Borderline Personality (BPD) Treatment Centers in Haverhill, MA

Photo of Matthew Andrews - Meta Addiction Treatment – Haverhill, MA, Treatment Center
At Meta Addiction Treatment in Haverhill, MA, we provide outpatient treatment that meets the unique needs of each client, with customized treatment plans, group support, and holistic approaches to healing. Our clients typically struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, mood and personality disorders, and other emotional or behavioral issues. Our clients also seek help with substance use and addiction. We provide individual and group therapy, coping strategies, and support in a safe, compassionate outpatient treatment environment. We offer the convenience of full-day and half-day programs.
At Meta Addiction Treatment in Haverhill, MA, we provide outpatient treatment that meets the unique needs of each client, with customized treatment plans, group support, and holistic approaches to healing. Our clients typically struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, mood and personality disorders, and other emotional or behavioral issues. Our clients also seek help with substance use and addiction. We provide individual and group therapy, coping strategies, and support in a safe, compassionate outpatient treatment environment. We offer the convenience of full-day and half-day programs.
(351) 333-5632 View (351) 333-5632
Photo of Haverhill Pavilion Behavioral Health Addiction Treatment - Haverhill Pavilion Behavioral Health - Addiction, Treatment Center
Haverhill Pavilion Behavioral Health Hospital, located in Haverhill, Massachusetts, is a leading provider of inpatient mental health and dual diagnosis treatment for adults age 19 and older. At our hospital, we are equipped to care for the diverse needs of adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), self-harming behaviors, suicidal ideation, and schizophrenia. Additionally, we provide treatment for people who have co-occurring addictions to alcohol, opioids, and benzodiazepines. Adults in our inpatient dual diagnosis program typically stay at our hospital for five to seven days. During this time, they can take part in therapeutic programming and work with a team of compassionate behavioral health professionals in a safe and secure environment. The services we offer may include basic medical care, daily medication management, detox services, and individual, family, and group therapies.
Haverhill Pavilion Behavioral Health Hospital, located in Haverhill, Massachusetts, is a leading provider of inpatient mental health and dual diagnosis treatment for adults age 19 and older. At our hospital, we are equipped to care for the diverse needs of adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), self-harming behaviors, suicidal ideation, and schizophrenia. Additionally, we provide treatment for people who have co-occurring addictions to alcohol, opioids, and benzodiazepines. Adults in our inpatient dual diagnosis program typically stay at our hospital for five to seven days. During this time, they can take part in therapeutic programming and work with a team of compassionate behavioral health professionals in a safe and secure environment. The services we offer may include basic medical care, daily medication management, detox services, and individual, family, and group therapies.
(978) 228-2025 View (978) 228-2025
Photo of Elizabeth Azzariti - Blue Hills Recovery , Treatment Center, LMHC
Blue Hills Recovery
Treatment Center
Haverhill, MA 01830
Situated in a welcoming tree-lined neighborhood just two blocks from Indian Lake in Worcester, Blue Hills Recovery offers a comprehensive range of highly personalized, compassionate, and effective mental health and substance use disorder treatment services. Our inviting, newly updated center offers a Day Treatment Program (PHP), Intensive Outpatient (IOP), and outpatient levels of care as well as case management, medication management, and a variety of holistic therapy programs. Whether you're battling a substance use disorder, suffering from depression, or struggling with another behavioral health concern, our flexible programs are designed to accommodate your lifestyle and promote hope, healing and recovery. Our dedicated staff of professionals is here to support you - every step of the way.
Situated in a welcoming tree-lined neighborhood just two blocks from Indian Lake in Worcester, Blue Hills Recovery offers a comprehensive range of highly personalized, compassionate, and effective mental health and substance use disorder treatment services. Our inviting, newly updated center offers a Day Treatment Program (PHP), Intensive Outpatient (IOP), and outpatient levels of care as well as case management, medication management, and a variety of holistic therapy programs. Whether you're battling a substance use disorder, suffering from depression, or struggling with another behavioral health concern, our flexible programs are designed to accommodate your lifestyle and promote hope, healing and recovery. Our dedicated staff of professionals is here to support you - every step of the way.
(508) 206-9033 View (508) 206-9033
Photo of Zoser Mohamed - Lawrence Medical Center, Treatment Center
Lawrence Medical Center
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Licensed by the state for out-patient mental health and substance use disorder treatment services, Lawrence Medical Center's primary care practices, located in Lawrence, Peabody and Attleboro (Worcester coming soon), offer a number of services to meet your medical, behavioral, substance use disorder and psychiatric treatment needs all in one location. Our compassionate team of dedicated professionals are licensed and trained to provide primary medical care, medication assisted treatment with Buprenorphine (Suboxone, Sublocade) and Vivitrol; individual and group therapy, case management and psychiatric medication management. Please come in or contact us to schedule an appointment today.
