Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
DBT was developed for people with BPD and combines individual work, skills practice, and strategies for intense emotions, harmful behavior, and relationships. Program structure varies.
Updated October 3, 2026
BPD Treatment Options and Care Planning
Psychotherapy is the primary treatment described by NIMH. The right plan depends on the person’s goals, needs, safety, access, other conditions, and preferences.
Psychological treatments
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
CBT can help identify and change patterns of belief and behavior and may address anxiety, mood shifts, or harmful coping.
Other structured psychotherapies
A service may offer mentalization-based therapy, schema-focused therapy, transference-focused psychotherapy, or another structured approach. Availability and suitability vary.
Family or caregiver support
With the person’s agreement, education or therapy for family and caregivers may help them understand needs, communicate more effectively, and support treatment goals.
Discussing medication in your care plan
NIMH says medication is not a first-line treatment for BPD, though a clinician may use it for specific symptoms or co-occurring conditions. NICE advises against using drug treatment specifically for BPD or its individual behaviors and symptoms.
Do not start, stop, or change medication based on this site. Discuss benefits, side effects, alternatives, and monitoring with a qualified prescriber.
A useful care plan can cover
- • manageable short-term aims and meaningful long-term goals
- • who is responsible for each part of care
- • how progress and unwanted effects will be reviewed
- • co-occurring mental or physical health needs
- • triggers, coping strategies, and ways to reach crisis support
What the name of a therapy does not tell you
Two services may use the same therapy name while offering different schedules and support. Ask what happens in a typical week, whether individual and group work are included, who provides care, and what support is available between appointments.
You can also ask how the approach would address your own goal: for example, recurring conflict, periods of emptiness or actions you regret. A clear explanation helps you decide whether the service fits.
When access is the difficult part
Write down the main barrier: cost, a waiting list, transport, language, time or uncertainty about where to start. Ask the service about alternatives, referral routes or interim support. Availability varies, so confirm the options directly.
Bring a short account of the concern and what you want help with. You do not need to complete every online test before having that conversation.
Prepare your questionsQuestions to ask a provider
- What assessment will you use before recommending treatment?
- What approach do you offer, and what does a typical program include?
- How will we agree on goals and measure progress?
- What is the plan if I experience a crisis?