Borderline Personality (BPD) Treatment Centers in Sausalito, CA

Photo of One Of Our Admissions Specialists - Alta Mira Recovery Programs, Treatment Center
Alta Mira Recovery Programs
Treatment Center
Sausalito, CA 94965
Alta Mira is a premier residential treatment center specializing in addiction and complex co-occurring disorders. Our exceptional team of highly credentialed addiction treatment professionals provides the most sophisticated level of care for your recovery needs. We welcome clients with a broad range of addiction and mental health disorders. Our beautiful Sausalito, California location provides a safe and secluded environment to begin your recovery journey. Just minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge, Alta Mira is located in a magnificent and serene setting with panoramic views, lovely gardens and the casual elegance of an historic hotel. The therapeutic experiences and uniquely tailored care we provide will help you achieve your goal of lasting recovery.
Alta Mira is a premier residential treatment center specializing in addiction and complex co-occurring disorders. Our exceptional team of highly credentialed addiction treatment professionals provides the most sophisticated level of care for your recovery needs. We welcome clients with a broad range of addiction and mental health disorders. Our beautiful Sausalito, California location provides a safe and secluded environment to begin your recovery journey. Just minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge, Alta Mira is located in a magnificent and serene setting with panoramic views, lovely gardens and the casual elegance of an historic hotel. The therapeutic experiences and uniquely tailored care we provide will help you achieve your goal of lasting recovery.
(866) 374-0585 View (866) 374-0585
Photo of Bayside Marin Substance Abuse Treatment Admissions - Bayside Marin Treatment Center, Treatment Center
Bayside Marin Treatment Center
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Providing exemplary addiction and dual diagnosis treatment for adults in beautiful San Francisco, California, Bayside Marin offers superior care in a setting that embodies tranquility. This center features world-class treatment that utilizes evidence-based therapeutic interventions and treatment methods that have improved the lives of countless individuals by allowing them to truly recover and heal from addictions and mental health concerns. Bayside Marin is licensed to operate 30 beds and features 24-hour nursing staff that is supervised by a board certified physician. Cornerstone to the care supplied by this renowned center is the highly individualized treatment planning that takes into account the various needs of the men and women served. This unique facet, coupled with the unparalleled dedication by the staff, is what makes Bayside Marin the treatment leader it has become.
Providing exemplary addiction and dual diagnosis treatment for adults in beautiful San Francisco, California, Bayside Marin offers superior care in a setting that embodies tranquility. This center features world-class treatment that utilizes evidence-based therapeutic interventions and treatment methods that have improved the lives of countless individuals by allowing them to truly recover and heal from addictions and mental health concerns. Bayside Marin is licensed to operate 30 beds and features 24-hour nursing staff that is supervised by a board certified physician. Cornerstone to the care supplied by this renowned center is the highly individualized treatment planning that takes into account the various needs of the men and women served. This unique facet, coupled with the unparalleled dedication by the staff, is what makes Bayside Marin the treatment leader it has become.
(628) 203-0580 View (628) 203-0580
Photo of Mark J Schiller - Mind Therapy Clinic, Treatment Center, MD
Mind Therapy Clinic
Treatment Center
Serves Area
We are an innovative psychiatric clinic specializing in complex disorders with personalized, multidisciplinary care. Our continuum includes outpatient, IOP, PHP, and 24/7 residential services at E Street Housing. Treatments include evaluations, medication, individual & family therapy, case management, group therapy, mindfulness, DBT, TMS, and diagnostic imaging.
We are an innovative psychiatric clinic specializing in complex disorders with personalized, multidisciplinary care. Our continuum includes outpatient, IOP, PHP, and 24/7 residential services at E Street Housing. Treatments include evaluations, medication, individual & family therapy, case management, group therapy, mindfulness, DBT, TMS, and diagnostic imaging.
