Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on May 23, 2025You’re in the right place to find help for Personality Disorder in Indianapolis. Explore trusted local therapists, clinics, and support options. We make it simple to connect with nearby care, understand your symptoms, and start evidence-based treatment tailored to your needs.
Psychologist
Remote only
Michelle Litwer is a Psychologist in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 8 years. They treat Personality Disorders, Gender Identity, Social Anxiety.
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.
Psychotherapist, Psychologist
255 South 17th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
Hider Shaaban is a Psychotherapist in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They treat Personality Disorders, Phobia, Borderline Personality.
Your emotional wellbeing is our priority. We will work together to not just get you unstuck, but help you thrive and flourish.
Sport Psychologist
Remote only
Jacob Cooper is a Sport Psychologist in undefined, undefined. They treat Personality Disorders, Academic Concerns, Conflict Resolution.
Dr. Cooper is an authentic and relational sport psychologist with 10+ years of experience with professional athletes, olympians, and US. special forces.
Psychologist
7600 Red Road, South Miami, Florida 33143
Nina Marie Maspons is a Psychologist in South Miami, Florida and has been in practice for 10 years. They treat Personality Disorders, Grief and Loss, Intimacy Concerns.
I am committed to fostering the personal growth & well-being of clients. The therapeutic relationship is the foundation for progress throughout services.
Psychologist
1924 Park Rd NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20010
Terri Judge is a Psychologist in Washington, District of Columbia and has been in practice for 30 years. They treat Personality Disorders, Sexual Concerns, Anxiety.
My work with patients is collaborative and insight oriented, with respect for each individual's strengths and personal narrative.
Psychologist
233 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60601
Sarah Sanders, PsyD is a Psychologist in Chicago, Illinois and has been in practice for 20 years. They treat Personality Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Depression.
Dr. Sanders specializes in anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and ADHD.
Personality Disorder are long-standing patterns in how a person thinks, feels, and relates to others that can make daily life harder. These patterns usually begin in adolescence or early adulthood and tend to be consistent across many situations. They’re not simply “quirks” or choices, and they often cause real distress or problems at work, at home, or in relationships. Types vary, but what they share is rigidity that makes it tough to adapt to change or feedback. With the right understanding and support, many people learn new skills and feel better.
Common traits can include strong emotional swings, difficulty trusting or setting boundaries, a shaky sense of self, and impulsive or avoidant behaviors. People may see things in all-or-nothing terms, struggle with loneliness, or feel easily overwhelmed in relationships. Awareness matters because it reduces stigma, helps people notice patterns early, and encourages reaching out for care. In Indianapolis, knowing the basics can guide you toward local providers, community supports, and tools that fit your needs. You’re not alone, and help is available.
Personality Disorder can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, culture, or background, and many people first notice symptoms in adolescence or early adulthood. Some groups may be diagnosed more often—such as individuals with a family history of mental health conditions, histories of trauma or chronic stress, or those facing social and economic adversity—but no one is immune. Differences in diagnosis rates by gender or culture can also reflect access to care and biases in the system, not true differences in worth or strength. You are not alone, and seeking support is a strong, positive step.
Noticing shifts in how you think, feel, or relate to others can be confusing, but you’re not alone—many people in Indianapolis experience these challenges. Paying attention to early signs can help you find care that fits your needs and values.
- Intense or unstable relationships that change quickly from very close to very distant
- Strong mood swings or emotions that feel hard to manage
- Ongoing fears of being abandoned or rejected
- A changing or unclear sense of who you are or what you want
- Impulsive choices (like spending, driving, or substance use) that you later regret
- Persistent feelings of emptiness or loneliness
Everyone’s story is different. Personality Disorder can develop from a mix of influences over time, and none of them mean you’ve done something wrong. Understanding these factors can help you find compassionate, effective support.
- Biological
- Family history or genetic vulnerability
- Differences in brain development or chemistry
- Temperament traits like high sensitivity or impulsivity
- Psychological
- Early attachment or bonding difficulties
- Longstanding patterns of coping with strong emotions
- Unhelpful core beliefs shaped by past experiences
- Environmental
- Adverse childhood experiences (neglect,
abuse
, instability)
- Ongoing stress, discrimination, or social isolation
- Unstable or chaotic relationships and environments
Living with a personality disorder can make everyday life in Indianapolis feel overwhelming at times, but you’re not alone—support and understanding are within reach, and small steps can make a real difference.
