Find a Therapist for Personality Disorder in Norfolk

Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on May 23, 2025
Written by the MiResource team

Find clear guidance on Personality Disorder care in Norfolk, VA. This page explains what Personality Disorder is, how treatment works, and how to find local therapists, with practical notes on transit and parking, insurance, military insurance coordination, and waitlists for specialty care.

  • Johnny Pierce, Psychologist

    Johnny Pierce

    Psychologist

    Remote only

    Johnny Pierce is a Psychologist in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 7 years. They treat Personality Disorders, Relationship(s) with Parents/Children/Family, Sleep Concerns.

    I help clients appreciate their emotions rather than fight them, respond rather than react, and understand the reasons behind their experiences. I'm a th

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  • Michelle Litwer, Psychologist

    Michelle Litwer

    Psychologist

    Remote only

    Michelle Litwer is a Psychologist in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 8 years. They treat Personality Disorders, Trauma, Athletic/Sports performance.

    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.

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  • Brittany Sullivan, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

    Brittany Sullivan

    Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

    4000 Olympia Circle, Charlottesville, Virginia 22911

    Brittany Sullivan is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Charlottesville, Virginia and has been in practice for 2 years. They treat Personality Disorders, Women's Issues, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

    I specialize in working with teens and adults navigating anxiety, trauma, and life’s obstacles.

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  • Bryanna Duncan, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

    Bryanna Duncan

    Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

    1211 Agnese Street, Charlottesville, Virginia 22901

    Bryanna Duncan is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Charlottesville, Virginia and has been in practice for 5 years. They treat Personality Disorders, Substance Use, Sexual Assault.

    Do you find that, if you really think about it, you’re unsure of who you are? Are you constantly questioning your purpose? Join me to begin your journey.

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  • Auran Piatigorsky, PhD, LP, CMPC, Sport Psychologist

    Auran Piatigorsky, PhD, LP, CMPC

    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, Physical Stress, Sexual Assault.

    Licensed Clinical Sport Psychologist — services for mental health care & performance enhancement

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  • Alyssa Austern, Psychologist

    Alyssa Austern

    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, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder.

    Helping teens, young adults, adults, couples, and families navigate anxiety, relationships, identity development, and life transitions via teletherapy.

    View profile

Understanding Personality Disorder

Personality Disorder is a recognized mental health condition, not a personal weakness. Mental health organizations describe it as long‑lasting patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that differ from what’s expected in a person’s culture. These patterns are inflexible, show up across many situations, and usually start in adolescence or early adulthood. They can cause distress or problems in work, relationships, or daily functioning.

Common Signs and Symptoms

Personality Disorder symptoms can show up as intense or rapidly shifting emotions, like feeling on edge, easily hurt, or suddenly empty. Thoughts may swing between black‑and‑white views of yourself or others, mistrust, or having trouble focusing when stressed. In the body, you might notice muscle tension, a racing heart, trouble sleeping, or a “stomach in knots.” Behavior can include impulsive decisions, pulling close then shutting down or pushing people away, conflict in relationships, or urgent efforts to avoid feeling rejected.

Why This Happens

In Norfolk, personality disorder can be shaped by a mix of influences: genetic vulnerability, temperament or personality traits such as sensitivity or impulsivity, the quality of support systems, and significant life events. Some of these factors can raise risk, while stable relationships, coping skills, and positive experiences can foster resilience. These influences interact differently for each person and are not anyone’s fault. Treatment can help people understand patterns, strengthen supports, and build resilience over time.

How Treatment Works

Working with a professional can help you learn practical coping strategies to manage symptoms of Personality Disorder and reduce the impact on daily life. Therapy can also provide a structured space to make sense of past and present experiences and improve relationships. In Norfolk, limited transit reach and traffic tied to tunnels and bridges can affect appointment timing, so planning travel or asking about telehealth can help. Insurance acceptance varies, and military insurance coordination can affect access, so confirming coverage early may reduce surprises. Be aware that waitlists for specialty care are common; getting on a waitlist while asking about interim support options can keep momentum.

Finding the right provider in Norfolk

Choose a therapist who is licensed in Virginia to ensure they can legally provide care where you live, which is especially important for telehealth. Insurance plans often require in-state licensure for reimbursement, and coordination with military insurance may depend on it. MiResource can filter therapists by licensure so you can find providers authorized to practice in Virginia.

Local Care Logistics in Norfolk

Accessing care for Personality Disorder in Norfolk often depends on location and timing. In Ghent and Downtown, options are more concentrated, but parking varies and transit has limited reach; traffic tied to tunnels and bridges can add buffer time. Ocean View and Wards Corner may require planning around transfers or longer drives. Insurance acceptance varies, and military insurance coordination can affect access; expect waitlists for specialty care, so start inquiries early and confirm network status.

