Find a Therapist for Personality Disorder in Providence

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

If you’re looking for help with Personality Disorder in Providence, you’re in the right place. This page can help you learn more about the condition and find local clinicians who provide care in Providence.

  • 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, Trauma and Stress-Related Disorders, Oppositional Defiant Disorder.

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

    View profile
  • Hider Shaaban, Psychotherapist

    Hider Shaaban

    Psychotherapist, Psychologist

    255 South 17th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103

    Hider Shaaban is a Psychotherapist in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They treat Personality Disorders, Spiritual/Religious Concerns, Racial/Cultural Oppression or Trauma.

    Your emotional wellbeing is our priority. We will work together to not just get you unstuck, but help you thrive and flourish.

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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, Medication Concerns, Drug Use.

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

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  • Lisa Saponaro, Psychotherapist

    Lisa Saponaro

    Psychotherapist, Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (LMHP), Psychologist, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

    7820 Peters Road, Plantation, Florida 33324

    Lisa Saponaro is a Psychotherapist in Plantation, Florida and has been in practice for 24 years. They treat Personality Disorders, Self-Esteem, Financial Concerns.

    Planting the seeds for personal growth. At our practice, WE NOURISH the growth of individuals, couples and families so YOU FLOURISH!

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  • Jacob Cooper, Sport Psychologist

    Jacob Cooper

    Sport Psychologist

    Remote only

    Jacob Cooper is a Sport Psychologist in undefined, undefined. They treat Personality Disorders, Conflict Resolution, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

    Dr. Cooper is an authentic and relational sport psychologist with 10+ years of experience with professional athletes, olympians, and US. special forces.

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  • Rachael Stedman, Counselor

    Rachael Stedman

    Counselor, Psychotherapist, Psychologist

    4846 North Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois 60640

    Rachael Stedman is a Counselor in Chicago, Illinois and has been in practice for 6 years. They treat Personality Disorders, Polyamorous relationship, Academic Concerns.

    I specialize in queer, kink, and non-monogamy. I welcome clients from all demographics. Therapy is not always easy but I would love to join your journey!

    View profile

Understanding Personality Disorder

A personality disorder is a recognized mental health condition that affects long-standing patterns of thinking, feeling, and relating to others. Mental health organizations describe it as more than a difficult personality or a bad attitude; it involves patterns that can make daily life and relationships harder. The condition is not a personal weakness or a moral failing. With care, people can learn ways to manage its impact.

Common Signs and Symptoms

This section outlines common signs of Personality Disorder to help readers spot concerns early and decide whether it may be worth talking with a professional in Providence. Personality disorder traits can affect emotions, relationships, and day-to-day coping, and noticing patterns early can make it easier to get support.

  • Ongoing difficulty with close relationships
  • Strong fear of rejection or abandonment
  • Noticeable mood swings or intense emotional reactions
  • Repeated conflict with friends, family, or coworkers
  • Impulsive choices that cause problems later
  • Rigid thinking or trouble adapting to change
  • Frequent feelings of emptiness, mistrust, or feeling misunderstood

Why This Happens

Personality disorder can be influenced by a mix of genetics, temperament, early support, and life events, and these factors can shape how someone copes with stress and relationships. Some traits or experiences may increase risk, while stable relationships, predictable routines, and supportive environments can build resilience. Difficult life events can make symptoms harder to manage, but they do not determine a person’s future. With treatment, many people can strengthen coping skills and resilience over time.

How Treatment Works

Professional help can offer a structured place to talk through what you are dealing with and find practical ways to cope. It can help you make sense of your experiences and patterns, which may feel confusing or overwhelming on your own. With support, you may be able to reduce the impact of symptoms on work, relationships, and daily routines. Progress can take time, but steady help often makes challenges feel more manageable. In Providence, care may involve insurance-based systems, and waitlists are common, so getting started early can be helpful.

