Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on May 23, 2025You’re in the right place to find support for Personality Disorders in Baltimore. Explore trusted therapists, psychiatrists, and programs nearby, compare options, and connect to care that fits your needs—confidential, compassionate, and accessible help for personality disorder treatment in your community.
Psychotherapist, Psychologist
255 South 17th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
Hider Shaaban is a Psychotherapist in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They treat Personality Disorders, Eating Concerns, Athletic Performance.
Your emotional wellbeing is our priority. We will work together to not just get you unstuck, but help you thrive and flourish.
Psychologist
Remote only
Alyssa Austern is a Psychologist in Chatham, New Jersey and has been in practice for 16 years. They treat Personality Disorders, Adjustment, Conflict Resolution.
Helping teens, young adults, adults, couples, and families navigate anxiety, relationships, identity development, and life transitions via teletherapy.
Psychologist
Remote only
Michelle Litwer is a Psychologist in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 8 years. They treat Personality Disorders, Self-Harm, Chronic Illness/Pain.
My main objective is to help clients manage their emotions, make decisions that are line with their values, and to live fulfilling and meaningful lives.
Sport Psychologist
Remote only
Auran Piatigorsky, PhD, LP, CMPC is a Sport Psychologist in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 30 years. They treat Personality Disorders, Athletic/Sports performance, Anger Issues.
Licensed Clinical Sport Psychologist — services for mental health care & performance enhancement
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)
2 Wisconsin Circle, Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815
Carissa Hannum is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Chevy Chase, Maryland and has been in practice for 10 years. They treat Personality Disorders, Social Anxiety, Peer Difficulties.
Hello and welcome to my practice, I'm a GWU graduate that is specialized in working with eating disorders, mood disorders, trauma, and chronic pain.
Sport Psychologist
Remote only
Jacob Cooper is a Sport Psychologist in undefined, undefined. They treat Personality Disorders, Family Caregiving Stress, Men's Issues.
Dr. Cooper is an authentic and relational sport psychologist with 10+ years of experience with professional athletes, olympians, and US. special forces.
Navigating Personality Disorders therapy options in Baltimore can include in-person sessions, virtual teletherapy, individual counseling, and group therapy formats. In-person care offers structure, privacy, and access to neighborhood-based resources across Mount Vernon, Canton, Fells Point, Federal Hill, and Hampden, while teletherapy reduces commute barriers and is convenient for those along the Light RailLink or Metro SubwayLink routes. Individual therapy provides tailored support for goals like emotion regulation and relationship skills, and group therapy builds peer connection and practice opportunities through DBT skills groups or support circles. Proximity to major hubs like Johns Hopkins Hospital and the University of Maryland Medical Center can influence provider availability, evening hours, and specialty programs. MiResource makes it simple to compare Baltimore providers by location, specialization, and therapeutic approach so you can match care to your schedule and preferences.
Whether you prefer a therapist near the Inner Harbor with validated parking, a Charles Village office accessible via the Charm City Circulator, or a fully virtual option that fits around work in the central business district, you can filter options to fit your life. Teletherapy can be ideal for those in transit deserts or with limited mobility, while in-person visits may suit clients who benefit from clear routines and face-to-face skills practice. Individual and group formats can be combined for comprehensive Personality Disorders care—individual sessions for personalized treatment plans and groups for practicing interpersonal effectiveness. MiResource’s directory helps you evaluate credentials, modalities like DBT or schema therapy, insurance, and availability side-by-side. Start by narrowing providers by neighborhood, transit access, and approach to find the right Baltimore match.
Organizations across Baltimore offer supportive services for people living with personality disorders. NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore provides free peer-led support groups, family education, and stigma-reduction programs serving neighborhoods from Charles Village and Station North to Canton and Cherry Hill. Behavioral Health System Baltimore helps residents navigate publicly funded mental health care, including providers offering DBT-informed treatment and care coordination, and connects to crisis resources citywide. Baltimore Crisis Response, Inc. operates the 24/7 Here2Help Hotline and mobile crisis teams serving East and West Baltimore, with rapid response near landmarks like the Inner Harbor and Johns Hopkins Hospital. You can also dial 2-1-1 to find sliding-scale clinics, case management, and support groups close to your ZIP code.
