Borderline Personality (BPD) Treatment Centers in Snohomish County, WA

Photo of Newport Young Adults - Newport Institute Young Adult Treatment, Treatment Center
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.
(360) 404-7541 View (360) 404-7541
Photo of Shifa Support Staff - Shifa Health, Treatment Center
Shifa Health
Treatment Center
Everett, WA 98208
MISSION: At Shifa health, our mission is to prevent and decrease suffering, improve functioning and enhance mental wellbeing by providing cutting-edge, highest quality, and evidence-based mental health services.
MISSION: At Shifa health, our mission is to prevent and decrease suffering, improve functioning and enhance mental wellbeing by providing cutting-edge, highest quality, and evidence-based mental health services.
(425) 428-4570 View (425) 428-4570
Photo of Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital - Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital, Treatment Center
Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital
Treatment Center
Marysville, WA 98271
Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital (SPBH) is 145-bed behavioral health hospital, built in 2017. SPBH provides Inpatient and Intensive Outpatient Programs for adults and adolescents. Inpatient treatment focuses on mental health crisis stabilization, treatment typically last 7-10 days. Inpatient, also offer co-occurring treatment and detox. IOP treatment, is in-person or virtual. IOP sessions are 3 hours 3-5 days/week and can last up to 8 weeks. IOP groups offered are: Adult Women's Group, Co-Ed, Military and Adolescent groups.
Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital (SPBH) is 145-bed behavioral health hospital, built in 2017. SPBH provides Inpatient and Intensive Outpatient Programs for adults and adolescents. Inpatient treatment focuses on mental health crisis stabilization, treatment typically last 7-10 days. Inpatient, also offer co-occurring treatment and detox. IOP treatment, is in-person or virtual. IOP sessions are 3 hours 3-5 days/week and can last up to 8 weeks. IOP groups offered are: Adult Women's Group, Co-Ed, Military and Adolescent groups.
(360) 548-6997 View (360) 548-6997
Photo of The Center • A Place Of Hope Admissions - The Center • A Place of HOPE, Treatment Center, PhD, CEDS
The Center • A Place of HOPE
Treatment Center
Edmonds, WA 98020
The Center • A Place of HOPE is a nationally recognized mental health treatment center founded over 40 years ago by Dr. Gregory Jantz. We help individuals reclaim their lives through compassionate, clinically grounded, personalized care. Our Whole Person Care approach addresses emotional, physical, relational, and spiritual health - because lasting recovery treats the whole person, not just symptoms. We provide specialized care for depression, anxiety, trauma, eating disorders, substance use, and co-occurring conditions in a safe, supportive, and confidential setting where clients can focus fully on healing.
The Center • A Place of HOPE is a nationally recognized mental health treatment center founded over 40 years ago by Dr. Gregory Jantz. We help individuals reclaim their lives through compassionate, clinically grounded, personalized care. Our Whole Person Care approach addresses emotional, physical, relational, and spiritual health - because lasting recovery treats the whole person, not just symptoms. We provide specialized care for depression, anxiety, trauma, eating disorders, substance use, and co-occurring conditions in a safe, supportive, and confidential setting where clients can focus fully on healing.
(888) 997-3812 View (888) 997-3812
Photo of Katie S Kapugi - Dream Big Wellness 501(c) 3, Treatment Center, MA, LMHC, ATR
Dream Big Wellness 501(c) 3
Treatment Center
Edmonds, WA 98020
We serve individuals, couples, teens, and families across the lifespan. Our clients come to us navigating anxiety, depression, complex trauma, grief, loss, life transitions, and emotional dysregulation. We have a special focus on supporting those living with chronic illness, chronic pain, and cancer — including caregivers and those in medical recovery. We are proudly neurodivergent affirming, BIPOC and LGBTQIA2S allied, and HAES-informed, welcoming all backgrounds and identities seeking compassionate, inclusive care.
