Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) can present significant challenges in daily life, impacting relationships, emotions, and overall well-being.
While seeking therapy is a crucial step in managing BPD symptoms, traditional in-person therapy may not always be accessible or convenient for everyone. Fortunately, advancements in technology have made online therapy an increasingly viable option for individuals with BPD.
In this guide we’ve reviewed six online therapy platforms that can help you overcome borderline personality disorder.
Want to skip right to the suggestions for BPD therapists? Here are our 6 recommended therapy solutions:
Best Online Platforms for BPD Therapy
The following online platforms provide access to experienced BPD therapists who can help you manage the symptoms of this disorder.
| Povider | Good For | Location | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| BetterHelp | Quick match with the right therapist for you | Online therapy | $65 to $90 per week (billed every 4 weeks) |
| Teen Counseling | Teens from ages 13-19 | Online therapy | $65 to $90 per week (billed every 4 weeks) |
| Find-a-therapist.com | Finding and contacting the right therapist for you | Online and in-person therapy | Varies depending on the counselor fee |
| Online-therapy.com | Finding licensed and experienced therapists with a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approach | Online therapy | $40/week to $88/week (including our 20% discount first month) |
| Calmerry | Depression therapy, online grief counseling, anxiety therapy, therapy for OCD, self-esteem therapy | Online therapy | $49.50 to $73.75 per week (billed monthly) |
| TalkSpace | Depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, LGBTQIA+ therapy | Online therapy | Varies according to insurance coverage or self-pay options |
1. BetterHelp
Explore emotional well-being with BetterHelp – your partner in affordable online therapy. With 30,000+ licensed therapists and plans starting from only $65 per week, BetterHelp makes self-care accessible to all. Complete the questionnaire to match with the right therapist.
- Good for: Quick match with the right therapist for you.
- Location: Online therapy.
- Pricing: $65 to $90 per week (billed every 4 weeks).
- Features: iOS and Android app available, message your therapist anytime, live sessions are scheduled weekly and done via live chat, phone, or video call.
BetterHelp is an online platform that has a number of therapists with expertise in treating people with BDP. On signup, you’ll need to answer certain questions related to your BPD symptoms and therapist preferences, such as their gender. Based on these answers, BetterHelp will match you with a BPD therapist who meets your specific needs.
Read our BetterHelp review here.
2. Teen Counseling
Nurture your teenager’s well-being through Teen Counseling. Tailored for ages 13-19, their online therapy begins at $65/week. This includes a weekly live session, the flexibility to message your therapist at any time, and the opportunity for parents to connect with therapists. Empower your teen’s journey today with Teen Counseling – start with their online questionnaire.
Note: We collaborate with top-tier mental health companies and receive advertising fees from purchases through the Teen Counseling links.
- Good for: Teens from ages 13-19.
- Location: Online therapy.
- Pricing: $65 to $90 per week (billed every 4 weeks).
- Features: The platform is designed to make finding a therapist easy, message your therapist anytime, live sessions are scheduled weekly and done via live chat, phone, or video call.
Teen Counseling is a platform that matches teenagers from ages 13 to 19 with licensed therapists with experience and training in managing BPD symptoms. The online nature of the platform makes it particularly appealing to teenagers who may prefer digital communication.
3. Find-a-therapist.com
- Good for: Finding and contacting the right therapist for you.
- Location: Online and in-person therapy.
- Pricing: Varies depending on the counselor fee.
- Features: Filter your search, find accessible and effective online and in-person therapy, find guides on different types of therapy.
Find-a-therapist.com offers a comprehensive online directory where you can customize your search to find the right therapist according to your needs and preferences. You can find therapists like Matthew Kijak, James Norwood, or Tami Hubbard, who have experience in addressing BPD.
4. Online-therapy.com
Discover transformative online therapy with Online-therapy.com. Through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Online-therapy.com offers individual and couples support starting at $45/week. Engage in sessions via video, voice, or text for maximum flexibility. Fill out their online questionnaire to get started.
- Good for: Finding licensed and experienced therapists with a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approach.
- Location: Online therapy.
- Pricing: $40/week to $88/week (including our 20% discount first month).
- Features: Unlimited messaging with your therapist, including a daily journal and activity plan, yoga and meditation videos, and tests to see your progress.
Online-therapy.com is an online platform where you can connect with licensed, experienced BPD therapists. The counselors on this platform mainly use Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to treat mental health conditions, including BPD.
Read our online-therapy.com review here.
