Online Therapy for Borderline Personality Disorder: Is It Right for You?

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Living with borderline personality disorder (BPD) can be a challenging and isolating experience.

However, with proper treatment, those with BPD can achieve a more functional and fulfilling life. One popular form of treatment is therapy, which helps individuals learn coping skills and better manage their emotions.

In recent years, online therapy has become a more accessible option for those seeking treatment.

In this blog post, we will discuss who should and who should not consider online therapy for BPD, as well as risk factors such as what symptoms online therapy can treat and what symptoms it is not meant to treat.

The Online Mental Health Reviews team is comprised of experts with years of experience in the mental health field.

We specialize in reviewing online therapy for BPD and other mental health issues, providing comprehensive reviews that consider both technical features and user experiences.

By using evidence-based research and our insights, we strive to provide readers with the best possible resources to help them make informed decisions when considering online therapy for BPD.

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Table of Contents

When Online Therapy Not Beneficial

First and foremost, it is important to note that online therapy is not for everyone.

If you have thoughts of self-harm or suicide, for example, you need immediate and in-person assistance.
Online therapy may not be suitable for those with severe BPD symptoms, as they may require more intensive treatment, such as day programs or inpatient care.
Individuals with certain personality disorders or high levels of dissociation may also not be ideal candidates for online therapy. It’s easier to zone out when you’re talking to someone online as opposed to in person.
Online therapy may not be suitable for those who require physical touch or nonverbal communication to feel safe and supported.
Those who struggle with social or anxiety disorders or communication difficulties may also find connecting with a therapist through video or phone sessions more challenging.
Furthermore, online therapy may not be able to provide the level of support needed for those in crisis or experiencing severe dissociation.

When Online Therapy Is Beneficial

If you are hesitant to seek in-person therapy due to stigma, cost, or transportation concerns, online therapy may be a great fit for you.
It can also be more affordable than traditional therapy, making it a more accessible option for people on a budget.

However, it is important to note that online therapy is not meant to replace medication or other forms of treatment for mental disorders.

Is BPD Treatable? What’s the Prognosis?

Yes, BPD or borderline personality disorder is treatable.

The most common treatment for BPD is psychotherapy, specifically dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which focuses on mindfulness and emotional regulation. Medication may also be added as part of the treatment.

With proper treatment, people with BPD can manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

However, the prognosis may vary from person to person, and it may take time to see improvement. It’s important to work closely with a mental health professional and follow the recommended treatment plan.

Online Therapy May Help You Manage BPD Symptoms

Yes, according to Harvard Health¹, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is treatable but the treatment takes some time, often years.

Studies have shown that with appropriate treatment, the prognosis for BPD is often better than expected – but treatment for BPD also takes a while.
The long-term prognosis for BPD is better than those for some other mental health disorders such mental illnesses such as depression and bipolar disorder.

With specialized therapy and treatment, most people with BPD find their symptoms are reduced and their lives are improved.

Types of Therapies Used to Treat Borderline Personality Disorder

If you are struggling with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), several types of therapy may help manage the condition.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Schema Therapy (ST) are two of the most commonly used therapies for BPD.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Transference-focused psychotherapy (TFP) are a couple more.
These therapies focus on improving emotional regulation, and communication and reducing impulsive and erratic behavior, by paying attention to feelings and thoughts.

If you believe you have BPD, it’s essential to speak to a healthcare provider to help determine which therapy may be beneficial for your situation.

Online vs in-Person Therapy for BPD

If you’re struggling with BPD and considering therapy, you might be wondering whether online therapy or in-person therapy is better.

Both options have pros and cons, but research suggests that virtual therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy for treating mental health needs. Plus, online therapy can be more affordable and convenient.

However, some people prefer in-person therapy for the extra accountability and interventions it can provide.

Ultimately, the choice between online and in-person therapy comes down to personal preference and what works best for you.

BPD Vs. Bipolar Disorder

BPD, or Borderline Personality Disorder, and Bipolar Disorder are two distinct mental health conditions that share some common symptoms.

