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.
BPD is one of the more treatable mental health conditions, and the outlook is genuinely hopeful. Most people improve with structured therapy, and many reach a point where symptoms no longer run their lives. You do not have to figure out the right path alone. Below are the options that work, what to expect when you reach out, and how to take the next step today.
Your treatment options
Treatment for BPD is built mainly around skills-based talk therapy, combined to fit your situation:
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) — first-line. DBT was developed specifically for BPD and is the most studied, most recommended treatment. It teaches concrete skills for managing intense emotions, tolerating distress, staying grounded, and improving relationships. See therapy for BPD for how DBT and other approaches work.
- Other evidence-based therapies. Several structured psychotherapies beyond DBT also help; a clinician matches the approach to your needs.
- Medication — a supporting role. No medication treats BPD itself, but a prescriber may use one to ease specific symptoms such as depression, anxiety, or mood instability. See BPD medication.
- Levels of care. Most treatment happens in regular outpatient visits. For more intensive needs, structured programs exist. Our treatment guides explain the differences.
- Self-care that supports treatment. Steady sleep and movement, limiting alcohol, and stress-management skills help treatment work — alongside it, not instead of it.
Not sure which fits? A short conversation can help you sort it out.
What happens when you call
If you use the helpline on this page, here is exactly what to expect — no surprises:
- A treatment specialist answers and asks a few questions about what you are going through and the kind of help you want.
- It is a no-pressure conversation. There is no obligation to enter treatment, and 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, and we do not take a fee based on which provider you choose. If you would rather not use it, the free SAMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-4357) and 988 are always available at no cost.
That transparency is the point — you should always know who you are talking to and why.
Check in on your symptoms
Not sure how much BPD is affecting you? 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
Options, costs, and coverage differ by state. Use Find Help by State for your state’s mental-health agency, Medicaid coverage, crisis lines, and free or low-cost options where you live — part of our State of Mental Health Access data.
What treatment costs
Cost depends on the type of care, your insurance, and your state — so there is no single number. A few things that help:
- Insurance and Medicaid generally cover mental health treatment; coverage varies by plan and state.
- Free and low-cost options exist everywhere — 988, the free SAMHSA National Helpline, community mental health centers, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), and sliding-scale clinics.
- A specialist or your state’s resources can help you find care that fits your budget.
From our clinical review. The hardest part is almost always the first step. People with BPD often carry a belief that they are too much, or beyond help — neither is true. The treatments here work, and the sooner you start, the sooner you feel the difference. Reaching out is not a commitment; it is just information.
If you are ready, talk to someone about your options now — it is free to call and there is no obligation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most effective treatment for BPD?
Psychotherapy is the most effective treatment, and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is the leading, first-line approach. DBT was created specifically for BPD and teaches skills for managing intense emotions and improving relationships. Other structured therapies also help, and medication is sometimes added to address specific symptoms.
Can borderline personality disorder be cured?
BPD is not described in terms of a cure, but it is very treatable, and research shows symptoms often improve substantially over time with the right care. Many people reach a point where they no longer meet the criteria for the diagnosis and live stable, satisfying lives. Recovery is a realistic goal.
How much does BPD treatment cost?
It varies by the type of care, your insurance, and where you live. Most health plans and Medicaid cover mental health treatment, and free or low-cost options exist — including the 988 Lifeline, the free SAMHSA National Helpline, community mental health centers, and sliding-scale clinics. You can see the options in your state on our Find Help pages.
Sources
- Borderline Personality Disorder — Treatments — National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
- Borderline Personality Disorder — Treatment — National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
- Personality Disorders — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- SAMHSA National Helpline — Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
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.