University calendars at Old Dominion University and Norfolk State University, along with summer tourism and holiday demand shifts, can reduce appointment availability or change hours. To reduce friction: use telehealth when possible to avoid cross-city travel; ask about cancellation lists and same-week openings; and join more than one waitlist to improve your chances of an earlier start. Flexible early or late appointments help bypass traffic.

Taking Care of Your Mental Health in Norfolk

Spending time outdoors in Norfolk, VA can offer steady routines and gentle movement that help with day-to-day mood, sleep, and nervous-system regulation while coping with Personality Disorder. Short, repeatable walks or sitting by the water can provide a calm focus and a break from screens and scheduling stress. Noticing seasonal changes and simple sensory details (breeze, water sounds, shade) can anchor attention without feeling demanding. If traffic tied to tunnels and bridges is stressful, planning visits during quieter times and keeping outings close to your neighborhood can reduce friction. Transit is available but has limited reach, and parking varies by neighborhood, so picking one or two nearby spots can make it easier to maintain a low-pressure routine.

  • Town Point Park — water views and open lawns for easy, unstructured time; near Downtown.
  • Elizabeth River Trail — flat paths for gentle walking and steady routine; segments near Ghent and Lambert’s Point.
  • Ocean View Beach Park — wide beach, sea breeze, and horizon views for a simple reset; in Ocean View.
  • Norfolk Botanical Garden — shaded paths and quiet garden areas for slower pacing; plan around peak summer tourism.
  • East Beach Bay Oaks Park — small green space with water access and easy strolling; parking can vary in nearby neighborhoods.

When to Seek Immediate Help

If you are in immediate danger or a mental health crisis related to Personality Disorder, call 911 or go to an emergency department. Nearby options include Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, Sentara Leigh Hospital, Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters, Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center, and Naval Medical Center Portsmouth. For 24/7 support, call 988 or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or contact Norfolk Community Services Board Emergency Services (757-664-7690). For on‑site help, you can request the Norfolk Child & Adolescent Mobile Crisis Team (Norfolk Community Services Board); if safety is at risk, call 911 first.

Common Questions About Personality Disorder

Q: How do I know if I need a therapist for the condition? A: Consider therapy if patterns in emotions, relationships, or behavior keep causing distress or problems, or if you feel stuck repeating the same conflicts. Signs can include intense reactions, fear of abandonment, identity confusion, impulsivity, or difficulty setting and keeping boundaries. If you want tools to manage emotions, improve relationships, and build stability, a therapist can help. In Norfolk, travel and parking can make access harder, so planning for location or online options can make starting easier.

Q: What if I don’t feel a connection with my therapist? A: It’s common to need a few sessions to gauge fit, and it’s okay to talk openly about what isn’t working. You can request adjustments to the approach or seek a different therapist whose style feels safer and more attuned. If you’re on a waitlist for specialty care, consider keeping your current support until you secure a new spot. In Norfolk, limited transit may make choosing a conveniently located or online provider important while you switch.

Q: Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy for the condition? A: Many people do well with online therapy because it increases consistency and comfort, especially for skills-based work and regular check-ins. Some prefer in-person sessions for intensive work or when nonverbal cues and a contained space help regulation. A hybrid plan can balance both. In Norfolk, traffic tied to tunnels and bridges and variable parking can make online sessions a practical way to stay engaged.

Q: What should I ask a potential therapist for the condition? A: Ask about their training and experience with personality disorders and the approaches they use, such as skills-based, relational, or schema-focused work. Clarify how they handle crises, boundaries, and between-session contact, and what progress looks like. Discuss scheduling, fees, insurance acceptance, and coordination with military insurance if that applies to you. In Norfolk, ask about office location, parking, transit access, and appointment times that avoid heavy traffic.

Q: Does therapy for the condition really work? A: Yes, many people experience meaningful improvements in emotion regulation, relationships, and sense of self with consistent therapy and a good therapeutic fit. Progress is often gradual, with setbacks that can be used as learning opportunities. Combining clear goals, evidence-based strategies, and steady attendance helps change stick. In Norfolk, planning around waitlists and logistics, or using online sessions, can support the consistency that makes therapy effective.

Local Resources in Norfolk

MiResource can help you search for clinicians in Norfolk, VA who treat Personality Disorder. You can filter by insurance, specialty, and availability to find someone who fits your needs.

Find care for you

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.

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