Finding the right provider in Providence

To find the right Personality Disorder therapist in Providence, start by searching for providers who specifically work with Personality Disorder. Use filters to narrow results by insurance, since insurance-based systems dominate care and private pay can be higher than average. Check availability carefully, because waitlists are common and it can help to focus on therapists with openings that fit your schedule. You can also filter by approach so you find someone whose style matches what you want. Personal fit matters, so look for a therapist you feel comfortable with and who understands your needs. MiResource makes comparing options easier.

Local Care Logistics in Providence

Getting to care in Providence can be easier or harder depending on where you live. Downtown Providence has limited parking, so plan extra time if your appointment is there. In nearby College Hill, Federal Hill, Fox Point, Wayland, Elmhurst, Mount Hope, Smith Hill, West End, South Providence, and Silver Lake, the dense street network can still make short trips slow during busy times. Transit is often used for short trips, which can help reduce parking stress. When schedules are tight, telehealth can be a practical option for ongoing sessions, especially if travel time, parking, or traffic make regular visits difficult. If you are balancing work, school, or family demands, remote appointments can help you stay consistent with care even when in-person travel is inconvenient.

Taking Care of Your Mental Health in Providence

In Providence, higher education–driven seasonal population changes can make routines feel less steady, which may increase sensitivity to change, conflict, or feeling overlooked. Housing affordability pressures can add ongoing strain, especially when finances and living arrangements are uncertain, and that stress can make emotions harder to settle. Limited in-network mental health availability and provider waitlists may delay support, so concerns can build before someone is able to talk things through. Transportation and parking constraints, along with insurance and referral complexity, can also make it harder to keep appointments or follow through with care, adding friction to already stressful days. These pressures can be especially noticeable during academic calendar peaks tied to universities and during summer tourism and event activity, when the pace of the city shifts.

When to Seek Immediate Help

Seek immediate help if the person is in immediate danger, cannot stay safe, is severely agitated, or is at risk of harming themselves or others. Call 988, 911, or the Rhode Island Behavioral Health Crisis Line (401-414-5465) for urgent crisis support, and use Family Service of Rhode Island Mobile Response & Stabilization Services if mobile crisis help is available. For emergency care in Providence, go to Rhode Island Hospital, The Miriam Hospital, Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, or Roger Williams Medical Center. Because downtown parking is limited, transit may be the easiest way to reach short-trip emergency care quickly.

Common Questions About Personality Disorder

Q: How do I know if I need a therapist for Personality Disorder? A: If your patterns in relationships, emotions, or self-image are causing ongoing distress or making daily life harder, therapy can help. It may be especially useful if you feel stuck in repeating conflicts, intense mood shifts, or impulsive choices. A therapist can help you sort out what is part of Personality Disorder and what is a response to stress. In Providence, it can help to start looking early because waitlists are common.

Q: What if I don’t feel a connection with my therapist? A: That happens, and it does not mean therapy cannot work. It is okay to bring up what feels off and see whether the therapist can adjust their approach. If the fit still does not feel right, it is reasonable to look for someone else. A strong, steady connection often matters a lot for Personality Disorder treatment.

Q: Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy for Personality Disorder? A: Online therapy can be a good option if it helps you stay consistent and engaged. In-person therapy may feel better for some people who want a more structured setting or stronger face-to-face connection. For people in Providence, online care can also reduce the hassle of limited parking downtown and short-trip transit planning. The best option is often the one you can attend regularly and honestly participate in.

Q: What should I ask a potential therapist for Personality Disorder? A: Ask whether they have experience treating Personality Disorder and what therapy approaches they use. You can also ask how they handle crises, boundary issues, and difficult moments in treatment. It helps to know how they work with goals, communication, and missed sessions. Since insurance-based systems dominate care in Providence, it is also wise to ask about coverage, private pay, and wait times.

Q: Does therapy for Personality Disorder really work? A: Yes, therapy can be very helpful for Personality Disorder, especially when it is consistent and tailored to your needs. Many people learn better ways to manage emotions, relate to others, and respond to stress. Progress may be gradual, but meaningful change is possible. The key is finding a therapist who understands the condition and can stick with you through the process.

Local Resources in Providence

MiResource can help you search for clinicians in Providence, RI 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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