While both involve extreme mood swings and impulsiveness, BPD is a personality disorder that is marked by emotional dysregulation, whereas bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that involves dramatic shifts in mood and activity levels.

BPD is primarily treated through psychotherapy, while bipolar disorder is frequently treated with medication in addition to therapy.

If you’re struggling with mental health, it’s important to speak with a mental health professional to find the right treatment plan for you.

Treating Borderline Personality Disorder

If you are struggling with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), you may wonder about the available treatment options.

According to the Mayo Clinic², treatment for BPD typically involves a combination of therapy, medication, and support.
As mentioned before, different types of therapies such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and psychodynamic therapy are effective in treating BPD.
Medication like antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers can also be useful in managing symptoms of BPD.
Additionally, support from loved ones and joining support groups can also be beneficial. If you believe you are experiencing symptoms of BPD, it is important to talk with a mental health professional to discuss your treatment options.

Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength.

List of Online Therapy for BPD Symptoms

If you are struggling with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and looking for online therapy options, there are several resources available.

According to a recent study, internet counseling can help manage the symptoms of BPD³.

Some of the top online therapy platforms that offer treatment for BPD include Talkspace, Brightside, and Online-therapy.com. These platforms are known for providing quality care and effective treatments for those dealing with BPD symptoms.

Additionally, BPD Therapy Online, Mindflow Recovery, and DocVita also offer online therapy for BPD. If you are struggling with BPD symptoms, including depression or eating disorders, online therapy can provide a helpful tool to support your recovery.

Use Zocdoc to Find Nearby Therapist For BPD

Individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) can easily and quickly locate a suitable therapist or doctor in their area by using Zocdoc.

This online platform makes it simpler for people to find the help they need by allowing users to filter through available mental health practitioners in their area so that they can choose the one best suited for them. With Zocdoc, individuals with BPD can also take advantage of virtual appointments, which provide them with greater flexibility, convenience, and access to professionals beyond the limited resources available in their community.

To ensure long-term success, individuals with BPD should make sure to regularly check in for routine check-ups and continue regular communication with their therapists or doctors throughout their recovery journey. It is important to keep track of progress and address any underlying issues before they become more serious.

By utilizing all of the features provided by Zocdoc, individuals can avoid many of the unnecessary burdens associated with finding proper mental health care.

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5 Tips to Get the Best Online Therapy Platforms for BPD

Do Your Research: Find an online therapy platform that specializes in treating BPD. Check reviews and ratings before making a decision. Everyday Health offers a comprehensive guide to the best online therapy services of 2023.
Consider Your Budget: Online therapy can be expensive. Look for platforms that fit your budget or offer financial aid. Greatist provides a list of 13 affordable and easy-to-use sites.
Choose a Licensed Therapist: Make sure the platform employs licensed therapists who have experience treating BPD. Top10.com offers a list of the top 10 best online therapy services and sites of 2023.
Find a Platform with Secure Communication: Privacy is important in therapy. Choose a platform with secure communication channels, such as end-to-end encryption. Online-Therapy.com offers secure and convenient online counseling for BPD.
Ensure Compatibility: Find a therapist who you feel comfortable with and who understands your needs. Some platforms offer a matching process to ensure compatibility. Psych Central offers tips on how to make the most of online therapy.

7 Steps to Get Online Therapy for Borderline Personality Disorder Symptoms

Research Online Therapy Providers: Look for online therapy providers who specialize in treating Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Examples include BetterHelp, Talkspace, and Online-Therapy.com.
Assess Your Needs: Assess and understand your BPD symptoms and the type of therapy that could benefit you.
Choose a Qualified Therapist: Make sure your online therapist has the necessary qualifications and experience in treating BPD.
Set Clear Goals: Set clear goals for your therapy, and make sure to communicate them to your therapist.
Commit to Regular Sessions: Consistent therapy sessions are essential to achieving progress in BPD treatment.
Practice Self-Care: Incorporate self-care practices into your routine to promote mental health and well-being. For example, start practicing mindfulness. Headspace offers a free 2-week trial where you can learn the basics of mindfulness.
Stay Committed: Remember that BPD treatment is a journey, and staying committed to your therapy can lead to significant improvements in your symptoms.