Licensed by the state for out-patient mental health and substance use disorder treatment services, Lawrence Medical Center's primary care practices, located in Lawrence, Peabody and Attleboro (Worcester coming soon), offer a number of services to meet your medical, behavioral, substance use disorder and psychiatric treatment needs all in one location. Our compassionate team of dedicated professionals are licensed and trained to provide primary medical care, medication assisted treatment with Buprenorphine (Suboxone, Sublocade) and Vivitrol; individual and group therapy, case management and psychiatric medication management. Please come in or contact us to schedule an appointment today.
(978) 655-5290 View (978) 655-5290
Photo of Jennifer Padre - Agape Mental Health, Treatment Center
Agape Mental Health
Treatment Center
Serves Area
We provide comprehensive mental health services with both in‑person and virtual options for individuals, families, and children. Our licensed, board‑certified providers deliver therapy, psychiatric care, and medication management tailored to each person’s needs. We also offer advanced neuropsychological and neurocognitive testing to support accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning. Our team is committed to compassionate, personalized care for every stage of life.
We provide comprehensive mental health services with both in‑person and virtual options for individuals, families, and children. Our licensed, board‑certified providers deliver therapy, psychiatric care, and medication management tailored to each person’s needs. We also offer advanced neuropsychological and neurocognitive testing to support accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning. Our team is committed to compassionate, personalized care for every stage of life.
(978) 878-7144 View (978) 878-7144
Photo of Greg Bacos - Atlantic Behavioral Health , Treatment Center
Atlantic Behavioral Health
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Atlantic Mental Health, Inc., dba Atlantic Behavioral Health is a premier, local mental and behavioral health clinic in Wilmington, Massachusetts right off of Route 93's Concord Street exit. Atlantic provides medication management and outpatient services to clients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, bi-polar, mood and personality disorders. We also treat those who suffer from gambling or sports betting addiction. Atlantic provides individual, group, couples and family counseling as well as medication management. We provide in person and Telehealth care for those in Massachusetts. Call today to get your admission started, our number is 978-315-1011
Atlantic Mental Health, Inc., dba Atlantic Behavioral Health is a premier, local mental and behavioral health clinic in Wilmington, Massachusetts right off of Route 93's Concord Street exit. Atlantic provides medication management and outpatient services to clients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, bi-polar, mood and personality disorders. We also treat those who suffer from gambling or sports betting addiction. Atlantic provides individual, group, couples and family counseling as well as medication management. We provide in person and Telehealth care for those in Massachusetts. Call today to get your admission started, our number is 978-315-1011
(978) 315-1011 View (978) 315-1011

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 Molly Ruiz - DBT Works, Treatment Center
DBT Works
Treatment Center
Concord, MA 01742
We specialize in treating all forms of emotion dysregulation, including: borderline personality disorder, depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
We offer a day program and outpatient programs. We’re passionate about dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), a powerful tool for helping individuals build resilience, regulate their emotions, and create fulfilling lives. We offer select adjunctive services to support clients needing related treatment (e.g., DBT-Prolonged Exposure (DBT-PE) for trauma).
We specialize in treating all forms of emotion dysregulation, including: borderline personality disorder, depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
We offer a day program and outpatient programs. We’re passionate about dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), a powerful tool for helping individuals build resilience, regulate their emotions, and create fulfilling lives. We offer select adjunctive services to support clients needing related treatment (e.g., DBT-Prolonged Exposure (DBT-PE) for trauma).
(857) 420-5097 View (857) 420-5097
New Wave Recovery Center
Treatment Center
Salisbury, MA 01952
NWRC is situated on the North Shore, easily accessible from Route 95 in Salisbury, Massachusetts. We specialize in supporting clients on their journey to recovery from Substance Use Disorder and Dual Diagnosis. Our approach combines evidence-based treatments with holistic practices, addressing the needs of the whole person. With a dedicated and companionate staff, we offer the essential support required during the early stages of recovery. NWRC is ideal for individuals transitioning from inpatient care or those seeking comprehensive services to continue their recovery.