5. Calmerry
Embark on a journey of mental wellness with Calmerry. With diverse subscription options, starting at just $50, Calmerry makes prioritizing your mental health simple and accessible. You can message your therapist any day or schedule a live therapy session from the comfort of your home from any device.
- Good for: Depression therapy, online grief counseling, anxiety therapy, therapy for OCD, self-esteem therapy.
- Location: Online therapy.
- Pricing: $49.50 to $73.75 per week (billed monthly).
- Features: Message to your counselor anytime, text therapy and video therapy according to the plan you choose, free counselor switching.
Calmerry offers online BPD therapy services through the platform. There you must answer a questionnaire to assess your needs and preferences and then match you with the right professional to address your concerns.
Read our comparison between Calmerry and BetterHelp here.
6. TalkSpace
Tailored to individuals, couples, teens, and offering psychiatry services, Talkspace plans kick off at a wallet-friendly $69 per week. What’s more, many health insurances also cover their services, enhancing accessibility and affordability. Complete a questionnaire and get matched with the right therapist for you.
- Good for: Depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, LGBTQIA+ therapy.
- Location: Online therapy.
- Pricing: Varies according to insurance coverage or self-pay options.
- Features: Accepts insurance, pick your therapist from a list of recommendations, live video sessions and unlimited messaging with your therapist, medication management.
TalkSpace is an online platform that offers different approaches to BPD treatment, including therapy and medication management. There you can choose your therapist from a list previously selected according to your individual needs.
Read our TalkSpace review here.
Understanding BPD
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) affects a significant portion of the population, with individuals experiencing intense emotions, difficulty in relationships, and impulsive behavior.
Traditional therapy approaches, such as dialectical behavioral therapy, have been proven effective in treating BPD symptoms and improving the quality of life for those affected.
However, the rise of technology and the internet has brought forth the possibility of BPD online therapy, which aims to address similar issues without the need for in-person sessions.
Impacts of BPD on Relationships
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) significantly affects an individual’s relationships in various ways.
People with BPD often struggle with unstable relationships, as the intensity of their emotions can cause them to experience extreme mood swings.
This overwhelming emotional turmoil can lead to feelings of emptiness and fear of abandonment, which can further strain their relationships with others.
Additionally, impulsive behavior is common among those with BPD, resulting in reckless and self-destructive actions that can impact personal and professional relationships.
Common Misconceptions about BPD
There are several common misconceptions surrounding Borderline Personality Disorder that can hinder the understanding and support those affected may need.
One widely-held belief is that BPD sufferers are simply seeking attention or exaggerating their emotions.
In reality, they have a genuine mental health disorder characterized by persistent and significant shifts in mood and self-image.
Another misconception is that people with BPD cannot maintain any stable relationships.
While their relationships may be challenged by fear of abandonment and other BPD symptoms, many still form deep connections with others and can, with treatment and support, improve their interpersonal skills.
Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder
About 1.6% of the United States population struggles with the symptoms of BPD.
The exact cause of BPD is still unknown, but it may occur due to childhood trauma, genetic predisposition, or the improper functioning of hormones that regulate emotions.
The main symptoms of BPD include the following:
Extreme Mood Swings
With BPD, you may feel sad in one moment and suddenly be happy the next – your mood is prone to changing very quickly. And small things may easily affect your mood, for example, you might easily get angry as a result of a minor inconvenience. This sort of erratic behavior can be very stressful for you and your family.
Relationship Issues
Due to emotional instability and unpredictable behavior, you may start to face relationship issues. You may find it difficult to establish a friendship or relationship as a result of BPD.
Emotional instability can make you overreact in case of arguments with your partner, leading to the escalation of these conflicts, eventually poisoning the relationship.
Distorted Self-image
It can be hard for you to maintain a positive or accurate self-image if you have BPD. You may experience low self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness with borderline personality disorder. Sometimes, this can lead to depression, which a therapist can help you work through.
Thoughts of Self-harm
In BPD, you may engage yourself in self-harming activities such as substance abuse, alcoholism, and cutting or scratching. Moreover, you can also experience suicidal thoughts if your BPD symptoms deteriorate.
If you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please call the suicide prevention hotline immediately on 1-800-273-8255, or 911 in an emergency situation. And if you are struggling with cutting or scratching, it’s often best to see a therapist in person, rather than online, so that they can provide a closer level of support.
Fear of Abandonment
The fear of abandonment refers to the fear of being left alone. If your partner is busy and not giving you enough attention, coming home late from the office, or going on trips or vacations with friends, you may throw tantrums or engage in impulsive behavior.