(415) 991-7463 View (415) 991-7463
Photo of Robin Weber - Embark Behavioral Health , Treatment Center, LCSW
Embark Behavioral Health
Treatment Center
Serves Area
We know how difficult it can be to see your child struggling with severe mental health issues like anxiety, depression or suicidal ideation. Our partial hospitalization programs (PHP) and intensive outpatient programs (IOP) in Walnut Creek, California are designed to support teens and young adults of all genders ages 12-28 facing these challenges. Our IOPs and PHPs provide flexible treatment - including individual, group, and family therapy - that fits into your family’s life, offering the intensive support they need while staying connected to home, school and family.
We know how difficult it can be to see your child struggling with severe mental health issues like anxiety, depression or suicidal ideation. Our partial hospitalization programs (PHP) and intensive outpatient programs (IOP) in Walnut Creek, California are designed to support teens and young adults of all genders ages 12-28 facing these challenges. Our IOPs and PHPs provide flexible treatment - including individual, group, and family therapy - that fits into your family’s life, offering the intensive support they need while staying connected to home, school and family.
(925) 966-3707 View (925) 966-3707
Photo of Beck Gee - Breathe Life Residential Program, Treatment Center, CA Lic, JACHO
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
Photo of Paradigm San Rafael - Paradigm Treatment - Teen Residential Treatment, Treatment Center
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
Photo of Camille Hildebrand - Avery Lane, Treatment Center
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
Photo of Kara Gross - Evolve Teen Treatment Center - Walnut Creek, Treatment Center
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) 304-1379 View (925) 304-1379

More Treatment Centers Nearby

Photo of Our Admissions Team - Austen Riggs Center, Treatment Center
Austen Riggs Center
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Located in Stockbridge, MA, with a national referral base, Riggs is an open and voluntary continuum of care for adults (18+) with complex psychiatric problems. We offer a range of interventions within an integrated psychodynamic framework. An emphasis is placed on patient authority and responsibility while examining the meaning behind behaviors and how behaviors impact relationships. Patients come to us with multiple diagnoses, but these labels do not necessarily capture the essence of their struggles or strengths. Our Online Intensive Outpatient Program offers online treatment to college students and emerging adults (18-30) in MA.
Located in Stockbridge, MA, with a national referral base, Riggs is an open and voluntary continuum of care for adults (18+) with complex psychiatric problems. We offer a range of interventions within an integrated psychodynamic framework. An emphasis is placed on patient authority and responsibility while examining the meaning behind behaviors and how behaviors impact relationships. Patients come to us with multiple diagnoses, but these labels do not necessarily capture the essence of their struggles or strengths. Our Online Intensive Outpatient Program offers online treatment to college students and emerging adults (18-30) in MA.
(855) 338-0060 View (855) 338-0060
Photo of Kellen R Grayson - Grayson Behavioral Health, Treatment Center, Psy.D.
Grayson Behavioral Health
Treatment Center
San Francisco, CA 94102
Our clients come to us during times of challenge, change, and growth. We work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families navigating concerns such as anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, trauma, grief, life transitions, identity exploration, stress, and emotional overwhelm. Many of our clients are seeking deeper understanding, healthier relationships, greater resilience, or support through complex personal and professional circumstances.
Our clients come to us during times of challenge, change, and growth. We work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families navigating concerns such as anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, trauma, grief, life transitions, identity exploration, stress, and emotional overwhelm. Many of our clients are seeking deeper understanding, healthier relationships, greater resilience, or support through complex personal and professional circumstances.
(415) 943-5386 View (415) 943-5386
Photo of Christine Ziemba - Embark Behavioral Health , Treatment Center, LMFT
Embark Behavioral Health
Treatment Center
Serves Area
We understand how heartbreaking it is to watch your child struggle with severe mental health conditions like suicidal thoughts, self-harm, depression and anxiety. As a parent or child, the weight of these conditions can feel overwhelming, but you're not alone. Our residential treatment center in San Martin, CA provides 24/7 care in a safe, home-like environment for adolescents and teens ages 12-17 of all genders. With constant supervision from a compassionate, experienced team, we offer personalized treatment designed to promote emotional safety and healing. Each day is structured with therapy, therapeutic activities, and academics.
