Borderline Personality (BPD) Psychiatrists in Culpeper County, VA

Photo of Sophia Gizaw, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Culpeper County, VA
Sophia Gizaw
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-B, MSN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Culpeper, VA 22701
As a Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I offer medication management and supportive therapy for people with conditions such as Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar disorder, OCD, ADHD, Panic disorder, PTSD, Borderline Personality disorder, Autism, Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective disorder, Intermittent Explosive Disorder, Oppositional defiant disorder, etcetera. With more than ten years of experience in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric and mental health services, I am solution-oriented and culturally sensitive. I treat my patients with empathy, compassion, and respect.
As a Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I offer medication management and supportive therapy for people with conditions such as Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar disorder, OCD, ADHD, Panic disorder, PTSD, Borderline Personality disorder, Autism, Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective disorder, Intermittent Explosive Disorder, Oppositional defiant disorder, etcetera. With more than ten years of experience in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric and mental health services, I am solution-oriented and culturally sensitive. I treat my patients with empathy, compassion, and respect.
(571) 556-9335 View (571) 556-9335
Photo of Katarina (Kat) Mijic-Barisic, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Culpeper County, VA
Katarina (Kat) Mijic-Barisic
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Culpeper, VA 22701
Hi! I’m Kat, a psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP) dedicated to helping you unlock your full potential and live a happier, more fulfilling life through medication management and supportive therapy. I believe that every person has the capacity for growth and resilience. My approach is rooted in compassion, empathy, and a deep commitment to understanding each individual's unique journey, and my mission is to provide a safe and non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
Hi! I’m Kat, a psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP) dedicated to helping you unlock your full potential and live a happier, more fulfilling life through medication management and supportive therapy. I believe that every person has the capacity for growth and resilience. My approach is rooted in compassion, empathy, and a deep commitment to understanding each individual's unique journey, and my mission is to provide a safe and non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
(540) 418-3867 View (540) 418-3867
Photo of Adam Horn, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Culpeper County, VA
Adam Horn
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Culpeper, VA 22701  (Online Only)
Adam is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner specializing in psychological trauma, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and addiction issues. He has more than 25 years of experience in mental health, as a psychotherapist with a Cognitive Behavioral approach and as a nurse practitioner. He has helped people from all walks of life, all sorts of life experiences, from the coasts of Washington State to hills of Tennessee and Virginia; urban and rural. He believes our pasts do not dictate our futures; and through a combination of psychotherapy and psychopharmacology, we are all capable of change and creating a better life.
Adam is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner specializing in psychological trauma, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and addiction issues. He has more than 25 years of experience in mental health, as a psychotherapist with a Cognitive Behavioral approach and as a nurse practitioner. He has helped people from all walks of life, all sorts of life experiences, from the coasts of Washington State to hills of Tennessee and Virginia; urban and rural. He believes our pasts do not dictate our futures; and through a combination of psychotherapy and psychopharmacology, we are all capable of change and creating a better life.
(571) 200-4158 View (571) 200-4158
Photo of Dr. Devin N. Bailey, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Culpeper County, VA
Dr. Devin N. Bailey
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Culpeper, VA 22701  (Online Only)
I find that it is of high importance to identify the root cause or foundation of illness and disease as a means of successfully treating and/or healing disease! Unfortunately, medicine as practiced today is rushed and therefore, no longer prevents or effectively treats disease. Thankfully, I believe it is my privilege to be involved in helping people truly experience health, or wholeness, which is always a result of a healthy mind, body, and more importantly, spirit! My ideal client has audacious faith to know that things can, will, and always change for the better when you fight for and persist in it!
I find that it is of high importance to identify the root cause or foundation of illness and disease as a means of successfully treating and/or healing disease! Unfortunately, medicine as practiced today is rushed and therefore, no longer prevents or effectively treats disease. Thankfully, I believe it is my privilege to be involved in helping people truly experience health, or wholeness, which is always a result of a healthy mind, body, and more importantly, spirit! My ideal client has audacious faith to know that things can, will, and always change for the better when you fight for and persist in it!
