Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on May 23, 2025You’re in the right place to find help for Personality Disorder in Kansas City. Explore local mental health resources, therapists, psychiatrists, and support options offering evidence-based care. Get matched to treatment that fits your needs and start your path toward stability.
Psychologist
Remote only
Michelle Litwer is a Psychologist in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 8 years. They treat Personality Disorders, Suicidal Ideation, Personal Growth.
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, Peer Difficulties, Burnout.
Your emotional wellbeing is our priority. We will work together to not just get you unstuck, but help you thrive and flourish.
National Certified Counselor (NCC), Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)
100 Military Ave. Ste. 217, Dodge City, Kansas 67801
Deanna Barnett is a National Certified Counselor (NCC) in Dodge City, Kansas. They treat Personality Disorders, Polyamorous relationship, Parenting Concerns.
I welcome and affirm clients of all identities and backgrounds to the practice.
Licensed Master Level Psychologist (LMLP)
200 North Broadway Street, Wichita, Kansas 67202
Victoria Gardner is a Licensed Master Level Psychologist (LMLP) in Wichita, Kansas and has been in practice for 3 years. They treat Personality Disorders, Peer Difficulties, Self-Esteem.
Victoria is a Masters Level Clinician that strives to create a relaxing, personalized, and supportive environment for her clients.
Psychologist
16 East 13th St, Lawrence, Kansas 66044
Barbara Gilbert is a Psychologist in Lawrence, Kansas and has been in practice for 40 years. They treat Personality Disorders, Conflict Resolution, Depression.
I welcome and affirm clients of all identities and backgrounds. I specialize in complex trauma recovery. See more at www.barbarajgilbertphd.com
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)
506 Avenue L, Dodge City, Kansas 67801
Jeremy Estell is a Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in Dodge City, Kansas. They treat Personality Disorders, Dependent Personality, Performance Anxiety.
I work at a Community Mental Health Center.
Exploring treatment choices for Personality Disorder in Kansas City can include in-person sessions, teletherapy, individual therapy, and group options like skills-based DBT groups. If you live in Midtown, Westport, the Crossroads, or the Plaza, in-person care may be convenient, while those commuting on I-35, I-70, or the I-435 loop—or crossing the state line between KCMO and KCK/Northland—might prefer teletherapy to avoid rush-hour traffic. RideKC buses and the KC Streetcar make downtown and River Market clinics more reachable, but parking access can still guide where you book. Individual therapy offers tailored work on emotion regulation, relationships, and coping skills, while group therapy provides structured practice and support with peers. Many practices offer hybrid care, with evening or weekend slots for busy schedules.
MiResource helps you navigate these choices by letting you filter providers by therapy approach (e.g., DBT, CBT, schema therapy),
insurance
accepted in Missouri and Kansas, language, and real-time availability. You can sort by format—telehealth or in-person—and find clinicians near your neighborhood or along your transit route. Profiles highlight specialties with Personality Disorder, group offerings, and openings for new clients. Whether you need a single clinician or a coordinated care team, the platform streamlines matching to your goals, location, and logistics. Start by setting your preferences to see the best-fitting Kansas City options.
Kansas City offers a strong network of local programs and partners supporting people living with Personality Disorder, from the Crossroads Arts District to the Country Club Plaza and 18th & Vine. Community mental health centers like Swope Health , University Health (Truman Medical Center) Behavioral Health in Midtown, and Wyandot Behavioral Health Network across the state line in KCK provide assessment, care coordination, and access to evidence-based therapies such as DBT skills training. Nonprofits including Cornerstones of Care and ReDiscover in eastern Jackson County offer outpatient services, groups, and family education that can be especially helpful during transitions in care. NAMI Greater Kansas City hosts peer and family support groups and advocacy workshops near Union Station and throughout neighborhoods like Westport and the River Market, creating welcoming spaces to share experiences and build coping skills.
