Photo of Olivia Bonanno, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Virginia
Olivia Bonanno
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, PMH-C
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Virginia Beach, VA 23455  (Online Only)
My specialty treatment areas include Depression, Anxiety, Stress Management, OCD, Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Codependency and Relationship Health, Caregiver Burnout, Compassion Fatigue, Borderline Personality Disorder, Grief and Bereavement and Gender Dysphoria.
Let me help you protect your peace. I take a trauma-informed care approach with all clients. I value the combination of medication management and psychotherapy in treatment. Even if you are just looking for a new medication provider- I care about you, what you are going through and am here for support. I'm a certified perinatal mental health provider and can provide specialized treatment anywhere along your perinatal journey. I strive to create a safe and inclusive space for all, particularly the LGBTQ+ community. I look forward to working with you and helping you protect your peace!
My specialty treatment areas include Depression, Anxiety, Stress Management, OCD, Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Codependency and Relationship Health, Caregiver Burnout, Compassion Fatigue, Borderline Personality Disorder, Grief and Bereavement and Gender Dysphoria.
Let me help you protect your peace. I take a trauma-informed care approach with all clients. I value the combination of medication management and psychotherapy in treatment. Even if you are just looking for a new medication provider- I care about you, what you are going through and am here for support. I'm a certified perinatal mental health provider and can provide specialized treatment anywhere along your perinatal journey. I strive to create a safe and inclusive space for all, particularly the LGBTQ+ community. I look forward to working with you and helping you protect your peace!
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Photo of Sophia Gizaw, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Virginia
Sophia Gizaw
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-B, MSN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Woodbridge, VA 22192
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 Georgina Coca, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Virginia
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 Dorothy Irene Parker, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Virginia
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 Covenant Behavioral Health LLC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Virginia
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 Virginia
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 Anna Wilson, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Virginia
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 Tolulope Oguntomi Psych Medication Management, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Virginia
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 Dr. Marie C. Campagnone, Psychiatrist, Psychiatrist in Virginia
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 Sangeeta R Chitlu, Psychiatrist in Virginia
Sangeeta R Chitlu
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ashburn, VA 20147
I am a Child, Adolescent & Adult psychiatrist and have been practicing in Northern VA since 2004. I trained at the Howard Univ Hospital & UMD-Sheppard Pratt, where I served as the Chief fellow as well. I worked with Loudoun County initially, which provided me the opportunity to treat complex patients, and understand critical community- based issues. I have been working in the outpatient sector for the past decade. I specialize in ADHD, early childhood disorders including Autism, Mood disorders, Anxiety, OCD, trauma etc. I collaborate closely with families, schools, clinicians and other systems as per the need of the patient.
I am a Child, Adolescent & Adult psychiatrist and have been practicing in Northern VA since 2004. I trained at the Howard Univ Hospital & UMD-Sheppard Pratt, where I served as the Chief fellow as well. I worked with Loudoun County initially, which provided me the opportunity to treat complex patients, and understand critical community- based issues. I have been working in the outpatient sector for the past decade. I specialize in ADHD, early childhood disorders including Autism, Mood disorders, Anxiety, OCD, trauma etc. I collaborate closely with families, schools, clinicians and other systems as per the need of the patient.
(703) 686-5754 View (703) 686-5754
Photo of Mindful Mental Health, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Virginia
Mindful Mental Health
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Verified Verified
Abingdon, VA 24211
Easily schedule appointment online today 24/7 @ www.mindfulmh.com
Easily schedule appointment online today 24/7 @ www.mindfulmh.com
(276) 208-9462 View (276) 208-9462
Photo of David Krukiel, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Virginia
David Krukiel
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Richmond, VA 23229
David Krukiel, PMHNP-BC is a doctorally prepared Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. He received his Bachelor of Science in Health Studies from James Madison University and Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing before pursuing his Doctorate of Nursing Practice from the Medical University of South Carolina. David has several years of healthcare experience working in various specialties, including intensive care, inpatient mental health, and nursing education. His interests include treating adults with anxiety, depression, bipolar, ADHD, and substance use disorders.