(757) 908-6303 View (757) 908-6303
Photo of Dr. Mee Young Sowa, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Culpeper County, VA
Dr. Mee Young Sowa
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNPBC, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
Culpeper, VA 22701
Finding a caring Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, who listens to you with empathy, is an essential step in your journey towards managing your symptoms like anxiety, depression, mood swings and lack of focus and attention. Adults lose connection with others and even themselves. Adolescents have to deal with bullying, academic stress and struggling at school. Medication alone cannot heal your wounds; you are wounded because you are not fully accepted in your relationship with others, or you lose connection with yourself. Let's use the best evidence-based pharmacological treatment while addressing existential distress.
Finding a caring Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, who listens to you with empathy, is an essential step in your journey towards managing your symptoms like anxiety, depression, mood swings and lack of focus and attention. Adults lose connection with others and even themselves. Adolescents have to deal with bullying, academic stress and struggling at school. Medication alone cannot heal your wounds; you are wounded because you are not fully accepted in your relationship with others, or you lose connection with yourself. Let's use the best evidence-based pharmacological treatment while addressing existential distress.
(434) 216-0992 View (434) 216-0992
Photo of Kayla Potter, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Culpeper County, VA
Kayla Potter
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Culpeper, VA 22701
Not accepting new clients
You deserve a life that makes you happy to wake up in the morning and at peace when you get in bed at night. I’m here to help! I can promise you that I will listen and support you through whatever life is handing you right now. I love clients who are motivated and open to change. I know taking that first step towards seeking help can be intimidating and hard, but I’m here for you! Together we will create a personalized treatment plan that includes medication, therapy, or a combination of the two.
You deserve a life that makes you happy to wake up in the morning and at peace when you get in bed at night. I’m here to help! I can promise you that I will listen and support you through whatever life is handing you right now. I love clients who are motivated and open to change. I know taking that first step towards seeking help can be intimidating and hard, but I’m here for you! Together we will create a personalized treatment plan that includes medication, therapy, or a combination of the two.
(804) 315-2996 View (804) 315-2996

Online Psychiatrists

Photo of Georgina Coca, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Culpeper County, VA
Georgina Coca
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Alexandria, VA 22314
As a Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I treat people struggling with Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, OCD, Bipolar disorder, Panic disorder, Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective disorder, PTSD, Borderline personality disorder, and Eating disorder. With over eight years of experience in outpatient and in-patient psychiatric and Mental Health services, I am solution-oriented. My approach embodies my core values of humility, respect, honesty, reliability, motivation, and consistency. I treat my clients with utmost care, active listening, and education. I start medication with the lowest dose for tolerability and adjust as needed.
As a Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I treat people struggling with Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, OCD, Bipolar disorder, Panic disorder, Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective disorder, PTSD, Borderline personality disorder, and Eating disorder. With over eight years of experience in outpatient and in-patient psychiatric and Mental Health services, I am solution-oriented. My approach embodies my core values of humility, respect, honesty, reliability, motivation, and consistency. I treat my clients with utmost care, active listening, and education. I start medication with the lowest dose for tolerability and adjust as needed.
(571) 450-9127 View (571) 450-9127
Photo of Anna Wilson, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Culpeper County, VA
Anna Wilson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
South Riding, VA 20152  (Online Only)
Anna has been working with adults and adolescents in the specialty areas of treating borderline personality disorder, eating disorders, gender dysphoria, depression, and anxiety.
Anna believes in a holistic and client-oriented approach to medication management. She believes it is important to consider a client's personal beliefs, spiritual values and cultural diversity when providing care. Her goal is to break stigma regarding mental health and teach her clients the important of taking care of their own mind and body.
Anna has been working with adults and adolescents in the specialty areas of treating borderline personality disorder, eating disorders, gender dysphoria, depression, and anxiety.
Anna believes in a holistic and client-oriented approach to medication management. She believes it is important to consider a client's personal beliefs, spiritual values and cultural diversity when providing care. Her goal is to break stigma regarding mental health and teach her clients the important of taking care of their own mind and body.
(571) 556-3771 View (571) 556-3771
Photo of Covenant Behavioral Health LLC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Culpeper County, VA
Covenant Behavioral Health LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, MSN
Verified Verified
Woodbridge, VA 22191  (Online Only)
Catherine is experienced in treating psychiatric disorders like Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, BPD, OCD, PTSD, ADHD/ADD, Schizophrenia, SUD, Eating disorders, Mood disorders, suicidal ideation and therapy.