Best Online Therapy + Medication for BPD Treatment

Combining medication with therapy has been proven to be effective in treating Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). This integration of both forms of treatment can provide better outcomes for those struggling with BPD⁴.

Therapy helps patients gain insight into their behaviors and emotions, developing healthier coping mechanisms.
Medication, on the other hand, can reduce intense emotional reactions or impulsive behaviors that are associated with BPD.
Both targeted therapies offer a comprehensive approach to tackling the complex symptoms of this disorder.

Brightside Health offers an integrated plan for medication and treatment plus therapy for individuals living with BPD. It is specially tailored to each patient’s needs, with individualized consultations and customized plans created by experienced clinicians. Brightside also provides virtual appointments which make managing one’s mental health easier than ever.

The combination of medication and therapy can also help people manage their condition in an affordable way while they’re working toward recovery. With Brightside Health’s special offer, users can save up to $50 on their plans through this link below.

Individuals with BPD should take advantage of this opportunity by exploring the available options at Brightside Health, as it can help them discover the right care plan which will lead them toward recovery successfully.

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About Transference-Focused Psychotherapy (TFP) for BPD

Transference-Focused Psychotherapy (TFP) is a type of therapy that focuses on the relationship between the therapist and the patient. It is designed to treat Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) by helping patients understand their emotions and behaviors better.

TFP aims to reveal the underlying causes of BPD and build new, healthier ways of interacting. The therapist rarely gives advice or direction, and the focus is on the interaction between the patient and the therapist. TFP is an evidence-based psychotherapy that has had positive results in treating BPD.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) for BPD

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a therapeutic approach that is currently considered the most effective treatment for individuals living with Borderline Personality Disorder.

DBT is based on cognitive-behavioral principles and focuses on teaching skills to manage symptoms related to emotion regulation, mindful awareness, distress tolerance, and interpersonal relationships.

DBT usually involves a combination of group therapy, skills training, individual therapy, and phone coaching. Multiple sources, including the National Institute of Mental Health, report the efficacy of DBT for individuals struggling with BPD.

Schema-Focused Therapy for BPD

Schema-Focused Therapy (SFT) is an integrative psychotherapy approach that has shown promise in treating Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).

It incorporates concepts from Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Attachment Theory, and Gestalt Therapy to help individuals identify and change maladaptive patterns of thinking and behavior. Research has shown that SFT can help people with BPD live more stable lives and make deep personality changes.

This therapy aims to create a safe environment where individuals can learn to understand and regulate their emotions and develop new, healthier ways of relating to themselves and others.

Mentalization-Based therapy (MBT) for BPD

Mentalization-Based therapy (MBT) has been proven to be a beneficial treatment for individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Research trials show that when delivered by mental health professionals, MBT can effectively manage symptoms of BPD, such as anxiety and depression, and improve quality of life (Medical News Today).

MBT is a type of psychodynamic therapy that focuses on mentalization, or the ability to understand one’s own and others’ thoughts and feelings (Good Therapy). This therapy approach helps individuals with BPD who may struggle with mentalization to distinguish their thoughts from others and improve their relationships (BetterHelp). While MBT can be challenging, it is a safe, evidence-based treatment that can help manage symptoms of BPD (Verywell Mind).

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for BPD

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).

CBT helps individuals with BPD to achieve mindfulness, regulate their emotions, and tolerate distress or conflict.

Research has shown that those who receive CBT treatment for a year reported better relationships. ists for online BPD therapy and counseling.

What Type of Therapist is Best for BPD?

If you are looking for the best therapist for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is the main form of treatment. Several types of therapy may benefit people with BPD, including dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), schema therapy (ST), transference-focused therapy (TFP), mentalization-based therapy (MBT), and systems training. DBT, in particular, was created specifically to treat BPD and is considered the gold standard for treatment. It is important to find a therapist who is experienced in treating BPD and utilizes evidence-based approaches to treatment.

