Borderline Personality (BPD) Treatment Centers in New Mexico

Photo of Ambrose Baros - ACB Counseling and Consulting, LLC, Treatment Center, LCSW, LADAC
ACB Counseling and Consulting, LLC
Treatment Center
Rio Rancho, NM 87124
Waitlist for new clients
At ACB, our work is deeply rooted in the principles of cultural sensitivity and client-centered care. Life can bring challenges that feel overwhelming, isolating, or sometimes too heavy to carry alone. You don’t have to navigate them by yourself. Our counseling services are here to provide a safe, supportive space where you can be heard, understood, and guided toward growth and well-being. With the support of a licensed professional trained to support life changes, mental health, or substance use, ACB Counseling is here to help.
At ACB, our work is deeply rooted in the principles of cultural sensitivity and client-centered care. Life can bring challenges that feel overwhelming, isolating, or sometimes too heavy to carry alone. You don’t have to navigate them by yourself. Our counseling services are here to provide a safe, supportive space where you can be heard, understood, and guided toward growth and well-being. With the support of a licensed professional trained to support life changes, mental health, or substance use, ACB Counseling is here to help.
(505) 397-6317 View (505) 397-6317
Photo of Daniel Diederich - Anchor Behavioral Health, Treatment Center
Anchor Behavioral Health
Treatment Center
Las Cruces, NM 88001
We provide IOP and Sober Living programs built around real people, real community, and real connection for adults seeking lasting recovery in Albuquerque, Las Cruces, and across New Mexico. Recovery here means more than therapy—it’s about belonging. Our clients take part in weekly hikes through the New Mexico outdoors, family BBQs that bring loved ones together, and supportive groups like AA, NA, and CA. With transitional housing and long-term guidance, we help people heal, rebuild, and step into life with confidence. At Anchor, you’ll find structure, support, and a community that walks beside you every step of the way.
We provide IOP and Sober Living programs built around real people, real community, and real connection for adults seeking lasting recovery in Albuquerque, Las Cruces, and across New Mexico. Recovery here means more than therapy—it’s about belonging. Our clients take part in weekly hikes through the New Mexico outdoors, family BBQs that bring loved ones together, and supportive groups like AA, NA, and CA. With transitional housing and long-term guidance, we help people heal, rebuild, and step into life with confidence. At Anchor, you’ll find structure, support, and a community that walks beside you every step of the way.
(575) 213-5105 View (575) 213-5105
Photo of Icarus Behavioral Health - Icarus Behavioral Health, Treatment Center
Icarus Behavioral Health
Treatment Center
Albuquerque, NM 87114
At Icarus Behavioral Health we strive to become a provider of choice for the clients, families, and the community we serve. We do this by providing the highest quality of evidence-based, individualized treatment for a full range of Mental Health and substance use disorders. Icarus Behavioral Health dedicates all our efforts towards leadership in the field of behavioral healthcare: employing effective therapies, incredible compassionate staff, and an exceptional setting. We strive to incorporate the strengths of our location in the gorgeous landscape of New Mexico and the Southwestern United States to enhance and amplify the recovery experience for each of our clients. Our clinical staff integrates evidenced-based practices and integrative therapies to provide the most effective treatments for mental health and addiction challenges. We are here to be a part of your journey and learn how to live. Discover what makes Icarus Behavioral Health the best environment for you or your loved one.
At Icarus Behavioral Health we strive to become a provider of choice for the clients, families, and the community we serve. We do this by providing the highest quality of evidence-based, individualized treatment for a full range of Mental Health and substance use disorders. Icarus Behavioral Health dedicates all our efforts towards leadership in the field of behavioral healthcare: employing effective therapies, incredible compassionate staff, and an exceptional setting. We strive to incorporate the strengths of our location in the gorgeous landscape of New Mexico and the Southwestern United States to enhance and amplify the recovery experience for each of our clients. Our clinical staff integrates evidenced-based practices and integrative therapies to provide the most effective treatments for mental health and addiction challenges. We are here to be a part of your journey and learn how to live. Discover what makes Icarus Behavioral Health the best environment for you or your loved one.