Catherine Ben-Agu is a board certified licensed Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse practitioner in the state of Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC. She has 8years of experience in psychiatry. Catherine attended Walden University where she completed her bachelors and masters degree in nursing. Through her many years of experience, she has been able to partner with children, adolescents, adults, and geriatric clients seeking help with diverse psychiatric problems. Catherine facilitate significant improvement in client’s presenting symptoms through proper assessment, accurate diagnoses, prescriptions, treatment, and evaluation
Catherine is experienced in treating psychiatric disorders like Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, BPD, OCD, PTSD, ADHD/ADD, Schizophrenia, SUD, Eating disorders, Mood disorders, suicidal ideation and therapy.
Catherine Ben-Agu is a board certified licensed Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse practitioner in the state of Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC. She has 8years of experience in psychiatry. Catherine attended Walden University where she completed her bachelors and masters degree in nursing. Through her many years of experience, she has been able to partner with children, adolescents, adults, and geriatric clients seeking help with diverse psychiatric problems. Catherine facilitate significant improvement in client’s presenting symptoms through proper assessment, accurate diagnoses, prescriptions, treatment, and evaluation
(571) 901-1302 View (571) 901-1302
Photo of LaToya Mullen, Psychiatric Medication Management, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Culpeper County, VA
LaToya Mullen, Psychiatric Medication Management
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-B, MS, BN, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
Alexandria, VA 22314
Customized treatment for OCD, depression, BPD, ADHD, panic attacks, and other challenges.
Do you need a prescription for psychiatric medication, or help balancing your medications? Has your therapist recommended medication? Do you struggle with ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, insomnia or disordered sleep, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), mood disorders, or psychosis? Often, medication can help you achieve calm, focus, and balance. Working together, we will find and fine-tune the medications that address your needs. Medication, or medication combined with therapy, supports significant improvement for many clients. Reach out today for board-certified psychiatric support.
Customized treatment for OCD, depression, BPD, ADHD, panic attacks, and other challenges.
Do you need a prescription for psychiatric medication, or help balancing your medications? Has your therapist recommended medication? Do you struggle with ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, insomnia or disordered sleep, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), mood disorders, or psychosis? Often, medication can help you achieve calm, focus, and balance. Working together, we will find and fine-tune the medications that address your needs. Medication, or medication combined with therapy, supports significant improvement for many clients. Reach out today for board-certified psychiatric support.
(703) 687-0224 View (703) 687-0224
Photo of Dr. Marie C. Campagnone, Psychiatrist, Psychiatrist in Culpeper County, VA
Dr. Marie C. Campagnone, Psychiatrist
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Alexandria, VA 22314
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), for example, is often a key part of treatment for BPD.
Do you need professional psychiatric support for medication management? Do you need help coping with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia? I am a psychiatrist, providing online care to patients in Maryland and Virginia and I look forward to providing you with the psychiatric care that best meets your needs and supports your emotional wellness. Care may include medication management, psychotherapy, or a combination of medication management and therapy. If you are in therapy and your therapist has suggested medication, we will work collaboratively with your psychotherapist.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), for example, is often a key part of treatment for BPD.
Do you need professional psychiatric support for medication management? Do you need help coping with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia? I am a psychiatrist, providing online care to patients in Maryland and Virginia and I look forward to providing you with the psychiatric care that best meets your needs and supports your emotional wellness. Care may include medication management, psychotherapy, or a combination of medication management and therapy. If you are in therapy and your therapist has suggested medication, we will work collaboratively with your psychotherapist.
(301) 753-3430 View (301) 753-3430
Photo of Dorothy Irene Parker, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Culpeper County, VA
Dorothy Irene Parker
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Midlothian, VA 23113
Her areas of expertise include depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, suicide prevention, trauma, PTSD, bipolar disorders, psychosis, sleep disorders, substance dependence, and borderline personality disorder.
Dot is particularly passionate about client advocacy and providing holistic care that considers all aspects of health to achieve overall well-being. She believes care should be personalized to meet the unique needs and experiences of individuals. She provides a warm, nonjudgmental, and encouraging environment to help anyone looking for a safe space to achieve mental health wellbeing.
