Personality Disorders Treatment in Maryland and Washington, D.C.
When thoughts, emotions, and behaviors feel out of alignment with the world around you—making it hard to maintain relationships or regulate emotions—you may be experiencing a personality disorder. These are deeply rooted mental health conditions that affect how individuals perceive themselves, others, and their environment.
At Forbs Behavioral Health Services, LLC, we understand how challenging personality disorders can be—not just for the individual, but also for loved ones. Our team provides compassionate, evidence-based care to help you or your loved one achieve emotional balance, strengthen relationships, and improve overall well-being.
Personality disorders involve long-term patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that differ significantly from cultural expectations. These patterns are often rigid, deeply ingrained, and lead to distress or difficulty functioning in daily life.
They are commonly grouped into three diagnostic clusters, each with distinct characteristics:
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Cluster A (Odd, Eccentric): Paranoid, Schizoid, and Schizotypal Personality Disorders.
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Cluster B (Dramatic, Emotional, Erratic): Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), Histrionic Personality Disorder, and Antisocial Personality Disorder.
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Cluster C (Anxious, Fearful): Avoidant Personality Disorder (APD), Dependent Personality Disorder, and Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder.
What Are Personality Disorders?
Common Symptoms of Personality Disorders
While each disorder presents differently, many share similar core challenges:
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Mood Swings: Rapid mood changes.
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Fear of Abandonment: Intense fear of being left alone.
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Unstable Relationships: Fluctuating between idealization and devaluation.
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Impulsive Behavior: Risky activities like spending sprees and substance abuse.
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Inflated Self-Importance: Belief in being superior.
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Need for Admiration: Constant need for praise.
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Lack of Empathy: Difficulty understanding others' feelings.
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Exploitative Relationships: Taking advantage of others.
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Feelings of Inadequacy: Feeling inferior and fearing criticism.
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Sensitivity to Criticism: Avoiding situations where judgment is possible.
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Social Avoidance: Isolation due to fear of rejection.
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Personality Disorders Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of personality disorders is unknown, but several factors may contribute:
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Genetic Factors: Family history, along with differences in brain chemistry and structure, can play a role.
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Cultural Influences: Cultural norms, practices, and stigma can impact the prevalence and perception of these disorders.
At Forbs Behavioral Health Services, LLC, we take these influences into account during assessment and treatment planning, so your care is as personalized as your experience.
Our Treatment Approach
💬 Therapy Options
Therapy is the cornerstone of effective personality disorder treatment.
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Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Especially effective for Borderline Personality Disorder, DBT focuses on emotion regulation, mindfulness, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps reframe distorted beliefs and improve behavioral responses (effective for NPD, APD, and others)
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Schema Therapy: Addresses long-standing behavioral and emotional patterns rooted in childhood experiences
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Group Therapy & Social Skills Training: Enhances communication, builds trust, and reduces isolation
💊 Medication Management
While no medications specifically cure personality disorders, targeted medications can help manage co-occurring symptoms such as anxiety, depression, or mood swings:
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Antidepressants – Reduce emotional instability and depressive symptoms
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Mood Stabilizers – Help with impulsivity and mood regulation
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Antipsychotics – Address disorganized thinking or severe mood dysregulation when needed
Our psychiatric team ensures medication is carefully matched to each individual’s needs.
Additional Support Strategies
Incorporating lifestyle changes and support systems can strengthen long-term outcomes:
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Practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques
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Developing structured daily routines to increase stability
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Setting healthy emotional boundaries
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Engaging in creative outlets, hobbies, or community involvement
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Building a support network through family education or support groups
We believe healing begins with understanding, connection, and trust. Our treatment plans are tailored to each client’s needs, goals, and diagnostic profile.
Start Your Journey Toward Emotional Balance
Living with a personality disorder can feel isolating—but it doesn’t have to be. At Forbs Behavioral Health Services, LLC, we’re here to help you explore new ways of thinking, feeling, and relating to others. Our team in Maryland and Washington, D.C. is dedicated to providing effective, respectful, and affirming care.
Contact us today to begin your personalized treatment journey.