Local clinical programs include Sheppard Pratt’s Towson campus just north of the city line, which offers DBT, partial hospitalization, and outpatient services commonly used for borderline personality disorder and related conditions. Many city clinics accessed through BHSB accept Medicaid and offer low-cost options, and NAMI’s programs help caregivers and peers build skills alongside therapy. Use MiResource to find licensed Baltimore therapists experienced in personality disorders, including those offering DBT and other evidence-based care near your neighborhood. MiResource can also filter by insurance, sliding-scale availability, and proximity to areas like Highlandtown, Hampden, and the Inner Harbor.
If you are in immediate danger or considering harm, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department, such as The Johns Hopkins Hospital Emergency Department or University of Maryland Medical Center Emergency Department. For 24/7 local crisis support and mobile crisis response in Baltimore, contact Baltimore Crisis Response, Inc. (BCRI) at 410-433-5175. You can also call or text 988 (press 1 for Veterans) or chat via https://988lifeline.org/, and text HOME to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line. For non–life-threatening, same-day evaluation, visit a local urgent care (e.g., MedStar Health Urgent Care) or use your health system’s urgent care/telehealth to get rapid stabilization and referral.
Personality Disorders are long-standing patterns in the way a person thinks, feels, and relates to others that differ from cultural expectations, are consistent across many situations, and cause distress or problems in daily life. They usually begin by adolescence or early adulthood and are not just “bad days” or a phase—they’re enduring styles that can affect work, relationships, and self-image (American Psychiatric Association, DSM-5). Personality Disorders include conditions like borderline, avoidant, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, each with its own features but a shared impact on how someone experiences the world (National Institute of Mental Health). Understanding Personality Disorders helps reduce stigma in Baltimore, encourages timely support, and reminds neighbors that effective care and recovery are possible.
Common signs of Personality Disorders can include intense emotions that are hard to manage, rigid or extreme beliefs about oneself or others, and relationship patterns that repeat and feel stuck. These patterns are “pervasive,” meaning they show up across home, work, and social settings, and “inflexible,” meaning they don’t change easily without support (American Psychiatric Association, DSM-5). Learning about Personality Disorders empowers Baltimore individuals, families, and caregivers to spot concerns early, seek compassionate treatment, and build practical skills for stability (National Institute of Mental Health; World Health Organization, ICD-11). If you or someone you love in Baltimore is struggling, reaching out is a strong first step toward feeling safer, more connected, and more in control.
Noticing changes in how you think, feel, and relate to others can be the first step toward understanding Personality Disorders. The list below highlights the most common signs and symptoms of Personality Disorders to help Baltimore residents recognize early clues and consider talking with a professional for support.
- Intense or rapidly shifting emotions that feel hard to manage and impact daily life or relationships
- Long‑standing patterns of conflict in friendships, family, or work, often feeling misunderstood or “on the outs”
- Strong fear of abandonment or rejection, leading to clinginess, withdrawal, or sudden push‑pull dynamics
- Rigid “all‑or‑nothing” thinking, such as seeing people or situations as entirely good or entirely bad
- A shaky sense of self—uncertainty about who you are, your values, or your long‑term goals
- Impulsive choices (spending, substances, risky behavior) that you later regret and struggle to explain
- Persistent distrust or suspicion of others’ motives, even without clear reasons, that strains connections
Personality Disorders are complex conditions that usually arise from a mix of influences rather than a single cause. Understanding these overlapping factors can reduce stigma and foster empathy in the Baltimore community. While each person’s path is unique, research points to biological, psychological, and environmental contributors that interact over time. The examples below offer a clear starting point for learning about possible causes.
- Biological factors:
- Family history or genetic vulnerability
- Brain chemistry differences that affect mood and impulse control
- Prenatal or early neurological complications
- Psychological factors:
- Early temperament, such as high sensitivity or impulsivity
- Rigid or “all-or-nothing” thinking patterns
- Insecure attachment (trouble trusting or relying on others)
- Environmental factors:
- Childhood adversity, including abuse, neglect, or family instability
- Chronic stress, bullying, or social isolation
- Cultural pressures, discrimination, or exposure to community violence in and around Baltimore
Personality Disorders can shape how someone thinks, feels, and connects with others, making everyday tasks in Baltimore feel more stressful or confusing. These patterns can create misunderstandings at home, school, work, and in the community, even when people are trying their best. With the right support and compassion, it’s possible to build routines, reduce conflict, and feel more in control day to day. If you or someone you care about is struggling, know that help is available locally and you’re not alone.
