Find a Therapist for Personality Disorder in Washington

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 Washington, you’re in the right place. This page can help you learn more about Personality Disorder and find local clinicians in Washington who may be able to support you.

  • 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, Disruptive, Impulse-Control, and Conduct Disorders, Sexual Identity.

    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, School Concerns, Career.

    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, Psychologist

    Auran Piatigorsky, PhD, LP, CMPC

    Psychologist, Sport Psychologist

    Remote only

    Auran Piatigorsky, PhD, LP, CMPC is a Psychologist in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 30 years. They treat Personality Disorders, Work/Life Balance, Other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED).

    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, Gambling Concerns, 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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  • Carissa Hannum, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)

    Carissa Hannum

    Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)

    2 Wisconsin Circle, Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815

    Carissa Hannum is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Chevy Chase, Maryland and has been in practice for 10 years. They treat Personality Disorders, Perfectionism, Loneliness/Isolation.

    Hello and welcome to my practice, I'm a GWU graduate that is specialized in working with eating disorders, mood disorders, trauma, and chronic pain.

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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, Anger Issues, Academic Concerns.

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

    View profile

Understanding Personality Disorder

Personality disorder is a recognized mental health condition. It is not a personal weakness or a character flaw. Mental health organizations use this term for patterns that affect how a person thinks, feels, and relates to others in ways that can make daily life harder. Getting help can be an important step toward managing its impact.

Common Signs and Symptoms

People with a personality disorder can look very different from one another, and the same person may seem fine in one setting but struggle more in another. Symptoms can shift with stress, sleep, conflict, work pressure, or how safe and supported someone feels.

What you might notice internally

  • Feeling emotions very strongly, then calming down later
  • Worrying a lot about how others see you
  • Having a hard time trusting people right away
  • Feeling tense, restless, or “on edge” in busy days
  • Going over conversations again and again in your head
  • Pulling back from plans when everything feels overwhelming

What others might notice

  • Mood changes that seem to happen quickly after stress
  • Trouble staying focused during errands, work, or appointments
  • Skipping calls, texts, or social plans when things feel heavy
  • Seeming guarded, sensitive, or easily hurt by small comments
  • Getting irritated more easily in traffic, crowds, or long waits
  • Looking tired, tense, or worn down after a hard week

Why This Happens

Personality Disorder can be influenced by genetics, temperament, support systems, and life events, including experiences of stress, loss, or trauma. Some traits or experiences may increase risk, while stable relationships, consistent routines, and supportive environments can build resilience. Treatment can help people understand patterns, develop coping skills, and strengthen resilience over time. In Washington, as in any city, access to support and care can make a meaningful difference without implying blame or certainty about outcomes.

How Treatment Works

Getting professional help can make it easier to develop coping strategies that fit your life and your needs. It can also help you make sense of experiences that may feel confusing, overwhelming, or hard to explain on your own. With support, symptoms and stress can have less impact on daily routines, relationships, and work or school. Progress may be gradual, but many people find that regular care gives them more stability and a clearer sense of what helps. Even when challenges remain, professional support can make them more manageable.

Finding the right provider in Washington

When looking for a therapist for Personality Disorder in Washington, start by searching for providers who specifically work with this condition. Use filters to narrow choices by insurance, availability, and therapeutic approach so you can focus on options that fit your needs. In Washington, many people use transit or rideshare for appointments because traffic can be heavy during peak hours and parking can be limited and expensive. Cost can also be a factor, since private pay rates are often higher and sliding-scale clinics may have waitlists, so checking insurance acceptance early can save time. Personal fit matters too, because feeling comfortable and understood can make therapy more effective, and MiResource makes comparing options easier.

Local Care Logistics in Washington

If you are looking for therapy for Personality Disorder in Washington, DC, it can help to focus on neighborhoods with easier access and flexible transit options. Capitol Hill, Dupont Circle, Logan Circle, and Foggy Bottom are practical starting points, especially since parking can be limited and expensive and many residents rely on transit or rideshare. Demand can shift around Georgetown University, George Washington University, American University, and Howard University, since campus calendars and student schedules can affect appointment availability. Because therapy and psychiatry waitlists can be long and in-network options can be limited, it may help to contact providers early and be open to nearby neighborhoods like Adams Morgan or U Street. Care across DC, Maryland, and Virginia can also involve extra scheduling coordination, so planning ahead can make the search easier.

Taking Care of Your Mental Health in Washington

Symptoms may spike when daily pressure stacks up in Washington. Tight rental competition and high housing costs can make stress feel constant, but certain times bring more strain: government and legislative cycles, university semester peaks, and summer tourism and travel increases. Metro commutes and cross-jurisdiction scheduling friction can add to tension, especially when appointments are hard to line up across DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Work demands in federal, nonprofit, and consulting settings may also intensify during busy cycles. Hot, humid summers and weather-related disruption can further wear people down, especially when routines change. Long therapy and psychiatry waitlists, in-network behavioral health availability gaps, and added coordination friction can make it harder to get steady support when symptoms are already rising.

When to Seek Immediate Help

If someone with a Personality Disorder is in immediate danger, at risk of self-harm, harming others, or unable to stay safe, call 988 or 911 right away. They can also use DC Access Helpline or Community Response Team (CRT) via DC Department of Behavioral Health for urgent crisis support. For emergency evaluation, go to MedStar Washington Hospital Center, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, The George Washington University Hospital, or Sibley Memorial Hospital. Because traffic can be heavy and parking limited, plan for transit or rideshare if possible when getting to care quickly.

Common Questions About Personality Disorder

Q: How do I know if I need a therapist for the condition? A: If Personality Disorder symptoms are affecting your relationships, work, daily routines, or sense of stability, therapy may be a good fit. A therapist can help you understand patterns, manage emotions, and build healthier coping skills. If you feel overwhelmed, stuck in repeated conflicts, or unsure how to handle strong reactions, it is worth reaching out. In Washington, access and cost can vary, so it may help to ask about insurance, sliding-scale options, and appointment logistics early on.

Q: What if I don’t feel a connection with my therapist? A: That happens, and it does not mean therapy will not help. A strong therapeutic connection matters, especially for Personality Disorder, so it is reasonable to look for someone who feels more understanding and steady. You can tell the therapist what is not working and see how they respond. If it still does not feel right, it is okay to switch providers.

Q: Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy for the condition? A: Online therapy can be helpful for Personality Disorder, especially if it makes care easier to fit into your schedule. It may be a good option when traffic, parking, or getting across Washington makes in-person visits harder. Some people still prefer in-person sessions because they feel more grounded and personal. The best format is often the one you can attend consistently and feel comfortable using.

Q: What should I ask a potential therapist for the condition? A: Ask about their experience treating Personality Disorder and the kinds of therapy they use. It can help to ask how they handle emotional intensity, relationship difficulties, boundaries, and crisis planning. You may also want to ask about insurance, private pay rates, and whether they offer sliding-scale fees. In Washington, it is practical to ask how they handle scheduling and whether virtual sessions are available.

Q: Does therapy for the condition really work? A: Therapy can help many people with Personality Disorder improve emotional control, relationships, and day-to-day functioning. Progress often takes time and works best when the therapist is consistent, skilled, and a good fit. The process may feel challenging at times, but that does not mean it is not helping. Many people find that steady therapy gives them more insight and more choices in how they respond.

Local Resources in Washington

MiResource can help you search for clinicians in Washington, DC 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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