You may try different means of changing your partner’s behaviors in such a situation. These may include fighting, begging, crying, or clutching your partner, which may lead to instability in the relationship.
Sense of Emptiness
With BPD, you may experience feelings of depression and emptiness that can make you feel like you mean nothing to anyone. You may possess an emotional emptiness inside you, which can make you feel extremely lonely.
To fill this emptiness, you may start adopting unhealthy behaviors such as drug and alcohol abus
Online vs. In-person Therapy for BPD
You can get BPD therapy either online, or using in-person sessions with a BPD therapist.
Below, we’ve explained some key areas to consider when choosing whether to see a therapist in person or over the internet.
Methods of communication
Online BPD therapy offers a wider range of communication methods to connect with your therapist. You can access BPD therapy sessions on a mobile phone, laptop, or tablet.
On the other hand, you need to go to a therapist’s clinic if you want in-person BPD therapy. Sometimes, you might be able to find a therapist who you can see in person, who also provides the option of email therapy and phone calls as well. However, these types of therapists can be a bit harder to find.
Accessibility
Online platforms provide you with easy access to qualified BPD therapists even if you reside in a rural or remote area. On the other hand, if you’re looking for an in-person therapist, it might be hard to find a mental health professional near you who specializes in helping people with BPD, depending on where you live.
Using online therapy, you can access qualified counselors, no matter if you live outside of a major town or city.
Convenience
Getting BPD therapy using an online platform is more convenient for some people than traditional face-to-face sessions. With online counseling, you can get BPD therapy over any modern laptop or smartphone from the comfort of your own home.
Moreover, most online therapists have flexible scheduling compared to those who offer only in-person sessions. You might find it easier to schedule counseling sessions outside of business hours, with a therapist in another time zone for example.
Cost Differences
Generally, online platforms cost less than in-person therapists. Most online services that offer BPD therapy charge weekly or monthly, while in-person therapists charge according to the number of sessions. However, online therapy platforms are very rarely covered by health insurance providers, so if you have coverage, it may be cheaper to see a therapist in person.
Online platforms may offer special discounts if you are struggling financially, and some in-person therapists also offer sliding-scale pricing for those on lower incomes.
Your Personal Preference
Although online BPD therapy is very accessible and is more convenient for some than traditional in-person therapy, you may still prefer face-to-face BDP therapy if you’d feel more comfortable speaking with a therapist face-to-face.
Ultimately, what matters most is that you are able to open up to your counselor, and that you feel comfortable getting help from them. For some, you might find it easier to speak to a therapist online, including over text. However, for others, it might feel easier to get help face-to-face.
Severity of BPD Symptoms
If you are suffering from severe BPD symptoms, such as extreme mood swings, it’s often best to see a therapist in person, rather than over the internet.
Face-to-face, a therapist is able to provide a closer level of support, which is particularly important if you are suffering from severe BPD.
Therapeutic Approaches in Online Therapy for BPD
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a complex mental health condition that requires a comprehensive and individualized approach to treatment.
There are various evidence-based therapies available to help individuals with BPD manage their symptoms and improve their overall functioning.
It is crucial for individuals with BPD to work closely with their healthcare providers to find the most suitable combination of treatments for their unique needs and circumstances.
With the right support and therapeutic tools, individuals with BPD can learn to manage their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
One well-established treatment for BPD is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
DBT is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy that combines individual therapy and group therapy to help clients develop emotional regulation skills, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness.
It focuses on teaching clients to understand better and manage their emotions, as well as improve their relationships with others.
Mentalization-Based Therapy (MBT)
Another effective approach for managing BPD symptoms is Mentalization-Based Therapy (MBT).
MBT emphasizes the development of mentalizing skills, which involve understanding one’s own and others’ mental states, emotions, and thoughts.
The therapy integrates elements of psychodynamic and cognitive therapies, typically consisting of individual and group sessions.
Schema-focused Therapy
Schema-focused therapy is an integrative approach to treating BPD that involves CBT, psychoanalysis, emotion-focused therapy, and other psychotherapies. It can help you cope with negative thoughts that usually overpower you in BPD, such as fear of abandonment or being deceived, or feelings of emptiness.
Schema refers to the negative patterns you may have developed if your emotional needs weren’t met during childhood. In schema therapy, a therapist helps you learn how to fulfill your emotional needs in acceptable ways. Different psychotherapeutic approaches including emotive, interpersonal effectiveness, cognitive, and behavioral techniques are used to identify and overcome your childhood schemas.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Alongside these specific therapies, other types of treatment can also be beneficial for those with BPD.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps clients identify and change negative thinking patterns and behaviors.