NWRC is situated on the North Shore, easily accessible from Route 95 in Salisbury, Massachusetts. We specialize in supporting clients on their journey to recovery from Substance Use Disorder and Dual Diagnosis. Our approach combines evidence-based treatments with holistic practices, addressing the needs of the whole person. With a dedicated and companionate staff, we offer the essential support required during the early stages of recovery. NWRC is ideal for individuals transitioning from inpatient care or those seeking comprehensive services to continue their recovery.
(978) 547-9887 View (978) 547-9887
Photo of Matthew Andrews - Meta Addiction Treatment - North Reading, MA, Treatment Center
Meta Addiction Treatment in North Reading, MA, provides outpatient treatment that meets the unique needs of each client, with customized treatment plans, group support, and holistic approaches to healing. Our clients typically struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, mood and personality disorders, and other emotional or behavioral issues. Our clients also seek help with substance use and addiction. We provide individual and group therapy, coping strategies, and support in a safe, compassionate outpatient treatment environment. We offer the convenience of full-day and half-day programs.
Meta Addiction Treatment in North Reading, MA, provides outpatient treatment that meets the unique needs of each client, with customized treatment plans, group support, and holistic approaches to healing. Our clients typically struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, mood and personality disorders, and other emotional or behavioral issues. Our clients also seek help with substance use and addiction. We provide individual and group therapy, coping strategies, and support in a safe, compassionate outpatient treatment environment. We offer the convenience of full-day and half-day programs.
(351) 300-7380 View (351) 300-7380
Photo of Lee Kinsey - Kinsey & Associates, Treatment Center, PhD, LMHC
Kinsey & Associates
Treatment Center
Boston, MA 02116
We are a group of therapists who can hold the complexity of your story and address its many challenges all in one place. We specialize in complexity, and we delight in helping our clients feel grounded, safe, understood, and deeply known. Our clients often report relief that they found us, and we take that privilege seriously, with good humor and great patience.
We are a group of therapists who can hold the complexity of your story and address its many challenges all in one place. We specialize in complexity, and we delight in helping our clients feel grounded, safe, understood, and deeply known. Our clients often report relief that they found us, and we take that privilege seriously, with good humor and great patience.
(857) 971-4518 View (857) 971-4518
Photo of Amber Miles - DJS Psychiatry and Services LLC , Treatment Center, NP, LDAC, LICSW, LMSW
DJS Psychiatry and Services LLC
Treatment Center
Reading, MA 01867
DJS Psychiatry & Services serves a diverse range of clients from various age groups and backgrounds, each with unique mental health needs. The facility works with individuals dealing with issues such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, OCD, and more complex conditions like schizoaffective disorder and personality disorders. They also support clients navigating grief, life transitions, family and relational difficulties, trauma, and personal growth challenges. The clients at DJS Psychiatry come from a variety of cultural and linguistic backgrounds, and the facility offers interpretation services to make treatment accessible to all. Many clients seek help for issues related to emotional regulation, coping skills, self-esteem, and managing mental health symptoms that impact their daily lives, work, or academic performance. The facility recognizes that each client’s needs are distinct, and the intake team carefully matches clients with providers who can address these needs effectively, ensuring a personalized and culturally sensitive approach. Our dedicated team(Myself Amber, Silvia, Amanda, Susan Nikki, Amelia and Stacy will ensure your loved one is well taken care.
DJS Psychiatry & Services serves a diverse range of clients from various age groups and backgrounds, each with unique mental health needs. The facility works with individuals dealing with issues such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, OCD, and more complex conditions like schizoaffective disorder and personality disorders. They also support clients navigating grief, life transitions, family and relational difficulties, trauma, and personal growth challenges. The clients at DJS Psychiatry come from a variety of cultural and linguistic backgrounds, and the facility offers interpretation services to make treatment accessible to all. Many clients seek help for issues related to emotional regulation, coping skills, self-esteem, and managing mental health symptoms that impact their daily lives, work, or academic performance. The facility recognizes that each client’s needs are distinct, and the intake team carefully matches clients with providers who can address these needs effectively, ensuring a personalized and culturally sensitive approach. Our dedicated team(Myself Amber, Silvia, Amanda, Susan Nikki, Amelia and Stacy will ensure your loved one is well taken care.