Her areas of expertise include depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, suicide prevention, trauma, PTSD, bipolar disorders, psychosis, sleep disorders, substance dependence, and borderline personality disorder.
Dot is particularly passionate about client advocacy and providing holistic care that considers all aspects of health to achieve overall well-being. She believes care should be personalized to meet the unique needs and experiences of individuals. She provides a warm, nonjudgmental, and encouraging environment to help anyone looking for a safe space to achieve mental health wellbeing.
(804) 607-8182 View (804) 607-8182
Photo of Tolulope Oguntomi Psych Medication Management, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Culpeper County, VA
Tolulope Oguntomi Psych Medication Management
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, PMH
Verified Verified
Alexandria, VA 22314
Do you need a psychiatric assessment for evaluation? Do you need to tweak or balance your prescription for psychiatric medication? Are you considering medication or has your therapist recommended medication? In treatment, you can help for ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, insomnia or disordered sleep, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), mood disorders, self-harming, psychosis, issues related to pregnancy and postpartum, and other challenges. An assessment can help determine if you need medication, and we can develop a plan for your treatment. Reach out now for expert psychiatric support.
Do you need a psychiatric assessment for evaluation? Do you need to tweak or balance your prescription for psychiatric medication? Are you considering medication or has your therapist recommended medication? In treatment, you can help for ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, insomnia or disordered sleep, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), mood disorders, self-harming, psychosis, issues related to pregnancy and postpartum, and other challenges. An assessment can help determine if you need medication, and we can develop a plan for your treatment. Reach out now for expert psychiatric support.
(301) 591-6750 View (301) 591-6750
Photo of Newlife Aspiration Behavioural Health Services, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Culpeper County, VA
Newlife Aspiration Behavioural Health Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, APRN, DNP
Verified Verified
Herndon, VA 20171
Chinyere is a Board Certified licensed, Family Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a BSN degree from Shenandoah University, Winchester, VA, an MSN degree from the University of Cincinnati, Ohio and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree from Chatham University, Pittsburgh, PA. Chinyere has 14 years of experience as a psychiatric nurse and 9 years of experience as a nurse practitioner, providing psychiatric evaluation, treatment and medication management to patients with varying degree of mental illness. She has expertise in treating adolescent and adult patients.
Chinyere is a Board Certified licensed, Family Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a BSN degree from Shenandoah University, Winchester, VA, an MSN degree from the University of Cincinnati, Ohio and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree from Chatham University, Pittsburgh, PA. Chinyere has 14 years of experience as a psychiatric nurse and 9 years of experience as a nurse practitioner, providing psychiatric evaluation, treatment and medication management to patients with varying degree of mental illness. She has expertise in treating adolescent and adult patients.
(240) 313-8631 View (240) 313-8631
Photo of Alexis Ryan, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Culpeper County, VA
Alexis Ryan
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Springfield, VA 22151  (Online Only)
Alexis Ryan is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with her Master’s of Science in Nursing acquired from Vanderbilt University’s No. 1 ranked program in the country. She combines expertise and evidence-based approaches to care with an unflagging commitment to compassion and kindness in order to treat a variety of psychiatric disorders with particular proficiency in mood disorders, trauma-related disorders, substance use disorders, and eating disorders. Alexis utilizes psychotherapy, creates treatment plans, prescribes clinically-supported medications, and provides diagnostic clarity and education.
Alexis Ryan is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with her Master’s of Science in Nursing acquired from Vanderbilt University’s No. 1 ranked program in the country. She combines expertise and evidence-based approaches to care with an unflagging commitment to compassion and kindness in order to treat a variety of psychiatric disorders with particular proficiency in mood disorders, trauma-related disorders, substance use disorders, and eating disorders. Alexis utilizes psychotherapy, creates treatment plans, prescribes clinically-supported medications, and provides diagnostic clarity and education.
(571) 568-8035 View (571) 568-8035
Photo of My Psychiatrist PLC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Culpeper County, VA
My Psychiatrist PLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MA, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Reston, VA 20191  (Online Only)
Heidi offers a place for patients to feel welcomed, heard, and supported. She also provides patients with competent treatment plans. Frequent appointments are available for titrating medications quickly and effectively along with mental health check-ins.