Public and campus-linked resources also extend support near UMKC and along the Troost corridor, where clinics and community partners collaborate on crisis response, case management, and long-term recovery planning. The University of Kansas Health System in Kansas City, Kansas, and Johnson County Mental Health Center in nearby suburbs connect residents to group skills classes, safety planning, and wraparound services that complement outpatient therapy. Peer-led circles, faith-based community rooms, and library-hosted wellness series in places like the Plaza and Midtown help reduce isolation and offer practical strategies for daily life. Together, these programs work alongside MiResource’s therapist directory for Personality Disorder therapy in Kansas City, helping you find both a qualified clinician and a supportive community network.
If you’re in crisis now, call 988 or the Kansas City area crisis line at 888-279-8188 (Missouri side; connects to local mobile crisis teams like ReDiscover/Tri-County). In Kansas, call Johnson County Mental Health Center’s 24/7 crisis line at 913-268-0156 (mobile crisis/Co-Responder available) or Wyandot Behavioral Health Network’s 24/7 crisis line at 913-788-4200 (mobile crisis available). For emergency care, go to the nearest ER: University Health Truman Medical Center (816-404-1000), Saint Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City (816-932-2000), Research Medical Center (816-276-4000), or The University of Kansas Health System in KCK (913-588-5000). If you need immediate safety help, call 911 and request a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) officer when possible. Use urgent care only for non-emergency support; check nearby Saint Luke’s or University Health urgent care locations by calling their main numbers above for fastest options.
Personality Disorder are patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that make daily life and relationships harder, often starting in adolescence or early adulthood. Common signs include intense emotions, unstable relationships, fear of abandonment, impulsivity, and a shifting sense of identity. Understanding these patterns helps people in Kansas City recognize what they’re experiencing, reduce stigma, and connect with the right support and care.
Noticing changes in how you feel, think, or relate to others can be confusing, but you’re not alone. Many people in Kansas City experience these challenges, and support is available to help you feel steadier and more understood. Reaching out early can make a real difference.
- Intense or rocky relationships that swing from very close to very distant, leaving you feeling hurt or unsure
- Strong, rapidly shifting emotions that feel hard to manage or seem out of proportion to the situation
- A changing or unclear sense of who you are, what you value, or where you’re headed
- Impulsivity (acting quickly without thinking it through), such as spending sprees, risky driving, or sudden decisions you later regret
- Deep fear of being abandoned or rejected, leading to clinginess, withdrawal, or frantic efforts to keep people close
- Persistent mistrust or feeling easily slighted, making it hard to feel safe with others
- Self-harm urges or thoughts of suicide—these are urgent warning signs; if this is happening, seek immediate help or call 988 for support
Personality Disorder arise from a mix of factors, not from personal weakness or character flaws. Many people in Kansas City live with these challenges, and compassionate help is available. Understanding the different influences can make it easier to seek support and take the next step. You deserve care and respect while exploring what’s going on.
- Biological: family history of mental health conditions; differences in brain chemistry or development; inborn temperament
- Psychological: long-standing patterns of thinking or feeling that are hard to change; difficulty managing strong emotions; past trauma affecting self-image
- Environmental: early childhood adversity or neglect; unstable or abusive relationships; ongoing stress at home, work, or school
Personality Disorder can shape how you see yourself and others, making everyday interactions in Kansas City—at work, in class, or out with friends—feel confusing or tense. You might notice strong mood swings, fear of rejection, or conflicts that make commutes, errands, and social plans harder to manage. These patterns are real and treatable, and with the right support, you can build steadier relationships and routines. Reaching out for care in Kansas City is a powerful step toward clarity, confidence, and lasting change.
- Work and career
- School and learning
- Family life and parenting
- Friendships and romantic relationships
- Physical health, sleep, and energy
- Mood, stress, and self-esteem
Effective, evidence-based care for Personality Disorder is available in Kansas City, and many people see meaningful improvement with the right support. Treatments focus on building skills, improving relationships, and reducing distress so you can move toward your goals. Explore these options and connect with a qualified local provider to create a plan that fits your needs and strengths.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (
DBT
): A structured therapy that teaches skills in emotion regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness; proven to reduce self-harm, crises, and hospitalizations.
- Mentalization-Based Therapy (MBT): Helps you understand your own and others’ thoughts and feelings to improve relationships and reduce impulsive or reactive behaviors.