We serve individuals, couples, teens, and families across the lifespan. Our clients come to us navigating anxiety, depression, complex trauma, grief, loss, life transitions, and emotional dysregulation. We have a special focus on supporting those living with chronic illness, chronic pain, and cancer — including caregivers and those in medical recovery. We are proudly neurodivergent affirming, BIPOC and LGBTQIA2S allied, and HAES-informed, welcoming all backgrounds and identities seeking compassionate, inclusive care.
(425) 541-1025 View (425) 541-1025
Photo of Amy Lathrop - New Story Integrated Mental Health, Treatment Center, LMHC
New Story Integrated Mental Health
Treatment Center
1 Endorsed
Edmonds, WA 98020
At New Story Integrated Mental Health we believe in a holistic approach to healing, wellness, trauma recovery, and better relationships. As a mental health collective, we provide counseling, coaching (ADHD), and functional nutrition. We’ll help you connect with one of our providers who meets your needs, and is available to see you, online or in-person. We provide services for teens, adults, and couples experiencing a spectrum of complex mental health challenges.
At New Story Integrated Mental Health we believe in a holistic approach to healing, wellness, trauma recovery, and better relationships. As a mental health collective, we provide counseling, coaching (ADHD), and functional nutrition. We’ll help you connect with one of our providers who meets your needs, and is available to see you, online or in-person. We provide services for teens, adults, and couples experiencing a spectrum of complex mental health challenges.
(425) 728-2117 View (425) 728-2117
Photo of Hazelden Betty Ford In Bellevue WA - Hazelden Betty Ford in Bellevue, WA, Treatment Center
Hazelden Betty Ford in Bellevue, WA
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Dual diagnosis specialists at Hazelden Betty Ford’s outpatient center in Bellevue, Washington, get to the root of mental health (trauma, anxiety, clinical depression, bipolar disorder, personality disorders) and substance use challenges, providing psychological counseling and evidence-based addiction treatment to guide you on a healthy, resilient path forward. We offer intensive outpatient (IOP) drug rehab, day treatment/adult partial hospitalization programs, and DUI deferred prosecution programs at our convenient Bellevue location. Your care plan is tailored and calibrated to your specific needs, strengths and goals.
Dual diagnosis specialists at Hazelden Betty Ford’s outpatient center in Bellevue, Washington, get to the root of mental health (trauma, anxiety, clinical depression, bipolar disorder, personality disorders) and substance use challenges, providing psychological counseling and evidence-based addiction treatment to guide you on a healthy, resilient path forward. We offer intensive outpatient (IOP) drug rehab, day treatment/adult partial hospitalization programs, and DUI deferred prosecution programs at our convenient Bellevue location. Your care plan is tailored and calibrated to your specific needs, strengths and goals.
(425) 230-3137 View (425) 230-3137
Photo of Free By The Sea - Free by the Sea, Treatment Center
Free by the Sea
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Free by the Sea is a dual diagnosis addiction treatment center located on the Washington Coast. We provide a continuum of care including residential, partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), and outpatient services (OP). Our peaceful setting has inspired a program of holistic healing, designed to meet your individualized needs. Our sober living accommodations provide a safe and supportive environment to further establish and reinforce a routine in recovery while utilizing specific coping skills to thrive in your daily life. The campus is just steps away from the beach, offering an abundance of recreational activities such as pickleball and volleyball. Mindfulness skills are incorporated throughout the program to deepen attunement with self and others, and to emphasize the importance of being present in each moment life. A meditation room is available to those who want to deepen their meditation practice, or to simply have some moments of silence. Yoga and sound baths are optionally available for those interested in deepening their mind, body, and spirit connection.
Free by the Sea is a dual diagnosis addiction treatment center located on the Washington Coast. We provide a continuum of care including residential, partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), and outpatient services (OP). Our peaceful setting has inspired a program of holistic healing, designed to meet your individualized needs. Our sober living accommodations provide a safe and supportive environment to further establish and reinforce a routine in recovery while utilizing specific coping skills to thrive in your daily life. The campus is just steps away from the beach, offering an abundance of recreational activities such as pickleball and volleyball. Mindfulness skills are incorporated throughout the program to deepen attunement with self and others, and to emphasize the importance of being present in each moment life. A meditation room is available to those who want to deepen their meditation practice, or to simply have some moments of silence. Yoga and sound baths are optionally available for those interested in deepening their mind, body, and spirit connection.