- Work and career: Managing stress at a downtown job, navigating feedback from supervisors, or collaborating with coworkers can feel harder and lead to burnout or job changes.
- School and learning: Focusing in class at IUPUI or other campuses, keeping up with assignments, or group projects may be challenging, affecting grades and confidence.
- Relationships and family: Communicating needs, handling conflict, or trusting others can strain friendships, dating, and family connections across the city.
- Social life and community: Attending neighborhood events, faith gatherings, or game nights can bring anxiety or isolation, even when you want to connect.
- Daily routines and decision-making: Keeping a steady routine—meals, sleep, commuting on I-65—or making choices under stress can feel exhausting.
- Physical health and self-care: Energy for exercise on the Monon Trail, cooking, or medical appointments may drop, impacting overall health.
- Emotional well-being: Intense feelings, mood swings, or fear of abandonment can make everyday ups and downs feel overwhelming.
Recovery is possible, and you don’t have to do it alone. These proven options can help you build stability, improve relationships, and feel more in control day by day.
-
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
(DBT): Teaches skills for managing strong emotions, reducing self-harm or impulsive behaviors, improving relationships, and staying present.
- Mentalization-Based Treatment (MBT): Helps you understand your own and others’ thoughts and feelings, reducing conflict and improving decision-making.
-
Schema Therapy
: Identifies long-standing patterns that cause pain and builds healthier beliefs and coping strategies.
- Transference-Focused Psychotherapy (TFP): Uses the therapy relationship to understand patterns in emotions and relationships, leading to more stable self-image and connections.
- Medications (e.g., SSRIs, mood stabilizers, atypical antipsychotics): Can reduce specific symptoms like depression, anxiety, mood swings, or impulsivity when used alongside therapy.
- Peer/support groups and family education: Offers community, practical tips, and validation; helps loved ones learn supportive ways to respond.
- Lifestyle approaches (sleep, movement, mindfulness, limiting substances): Strengthens mood stability, stress tolerance, and day-to-day resilience.
Beginning your journey often starts by recognizing patterns that are disrupting your life—intense emotions, relationship struggles, or identity shifts—and deciding to get support. Use MiResource’s directory to research providers who specialize in Personality Disorder, then compare options by therapy approach (e.g., DBT), insurance, availability (evenings/weekends), language, and Indianapolis neighborhood. You can filter for clinicians near where you live or commute—Broad Ripple, Fountain Square, Irvington, Meridian-Kessler, Castleton, Speedway, or Downtown/Mile Square—and consider transit and parking. If you rely on IndyGo, check proximity to the Red Line (Broad Ripple to UIndy corridor) or frequent routes downtown; if you drive, look for offices near I-465, I-65, or I-70 with on-site parking.
When you’ve identified a good fit, book a first session focused on goals, history, and how you’d like to work together. Bring questions about crisis support, between-session skills practice, and costs. Before you leave, schedule follow-ups at a sustainable cadence (weekly or biweekly), confirm your preferred communication method, and set a simple plan for tracking progress and rescheduling around your commute patterns. MiResource can help you revisit filters anytime if your needs, schedule, or neighborhood change.
IIndianapolis offers a network of community-based supports that complement MiResource’s therapist directory, connecting people with Personality Disorder to peer groups, education, crisis care, and evidence-based treatment across the city—from Downtown near Monument Circle and the IUPUI campus to neighborhoods like Broad Ripple, Irvington, and Meridian-Kessler.
- NAMI Greater Indianapolis (NAMI Indy): Free family and peer support groups, classes, and advocacy across Marion County; often meets near Downtown and Midtown community centers.
- Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center ( Eskenazi Health ): Comprehensive outpatient care, DBT-informed services, case management, and peer support on the Eskenazi Health campus by IUPUI and satellite clinics across the city.
