This page is for general education and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a qualified professional. If this is an emergency, call 911 or 988.
Talk to someone about treatment options
Reach the free, confidential SAMHSA National Helpline for treatment referrals and information.
This is the free, confidential SAMHSA National Helpline, operated by the U.S. government. Get Mental Help is not affiliated with it and is not compensated for these calls. How this site is funded.
Therapy is the first-line, most effective treatment for borderline personality disorder — and it works for many people. The goal is practical: to build concrete skills that make intense emotions easier to handle, relationships steadier, and daily life more manageable. You do not have to figure out which approach fits on your own.
Your treatment options
For BPD, structured talk therapy does the heavy lifting:
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) — first-line. DBT was created specifically for BPD and is the most studied, most recommended approach. It combines individual sessions with skills training in four areas: managing emotions, tolerating distress, staying grounded in the present (mindfulness), and handling relationships.
- Other evidence-based therapies. Several structured psychotherapies beyond DBT also help. A clinician can explain the choices and match one to your needs. Browse our treatment guides for more.
- Medication — a supporting role. Therapy is the foundation, but a prescriber may add medication to ease specific symptoms such as depression or anxiety. See BPD medication and the full treatment overview.
Not sure where to start? A short conversation can help you choose.
What happens when you call
If you use the helpline on this page, here is exactly what to expect:
- A trained specialist answers and asks a few questions about what you are going through.
- It is a no-obligation conversation — you can stop any time.
- They can help you understand options, including cost and insurance.
- This is an advertising-supported service: calls are answered by a paid advertiser, not by Get Mental Help. If you would rather not use it, the free SAMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-4357) and 988 are always available at no cost.
Check in on your symptoms
Wondering whether therapy is worth pursuing? Take a private, two-minute, non-diagnostic BPD self-check. Nothing is saved, and it can help you decide whether to reach out.
Find help in your state
Access to therapists and program types differs by state. Use Find Help by State for your state’s mental-health agency, Medicaid coverage, crisis lines, and free or low-cost options — part of our State of Mental Health Access data.
What treatment costs
The cost of therapy depends on the provider, your insurance, and where you live — so there is no single number. A few things that help:
- Insurance and Medicaid generally cover mental health therapy; the details vary by plan and state.
- Free and low-cost options exist everywhere — community mental health centers, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), sliding-scale clinics, and the free SAMHSA National Helpline.
- A specialist or your state’s resources can help you find therapy that fits your budget.
From our clinical review. People sometimes worry that therapy means rehashing the past forever. DBT and approaches like it are different — they are skill-building, hands-on, and oriented toward the life you want now. Watching someone use a new skill in a hard moment, and have it work, is one of the most encouraging things to witness.
If you are ready, talk to someone about therapy options now — it is free to call and there is no obligation.
Frequently asked questions
What therapy is best for borderline personality disorder?
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is the leading, first-line therapy for BPD. It was developed specifically for the condition and teaches skills for managing intense emotions, tolerating distress, and improving relationships. Several other structured, evidence-based therapies also help, and a clinician can match the approach to your needs.
How long does therapy for BPD take?
It varies by the person and the approach. Structured programs like DBT are often delivered over many months and include both individual sessions and skills training. Many people notice meaningful change as they practice new skills, and progress tends to build steadily over time.
Does talk therapy really work for BPD?
Yes. Psychotherapy is the most effective treatment for BPD, and research shows that symptoms often improve substantially with it. Therapy is the cornerstone of care — medication, when used, plays only a supporting role.
Sources
- Borderline Personality Disorder — Treatments — National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
- Borderline Personality Disorder — National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
- Personality Disorders — American Psychological Association (APA)
Reviewed against the sources above. This page is educational and is not medical advice.
Talk to someone about treatment options
Reach the free, confidential SAMHSA National Helpline for treatment referrals and information.
This is the free, confidential SAMHSA National Helpline, operated by the U.S. government. Get Mental Help is not affiliated with it and is not compensated for these calls. How this site is funded.