ADULT
The McLean Center for the Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder
All Borderline Services (pdf) |
John Gunderson, MD, Medical Director
John Gunderson, MD |
The Center for the Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) at McLean Hospital provides a comprehensive array of services for the diagnosis and treatment of BPD. The program, for individuals 18 and older, is operated by dedicated professionals with specialized training and experience in working with individuals with BPD. It offers an innovative combination of behavioral skills training, medication management, psychoeducational services and long-term individual psychotherapy. All are aimed at enhancing self-reliance and social functioning, while significantly reducing the need for hospitalization.
What is Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)?
BPD is characterized by a pervasive pattern of unstable relationships, self-image, emotions and impulse control. Individuals with BPD may present with a combination of difficulties that often include depression, anxiety, post-traumatic symptoms, substance abuse and/or eating disorders. These conditions can manifest themselves through recurring fears of abandonment, angry outbursts, identity disturbances, self-damaging behavior or suicidality, intolerance of being alone and/or chronic feelings of emptiness or boredom.
Treatment
New patients receive a thorough outpatient evaluation from which individual treatment needs are identified and recommendations are made for placement in the most appropriate level of care, beginning with referral to an experienced psychotherapist. Treatment reflects the latest advances in psychosocial and psychopharmacological therapies, drawing from psychodynamic, biological, social-psychological and cognitive-behavioral perspectives.
Residential Care
Gunderson Residence of McLean Hospital is a new, exclusive treatment program for women, age 21 and older, with BPD or other complex personality disorders. The self-funded program offers highly structured, individualized treatment in a comfortable, supportive setting designed to foster self-reliance, independence and optimal functioning.
Outpatient Services
A comprehensive outpatient program offers approximately 10 groups per week and psychopharmacologic services. The groups include: Self Assessment Group, DBT Skills Group, Mentalization Group, Interpersonal Group, Readiness Group and the Psychoeducational Family Interventions and Multiple Family Groups. For further information, please contact Jodie O'Malley, LICSW at 617.855.3452 or jmomalley@partners.org, Monday through Friday.
Experienced Staff
John Gunderson, MD, and his colleagues have been central to the development of knowledge about personality disorders, including their diagnoses, causes and treatments. Clinicians working with Dr. Gunderson are experienced professionals with extensive training and special interest in treating individuals with personality disorders. George Smith, LICSW, direct partial hospital and outpatient services respectively. Elizabeth Murphy, PhD, coordinates the DBT services and Maureen Smith, LICSW, coordinates family services. Mary Zanarini, EdD, oversees an extensive research program.
Helpful Links
- Behavioral Tech: Training for Mental Health Professional www.behavioraltech.org
- Borderline Personality Resource Center bpdresourcecenter.org
- Florida Borderline Personality Disorder Association www.fbpda.org
- National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder www.borderlinepersonalitydisorder.com
- New England Personality Disorder Assoc www.nepda.org
- Personality Studies Institute psinstitute.org/
- Treatment and Research Advances, Borderline Personality Disorder www.Tara4bpd.org
About McLean Hospital
U.S. News & World Report ranked McLean Hospital first among all freestanding psychiatric hospitals. McLean Hospital is the largest psychiatric facility of Harvard Medical School, an affiliate of the Massachusetts General Hospital and a member of Partners HealthCare.