(505) 591-0078 View (505) 591-0078
Photo of Daniel Diederich - Anchor Behavioral Health - Albuquerque, New Mexico, Treatment Center
We provide IOP, and Sober Living programs built around real people, real community, and real connection for adults seeking lasting recovery in Albuquerque, Las Cruces, and across New Mexico. Recovery here means more than therapy—it’s about belonging. Our clients take part in weekly hikes through the New Mexico outdoors, family BBQs that bring loved ones together, and supportive groups like AA, NA, and CA. With transitional housing and long-term guidance, we help people heal, rebuild, and step into life with confidence. At Anchor, you’ll find structure, support, and a community that walks beside you every step of the way.
We provide IOP, and Sober Living programs built around real people, real community, and real connection for adults seeking lasting recovery in Albuquerque, Las Cruces, and across New Mexico. Recovery here means more than therapy—it’s about belonging. Our clients take part in weekly hikes through the New Mexico outdoors, family BBQs that bring loved ones together, and supportive groups like AA, NA, and CA. With transitional housing and long-term guidance, we help people heal, rebuild, and step into life with confidence. At Anchor, you’ll find structure, support, and a community that walks beside you every step of the way.
(505) 499-5037 View (505) 499-5037
Photo of Mesa Vista Wellness - Mesa Vista Wellness, Treatment Center
Mesa Vista Wellness
Treatment Center
Santa Fe, NM 87507
Mesa Vista Wellness is a vibrant community organization of licensed professional clinicians and wellness providers who offer a diverse range of therapeutic services and wellness offerings that support whole-hearted living. The work of our highly skilled professionals rests on a shared foundation of years of experience and unwavering passion for individuals to thrive. Our modalities, whether traditional, holistic or nature-based, create a balance throughout the mind, body and spirit, allowing our clients to increase awareness, inner resilience and joy.
Mesa Vista Wellness is a vibrant community organization of licensed professional clinicians and wellness providers who offer a diverse range of therapeutic services and wellness offerings that support whole-hearted living. The work of our highly skilled professionals rests on a shared foundation of years of experience and unwavering passion for individuals to thrive. Our modalities, whether traditional, holistic or nature-based, create a balance throughout the mind, body and spirit, allowing our clients to increase awareness, inner resilience and joy.
(505) 903-5563 View (505) 903-5563
Photo of Brooke Roberts - Santa Fe Psychology, Treatment Center, PsyD
Santa Fe Psychology
Treatment Center
Santa Fe, NM 87505
Santa Fe Psychology is a therapy agency comprised of only experienced clinicians. We specialize in therapy for adolescents, adults, parents, and families. We also treat a number of issues, including depression, anxiety, trauma, insomnia, panic attacks, perfectionism, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, and mild Autism Spectrum Disorder. We are also extremely experienced in treating relationship, job, school, parenting, family, divorce, anger, and life difficulties. We spend a great deal of time getting to know you. We work to understand not only what is problematic, but also your strengths. We strive to know you as a whole person and treat you with respect, regardless of what you have done or been through. Based on our thorough evaluation of you and your situation, we work until we help you make the life choices and changes you desire. We will stand by your side during the entire process. Because of our commitment to you and your loved ones, we offer short and long-term therapy options based on your needs and goals. Due to the fact that we have a variety of therapists, we are able to find the right person for your needs.
Santa Fe Psychology is a therapy agency comprised of only experienced clinicians. We specialize in therapy for adolescents, adults, parents, and families. We also treat a number of issues, including depression, anxiety, trauma, insomnia, panic attacks, perfectionism, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, and mild Autism Spectrum Disorder. We are also extremely experienced in treating relationship, job, school, parenting, family, divorce, anger, and life difficulties. We spend a great deal of time getting to know you. We work to understand not only what is problematic, but also your strengths. We strive to know you as a whole person and treat you with respect, regardless of what you have done or been through. Based on our thorough evaluation of you and your situation, we work until we help you make the life choices and changes you desire. We will stand by your side during the entire process. Because of our commitment to you and your loved ones, we offer short and long-term therapy options based on your needs and goals. Due to the fact that we have a variety of therapists, we are able to find the right person for your needs.
(505) 560-2155 View (505) 560-2155
Photo of Jt Carillo - Rio Grande Counseling & Guidance Services, Treatment Center
Our mission is to empower our clients in finding the most creative and effective ways of achieving and maintaining good health and happiness. Everyone will struggle at one time or another with life's conflicts and challenges. Rio Grande Counseling & Guidance Services will help you take the first step toward a more rewarding way of life.
Our mission is to empower our clients in finding the most creative and effective ways of achieving and maintaining good health and happiness. Everyone will struggle at one time or another with life's conflicts and challenges. Rio Grande Counseling & Guidance Services will help you take the first step toward a more rewarding way of life.