- Work or school performance: trouble focusing, managing deadlines, or handling feedback
- Relationships and social life: frequent conflicts, fear of rejection, or pulling away from others
- Emotional well-being: intense mood swings, stress, or feeling overwhelmed by small setbacks
- Daily routines: difficulty with planning, decision-making, and following through on tasks
- Physical health: sleep problems, changes in appetite, or stress-related aches and pains
- Self-image and confidence: harsh self-criticism or uncertainty about personal identity
- Safety and coping: impulsive choices or turning to unhelpful habits to manage tough emotions
There are proven, evidence-based treatments for Personality Disorders that can reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Many people in Baltimore find that the right care plan helps them build stability, strengthen relationships, and feel more in control. You don’t have to navigate this alone—effective help is available, and support works. Reaching out to a trained professional is a strong first step.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): A structured therapy that teaches skills for managing emotions, reducing impulsive behaviors, and improving relationships.
- Mentalization-Based Therapy (MBT): Helps you understand your own and others’ thoughts and feelings (“mentalizing”) to reduce conflicts and mood swings.
- Schema Therapy: Combines elements of CBT and attachment work to change deep, unhelpful patterns (“schemas”) that drive tough behaviors and emotions.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Builds practical coping strategies to change harmful thinking and behavior patterns that keep symptoms going.
- Medications: Certain antidepressants, mood stabilizers, or antipsychotics can target specific symptoms like mood swings, anxiety, or impulsivity—best used alongside therapy.
- Skills groups and peer/support groups: Guided practice of coping skills, mindfulness, and communication, plus encouragement from others in Baltimore who understand your experience.
Myth: “Personality Disorders are rare or just a ‘bad personality.’” Truth: Personality Disorders are relatively common medical conditions shaped by biology and experience, not character flaws. Myth: “People with Personality Disorders are dangerous or manipulative.” Truth: Most people with Personality Disorders are not violent and are striving for stability and healthy relationships, especially when supported with compassion and care. Myth: “Personality Disorders can’t be treated.” Truth: Many evidence-based therapies (like DBT and CBT), medication for co-occurring symptoms, and community support in places like Baltimore help people make meaningful, lasting progress.
Pick a calm, private time to talk and lead with “I” statements about how Personality Disorders affect you, not what others do wrong. Set clear boundaries up front (what you’re open to discuss, how long you want to chat, and topics that are off-limits) and let them know you might pause or end the conversation if it feels judgmental. Share simple resources that explain Personality Disorders—like NAMI Maryland (Baltimore), Johns Hopkins Medicine, or Sheppard Pratt—and invite questions so you can correct myths together. Consider having a supportive friend present, agree on a follow‑up check‑in, and plan self-care afterward (a walk around the Inner Harbor, calling a trusted ally) to protect your well‑being.
Some people notice certain symptoms of Personality Disorders soften over time through life experience, supportive relationships, and self-education, but lasting change without guidance is uneven and slow. Targeted therapies (like DBT, CBT, or schema therapy), medication when appropriate, and crisis-planning greatly improve stability, relationships, and safety while reducing relapse. Professional support also helps you build skills faster and tailor strategies to your specific pattern, which is hard to achieve alone. If you’re in Baltimore, consider connecting with local providers and community resources—such as clinics affiliated with Johns Hopkins or Sheppard Pratt—to get personalized, evidence-based care.
In your first Personality Disorders therapy session in Baltimore, your therapist will start with warm introductions, explain confidentiality, and invite you to share what brings you in at your own pace. You’ll review your history and current concerns together—things like relationships, stressors, and what’s been most challenging. Your clinician may ask a few background questions and collaborate with you on initial goals so the plan feels clear and manageable. You’ll also learn what sessions look like going forward and how to access local Baltimore resources if helpful.
Recovery is possible. With early intervention, a supportive community, and the right professional care, you can overcome challenges and build a fulfilling life. We’re here to help you find the support you need.