Although not always specifically tailored for BPD, CBT can still provide valuable skills and techniques when integrated with other treatments.
Benefits
Online therapy offers several benefits for individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), including:
| Benefits | Description |
|---|---|
| Accessibility | Provides access to mental health support from the comfort of one’s home, making it particularly beneficial for individuals with BPD who may struggle with social interactions or have difficulty leaving their homes due to anxiety or other symptoms. |
| Convenience | Eliminates the need for travel to a therapist’s office, saving time and reducing barriers to treatment. This convenience can be especially helpful for individuals with BPD who may have busy schedules, childcare responsibilities, or mobility issues. |
| Consistency | Allows for more consistent treatment by eliminating disruptions due to travel, weather, or other external factors. This consistency is essential for individuals with BPD, as regular therapy sessions are crucial for managing symptoms and building coping skills. |
| Flexible Communication | Online therapy platforms offer various communication options, including messaging, video calls, and phone calls, allowing individuals with BPD to choose the method that feels most comfortable for them. This flexibility can help overcome communication challenges commonly associated with BPD, such as fear of abandonment or rejection. |
| Access to Specialized Therapists | Online therapy platforms often have a diverse network of therapists with expertise in treating BPD and other personality disorders. This allows individuals to find a therapist who understands their specific needs and can provide effective treatment tailored to their symptoms. |
| Affordability | May be more affordable than traditional in-person therapy, as it eliminates the costs associated with travel and office overhead. Additionally, many online therapy platforms offer subscription plans or sliding-scale fees, making treatment more accessible for individuals with limited financial resources. |
Limitations
While online therapy offers numerous benefits for individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), it also has some limitations that should be considered, including:
| Limitations | Description |
|---|---|
| Lack of In-Person Interaction | May lack the face-to-face interaction and non-verbal cues that can be essential for building rapport and establishing a therapeutic relationship, which may be particularly challenging for individuals with BPD who struggle with interpersonal relationships. |
| Limited Access to Crisis Intervention | In cases of acute crisis or severe distress, online therapy may not provide immediate access to emergency services or crisis intervention. Individuals with BPD who experience intense emotional dysregulation or suicidal ideation may require more immediate support than online therapy can offer. |
| Technology Barriers | Relies on technology, including internet connectivity, devices, and software platforms. Individuals with limited access to technology or who are not comfortable using digital tools may face barriers to accessing online therapy services. |
| Privacy Concerns | While online therapy platforms prioritize confidentiality and data security, there may still be concerns about privacy, especially for individuals with BPD who may be sensitive to perceived judgments or breaches of trust. Some individuals may feel uncomfortable sharing personal information over digital platforms. |
| Limited Treatment Modalities | While many therapeutic techniques can be adapted for online therapy, certain modalities, such as body-oriented therapies or group therapy formats, may be less feasible to conduct effectively in a digital environment. Individuals with BPD may benefit from a variety of treatment approaches, and online therapy may not always accommodate these preferences. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is online therapy effective for BPD?
Online therapy has been shown to be effective for a variety of mental health issues, including borderline personality disorder (BPD).
However, the effectiveness of online therapy depends on factors such as the individual’s specific needs and the quality of the online therapy program.
What type of therapist is best for BPD?
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a widely recognized treatment approach for BPD.
Therapists trained in DBT can help individuals with BPD learn skills to regulate emotions, tolerate distress, and improve interpersonal relationships.
It is important to find a therapist who has experience and specific training in treating BPD to ensure the most effective treatment.
Other therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic therapy, may also be beneficial, depending on the individual’s needs and preferences.
How do I help myself with borderline personality disorder?
While professional therapy is essential for treating BPD, there are steps individuals can take to help themselves.
Creating a strong support network of friends, family, and mental health professionals can be beneficial for managing symptoms.
Additionally, self-help resources such as books, articles, and online forums can provide valuable information and coping strategies.
It is important to remember that self-help should not replace professional therapy. Instead, it should complement the work done in therapy sessions.
References
Lakeman, R., King, P., Hurley, J., Tranter, R., Leggett, A., Campbell, K., & Herrera, C. (2022). Towards online delivery of dialectical behaviour therapy: a scoping review. International journal of mental health nursing, 31(4), 843-856. Link.
van der Boom, B., Boumparis, N., Donker, T., de Beurs, D., Arntz, A., & Riper, H. (2022). Internet-delivered interventions for personality disorders–A scoping review. Internet Interventions, 28, 100525. Link.