(360) 665-7112 View (360) 665-7112
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 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) 478-5244 View (925) 478-5244
Photo of Kara Gross - Evolve Residential Treatment Centers for Teens, Treatment Center
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.
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.
(844) 319-5304 View (844) 319-5304
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.
(425) 242-3464 View (425) 242-3464
Photo of Kara Gross - Evolve Teen Treatment Center - Arden Oaks, Treatment Center
Evolve Teen Treatment Center - Arden Oaks
Treatment Center
Serves Area
We treat complex conditions including borderline personality disorder ( BPD), psychosis, and other co-occurring disorders.
When teens face mental health or behavioral challenges, the right treatment can make all the difference. At Evolve, we provide compassionate, evidence-based care through a range of therapeutic programs for teens. Our short-term residential treatment center (RTC) offers 24/7 supervision and highly individualized care in a safe, supportive setting, serving only six teens at a time. We also offer structured outpatient programs through our full-day teen Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and after-school teen Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Each level of care is designed to help teens heal, grow, and move forward with confidence.
We treat complex conditions including borderline personality disorder ( BPD), psychosis, and other co-occurring disorders.
When teens face mental health or behavioral challenges, the right treatment can make all the difference. At Evolve, we provide compassionate, evidence-based care through a range of therapeutic programs for teens. Our short-term residential treatment center (RTC) offers 24/7 supervision and highly individualized care in a safe, supportive setting, serving only six teens at a time. We also offer structured outpatient programs through our full-day teen Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and after-school teen Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Each level of care is designed to help teens heal, grow, and move forward with confidence.
(916) 957-5597 View (916) 957-5597
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.
(360) 382-2379 View (360) 382-2379
Photo of Kelly Frost - Clarity Mental Health & Recovery , Treatment Center, SUD, MH, DV
Clarity Mental Health & Recovery
Treatment Center
Serves Area
The human condition is one that is difficult for everyone. When these difficulties feel insurmountable it may be time to connect with a counselor that can help guide you, and support you through these challenges. We utilize a compassionate and humanistic approach to helping clients with a variety of services to offer including individual, couples, group therapy and a very popular eastern mindfulness course. Our counselors are fun and energetic, utilizing humanistic, cognitive, somatic and trauma informed therapeutic techniques.
The human condition is one that is difficult for everyone. When these difficulties feel insurmountable it may be time to connect with a counselor that can help guide you, and support you through these challenges. We utilize a compassionate and humanistic approach to helping clients with a variety of services to offer including individual, couples, group therapy and a very popular eastern mindfulness course. Our counselors are fun and energetic, utilizing humanistic, cognitive, somatic and trauma informed therapeutic techniques.
(360) 523-1254 View (360) 523-1254
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.
Evolve’s caring, customized approach helps teens break free from addiction and rebuild hope for a better future 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’s caring, customized approach helps teens break free from addiction and rebuild hope for a better future 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
(916) 314-2623 View (916) 314-2623
Photo of Lisa Tomsak - Royal Life Centers | Washington, Treatment Center
Royal Life Centers | Washington
Treatment Center
Serves Area
At Royal Life Centers Detox we believe in quality guest centered care. We have developed an effective and systematic approach to the detox and stabilization process, and have been a leader in the drug detox and addiction treatment field for years. Our Detox treatment center is staffed by medical professionals, certified addiction therapists, and drug treatment team members. If you or a loved one is currently struggling with addiciton, we have the experience, resources, and drug detox program that can help. The most difficult part of the journey is simply admitting the need for treatment and walking through the doors of our detox center. It is often said that a thousand mile journey starts with just one initial step, and once you've started the hardest part is over. Going through our detox program is not easy, but you are not alone and we will be with you every step of the way. Our detox program is based on a clinical assessment and medical protocol, and we make sure to tailor the specifics of the program to each individual's personal needs and requirements.
