Personality Disorder Treatment

Immediate appointments available
Psychologists Online across Australia for counselling, testing and groups - Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Hobart, Perth and Canberra

How can we help?

Personality is the way of thinking, feeling and behaving that makes a person different from other people. To be diagnosed with a personality disorder, one's thoughts and behaviors will differ from what is expected: will be unhealthy and inflexible; and will usually cause serious problems with relationships, work, and social activities.

Psychology Melbourne provides comprehensive treatment services for adults and adolescents with personality disorders. In reality, only a small percentage of the population are fully diagnosed with a personality disorder, but many people have traits of these disorders.

This may include one or more of the following:

• One-on-one counselling
• Psychological testing
• Group therapy

One-On-One Counselling

An estimated 6.5% of Australians have at least one personality disorder and are at increased risk of self-harming behaviors and suicide. They will also have more difficulty getting along with others than people without personality disorders.

Social distress is often the main reason why they seek treatment. Mental health problems and substance misuse are also explored.

One-on-one counselling is conducted by an experienced psychologist, who will review the results of your screening tests and conduct a detailed history of the problematic behaviours; how long problems have been present; and earlier treatment undertaken.

Counselling provides people with a safe place to work through their personal or psychological problems, knowing that everything they say is confidential. It includes a series of 1-hour online or face-to-face individual consultations with an experienced psychologist.

Our team of experienced psychologists are skilled in working with a range of personality disorders including obsessive–compulsive (OCD), avoidant, borderline personality disorders (BPD) and dependent and schizotypal personality disorders.

They use a variety of treatment approaches, which you can read about below.

Psychological Testing

Before your first appointment you will receive a series of psychological tests to identify the type of personality disorder you may have which will guide your psychologist in developing a treatment plan for you.

This may include tests for any of the following: obsessive–compulsive (OCD), avoidant, borderline personality disorders (BPD) and dependent and schizotypal personality disorders.

Depending on your results, further testing may be required.

Group Therapy

Group therapy is an alternative, effective treatment for mental health disorders and significantly reduces the cost of individual sessions.

Our Managing Bipolar Disorder group helps you improve interpersonal skills and better manage anxiety, distress, and strong emotions. You can register your interest here.

Groups include working with others with similar challenges. People often feel alone and are the only ones struggling with differences. It can be a huge relief to hear others discuss what you are going through.

You can join a group on completion of your one-on-one counselling or as a stand-alone treatment.

For more information about our therapy groups or on any of the above, please contact our Reception team on 1300 161 639 or email us at info@psychologymelbourne.com.au or use the chat box on this website.

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How does One-on-One Counselling work?

One-on-one counselling helps identify triggers and the core content that sets off maladaptive behaviors. A personality disorder diagnosis is often seen as negative, and we make it an important part of your assessment to also identify your positive strengths.

Counselling is conducted over several 1-hour consultations with an experienced psychologist, who will develop a treatment plan for you after reviewing the results of your screening tests.

During your sessions, your psychologist will work out treatment plan for your recovery and provide exercises for you to do and recommend various resources and apps to help you manage your anxiety.

Our team of male and female psychologists provide in-person and online counselling for personality disorders. They are available six days a week, both before and after working hours and on Saturdays.

A structured clinical interview is essential for a diagnosis. It starts with the clinician taking a detailed history of your problematic behavior; how long problems have been present; and previous treatment undertaken.

Further information about education, employment and relationship histories are useful and interviews with family or friends can provide information on the person’s behavior. Sources such as previous records can add to the assessment.

Successful treatment requires not only the management of problem behaviours but also the building and enhancing of one’s positive qualities.

People under 18 are generally not diagnosed with personality disorders because their personalities are still developing.

The most recognised evidence-based therapies for personality disorders is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Schema therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), and Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT). A variety of psychoanalytic approaches can also be used.

The most frequently diagnosed personality disorders are Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD).

Borderline personality disorder is one of the most painful mental illnesses since individuals struggling with this disorder are constantly trying to cope with overwhelming emotions, chronic fear of abandonment, and impulsive behaviors that cause chaos and instability.

If you are thinking about harming yourself, you need to seek help.

The Team of Personality Disorder Psychologists

Medication

While there is no medication specifically for the treatment of personality disorders, many people with personality disorders also have mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety or psychosis, and may be prescribed medication for these.

Our psychologists can provide your GP (General Practitioner) with a report on your symptoms and any other mental health issues that may be present. You can then discuss this with your GP, so they are fully informed when considering prescribing medication. Many physical health issues originate in mental health issues.

Please note psychologists are not able to prescribe psychiatric medication and if you decide you need medication, you will need to speak to your GP.

If you, or someone you know, is suffering from BPD, please call our Reception team 1300 161 639 or email us at info@psychologymelbourne.com.au.

