion Hills Academy, a nonprofit (501C3) Residential Treatment Center in Southern Utah, specializes in treating teen girls experiencing Reactive Attachment Disorder. Licensed by the State of Utah, Zion Hills utilizes state-of-the-art, research based and proven clinical methods such as EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Experiential Therapy, and Equine Therapy to help teen girls overcome their difficulties and learn to bond with their families. Zion Hill's Positive Peer Culture program, directed by Oscar Fakahua, allows teen girls to experience deep and lasting change.
Zion Hills Academy, a nonprofit (501C3) Residential Treatment Center in Southern Utah, specializes in treating teen girls experiencing Reactive Attachment Disorder. Licensed by the State of Utah, Zion Hills utilizes state-of-the-art, research based and proven clinical methods such as EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Experiential Therapy, and Equine Therapy to help teen girls overcome their difficulties and learn to bond with their families. Zion Hill's Positive Peer Culture program, directed by Oscar Fakahua, allows teen girls to experience deep and lasting change.
(435) 222-7658 View (435) 222-7658
Northbound Treatment Services
Treatment Center
Serves Area
At Northbound Treatment Services in La Jolla, California, we offer comprehensive treatment for drug and alcohol addiction as well as co-occurring mental health disorders. Our continuum of care includes medically supervised detox, residential and outpatient programs, dual diagnosis support, and aftercare planning. Each client receives a personalized treatment plan tailored to their unique goals, ensuring a safe, comfortable, and empowering recovery experience. At our wonderful facility, we provide a compassionate environment where lasting healing and growth can begin.
At Northbound Treatment Services in La Jolla, California, we offer comprehensive treatment for drug and alcohol addiction as well as co-occurring mental health disorders. Our continuum of care includes medically supervised detox, residential and outpatient programs, dual diagnosis support, and aftercare planning. Each client receives a personalized treatment plan tailored to their unique goals, ensuring a safe, comfortable, and empowering recovery experience. At our wonderful facility, we provide a compassionate environment where lasting healing and growth can begin.
(949) 401-6097 View (949) 401-6097
Rather than merely containing or shaping behaviors, we are committed to assisting young people by addressing the deeper, more difficult issues that impact their lives including anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and more.
At Paradigm Treatment, we have been providing residential treatment for teenagers (12-17) for over 12 years. Our program focuses on addressing mental health issues during this crucial developmental phase. While most teen treatment is focused on containing and changing behaviors, our goal is to identify the core issues driving negative coping skills. We help clients build self-awareness, heal from past traumas, learn coping strategies, life skills, and interpersonal tactics. Our skilled medical, clinical, and psychological staff work closely with each client, ensuring personalized support from the moment they enter our program. At Paradigm, we empower teens to build meaningful lives and equip them with skills to thrive beyond the completion of our program.
Rather than merely containing or shaping behaviors, we are committed to assisting young people by addressing the deeper, more difficult issues that impact their lives including anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and more.
At Paradigm Treatment, we have been providing residential treatment for teenagers (12-17) for over 12 years. Our program focuses on addressing mental health issues during this crucial developmental phase. While most teen treatment is focused on containing and changing behaviors, our goal is to identify the core issues driving negative coping skills. We help clients build self-awareness, heal from past traumas, learn coping strategies, life skills, and interpersonal tactics. Our skilled medical, clinical, and psychological staff work closely with each client, ensuring personalized support from the moment they enter our program. At Paradigm, we empower teens to build meaningful lives and equip them with skills to thrive beyond the completion of our program.
(415) 326-1439 View (415) 326-1439
Avery Lane
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Avery Lane is an innovative San Francisco Bay Area all-female Primary Substance Abuse, Primary Mental Health and Trauma Specialized inpatient and outpatient treatment center with programs thoughtfully designed and developed exclusively to meet the unique needs of women. We treat everything that comes up for women specifically while they struggle with substance abuse and mental health concerns. Our experienced clinical and medical team utilizes the latest holistic and evidenced-based approaches to provide women with the most effective and engaging treatment for their individualized core issues. We have created a community environment in which our team and participants work together to heal and grow. Our small and intimate home-like environment offers the perfect atmosphere to foster rehabilitation with 24/7 dedicated staff support. Our individualized programs and different levels of care offer long term support options to end the cycle of addiction and gain a life of recovery and hope outside of addiction.
Avery Lane is an innovative San Francisco Bay Area all-female Primary Substance Abuse, Primary Mental Health and Trauma Specialized inpatient and outpatient treatment center with programs thoughtfully designed and developed exclusively to meet the unique needs of women. We treat everything that comes up for women specifically while they struggle with substance abuse and mental health concerns. Our experienced clinical and medical team utilizes the latest holistic and evidenced-based approaches to provide women with the most effective and engaging treatment for their individualized core issues. We have created a community environment in which our team and participants work together to heal and grow. Our small and intimate home-like environment offers the perfect atmosphere to foster rehabilitation with 24/7 dedicated staff support. Our individualized programs and different levels of care offer long term support options to end the cycle of addiction and gain a life of recovery and hope outside of addiction.