(978) 384-6546 View (978) 384-6546
Photo of Integrative Healthcare Center - Integrative Healthcare Center, Treatment Center
Integrative Healthcare Center
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Integrative Healthcare Center—for mental health and behavioral health. We offer licensed therapists, prescription management, psychiatry, autism care, and more. Integrative medicine, as defined by the U.S. Government’s National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, explores many treatment avenues, working with patients to heal the whole person, not just one organ system. Integrative Healthcare Center fills a void in the healthcare landscape. Mental health services are hard to find. With providers scarce and in demand, even established patients find themselves waiting months for treatment. Bringing together proven treatment methods, traditional and nontraditional, IHC exists to bring you the care you need, when you need it. Integrative Healthcare Center improves quality of life for clients by using proven treatments to make psychiatric services, autism care and wellness therapies available, affordable and accessible to everyone.
Integrative Healthcare Center—for mental health and behavioral health. We offer licensed therapists, prescription management, psychiatry, autism care, and more. Integrative medicine, as defined by the U.S. Government’s National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, explores many treatment avenues, working with patients to heal the whole person, not just one organ system. Integrative Healthcare Center fills a void in the healthcare landscape. Mental health services are hard to find. With providers scarce and in demand, even established patients find themselves waiting months for treatment. Bringing together proven treatment methods, traditional and nontraditional, IHC exists to bring you the care you need, when you need it. Integrative Healthcare Center improves quality of life for clients by using proven treatments to make psychiatric services, autism care and wellness therapies available, affordable and accessible to everyone.
(603) 952-3823 View (603) 952-3823
Photo of Matt Andrews - Pillars Health Group - Tewksbury, Treatment Center
Pillars Health Group - Tewksbury
Treatment Center
Tewksbury, MA 01876
Pillars Health Group - Tewksbury (formerly Keys Behavioral Health) provides outpatient treatment that meets the unique needs of each client, with customized treatment plans, group support, and holistic approaches to healing. Our clients typically struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, mood and personality disorders, and other emotional or behavioral issues. Our clients also seek help with substance use and addiction. We provide individual and group therapy, coping strategies, and support in a safe, compassionate outpatient treatment environment. We offer the convenience of full-day and half-day programs.
Pillars Health Group - Tewksbury (formerly Keys Behavioral Health) provides outpatient treatment that meets the unique needs of each client, with customized treatment plans, group support, and holistic approaches to healing. Our clients typically struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, mood and personality disorders, and other emotional or behavioral issues. Our clients also seek help with substance use and addiction. We provide individual and group therapy, coping strategies, and support in a safe, compassionate outpatient treatment environment. We offer the convenience of full-day and half-day programs.
(978) 723-1358 View (978) 723-1358
Photo of Christian Murray - Relief, Treatment Center
Relief
Treatment Center
Cambridge, MA 02140
At Relief, we’re passionate about helping you overcome substance abuse and mental health challenges! Located in Cambridge, MA, our expert team provides personalized, evidence-based outpatient care designed to empower you on your journey to lasting recovery and a brighter future. Let’s take the next step together—start your transformation today!
At Relief, we’re passionate about helping you overcome substance abuse and mental health challenges! Located in Cambridge, MA, our expert team provides personalized, evidence-based outpatient care designed to empower you on your journey to lasting recovery and a brighter future. Let’s take the next step together—start your transformation today!
(508) 501-7407 View (508) 501-7407
Photo of Nicole Sublette - Therapists of Color New England, Treatment Center, MA, LCMHC , LMHC
Therapists of Color New England
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Accepting New Clients! Current after school spots available! At Therapists of Color New England, we serve a wide range of clients, including toddlers, children, teens, adults, families, couples, alternative relationship styles, LGBTQIA2S+, and BIPoC communities. Our team of Black, African American, Asian, multicultural, and LGTBQ+ therapists understands the unique challenges faced by clients from diverse backgrounds. We offer compassionate, culturally sensitive care for issues such as racial trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD, immigration stress, adoption, neurodivergence, ADHD, autism, childhood behavioral issues, and stress. Our therapists specialize in providing tailored support, including couples counseling and support for poly relationships. We use evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma-focused therapy, mindfulness, and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD, all within a safe, affirming space. While we are dedicated to serving diverse communities, everyone is welcome at Therapists of Color New England.
Accepting New Clients! Current after school spots available! At Therapists of Color New England, we serve a wide range of clients, including toddlers, children, teens, adults, families, couples, alternative relationship styles, LGBTQIA2S+, and BIPoC communities. Our team of Black, African American, Asian, multicultural, and LGTBQ+ therapists understands the unique challenges faced by clients from diverse backgrounds. We offer compassionate, culturally sensitive care for issues such as racial trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD, immigration stress, adoption, neurodivergence, ADHD, autism, childhood behavioral issues, and stress. Our therapists specialize in providing tailored support, including couples counseling and support for poly relationships. We use evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma-focused therapy, mindfulness, and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD, all within a safe, affirming space. While we are dedicated to serving diverse communities, everyone is welcome at Therapists of Color New England.