At Royal Life Centers Detox we believe in quality guest centered care. We have developed an effective and systematic approach to the detox and stabilization process, and have been a leader in the drug detox and addiction treatment field for years. Our Detox treatment center is staffed by medical professionals, certified addiction therapists, and drug treatment team members. If you or a loved one is currently struggling with addiciton, we have the experience, resources, and drug detox program that can help. The most difficult part of the journey is simply admitting the need for treatment and walking through the doors of our detox center. It is often said that a thousand mile journey starts with just one initial step, and once you've started the hardest part is over. Going through our detox program is not easy, but you are not alone and we will be with you every step of the way. Our detox program is based on a clinical assessment and medical protocol, and we make sure to tailor the specifics of the program to each individual's personal needs and requirements.
(360) 776-6802 View (360) 776-6802
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 is one of the few private inpatient mental health facilities that focuses on assessing and effectively treating primary mental health conditions. We are proud to offer a robust clinical program that provides the most individual therapy sessions in the industry and while respecting and honoring each client's journey. We are committed to providing clients with exceptional treatment in a compassionate environment. We make a positive, measurable difference in the physical, emotional and spiritual health of the people we serve while building up their confidence and respecting their dignity.
Most common include depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, OCD, and most other conditions.
Elevation Behavioral Health is one of the few private inpatient mental health facilities that focuses on assessing and effectively treating primary mental health conditions. We are proud to offer a robust clinical program that provides the most individual therapy sessions in the industry and while respecting and honoring each client's journey. We are committed to providing clients with exceptional treatment in a compassionate environment. We make a positive, measurable difference in the physical, emotional and spiritual health of the people we serve while building up their confidence and respecting their dignity.
(424) 346-8748 View (424) 346-8748
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.
At Evolve, we offer nurturing, individualized support to help teens manage behavioral challenges and find 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.
At Evolve, we offer nurturing, individualized support to help teens manage behavioral challenges and find 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
(916) 244-7203 View (916) 244-7203
Photo of Fairfax Admissions - Adult & Adolescent Outpatient | Fairfax Behavioral, Treatment Center, MD, LMHC
Adult, Young Adult (18-30), 50+, and Adolescent (13-17) PHP, partial hospitalization, programs. Using CBT and ACT programming, medication management, nursing groups, rec and music therapy, the Partial Hospitalization Program provides treatment for people struggling with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD and other mood disorders. Patients participate in group therapy for six hours a day, five days per week. The Adolescent PHP program is available virtually or on-site.
Adult, Young Adult (18-30), 50+, and Adolescent (13-17) PHP, partial hospitalization, programs. Using CBT and ACT programming, medication management, nursing groups, rec and music therapy, the Partial Hospitalization Program provides treatment for people struggling with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD and other mood disorders. Patients participate in group therapy for six hours a day, five days per week. The Adolescent PHP program is available virtually or on-site.
(425) 517-1895 View (425) 517-1895
Photo of Mehri Moore - THIRA Health, Treatment Center, MD, PhD
THIRA Health
Treatment Center
Serves Area
At THIRA, we specialize in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and have years of experience with the partial hospitalization (PHP) model of care which allows clients to live at their own homes while attending day treatment. DBT is the core of our program and was first designed to treat interpersonal chaos, intense emotional swings, impulsiveness, confusion about the self (identity), and suicidal behavior. DBT is appropriate for a range of additional problems that relate to emotion dysregulation such as depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, anger-related problems, and substance use problems.
At THIRA, we specialize in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and have years of experience with the partial hospitalization (PHP) model of care which allows clients to live at their own homes while attending day treatment. DBT is the core of our program and was first designed to treat interpersonal chaos, intense emotional swings, impulsiveness, confusion about the self (identity), and suicidal behavior. DBT is appropriate for a range of additional problems that relate to emotion dysregulation such as depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, anger-related problems, and substance use problems.
(425) 336-0406 View (425) 336-0406

See more therapy options for Snohomish County

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.