(415) 569-2691 View (415) 569-2691
Alta Mira Recovery Programs
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Alta Mira is a residential treatment center in Sausalito, California, specializing in addiction and complex co-occurring disorders. Our team of highly credentialed addiction treatment professionals welcomes clients with a broad range of substance use and mental health conditions. Located just minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge, our campus offers a private, secluded setting with panoramic bay views, mature gardens, and the casual elegance of a historic hotel. We are in-network with TriWest and welcome veterans seeking care.
Alta Mira is a residential treatment center in Sausalito, California, specializing in addiction and complex co-occurring disorders. Our team of highly credentialed addiction treatment professionals welcomes clients with a broad range of substance use and mental health conditions. Located just minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge, our campus offers a private, secluded setting with panoramic bay views, mature gardens, and the casual elegance of a historic hotel. We are in-network with TriWest and welcome veterans seeking care.
(866) 374-0585 View (866) 374-0585
Breathe Life Residential Program
Treatment Center
Serves Area
If you or someone you love is navigating addiction, trauma, or a co-occurring mental health condition, you deserve a place that truly understands. At Breathe Life, we serve adults 18+ — including LGBTQ+ individuals, those dealing with chemsex addiction, complex trauma, eating disorders, and dual diagnosis. Our clients come seeking more than sobriety: they come to rebuild their lives in a safe, affirming environment set on a 22-acre Laurel Canyon campus in Los Angeles.
If you or someone you love is navigating addiction, trauma, or a co-occurring mental health condition, you deserve a place that truly understands. At Breathe Life, we serve adults 18+ — including LGBTQ+ individuals, those dealing with chemsex addiction, complex trauma, eating disorders, and dual diagnosis. Our clients come seeking more than sobriety: they come to rebuild their lives in a safe, affirming environment set on a 22-acre Laurel Canyon campus in Los Angeles.
(877) 702-1746 View (877) 702-1746
Rather than merely containing or shaping behaviors, we are committed to assisting young people by addressing the deeper, more difficult issues that impact their lives including anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and more.
At Paradigm Treatment, we have been providing residential treatment for teenagers (12-17) for over 12 years. Our program focuses on addressing mental health issues during this crucial developmental phase. While most teen treatment is focused on containing and changing behaviors, our goal is to identify the core issues driving negative coping skills. We help clients build self-awareness, heal from past traumas, learn coping strategies, life skills, and interpersonal tactics. Our skilled medical, clinical, and psychological staff work closely with each client, ensuring personalized support from the moment they enter our program. At Paradigm, we empower teens to build meaningful lives and equip them with skills to thrive beyond the completion of our program.
Rather than merely containing or shaping behaviors, we are committed to assisting young people by addressing the deeper, more difficult issues that impact their lives including anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and more.
At Paradigm Treatment, we have been providing residential treatment for teenagers (12-17) for over 12 years. Our program focuses on addressing mental health issues during this crucial developmental phase. While most teen treatment is focused on containing and changing behaviors, our goal is to identify the core issues driving negative coping skills. We help clients build self-awareness, heal from past traumas, learn coping strategies, life skills, and interpersonal tactics. Our skilled medical, clinical, and psychological staff work closely with each client, ensuring personalized support from the moment they enter our program. At Paradigm, we empower teens to build meaningful lives and equip them with skills to thrive beyond the completion of our program.
(310) 861-6864 View (310) 861-6864
LifeSync Inpatient Mental Health Treatment
Treatment Center
Serves Area
LifeSync Behavioral Health is a premier holistic residential mental health treatment center for adults who want a private treatment option. Call our team for our treatment location and admission steps. Same-day admissions are available for urgent mental health situations and symptoms.
LifeSync Behavioral Health is a premier holistic residential mental health treatment center for adults who want a private treatment option. Call our team for our treatment location and admission steps. Same-day admissions are available for urgent mental health situations and symptoms.
(805) 222-7493 View (805) 222-7493
We treat complex conditions including borderline personality disorder ( BPD), psychosis, and other co-occurring disorders.
Evolve offers tailored, empathetic care to help teens conquer depression and rediscover their sense of hope. We offer therapeutic programs for teens, including short-term residential treatment. Our RTC for teens serves only six clients at a time, allowing for truly individualized care, 24/7 support and supervision, and evidence-based therapies. In addition, Evolve provides structured outpatient therapy for teens through our full-day teen Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and after-school teen Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Rooted in compassion and connection, our teen treatment programs help adolescents heal and grow
We treat complex conditions including borderline personality disorder ( BPD), psychosis, and other co-occurring disorders.
Evolve offers tailored, empathetic care to help teens conquer depression and rediscover their sense of hope. We offer therapeutic programs for teens, including short-term residential treatment. Our RTC for teens serves only six clients at a time, allowing for truly individualized care, 24/7 support and supervision, and evidence-based therapies. In addition, Evolve provides structured outpatient therapy for teens through our full-day teen Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and after-school teen Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Rooted in compassion and connection, our teen treatment programs help adolescents heal and grow
(925) 592-1275 View (925) 592-1275