-
Schema Therapy
: Combines CBT, attachment, and experiential techniques to change long-standing patterns (schemas) and build healthier coping modes.
- Transference-Focused Psychotherapy (TFP): A psychodynamic approach that uses the therapy relationship to clarify emotions and identity, improving stability and interpersonal functioning.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (
CBT
) for PDs: Targets unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, building practical coping strategies and problem-solving skills for daily life.
- Medication for targeted symptoms: While not a cure, medications can address co-occurring issues like depression, anxiety, mood swings, or sleep problems when combined with therapy.
1. Can Personality Disorder happen to anyone?
Yes—Personality Disorder can affect people of any age, gender, or background, and experiencing one is not a personal failing. Certain factors like genetics, early life experiences or trauma, chronic stress, and family history may increase risk, but they don’t determine your worth or your future. If you’re in Kansas City and have concerns, compassionate, evidence-based care is available to help you understand what you’re going through and find a path forward.
2. Is Personality Disorder just stress or something more serious?
Everyday stress comes and goes with life events, while Personality Disorder involve long‑standing patterns in emotions, behavior, and relationships that are persistent and inflexible across many situations. If you’re noticing ongoing difficulties with self‑image, intense or unpredictable emotions, impulsivity, or repeated conflicts that don’t improve with time or typical coping, it may be more than temporary stress. These challenges often cause significant distress or problems at work, school, or in relationships over months or years. Professional help in Kansas City is available and effective—licensed therapists can provide evidence‑based treatments and supportive care to help you feel and function better.
3. What are some misconceptions about Personality Disorder?
A common myth is that Personality Disorder are “untreatable” or permanent—many people improve significantly with evidence-based care like DBT, schema therapy, and supportive services available in Kansas City. Another misconception is that people with Personality Disorder are dangerous; in reality, most are not violent and are more likely to experience distress than to cause harm. It’s also untrue that these conditions are just “bad behavior” or a character flaw; they’re complex mental health conditions shaped by biology and experience, not a choice. With the right support, people can build stable relationships, work toward goals, and lead fulfilling lives.
4. Can Personality Disorder improve without treatment?
Some people notice that certain personality disorder symptoms may lessen over time, but improvement without support is often uneven and can be hard to sustain. Working with a trained professional greatly improves outcomes, reduces the risk of relapse, and helps you build lasting coping and relationship skills. If you’re in Kansas City, compassionate, evidence-based care is available to help you feel more stable and in control. Reaching out is a strong step toward long-term growth and well-being.
5. How do I talk about my Personality Disorder with family or friends?
Plan what you want to share and keep it simple, like “I’m getting help for a personality disorder, and I’m learning skills that help me,” or “I’d appreciate support by checking in and listening without trying to fix it.” Set clear limits on conversations: “I’m open to talking for 10 minutes, but please respect my boundaries—I’m not ready to discuss details.” Offer them resources so they can learn, such as brief explainers on Personality Disorder, info about DBT or schema therapy, and local Kansas City options like DBT groups, NAMI Kansas City, or area therapists. You’re not alone in KC—starting small and practicing these conversations can build understanding and support.
6. Who is qualified to diagnose Personality Disorder in Kansas City?
In Kansas City, Personality Disorder can be diagnosed by psychiatrists (MD/DO), clinical psychologists (PhD/PsyD), psychiatric nurse practitioners , and licensed clinical mental health professionals such as licensed clinical social workers and licensed professional counselors. MiResource only lists vetted, licensed providers in Kansas City who are qualified to deliver accurate diagnoses and safe, evidence-based treatment.
7. What usually happens in a first therapy session for Personality Disorder?
In your first session in Kansas City, your therapist will start with warm introductions and explain how sessions work and your privacy. You’ll share as much of your personal history as you feel comfortable, including patterns in relationships, moods, and behaviors. Together you’ll discuss your current concerns and what brought you in, and you can ask questions about Personality Disorder and treatment. You’ll then collaborate on initial goals and a simple plan for next steps, so you leave with a clear, supportive direction.
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.