David Krukiel, PMHNP-BC is a doctorally prepared Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. He received his Bachelor of Science in Health Studies from James Madison University and Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing before pursuing his Doctorate of Nursing Practice from the Medical University of South Carolina. David has several years of healthcare experience working in various specialties, including intensive care, inpatient mental health, and nursing education. His interests include treating adults with anxiety, depression, bipolar, ADHD, and substance use disorders.
(804) 294-4313 View (804) 294-4313
Photo of Maureen Diezman, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Virginia
Maureen Diezman
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Aldie, VA 20105
I enjoy working with patients ages 5-25 who have a variety of mental health conditions. I enjoy helping patients meet their goals and tailoring treatment to the needs of each patient.
I enjoy working with patients ages 5-25 who have a variety of mental health conditions. I enjoy helping patients meet their goals and tailoring treatment to the needs of each patient.
(703) 991-6150 View (703) 991-6150
Photo of Hava Oaks Medical Practice, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Virginia
Hava Oaks Medical Practice
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP-C
Verified Verified
Berryville, VA 22611
Dr. Olawuyi is a Certified and Licensed Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with years of rich medical experience spanning mental, addiction, and behavioral health management across the lifespans. Dr. O', as her patients fondly refer to her, fosters empathetic therapeutic environments that stimulate warm and compassionate relationships and assist her patients in building on their core values.
Dr. Olawuyi is a Certified and Licensed Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with years of rich medical experience spanning mental, addiction, and behavioral health management across the lifespans. Dr. O', as her patients fondly refer to her, fosters empathetic therapeutic environments that stimulate warm and compassionate relationships and assist her patients in building on their core values.
(703) 782-4139 View (703) 782-4139
Photo of Integrated Cognitive Care Center, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Virginia
Integrated Cognitive Care Center
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, AGPNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Ashburn, VA 20147  (Online Only)
In our sessions, you can expect a collaborative and tailored approach, drawing upon evidence-based practices such as psychodynamic therapy. I view our relationship as a partnership, ensuring that decisions about your care align with your unique needs and goals. Confidentiality is paramount, and I encourage open communication and feedback, with a willingness to adjust our treatment plan based on your needs. Continuous learning is a priority to provide you with the best care possible.
In our sessions, you can expect a collaborative and tailored approach, drawing upon evidence-based practices such as psychodynamic therapy. I view our relationship as a partnership, ensuring that decisions about your care align with your unique needs and goals. Confidentiality is paramount, and I encourage open communication and feedback, with a willingness to adjust our treatment plan based on your needs. Continuous learning is a priority to provide you with the best care possible.
(703) 947-0988 View (703) 947-0988
Photo of Wellness and Balance LLC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Virginia
Wellness and Balance LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, NP-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chesapeake, VA 23321
The PMHNP compassion group provides care for the mental health community to render medication management. A group of professionals came together to share experiences and offer mutual support to the mental health community. Within the compassion group, the providers have experience in providing strategies for managing stress. The provider offers professional medication management to assist patients with psychiatric disorders fully. A professional approach to a more comprehensive treatment can address all Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, and Bipolar Disorders. Other Therapies and modalities are offered through referrals. Accepting New PTS
The PMHNP compassion group provides care for the mental health community to render medication management. A group of professionals came together to share experiences and offer mutual support to the mental health community. Within the compassion group, the providers have experience in providing strategies for managing stress. The provider offers professional medication management to assist patients with psychiatric disorders fully. A professional approach to a more comprehensive treatment can address all Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, and Bipolar Disorders. Other Therapies and modalities are offered through referrals. Accepting New PTS
(757) 644-3817 View (757) 644-3817
Photo of Kelsey Skiljan, Physician Assistant in Virginia
Kelsey Skiljan
Physician Assistant, PA-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fairfax, VA 22030
We all have solutions within us - it is a matter of learning how to tap into these solutions. The most effective way to heal is to focus on your strengths and harness into your available resources while getting the symptoms under control. At Inspire Behavioral Health, we consider all treatment options available and strive to take a balanced and integrative approach. While it’s necessary to target the symptoms that lead someone to get help, it is also important to understand that people are much more than symptoms they are experiencing.