See more therapy options for Palo Alto

Borderline Personality (BPD) Treatment Centers
What is the most successful approach to treating borderline personality disorder?
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is considered the gold standard of treatment for borderline personality disorder. An evidence-based treatment, it addresses the extreme emotional reactivity, the relationship difficulties, and the acts of self-harm that create so much distress for BPD patients. DBT is a comprehensive program that includes both regular individual psychotherapy sessions and weekly group sessions of skills training.

What happens in treatment of borderline personality disorder?
Treatment typically consists of weekly individual therapy sessions that last an hour and group skill-focused instructional sessions that may last up to two hours. Patients are typically given homework “assignments” in which they are asked to practice in their daily life the skills they acquire in therapy. Patients also keep a diary tracking their emotions and impulses as a way to know which situations are most problematic and to help them gain control over their own behavior. Difficult situations and feelings are typically reviewed in therapy sessions and more constructive solutions found.

What kinds of problems does BPD treatment help with?
DBT was initially developed to dampen the self-destructive impulses of chronically suicidal patients. It is now the treatment of choice for borderline personality disorder, a serious condition marked by extreme emotional reactivity, relationship instability, and self-injurious behaviors. Treatment of BPD helps patients tolerate the flux of emotions without acting on them, often with a specific focus on tolerating negative emotions. DBT addresses the core problems of BPD—fear of abandonment, low self-esteem, and impulsivity.

What is the goal of treatment in borderline personality disorder?
The goal of treatment for borderline personality disorder (BPD) is to relieve the extreme emotional distress that patients experience—to curb their emotional reactivity, to minimize their inclination to self-harm, and to reduce their impulsivity. Toward these ends, patients are not only taught an array of new coping skills and techniques for emotional regulation, they are given opportunities to practice them. Another major goal of treatment is interpersonal effectiveness; patients learn and problem-solve ways to effectively communicate in relationships, especially how to ask for what they need as a way to minimize hurt feelings.