- Ascension St. Vincent Stress Center (Northwest side, near 86th St.): Inpatient and outpatient programs, including group therapies and skills training helpful for emotion regulation and crisis stabilization.
- Community Health Network Behavioral Health (Gallahue): Multiple locations on the East, South, and North sides; offers therapy groups, intensive outpatient care, and care coordination with hospital and primary care.
- Mental Health America of Indiana (Downtown): Statewide helpline, education, and navigation to local support groups and public programs serving Marion County residents.
If you’re experiencing intense distress related to a personality disorder in Indianapolis, you’re not alone and help is available right now. If you feel unsafe or overwhelmed, it’s okay to reach out—trained professionals can talk with you, help stabilize the moment, and connect you to care. You deserve immediate support and there are local resources ready to respond.
- If you are in immediate danger or might harm yourself or others: call 911 now and ask for a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) officer or IMPD’s mobile crisis response; you can also go to the nearest emergency department (e.g., Eskenazi Health, IU Health Methodist, Community Hospital North).
- Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) for 24/7 confidential support and guidance; they can also help you find nearby services in Indianapolis.
- Use local 24/7 crisis lines: Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center Crisis Line 317-880-8485; Community Health Network Behavioral Health Crisis 317-621-5700.
- For urgent but non-emergency welfare checks or to request a CIT response without lights/sirens, call IMPD non-emergency at 317-327-3811.
Spending time in nature can offer grounding routines, gentle sensory input, and a calm space to practice skills that support emotional regulation for those managing Personality Disorder. Natural settings can reduce stress, lift mood, and make it easier to reconnect with your body and breath. Even short, consistent outings can build confidence and provide a healthy break from daily pressures. Start small, go at your own pace, and choose places that feel safe and soothing.
- Stroll the Indianapolis Cultural Trail and pause at pocket parks for a mindful breathing break.
- Explore Eagle Creek Park’s lakeside trails; try a slow, 20–30 minute loop and notice sights and sounds.
- Visit Holliday Park’s wooded paths and Ruins area for a quiet journal stop or grounding exercise.
- Take a restorative walk at White River State Park or the nearby Canal Walk for easy, flat terrain and water views.
1. How do I know if I need professional help for Personality Disorder?
If patterns in your thoughts, emotions, or relationships are causing distress or getting in the way of daily life, it’s a good time to reach out. Signs can include difficulty focusing at work or school, withdrawing from relationships, persistent worry or irritability, and changes in sleep or appetite that last for weeks. You might also notice intense mood swings, impulsive choices you later regret, or feeling empty and unsure who you are. A licensed therapist can help you understand what’s going on and build practical skills—consider scheduling an appointment or a brief screening to get started.
2. What’s the first session of Personality Disorder therapy like?
In your first session, you’ll meet the therapist, go over your background, and talk about what brings you in now. Together you’ll review symptoms and patterns that affect daily life—such as shifts in mood, self-image, relationships, or impulse control—to help the therapist understand your experience. You’ll discuss what you’d like to change and set initial goals for treatment, at a pace that feels comfortable. The therapist will outline how sessions work and answer questions so you know what to expect moving forward.
3. Are there lifestyle changes that can help with Personality Disorder?
Yes—lifestyle habits can make a real difference alongside therapy. Regular exercise helps regulate mood, reduce stress, and improve impulse control, which can ease emotional reactivity. Good sleep habits stabilize emotions and attention, while balanced nutrition steadies energy and reduces mood swings. Mindfulness practices (like meditation, breathing exercises, or yoga) build awareness of triggers, increase distress tolerance, and support healthier relationship patterns—complementing your therapist’s plan.
4. Can Personality Disorder affect physical health too?
Yes—Personality Disorder can affect the body as well as the mind. Chronic stress, disrupted sleep, muscle tension, and changes in appetite or activity levels can lead to headaches, stomach or gut issues, fatigue, and even fluctuations in heart rate and blood pressure. This reflects the strong mind–body connection: emotional distress can show up as real, physical symptoms. The good news is that working on Personality Disorder in therapy often reduces stress and improves sleep and coping, which can ease physical symptoms and support overall health.
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.