(505) 246-8700 x1 View (505) 246-8700 x1
Photo of Dienna Jadallah - Bright Paths Recovery, Treatment Center
Bright Paths Recovery
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Our mission at Bright Paths has always been to bring joy and hope to our patients. We provide dedicated, personalized care to help you reclaim your life and smile again. Every step of our treatment process supports your well-being and fosters lasting recovery. Let us help you find your smile again.
Our mission at Bright Paths has always been to bring joy and hope to our patients. We provide dedicated, personalized care to help you reclaim your life and smile again. Every step of our treatment process supports your well-being and fosters lasting recovery. Let us help you find your smile again.
(949) 755-8361 View (949) 755-8361
Photo of Nathan Hofeling - Admissions Director - Havenwood Academy, Treatment Center
Havenwood Academy
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Havenwood Academy, a long-term residential treatment center in Southern Utah, specializes in treating young women who are struggling with complex trauma and attachment related issues. We work with (assigned female at birth) children from ages 13 to 18 and often work with adoptive families.
Havenwood Academy, a long-term residential treatment center in Southern Utah, specializes in treating young women who are struggling with complex trauma and attachment related issues. We work with (assigned female at birth) children from ages 13 to 18 and often work with adoptive families.
(435) 359-4098 View (435) 359-4098
Photo of Temperance Cervantes - WellMind, Treatment Center, PhD, LP, BCN, QEG-DL
WellMind
Treatment Center
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
WellMind is a trauma-informed group practice in El Paso, Texas, offering in-person therapy at two locations and virtual services across Texas. People come to us when life feels overwhelming, relationships feel strained, or past experiences won’t let go. We work with children, teens, adults, couples, and families, offering thoughtful, personalized care. Our therapists specialize in trauma treatment and support first responders, active-duty military, and veterans in finding relief, clarity, and meaningful change.
WellMind is a trauma-informed group practice in El Paso, Texas, offering in-person therapy at two locations and virtual services across Texas. People come to us when life feels overwhelming, relationships feel strained, or past experiences won’t let go. We work with children, teens, adults, couples, and families, offering thoughtful, personalized care. Our therapists specialize in trauma treatment and support first responders, active-duty military, and veterans in finding relief, clarity, and meaningful change.
(915) 666-4224 View (915) 666-4224
Photo of Syuzanna Shirinyan - Arise Hillside Treatment Center , Treatment Center, MD, LCSW, LMFT, ACSW, CADC-I
Arise Hillside Treatment Center
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Welcome to Arise Hillside Treatment Center, where your journey toward mental wellness begins. We provide compassionate, individualized residential care in a safe and supportive environment designed to promote healing, growth, and lasting recovery. At Arise Hillside, we specialize in treating depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) through evidence-based therapies and personalized treatment plans. Our warm, home-like setting offers comfort, connection, and support, empowering clients to build the skills needed for long-term wellness and a healthier future. We look forward
Welcome to Arise Hillside Treatment Center, where your journey toward mental wellness begins. We provide compassionate, individualized residential care in a safe and supportive environment designed to promote healing, growth, and lasting recovery. At Arise Hillside, we specialize in treating depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) through evidence-based therapies and personalized treatment plans. Our warm, home-like setting offers comfort, connection, and support, empowering clients to build the skills needed for long-term wellness and a healthier future. We look forward
(747) 281-3821 View (747) 281-3821
Photo of Kara Gross - Evolve Mental Health Residential Treatment Center, Treatment Center
We treat complex conditions including borderline personality disorder ( BPD), psychosis, and other co-occurring disorders.
Finding the right help for a teen in crisis is overwhelming. Our short-term Mental Health residential center offers a safe, immersive environment to break the cycle. With only 6 teens per home, we provide the exclusive, personalized care your family needs. Our compassionate team delivers 24/7 supervision and evidence-based therapies to help teens navigate challenges and build resilience. Beyond residential care, Evolve provides structured outpatient therapy through our full-day Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and after-school Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). We empower adolescents to heal, grow, and move forward.
We treat complex conditions including borderline personality disorder ( BPD), psychosis, and other co-occurring disorders.
Finding the right help for a teen in crisis is overwhelming. Our short-term Mental Health residential center offers a safe, immersive environment to break the cycle. With only 6 teens per home, we provide the exclusive, personalized care your family needs. Our compassionate team delivers 24/7 supervision and evidence-based therapies to help teens navigate challenges and build resilience. Beyond residential care, Evolve provides structured outpatient therapy through our full-day Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and after-school Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). We empower adolescents to heal, grow, and move forward.