We understand how heartbreaking it is to watch your child struggle with severe mental health conditions like suicidal thoughts, self-harm, depression and anxiety. As a parent or child, the weight of these conditions can feel overwhelming, but you're not alone. Our residential treatment center in San Martin, CA provides 24/7 care in a safe, home-like environment for adolescents and teens ages 12-17 of all genders. With constant supervision from a compassionate, experienced team, we offer personalized treatment designed to promote emotional safety and healing. Each day is structured with therapy, therapeutic activities, and academics.
(669) 316-8937 View (669) 316-8937
Photo of Ijaz Rasul - Telepsychiatrist_Piedmont Behavioral Services, Treatment Center, MD, 2972930
We provide Child and Adult Psychiatry, Therapy and Substance abuse clients via video across California. Our Board Certified Psychiatrists and Therapists are available to help everyday and we can offer same day appointments. Telepsychiatry or Telemedicine uses video link (via computer or smartphone) to offer appointments from home or outside clinic. It offers the option to see a psychiatrist any time as long as you have access to your smart phone or computer.
We provide Child and Adult Psychiatry, Therapy and Substance abuse clients via video across California. Our Board Certified Psychiatrists and Therapists are available to help everyday and we can offer same day appointments. Telepsychiatry or Telemedicine uses video link (via computer or smartphone) to offer appointments from home or outside clinic. It offers the option to see a psychiatrist any time as long as you have access to your smart phone or computer.
(415) 851-6482 View (415) 851-6482
Photo of Bart Magee - Access Institute for Psychological Services, Treatment Center
Access Institute has been a part of the San Francisco community for over 20 years. We provide high-quality psychological care to people of all ages with the greatest need and least access to care while training the next generation of mental health professionals through a model that values human complexity, supports socially-conscious practice, and promotes sustained human growth.
Access Institute has been a part of the San Francisco community for over 20 years. We provide high-quality psychological care to people of all ages with the greatest need and least access to care while training the next generation of mental health professionals through a model that values human complexity, supports socially-conscious practice, and promotes sustained human growth.
(415) 319-7980 x380 View (415) 319-7980 x380
Photo of Kara Gross - Teen Depression Treatment Center at Evolve, Treatment Center
Teen Depression Treatment Center at Evolve
Treatment Center
Serves Area
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
(408) 516-4172 View (408) 516-4172
Photo of Kara Gross - Evolve DBT Residential Treatment Center for Teens, Treatment Center
We treat complex conditions including borderline personality disorder ( BPD), psychosis, and other co-occurring disorders.
When severe mood dysregulation or self-harm requires more than weekly therapy, our specialized DBT residential program offers the immersive care teens need. In a safe, exclusive 6-bed setting, our clinical team helps adolescents rediscover hope and heal. We provide 24/7 supervision and highly personalized, evidence-based treatment tailored to your teen's unique challenges. Evolve also offers structured outpatient step-down support through our full-day Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and after-school Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), ensuring compassionate care and meaningful progress at every step of their journey.
We treat complex conditions including borderline personality disorder ( BPD), psychosis, and other co-occurring disorders.
When severe mood dysregulation or self-harm requires more than weekly therapy, our specialized DBT residential program offers the immersive care teens need. In a safe, exclusive 6-bed setting, our clinical team helps adolescents rediscover hope and heal. We provide 24/7 supervision and highly personalized, evidence-based treatment tailored to your teen's unique challenges. Evolve also offers structured outpatient step-down support through our full-day Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and after-school Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), ensuring compassionate care and meaningful progress at every step of their journey.
(408) 868-2679 View (408) 868-2679
Photo of Jeffrey Moreira - Clearview Outpatient - San Ramon, Treatment Center
Clearview Outpatient - San Ramon
Treatment Center
San Ramon, CA 94583
Clearview Outpatient San Ramon provides compassionate, evidence-based mental health care for adults navigating complex emotional and psychiatric challenges. Our experienced clinical team offers individualized outpatient treatment using therapies such as DBT, CBT, and experiential approaches tailored to each client’s needs. Through individual, group, and family therapy, we help clients strengthen emotional regulation, improve relationships, and build practical coping skills that support greater confidence, stability, and long-term recovery in everyday life.