We all have solutions within us - it is a matter of learning how to tap into these solutions. The most effective way to heal is to focus on your strengths and harness into your available resources while getting the symptoms under control. At Inspire Behavioral Health, we consider all treatment options available and strive to take a balanced and integrative approach. While it’s necessary to target the symptoms that lead someone to get help, it is also important to understand that people are much more than symptoms they are experiencing.
(571) 556-7484 View (571) 556-7484
Photo of Elizabeth Onyejekwe, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Virginia
Elizabeth Onyejekwe
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Stafford, VA 22556
I am a psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I treat people struggling with Depression, Anxiety, OCD, Trichotillomania, Tics, Tourette's syndrome, ADHD, Autism, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder, PTSD, Panic disorder, Bipolar disorder, Intermittent Explosive disorder, Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective disorder, Personality disorders, perinatal and post-natal mood disorders. I offer medication management and supportive therapy with a holistic approach. I customize treatment to meet each person's unique needs and goals.
I am a psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I treat people struggling with Depression, Anxiety, OCD, Trichotillomania, Tics, Tourette's syndrome, ADHD, Autism, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder, PTSD, Panic disorder, Bipolar disorder, Intermittent Explosive disorder, Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective disorder, Personality disorders, perinatal and post-natal mood disorders. I offer medication management and supportive therapy with a holistic approach. I customize treatment to meet each person's unique needs and goals.
(540) 274-5245 View (540) 274-5245
Photo of Maura Constance, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Virginia
Maura Constance
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MPH, PMHNP, FNP, BC
Verified Verified
Front Royal, VA 22630
I am a warm, compassionate psychiatric nurse practitioner devoted to helping people overcome difficulties and thrive. I employ a humanistic approach that looks at the whole person to understand how elements in the past and factors in the present environment can contribute to your current challenges. I listen deeply and work with you to find the right mix of evidence-based therapies and medications to address your particular needs. I have a special interest in depression, anxiety, personality disorders, addiction issues, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
I am a warm, compassionate psychiatric nurse practitioner devoted to helping people overcome difficulties and thrive. I employ a humanistic approach that looks at the whole person to understand how elements in the past and factors in the present environment can contribute to your current challenges. I listen deeply and work with you to find the right mix of evidence-based therapies and medications to address your particular needs. I have a special interest in depression, anxiety, personality disorders, addiction issues, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
(301) 392-7120 View (301) 392-7120
Photo of Megan Zamora, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Virginia
Megan Zamora
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Halifax, VA 24558  (Online Only)
NEW PATIENTS WELCOME. WEEKEND AVAILABILITY. Whether depression and anxiety are long-term struggles or you are experiencing your first event, or you suffer from psychosis or a personality disorder I am here to manage your medications and provide brief psychotherapy. I understand the struggle of making it through the day when you are having trouble concentrating, connecting with others or just feeling a complete lack of motivation to interact fully with the world around you. Possibly you turn to unhealthy coping skills and maybe you feel you’ve tried it all. I am here to help you live a happier, healthier life.
NEW PATIENTS WELCOME. WEEKEND AVAILABILITY. Whether depression and anxiety are long-term struggles or you are experiencing your first event, or you suffer from psychosis or a personality disorder I am here to manage your medications and provide brief psychotherapy. I understand the struggle of making it through the day when you are having trouble concentrating, connecting with others or just feeling a complete lack of motivation to interact fully with the world around you. Possibly you turn to unhealthy coping skills and maybe you feel you’ve tried it all. I am here to help you live a happier, healthier life.
(434) 885-1257 View (434) 885-1257
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.