(619) 353-7925 View (619) 353-7925
Photo of Kara Gross - Evolve Residential Treatment Centers for Teens, 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.
(279) 465-0573 View (279) 465-0573
Photo of Kara Gross - Evolve Teen Dual Diagnosis Residential Treatment, Treatment Center
We treat complex conditions including borderline personality disorder ( BPD), psychosis, and other co-occurring disorders.
Navigating a teen's co-occurring mental health and substance use challenges requires expert intervention. Our specialized Dual Diagnosis residential program provides an intimate 6-bed setting, giving teens the targeted, immersive care they urgently need. We offer a safe, supportive environment with continuous 24/7 supervision and evidence-based therapies tailored to complex behavioral challenges. To support lasting recovery, Evolve also features structured outpatient therapy via our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Your teen will receive compassionate care at every single step.
We treat complex conditions including borderline personality disorder ( BPD), psychosis, and other co-occurring disorders.
Navigating a teen's co-occurring mental health and substance use challenges requires expert intervention. Our specialized Dual Diagnosis residential program provides an intimate 6-bed setting, giving teens the targeted, immersive care they urgently need. We offer a safe, supportive environment with continuous 24/7 supervision and evidence-based therapies tailored to complex behavioral challenges. To support lasting recovery, Evolve also features structured outpatient therapy via our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Your teen will receive compassionate care at every single step.
(866) 579-7004 View (866) 579-7004
Photo of Kara Gross - Teen Mental Health Treatment Center at Evolve, Treatment Center
We treat complex conditions including borderline personality disorder ( BPD), psychosis, and other co-occurring disorders.
At Evolve, we specialize in compassionate, individualized care for teens struggling with mental health, substance use, and behavioral challenges. Our short-term Residential Treatment Center (RTC) offers a safe, structured, and supportive environment where healing can begin. With only six teens in each home, we provide 24/7 supervision, personalized attention, and evidence-based therapies tailored to each adolescent’s unique needs. Rooted in empathy, connection, and clinical excellence, our RTC helps teens rediscover hope, build resilience, and take meaningful steps toward lasting wellness.
We treat complex conditions including borderline personality disorder ( BPD), psychosis, and other co-occurring disorders.
At Evolve, we specialize in compassionate, individualized care for teens struggling with mental health, substance use, and behavioral challenges. Our short-term Residential Treatment Center (RTC) offers a safe, structured, and supportive environment where healing can begin. With only six teens in each home, we provide 24/7 supervision, personalized attention, and evidence-based therapies tailored to each adolescent’s unique needs. Rooted in empathy, connection, and clinical excellence, our RTC helps teens rediscover hope, build resilience, and take meaningful steps toward lasting wellness.
(858) 422-4153 View (858) 422-4153
Photo of Youth Home - Youth Home | Intensive Residential for Youth, Treatment Center
Youth Home | Intensive Residential for Youth
Treatment Center
Serves Area
We have one location in Little Rock, AR - serving youth across the nation for Residential Treatment. Youth Home specializes in the treating emotional and behavioral health in youth ages 12 to 17 from a trauma-informed perspective, using a highly successful Intensive Psychiatric Residential Treatment program. Treatment plans are individualized with lengths of stay typically ranging from 3-7 months. This program is staffed 24/7 by a comprehensive team of professionals and is located on our beautiful, open 52 acre campus. Youth Home also offers specialty tracks within our continuum of care which includes Reactive Attachment Disorder, Safe Solutions, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Problems with Alcohol and/or Drugs. Program Highlights include: Award-Winning Recreational Therapy • Trauma Informed Care Approach • EMDR Therapy • Trauma-Informed CBT Therapy • Group & Family Therapy • Individual Therapy • TeleMedicine and TeleHealth (for Family Therapy)
We have one location in Little Rock, AR - serving youth across the nation for Residential Treatment. Youth Home specializes in the treating emotional and behavioral health in youth ages 12 to 17 from a trauma-informed perspective, using a highly successful Intensive Psychiatric Residential Treatment program. Treatment plans are individualized with lengths of stay typically ranging from 3-7 months. This program is staffed 24/7 by a comprehensive team of professionals and is located on our beautiful, open 52 acre campus. Youth Home also offers specialty tracks within our continuum of care which includes Reactive Attachment Disorder, Safe Solutions, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Problems with Alcohol and/or Drugs. Program Highlights include: Award-Winning Recreational Therapy • Trauma Informed Care Approach • EMDR Therapy • Trauma-Informed CBT Therapy • Group & Family Therapy • Individual Therapy • TeleMedicine and TeleHealth (for Family Therapy)
(501) 222-4052 View (501) 222-4052
Photo of Kara Gross - Teen Anxiety & Depression Treatment at Evolve, Treatment Center
We treat complex conditions including borderline personality disorder ( BPD), psychosis, and other co-occurring disorders.