Clearview Outpatient San Ramon provides compassionate, evidence-based mental health care for adults navigating complex emotional and psychiatric challenges. Our experienced clinical team offers individualized outpatient treatment using therapies such as DBT, CBT, and experiential approaches tailored to each client’s needs. Through individual, group, and family therapy, we help clients strengthen emotional regulation, improve relationships, and build practical coping skills that support greater confidence, stability, and long-term recovery in everyday life.
(925) 693-7153 View (925) 693-7153
Photo of Bryan King - My Limitless Journeys , Treatment Center
My Limitless Journeys
Treatment Center
Serves Area
My Limitless Journeys is a six-bed, luxury residential treatment center specializing in substance use disorders, alcohol addiction, and dual diagnoses. Our clients—often managing anxiety, PTSD, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and co-occurring conditions—come to us seeking a quiet, focused healing environment. The small census allows for individual, one-on-one therapy with less distraction and more privacy
My Limitless Journeys is a six-bed, luxury residential treatment center specializing in substance use disorders, alcohol addiction, and dual diagnoses. Our clients—often managing anxiety, PTSD, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and co-occurring conditions—come to us seeking a quiet, focused healing environment. The small census allows for individual, one-on-one therapy with less distraction and more privacy
(818) 423-4111 View (818) 423-4111
Photo of Jennifer Or Danita - PathwaysRecovery Detox & Treatment Recovery Center, Treatment Center
Pathways Recovery has been providing drug & alcohol addiction treatment services since 2010 when we opened our initial detox treatment facility. In addition to medically supervised drug & alcohol detox with 24 hour supportive care, we now also offer alcohol & drug rehab services at our men's residential addiction treatment center with trauma therapy, dual diagnosis, and psychiatric care. For those that need an addiction treatment program after work, we also offer a 6 week intensive outpatient program. We now also provide care for women in a beautiful women's only addiction treatment center in a private luxury property located on a rural country property in South Placer county.
Pathways Recovery has been providing drug & alcohol addiction treatment services since 2010 when we opened our initial detox treatment facility. In addition to medically supervised drug & alcohol detox with 24 hour supportive care, we now also offer alcohol & drug rehab services at our men's residential addiction treatment center with trauma therapy, dual diagnosis, and psychiatric care. For those that need an addiction treatment program after work, we also offer a 6 week intensive outpatient program. We now also provide care for women in a beautiful women's only addiction treatment center in a private luxury property located on a rural country property in South Placer county.
(916) 252-4683 View (916) 252-4683
Photo of Emily Pedersen - Clear Behavioral Health Drug and Alcohol Detox, Treatment Center
At Clear Behavioral Health in Redondo Beach, we serve adults who are ready to break free from drugs, alcohol, and the mental health challenges that often come with addiction. Our residential detox program provides 24/7 medical supervision in a safe, supportive setting to ease withdrawal and keep you comfortable. From there, clients enter our inpatient rehab, where daily group therapy and support, and holistic care help uncover the root causes of addiction. We focus on healing the whole person - mind, body, and spirit - so you can build lasting recovery and return to life with strength and hope.
At Clear Behavioral Health in Redondo Beach, we serve adults who are ready to break free from drugs, alcohol, and the mental health challenges that often come with addiction. Our residential detox program provides 24/7 medical supervision in a safe, supportive setting to ease withdrawal and keep you comfortable. From there, clients enter our inpatient rehab, where daily group therapy and support, and holistic care help uncover the root causes of addiction. We focus on healing the whole person - mind, body, and spirit - so you can build lasting recovery and return to life with strength and hope.
(424) 788-1556 View (424) 788-1556
Photo of Paradigm San Rafael - Paradigm Treatment - Teen Residential Treatment, Treatment Center
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. Due to a lack of quality mental health resources throughout the country, it's common for us to treat clients from all over the Pacific Northwest at our San Rafael location.
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. Due to a lack of quality mental health resources throughout the country, it's common for us to treat clients from all over the Pacific Northwest at our San Rafael location.
(415) 316-0872 View (415) 316-0872

See more therapy options for Sausalito

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.