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How does a Personality Disorder Assessment work?

You will begin with a series of screening tests to identify the type of personality disorder you may be experiencing. This will guide your psychologist in developing a treatment plan for you to help you understand and manage your symptoms.

There are often overlaps between the disorders and further testing may be required.

Your psychologist will:

• discuss the results and implications of your psychological tests and whether further testing is required.
• identify and explore the outcome you want to achieve.
• recommend the best program for you: individual or group counselling.
• answer any questions you may have.

Further testing may be required as people with one diagnosed personality disorder may often have others, as well as other mental health problems.

Some, but not all, of the tests we use are:

For the best results, you need to complete these well before your session starts. Further testing may be required.

If you, or someone you know, is suffering from BPD call our Reception team on 1300 161 639 or email us at info@psychologymelbourne.com.au.

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How does Group Therapy work?

Our Managing Bipolar Disorder group is designed specifically to treat bipolar personality disorder. It uses a skills-based approach to teach you how to manage extreme emotions, tolerate distress and improve relationships.

Our therapy groups are led by experienced psychologists with specialised group training, who teach proven strategies for managing problem behaviours. You will work with a small group of people, who have similar issues, on a weekly basis.

Research has also shown that a combination of individual and group therapy is significantly more effective in reducing the severity of Bipolar Disorder.

People often feel alone and the only ones struggling with a personality disorder and group work can be very rewarding.

Groups provide a safe place to practice new behavioural strategies and gain extra support from fellow participants. Seeing other people tackle problems and make positive changes, can teach a full range of strategies for facing your own concerns outside the therapy room.

Regularly talking and listening to others also helps you feel heard and understood and puts your own problems in perspective.

Group work gives you valuable access to experienced psychologists at a reduced cost compared to individual counselling. They are held online. You can see what groups are running here.

For further information, contact our Reception team on 1300 161 639 or email us at info@psychologymelbourne.com.au or use the chat box on this website.

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What is a Personality Disorder (PD)?

The most common disorders are obsessive–compulsive (OCD), avoidant, schizoid and borderline personality disorders (BPD) with dependent and schizotypal personality disorders the least prevalent. They also seem to be also more common in men than women and usually show up in late adolescence or early adulthood.

Without treatment, they can be long-lasting.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) lists 10 types of personality disorders, although most people who meet criteria for one type also meet criteria for one or more other types.

Antisocial personality disorder: A pattern of disregarding or violating the rights of others. A person with antisocial personality disorder may not conform to social norms, may repeatedly lie or deceive others, or may act impulsively.

Avoidant personality disorder: A pattern of extreme shyness, feelings of inadequacy, and extreme sensitivity to criticism. People with avoidant personality disorder may be unwilling to get involved with people unless they are certain of being liked, be preoccupied with being criticized or rejected, or may view themselves as not being good enough or socially inept.

Borderline personality disorder: A pattern of instability in personal relationships, intense emotions, poor self-image and impulsivity. A person with borderline personality disorder may go to great lengths to avoid being abandoned, have repeated suicide attempts, display inappropriate intense anger, or have ongoing feelings of emptiness.

Dependent personality disorder: A pattern of needing to be taken care of and submissive and clingy behavior. People with dependent personality disorder may have difficulty making daily decisions without reassurance from others or may feel uncomfortable or helpless when alone because of fear of inability to take care of themselves.

Histrionic personality disorder: A pattern of excessive emotion and attention-seeking. People with histrionic personality disorder may be uncomfortable when they are not the center of attention, may use physical appearance to draw attention to themselves or have rapidly shifting or exaggerated emotions.

Narcissistic personality disorder: A pattern of need for admiration and lack of empathy for others. A person with narcissistic personality disorder may have a grandiose sense of self-importance, a sense of entitlement, take advantage of others or lack empathy.

Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder: A pattern of preoccupation with orderliness, perfection, and control: a person with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder may be overly focused on details or schedules, may work excessively, not allowing time for leisure or friends, or may be inflexible in their morality and values. (This is DIFFERENT from obsessive-compulsive disorder.)

Paranoid personality disorder: A pattern of being suspicious of others and seeing them as mean or spiteful. People with paranoid personality disorder often assume people will harm or deceive them and do not confide in others or become close to them.

Schizoid personality disorder: Being detached from social relationships and expressing little emotion. A person with schizoid personality disorder typically does not seek close relationships, chooses to be alone and seems to not care about praise or criticism from others.

Schizotypal personality disorder: A pattern of being extremely uncomfortable in close relationships, having distorted thinking and eccentric behavior. A person with schizotypal personality disorder may have unusual beliefs and/or peculiar behavior or speech or may have excessive social anxiety.