When severe anxiety, isolation, or depression disrupts your teen's daily life, a supportive change of environment can be life-saving. Our immersive residential program offers an exclusive 6-bed retreat to step away from triggers and focus on deep healing. At Evolve, we provide 24/7 supervision and compassionate, evidence-based therapies tailored to complex mood disorders. Our continuum of care includes short-term residential treatment as well as structured outpatient support through our full-day Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and after-school Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) to help your teen regain control.
We treat complex conditions including borderline personality disorder ( BPD), psychosis, and other co-occurring disorders.
When severe anxiety, isolation, or depression disrupts your teen's daily life, a supportive change of environment can be life-saving. Our immersive residential program offers an exclusive 6-bed retreat to step away from triggers and focus on deep healing. At Evolve, we provide 24/7 supervision and compassionate, evidence-based therapies tailored to complex mood disorders. Our continuum of care includes short-term residential treatment as well as structured outpatient support through our full-day Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and after-school Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) to help your teen regain control.
(858) 786-1695 View (858) 786-1695
Photo of Newport Newport - Newport Institute Young Adult Treatment, Treatment Center
Newport Institute Young Adult Treatment
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Newport Institute is the leading provider of behavioral health treatment for young adults ages 18–35. Our family-centered, integrated approach fosters sustainable healing from mental health and co-occurring disorders such as anxiety, depression, trauma, psychosis, eating disorders, and substance use. Individualized treatment plans include medical and psychiatric care, life skills and career development, and experiential modalities including, creative arts, music, yoga, and outdoor adventure therapy. With residential and outpatient locations nationwide and partnerships with major insurance providers, we make quality care accessible.
Newport Institute is the leading provider of behavioral health treatment for young adults ages 18–35. Our family-centered, integrated approach fosters sustainable healing from mental health and co-occurring disorders such as anxiety, depression, trauma, psychosis, eating disorders, and substance use. Individualized treatment plans include medical and psychiatric care, life skills and career development, and experiential modalities including, creative arts, music, yoga, and outdoor adventure therapy. With residential and outpatient locations nationwide and partnerships with major insurance providers, we make quality care accessible.
(951) 438-7391 View (951) 438-7391
Photo of Newport Newport - Newport Academy Teen and Adolescent Residential, Treatment Center
Newport Academy is the leading provider of behavioral health treatment for children ages 7–11 and teens ages 12–18. Our family-centered, integrated approach fosters sustainable healing from mental health and co-occurring disorders such as anxiety, depression, trauma, psychosis, eating disorders, and substance use. Individualized treatment plans include medical and psychiatric care, strengths-based academics, and experiential modalities including, art, music, yoga, and outdoor adventure therapy. With residential and outpatient locations nationwide and partnerships with major insurance providers, we make quality care accessible.
Newport Academy is the leading provider of behavioral health treatment for children ages 7–11 and teens ages 12–18. Our family-centered, integrated approach fosters sustainable healing from mental health and co-occurring disorders such as anxiety, depression, trauma, psychosis, eating disorders, and substance use. Individualized treatment plans include medical and psychiatric care, strengths-based academics, and experiential modalities including, art, music, yoga, and outdoor adventure therapy. With residential and outpatient locations nationwide and partnerships with major insurance providers, we make quality care accessible.
(628) 267-3950 View (628) 267-3950
Photo of Kara Gross - Evolve Mental Health Residential Treatment Center, Treatment Center
We treat complex conditions including borderline personality disorder ( BPD), psychosis, and other co-occurring disorders.
Our team delivers personalized, compassionate care to empower teens to overcome anxiety and embrace 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.
Our team delivers personalized, compassionate care to empower teens to overcome anxiety and embrace 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.
(858) 331-8967 View (858) 331-8967

See more therapy options for New Mexico

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.