Is There an App to help with BPD?

Yes, there are apps designed to help people with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).

The DBT Coach is one of the most popular apps for BPD and it utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) principles to assist people in identifying and controlling their emotions.

Other apps that provide mental health support for those with BPD include MyBorderline, MindShift CBT, and MoodTools.

These apps can help manage symptoms of BPD and other mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression and may be accessed from any smartphone or tablet.

Additionally, there are many online resources available to support people living with BPD such as Mental Health America and The National Alliance on Mental Illness, which offer free information and support services.

Can You Get a BPD Diagnosis Online?

No, there is no definitive test to diagnose Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) online.

BPD is diagnosed through a clinical interview with a licensed mental health provider. However, there are online screening tests available that can help you identify the possibility of BPD but are not intended as diagnostic tools.

It’s important to seek professional help to get a proper diagnosis and treatment for BPD. For example, Talkspace offers a free BPD test that’s been validated. There are many other mental health tests online as well.

Can I Treat Myself for BPD?

If you think you may have a borderline personality disorder (BPD), it is important to seek the help of a medical professional.

Only a medical professional can diagnose BPD and recommend the appropriate treatment. While there are self-help strategies that can be used to manage the symptoms of borderline personality, they are not a substitute for professional treatment.

The first line of treatment for BPD is typically psychotherapy, and other types of therapy can be used based on the individual’s needs. Remember, it’s important to prioritize your mental health and seek professional help when needed.

Can a Person with BPD Be Normal?

Yes, a person with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) can have a normal life with the right treatment.

BPD symptoms and mood disorders can ebb and flow and with treatment, many people with BPD live normal and fulfilling lives.

Healthy self-care, therapy, and healthy relationships are essential to reduce emotional pain and increasing positive emotions.

It is important to understand that BPD is a mental illness that requires proper care, and with the right support, it is possible to overcome the challenges of living with BPD.

How Can I Get Help for BPD for Free?

If you are looking for free help and support for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), there are several options available.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) provides a directory of treatment teams that offer free or low-cost services.
You can also check with your local community mental health center or public hospital for free or sliding-scale therapy options.

Additionally, many online forums and support groups offer free peer support from others going through similar experiences.

Remember, seeking help for BPD is important and there are resources available to support you.

What Therapy is Best for BPD?

If you’re looking for the best therapy for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), numerous types of therapies have proven effective. However, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is widely considered the most effective treatment for BPD.

Does BPD Count as a Disability?

Yes, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) can qualify as a disability. To be eligible for social security disability benefits, BPD must interfere with your ability to work or carry out daily activities. To qualify for disability benefits, you must have a diagnosis of BPD and meet certain criteria.

Some criteria include having an official diagnosis, showing that you are unable to work for more than 6 months, or having at least one of several other symptoms.

In summary, if you suffer from BPD and it affects your ability to function at work or in your daily life, you may be able to receive disability benefits.

Online Therapy for BPD Conclusion:

Overall, online therapy can be a useful tool in managing symptoms of BPD, but it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Whether or not online therapy is right for you depends on your individual needs and circumstances.

It is important to consult with a mental health professional to determine what the best course of action is for your specific situation. Remember, healing from eating disorders is a journey, and there are many forms of treatment available to help you along the way.

Have any questions or suggestions about online therapy for bpd? We’d love to hear from you! Please leave a comment with any questions or ideas on what other mental disorders, health services, apps, or courses the Online Mental Health Reviews team should try next.

If You’re In An Emergency

If you are in an emergency or crisis, don’t wait for an online therapy appointment. Seek immediate help by calling 911 if needed. For those facing the risk of self-harm or suicide, dial 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Additionally, you can call 800-662-HELP (4357) for the National Helpline of SAMHSA which is a free, confidential service offering 24/7 assistance with mental health and substance abuse disorders.