The DSM-5 also identifies three other personality patterns that show characteristics of a personality disorder:

• Personality changes due to another medical condition – personality disturbance due to the direct effects of a medical condition.
• Other specified personality disorder – the general criteria are met but do not meet the criteria for a specific disorder.
• Unspecified personality disorder – general criteria are met but the personality disorder is not included in the DSM-5 classification.

Of the ten personality disorders described in the DSM-5, Antisocial, Borderline, Narcissistic and Histrionic are considered the most difficult to treat.

Some personality disorders become less severe with age (e.g., antisocial, borderline) while others (e.g., obsessive-compulsive, schizotypal) are less likely to do so.

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How much does it cost?

Psychology Melbourne’s fees for Personality Disorder treatment is as follows:

1. Psychological Testing – initial session

2. Individual Counselling

For pay-as-you-go consultations, the fees are:

• Consultations with a clinical psychologist start from $275 and a Medicare rebate of $141.85 may apply for each session you attend, making an out-of-pocket fee of $133.15 per session.

• Consultations with a registered psychologist start from $230 and a Medicare rebate of $96.65 may apply for every session you attend, making an out-of-pocket fee of $133.35 per session.

Please note:

• The fees for consultations differ between in-person and online sessions. There is an additional fee of $10 for appointments scheduled before 9 am and after 5 pm weekdays, as well as, for appointments throughout the day on Saturdays.
• Medicare rebates are available for 10 one-on-one counselling sessions per calendar year if you have a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP.
• To access funded services from a third party, such as Workcover or NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme), you must provide approved claim details 48 hours before your first session. If, for any reason, approval is not provided, you will be responsible for full payment, or appointments may be cancelled. A gap fee of $20 per session may apply.
• A reduced fee is considered on request for clients under financial hardship with a letter from your GP confirming your financial situation.
• Fees can be paid by EFTPOS, VISA, or MasterCard. Please note that we do not accept American Express or Diners Club.
• Bulk Billing is not available at our clinic.

For more information, please contact our Reception team on 1300 161 639 or email us at info@psychologymelbourne.com.au or use the chat box on this website.

3. Managing Bipolar Disorder Group

The cost of a group for all 4-6 sessions is approximately $50 per session. Groups are held online at various times but usually in the evenings.

• Groups run by a clinical psychologist cost $510 (6 session) and a Medicare rebate of $36.00 may apply for every session you attend, making an out-of-pocket fee of $294.00.  
• Groups run by a registered psychologist cost $450 (6 sessions) and a Medicare rebate of $24.65 may apply for every session you attend, making an out-of-pocket fee of $302.10. 

Please note:

• Medicare rebates are available for 10 1-hour group sessions per year if you have a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP and are located in a telehealth eligible area.
• After pay is available for the initial cost of the group and rebates are sent to your nominated account after each session.

For more information, please contact our Reception team on 1300 161 639 or email us at info@psychologymelbourne.com.au or use the chat box on this website.

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How to make an appointment

Counselling appointments

For the Personal Matching and Assessment session, you can book online, and reception will call you back to arrange your appointment times.

For individual counselling appointments you can book online or call our Reception team on 1300 161 639 or email us at info@psychologymelbourne.com.au or use the chat box on this website.

Reception will find an appointment time that suits you best and will reserve 3 future appointments so that you can keep your place in your psychologist’s diary. Appointments after that will be made between you and your consultant.

We understand that changes to your appointments are sometimes necessary, but we urge you to notify us as soon as possible to avoid cancellation fees. You will be sent an SMS reminder four (4) days before your appointment.

For in-person appointments we have strict precautions in place at all our locations for your safety. If you are feeling unwell, have any symptoms of fever, or have tested positive for COVID-19, we ask you to use our online counselling services until you are well again.

Please bring your Mental Health Care Plan to your first session or email it to us at info@psychologymelbourne.com.au. Alternatively, you can ask your GP to fax this through to us on 03 9957 8122.

For further information, call our Reception team on 1300 161 639 or email us at info@psychologymelbourne.com.au or use the chat box on this website.

Group appointments

We require prepayment of all groups prior to the start date. You can purchase the group on our website or call our Reception team for assistance on 1300 161 639 or email them info@psychologymelbourne.com.au or use the chat box on this website.

Once you have enrolled in the group, you will be sent several forms to complete before the group starts. If you have any questions about forms, please speak to our helpful Reception team. The forms are required to be completed 24 hours before the group starts.

You will need to join the online group 10 minutes before it starts to ensure there are no technology problems. Assistance on the night is only available for 10 minutes before and after the start time.

Alternatively, we can show you how to join on the day prior to the group starting.

If you have any technology problems, please check your audio and video are working properly as well as your Wi-Fi connection. Refresh your browser if you are still experiencing problems.

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