Find a Therapist for Personality Disorder in Richmond

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

If you’re seeking support for Personality Disorder in Richmond, this page explains what the condition is, how treatment works, and how to find therapists in Richmond who treat it. It is a practical starting point for understanding your options and next steps.

  • 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, Parenting Concerns, Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia).

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

    View profile
  • 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, Conflict Resolution, Infertility.

    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, Grief and Loss, Relationship(s) with Partner/Husband/Wife.

    Therapy for teens, adults & couples navigating anxiety, overthinking, people-pleasing, and relationship stress toward clarity and connection.

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  • 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, Grief and Loss, Racial Identity.

    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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  • Robert Owens, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC)

    Robert Owens

    Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC), Certified Mental Performance Consultant, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), National Certified Counselor (NCC)

    Remote only

    Robert Owens is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 10 years. They treat Personality Disorders, Life Transitions, Body Image.

    I specialize in working with athletes and tactical athletes (i.e. law enforcement, Fire EMS), and other high-stress, high-risk populations.

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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, Suicidal Ideation, Binge-Eating Disorder.

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

    View profile

Understanding Personality Disorder

Personality disorder is a recognized mental health condition. It refers to long-lasting patterns in how a person thinks, feels, and relates to others that can make daily life harder. Mental health organizations describe it as a health condition, not a personal weakness or character flaw. With support and care, people can learn ways to manage it and improve how they function.

Common Signs and Symptoms

Personality disorder signs usually show up as long-running patterns in how someone thinks, feels, and relates to other people, not just an occasional bad day. The person may have repeated trouble with relationships, managing emotions, or reacting to stress in ways that feel extreme, rigid, or hard to change over time.

  • Frequent conflicts with family, friends, or coworkers that seem to follow a similar pattern
  • Strong mood or reaction shifts in response to criticism, rejection, or small setbacks
  • Persistent distrust of other people, or assuming bad intent without clear evidence
  • Very unstable or intense relationships that swing between closeness and anger
  • Ongoing problems with impulse control, such as risky choices, spending, substance use, or angry outbursts
  • Noticeable difficulty handling everyday stress, with reactions that feel bigger than the situation
  • Repeated behaviors that interfere with work, school, or routines, even when the person wants things to go better

Why This Happens

Personality Disorder can be shaped by a mix of genetics, temperament, support systems, and life events, and no single factor tells the whole story. Some people may have traits or early experiences that increase vulnerability, while steady relationships, coping skills, and a sense of safety can build resilience. Stressful or repeated difficult events can make symptoms harder to manage, but supportive connections and healthy routines can help. Treatment can also help people strengthen resilience over time and find more stable ways of coping.

How Treatment Works

Getting professional help can make it easier to develop coping strategies that fit your daily life. It can also help you make sense of your experiences and patterns in a clearer, more manageable way. Over time, support may reduce how much the condition affects work, relationships, and other routines. Progress can be gradual, but having guidance often makes challenges feel more manageable. Even when change takes time, professional support can offer steady tools and structure.

Finding the right provider in Richmond

When looking for a therapist for Personality Disorder in Richmond, choose someone licensed in Virginia, since licensing rules can affect whether they can provide telehealth and whether insurance will cover care. This is especially important when insurance acceptance varies and in-network waitlists are common. MiResource can filter by licensure to help you find therapists who are licensed where you live.

Local Care Logistics in Richmond

In Richmond, practical access to care for personality disorder can be easier in Downtown Richmond, The Fan, Museum District, Carytown, and Scott’s Addition, though transit varies by neighborhood and parking can be limited in denser areas. Traffic during commute hours can make cross-town appointments harder, so planning extra time can reduce stress. Insurance acceptance varies, private pay can be moderate to high, and in-network waitlists are common, so it helps to ask about cancellations, join more than one waitlist, and check whether telehealth is available. Schedule changes around Virginia Commonwealth University and University of Richmond can affect appointment availability, especially during academic calendars. Seasonally, state legislative cycles, summer tourism, and holiday demand shifts can tighten schedules further. Asking for flexible times, including early morning or midday slots, may improve access.

Taking Care of Your Mental Health in Richmond

Spending time outdoors can support day-to-day mental health while coping with Personality Disorder in Richmond, VA by offering a calmer change of scenery, gentle movement, and a simple routine. Short walks or sitting outside can help with mood, stress, and nervous-system regulation without needing a big plan. Outdoor time may also make it easier to wind down after commuting, work pressure, or a busy day. If you are coming from dense parts of the city, transit varies by neighborhood and parking can be limited, so a nearby spot may feel easier to use.

Maymont — large grounds that can suit a quiet walk and a low-pressure reset. Belle Isle — river views and open space for a gentle break from crowded settings. Byrd Park — easygoing outdoor time with room for slow walking. Libby Hill Park — a simple place for a short pause and a change of scenery. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden — calm paths and a more structured setting for an unhurried visit.

When to Seek Immediate Help

Seek immediate help if there is risk of self-harm, harm to others, severe agitation, or the person cannot stay safe. Call 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or 911 right away, and use Richmond Behavioral Health Authority Crisis Response (804-819-4100) for urgent crisis support. Richmond Behavioral Health Authority (RBHA) mobile crisis intervention services can also help when a mobile response is needed. If emergency care is needed, go to VCU Medical Center, Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital, Chippenham Hospital, or Henrico Doctors’ Hospital.

Common Questions About Personality Disorder

Q: How do I know if I need a therapist for the condition? A: If Personality Disorder traits are making relationships, work, or daily routines feel hard to manage, therapy can be a good fit. You do not need to be in crisis to benefit from support. If you notice repeated conflicts, intense emotions, or patterns that keep causing distress, a therapist can help you sort that out. In Richmond, it may also help to plan ahead for travel, since traffic, transit, and parking can affect how easy it is to get to appointments.

Q: What if I don’t feel a connection with my therapist? A: That can happen, and it does not mean therapy will not work for you. A good fit matters, especially when working on Personality Disorder, so it is okay to say what is not working or to look for someone else. You might want a therapist who feels steady, respectful, and able to handle difficult emotions without judgment. If in-person visits are hard to keep up with, you could also ask about telehealth options.

Q: Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy for the condition? A: Online therapy can be very helpful for Personality Disorder, especially if getting to appointments is difficult. It may be a good option when traffic, neighborhood transit differences, or limited parking make in-person visits harder in Richmond. Some people still prefer face-to-face sessions for a stronger sense of connection or structure. The best choice is the one you can attend consistently and feel safe using.

Q: What should I ask a potential therapist for the condition? A: You can ask about their experience treating Personality Disorder and what approaches they use. It is also helpful to ask how they handle strong emotions, crises, boundaries, and communication between sessions. Since insurance acceptance varies and private pay can be costly, ask about fees, billing, and whether they are in-network. If waitlists are common, you may also want to ask how soon they can start and whether they offer virtual visits.

Q: Does therapy for the condition really work? A: Therapy can really help with Personality Disorder, especially when you stick with it over time. It often works by helping you understand patterns, improve coping skills, and build healthier relationships. Progress may be gradual, and setbacks can happen, but that does not mean treatment is failing. A consistent therapist and a treatment style that fits your needs can make a meaningful difference.

Local Resources in Richmond

MiResource can help you search for clinicians in Richmond, 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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