(888) 672-0766 View (888) 672-0766
Photo of Edward Michael Waddington - Massachusetts Center for Adolescent Wellness, Treatment Center
Here at Massachusetts Center for Adolescent Wellness (MCAW), we understand the struggles that adolescents and their families face when it comes to mental health. That’s why we are dedicated to providing compassionate and effective treatment options for our patients. We specialize in treating a range of conditions, including anxiety disorders, depression, trauma, and more. Our team of experienced professionals use evidence-based treatments to help adolescents navigate their mental health journeys and reclaim their lives. We provide two levels of service that include Partial Hospitalization Day Program 5 days a week and Intensive Outpatient Afterschool Programming 4 days a week.
Here at Massachusetts Center for Adolescent Wellness (MCAW), we understand the struggles that adolescents and their families face when it comes to mental health. That’s why we are dedicated to providing compassionate and effective treatment options for our patients. We specialize in treating a range of conditions, including anxiety disorders, depression, trauma, and more. Our team of experienced professionals use evidence-based treatments to help adolescents navigate their mental health journeys and reclaim their lives. We provide two levels of service that include Partial Hospitalization Day Program 5 days a week and Intensive Outpatient Afterschool Programming 4 days a week.
(978) 574-9202 View (978) 574-9202
Photo of Marlborough Harvard - Advocates, Treatment Center
Advocates
Treatment Center
Serves Area
We support adults, children, and families coping with life’s ups and downs. For more than 30 years, Advocates Community Counseling has assisted people experiencing difficulties in life. Whether it's support during a difficult time, help coping with the stresses of everyday life, or treatment for addiction or mental health issues, our team of caring and compassionate providers is here for you.
We support adults, children, and families coping with life’s ups and downs. For more than 30 years, Advocates Community Counseling has assisted people experiencing difficulties in life. Whether it's support during a difficult time, help coping with the stresses of everyday life, or treatment for addiction or mental health issues, our team of caring and compassionate providers is here for you.
(508) 709-6073 View (508) 709-6073
Photo of Kevin Molloy - Spring Lake Ranch Therapeutic Community, Treatment Center
Spring Lake Ranch Therapeutic Community
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Spring Lake Ranch is a long term residential program (6 mos.+) for adults who struggle with mental health and often, co-occurring addiction issues. We are not a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program. Applicants with substance use issues must have at least 30 days clean and sober to be admitted and must be able to agree to stay clean and sober throughout our program. The Ranch is a private-pay facility, which does not accept insurance. There is some financial assistance available based on need.
Spring Lake Ranch is a long term residential program (6 mos.+) for adults who struggle with mental health and often, co-occurring addiction issues. We are not a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program. Applicants with substance use issues must have at least 30 days clean and sober to be admitted and must be able to agree to stay clean and sober throughout our program. The Ranch is a private-pay facility, which does not accept insurance. There is some financial assistance available based on need.
(802) 435-0047 View (802) 435-0047
Photo of Matthew Mueller - Elevation Behavioral Health, Treatment Center
Elevation Behavioral Health
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Most common include depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, OCD, and most other conditions.
Elevation Behavioral Health offers a high-end recovery environment combined with individualized treatment tracks tailored to the unique needs of each client. Residents engage in a combination of traditional therapy and holistic practices for treatment that incorporates physical, mental and spiritual recovery. Staff endeavors to provide each individual with the skills and know-how to care for themselves once they complete treatment and continue their lives with a renewed perspective. Elevation Behavioral Health aims to elevate the standard for residential treatment and the client towards their highest self without the use of substances by encouraging each individual to discard their former destructive patterns and habits.
Most common include depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, OCD, and most other conditions.
Elevation Behavioral Health offers a high-end recovery environment combined with individualized treatment tracks tailored to the unique needs of each client. Residents engage in a combination of traditional therapy and holistic practices for treatment that incorporates physical, mental and spiritual recovery. Staff endeavors to provide each individual with the skills and know-how to care for themselves once they complete treatment and continue their lives with a renewed perspective. Elevation Behavioral Health aims to elevate the standard for residential treatment and the client towards their highest self without the use of substances by encouraging each individual to discard their former destructive patterns and habits.
(818) 435-7927 View (818) 435-7927

See more therapy options for Haverhill

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.