Heidi offers a place for patients to feel welcomed, heard, and supported. She also provides patients with competent treatment plans. Frequent appointments are available for titrating medications quickly and effectively along with mental health check-ins.
(571) 556-9185 View (571) 556-9185
Photo of Augustine Ahenkorah, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Culpeper County, VA
Augustine Ahenkorah
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Arlington, VA 22207
Augustine is devoted to offering mental health services of the highest caliber, caring, and comprehensive to children, adolescents, and adults. Augustine has excellent clinical abilities complemented by a natural ability to connect with patients and their families. He adheres to recommendations based on evidence-based guidelines, clinical knowledge, and individual observation. He plays various roles as a PMHNP, including that of an educator and a mental health advocate. His training experiences in densely populated cities and remote, underserved places have stoked a commitment to provide quality mental health care services to all.
Augustine is devoted to offering mental health services of the highest caliber, caring, and comprehensive to children, adolescents, and adults. Augustine has excellent clinical abilities complemented by a natural ability to connect with patients and their families. He adheres to recommendations based on evidence-based guidelines, clinical knowledge, and individual observation. He plays various roles as a PMHNP, including that of an educator and a mental health advocate. His training experiences in densely populated cities and remote, underserved places have stoked a commitment to provide quality mental health care services to all.
(703) 782-4407 View (703) 782-4407
Photo of Kate Tucker Tibbs, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Culpeper County, VA
Kate Tucker Tibbs
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Glen Allen, VA 23059
I am Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 10 years of experience, providing medication management and adjunctive psychotherapy to children, adolescents and adults. I believe in a multifaceted collaborative approach to patient-centered care. My focus is on the whole person, including medical, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects. Medication management is just one element of a successful treatment plan and that supportive therapy and teaching coping strategies are valuable tools in treatment. I am currently accepting new patients in the Glen Allen office and/or telehealth.
I am Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 10 years of experience, providing medication management and adjunctive psychotherapy to children, adolescents and adults. I believe in a multifaceted collaborative approach to patient-centered care. My focus is on the whole person, including medical, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects. Medication management is just one element of a successful treatment plan and that supportive therapy and teaching coping strategies are valuable tools in treatment. I am currently accepting new patients in the Glen Allen office and/or telehealth.
(804) 376-5312 x2 View (804) 376-5312 x2
Photo of Brighter Pathways LLC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Culpeper County, VA
Brighter Pathways LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Mechanicsville, VA 23111  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Our focus is to help individuals improve their mental health and quality of life, as well as to heal and become aware of their inner strengths. We achieve this by providing a neutral, nonjudgmental, safe space and listening to your concerns, and customizing a treatment plan. Now accepting new patients, no waiting list.
Our focus is to help individuals improve their mental health and quality of life, as well as to heal and become aware of their inner strengths. We achieve this by providing a neutral, nonjudgmental, safe space and listening to your concerns, and customizing a treatment plan. Now accepting new patients, no waiting list.
(804) 465-9604 View (804) 465-9604
Photo of Christina Rinderle, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Culpeper County, VA
Christina Rinderle
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, NNP-C, PMHNP-C, PMH-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Aldie, VA 20105
As a nurse practitioner, I consider and value a holistic approach when considering treatment goals. The transition to parenthood is a life changing experience with significant physical and psychological adjustments for the entire family. Many parents experience mood changes and feel overwhelmed during pregnancy and/or after the birth of their child. When these symptoms do not resolve on their own, worsen in severity and begin to affect a person’s quality of life, they may be experiencing a perinatal mental health disorder.
As a nurse practitioner, I consider and value a holistic approach when considering treatment goals. The transition to parenthood is a life changing experience with significant physical and psychological adjustments for the entire family. Many parents experience mood changes and feel overwhelmed during pregnancy and/or after the birth of their child. When these symptoms do not resolve on their own, worsen in severity and begin to affect a person’s quality of life, they may be experiencing a perinatal mental health disorder.
(571) 470-5296 View (571) 470-5296

See more therapy options for Culpeper County

Borderline Personality (BPD) Psychiatrists

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.