Treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder in NYC, NJ, & CT

While both can involve mood instability, they are different conditions. The mood shifts in Bipolar Disorder typically last for weeks or months (depressive or manic episodes). In BPD, the emotional shifts are much more rapid, often occurring in response to interpersonal events and lasting for different durations. An accurate diagnosis is key, which is part of our initial assessment process.

Yes, BPD is absolutely treatable. While "cure" can be a complex word in mental health, research overwhelmingly shows that with effective treatment like DBT, individuals can achieve symptom remission, meaning they no longer meet the diagnostic criteria for BPD. Many people go on to live full, stable, and meaningful lives.

Comprehensive DBT is designed to be a longer-term therapy. A full round of skills training typically takes about six months, and many clients benefit from completing the curriculum twice. The overall duration of therapy is personalized, but most individuals should expect to be in treatment for at least one year to create lasting change.

The DBT skills group is essential because it is where you systematically learn the practical skills you need to manage your life. It functions like a class, providing the structure and repetition needed to master the tools of Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness. Individual therapy is where you learn how to apply those skills to your specific life challenges.

While there is no specific medication that treats BPD as a whole, medication can be helpful in managing some of the co-occurring symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, or mood instability. Medication is often used as an adjunct to therapy, and we can coordinate care with your psychiatrist.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is considered the gold-standard treatment for BPD. It directly targets the core difficulties of the disorder by teaching four key skill sets: mindfulness (to stay grounded in the present), distress tolerance (to cope with painful emotions), emotion regulation (to manage and change intense moods), and interpersonal effectiveness (to build healthier relationships). By learning these practical skills, individuals can better manage overwhelming emotions, reduce impulsive behaviors, and create a more stable sense of self.

For comprehensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), group therapy is a standard and essential component. In the group setting, clients learn and practice the core DBT skills in a supportive environment with others who have similar struggles. While individual therapy is also crucial for addressing personal issues and reinforcing skills, the group format is the primary way skills are taught.