Personality disorder treatment in Bellevue, WASteadier emotions. Stronger relationships.

Yes. Personality disorders were once thought to be hard to treat, but research shows many people improve significantly. Borderline personality disorder in particular often responds well to specialized therapy, with many people no longer having the condition over time.

No medication is approved specifically for personality disorders, but medication can help with symptoms such as depression, anxiety, mood instability and impulsivity. It works best alongside therapy.

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) involves intense and shifting emotions, fear of abandonment, unstable relationships, an unsteady sense of self and impulsive behavior. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is one of the most effective treatments.

A personality disorder is diagnosed through a thorough psychiatric evaluation, sometimes over more than one visit. We look at long-term patterns rather than how you feel during a single difficult period, and consider other conditions that can look similar.

No. A diagnosis is simply a way to understand what you’re experiencing and guide treatment. Our team provides respectful, compassionate care without judgment.

Personality patterns often first appear in adolescence, and some conditions, such as borderline personality disorder, can be diagnosed in teens when the patterns are long-lasting. Because teens are still developing, we make that call carefully. We provide psychiatric care for adolescents as well as adults, with parents or caregivers involved in the plan.

Both involve big shifts in mood, so they can look alike. In bipolar disorder, moods change in distinct episodes that last days or weeks, with steadier periods in between. In BPD, emotions shift quickly, often within hours, and are often set off by stress in relationships. The two can also occur together, which is why a careful evaluation matters.

The first psychiatric evaluation takes about 60 minutes. Follow-up visits take about 30 minutes, in person in Bellevue or by telehealth.

Please bring a photo ID, your insurance card and a list of current medications. If you’ve had earlier evaluations or treatment, including therapy such as DBT, those records help too.

Yes. Evaluations and follow-up visits are available by secure telehealth anywhere in Washington State, as well as in person at our Bellevue office.

We’re in-network with most major insurance plans, including Medicare, and self-pay is available. Before your first visit, our team verifies your coverage.