Orlando Outpatient Center treats borderline personality disorder (BPD) in adults through our mental health intensive outpatient program (IOP) in Maitland, just north of Orlando. Treatment centers on dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills, the approach originally developed for BPD. Call (407) 968-7717 to talk with our team.
What Is Borderline Personality Disorder?
BPD is a mental health condition that affects how you manage emotions, see yourself and relate to other people. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, people with BPD often experience intense mood swings and may have trouble with relationships and impulsive behavior. BPD is treatable, and many people see symptoms ease significantly with the right therapy.
Common Symptoms of BPD
- Intense fear of abandonment and efforts to avoid real or imagined rejection
- Unstable relationships that swing between closeness and anger
- A shifting sense of who you are
- Impulsive behavior, such as spending, substance use or risky driving
- Mood swings that last hours to a few days
- Chronic feelings of emptiness
- Intense anger or trouble controlling anger
- Self-harm or suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Feeling disconnected from yourself or reality under stress
If you are thinking about suicide or self-harm, call or text 988 or call 911 right away. IOP is not an emergency service.
How DBT Helps People With BPD
DBT teaches four sets of skills that target the core struggles of BPD:
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- Mindfulness to notice emotions before they take over
- Distress tolerance to get through a crisis without making it worse
- Emotion regulation to reduce emotional swings over time
- Interpersonal effectiveness to keep relationships steadier
In our IOP, you learn these skills in groups and apply them to your own life in individual sessions with your counselor every other week. CBT and family involvement may also be part of your plan.
BPD, Substance Use and Other Conditions
BPD often occurs with depression, anxiety, PTSD and substance use disorders. Our dual diagnosis groups address substance use and mental health symptoms at the same time.
Is IOP the Right Level of Care?
IOP can work well if you are safe to live at home, can attend several sessions a week and want to build skills while keeping work, school or family routines. If you have recent suicide attempts or frequent crises, a higher level of care may be safer at first. Our admissions team will help you decide and, if needed, help you find the right program.
BPD Treatment Schedule and Location
Mental health IOP groups meet in Maitland on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons, hybrid groups meet weekday mornings, and telehealth groups run on Friday and Saturday for Florida residents. Most people attend for up to 12 weeks.
BPD Treatment FAQs
What is the best treatment for borderline personality disorder?
Psychotherapy is the main treatment for BPD, and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) has the strongest research support.
Can BPD be treated in an outpatient program?
Yes, for many people. Intensive outpatient treatment works well when you are safe at home and can attend several sessions a week.
How long does BPD treatment take?
Building DBT skills takes practice. In our IOP most people attend for up to 12 weeks and keep practicing afterward.
Do you treat BPD and addiction together?
Yes. Our dual diagnosis approach treats BPD symptoms and substance use at the same time.
Is BPD treatment covered by insurance?
Many insurance plans cover mental health IOP. Call (407) 968-7717 for a free benefits check to see what your plan covers.
