Specialized, Evidence-Based Care at Alta Loma
At Alta Loma, our team is experts in treating individuals with diverse personality disorders. Symptoms can disrupt relationships, social interactions, and work or school performance. However, the effects of personality disorders can be mitigated with appropriate mental health treatment.
Alta Loma utilizes cutting-edge therapeutic techniques to aid our residents in symptom management. With an emphasis on medication management, family involvement, and community, our long-term treatment programs not only stabilize debilitating symptoms but also help residents learn how to thrive in life despite their diagnosis.
Just minutes from Austin, TX, our team is ready to help
If you or someone you care about is struggling to address your need for mental health, Alta Loma could mean the difference between relapse and long-term recovery
Understanding Personality Disorders
Personality disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by ways of thinking or behaving that are unhealthy, destructive, or maladaptive. Symptoms usually emerge during the teenage years or early adulthood, but vary depending on the specific personality disorder involved.
Types of personality disorders are classified into three clusters based on similar characteristics:
- Cluster A disorders are characterized by eccentric, paranoid, or schizoid behaviors
- Cluster B disorders are characterized by dramatic, emotional, or unpredictable behaviors
- Cluster C disorders are characterized by anxious or obsessive tendencies
Numerous individuals display signs of one or multiple personality disorders, with symptoms varying from mild to severe. A precise diagnosis entails examining prolonged patterns of thoughts or actions diverging from cultural norms and tackling any accompanying conditions like depression, anxiety, autism spectrum disorders, or substance abuse.
Common Types of Personality Disorders We Treat
There are several different types of personality disorders, and while the signs and symptoms vary, they often lead to behaviors that differ from accepted social norms. Those with a personality disorder tend to act one way, either inappropriately or destructively, and struggle to understand why others don’t do the same.
Since their behavior seems reasonable to them, they tend to have a different view of the world and fail to see the consequences of their actions, causing friction or distress in social situations. Without effective treatment, the lasting impact can create significant challenges in their personal or professional lives.
The mental health experts at Alta Loma have experience with numerous personality disorders and can help residents effectively manage their symptoms. We can also help those with a co-occurring disorder or a dual diagnosis, which often appear alongside other mental health issues.
Cluster A Personality Disorder
Cluster A personality disorders are characterized by odd or eccentric patterns of thinking and behavior, often including social detachment and unusual beliefs or perceptions.
Paranoid Personality Disorder
Characterized by feelings of suspicion, paranoia, or distrust of others, paranoid personality disorder can interfere with the ability to form healthy relationships and lead to conflicts or jealous behavior.
Schizoid Personality Disorder
In many cases, schizoid personality disorder can cause a lack of interest in other people. A person who has this disorder may not seek intimacy or want to form close relationships. They may be inward-looking and become absorbed in a rich, imaginative, or fantasy life.
Cluster B Personality Disorder
Cluster B personality disorders are characterized by dramatic, emotional, or erratic behavior, often involving intense interpersonal relationships and difficulty regulating emotions.
Borderline Personality Disorder
Characterized by severe emotional instability, a distorted or volatile self-image, and impulsive behavior, BPD often causes stormy relationships with others. People with BPD may have difficulty maintaining stable relationships and have problems with self-harm.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder
People with narcissistic personality disorder have an inflated self-image and an illusion of superiority, which often leads to entitlement and an excessive need for praise and admiration.
Antisocial Personality Disorder
Characterized by a lack of empathy or concern for others and manipulative behavior, individuals with antisocial disorder often struggle to feel guilt or remorse.
Histrionic Personality Disorder
Those who struggle with histrionic personality disorder often have an intense desire to be noticed and a sense of self-esteem that depends on others. This can lead to engagement in dramatic or provocative behavior. Histrionic personality disorder can make it difficult to develop healthy boundaries and genuine connections with others.
Cluster C Personality Disorder
Cluster C personality disorders are characterized by anxious and fearful patterns of thinking and behavior, often involving excessive worry, insecurity, and sensitivity to criticism.
Avoidant Personality Disorder
Those who struggle with avoidant personality disorder often struggle with feelings of social inhibition or isolation and extreme shyness. They often avoid social situations due to a fear of criticism or rejection, which can lead to low self-esteem, isolation, and trouble forming and maintaining relationships.
Dependent Personality Disorder
Defined by relying on others to fulfill emotional or physical requirements, individuals with dependent personality disorder tend to shun solitude, question their capabilities, and seek ongoing validation.
Personality Disorders and Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions
At Alta Loma, we focus on treating residents with high-acuity mental health conditions, including co-occurring disorders. Personality disorders may co-occur with mood disorders such as depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and substance use disorders.
Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder and Other Personality Disorders
Symptoms of borderline personality disorder (BPD) often include intense emotional instability, rapid mood swings, and a deep fear of abandonment that can lead to impulsive behaviors and unstable relationships. Individuals may struggle with a fluctuating self-image, chronic feelings of emptiness, and difficulty managing anger, sometimes resulting in self-harm or risky actions. These symptoms can significantly interfere with daily functioning and make it challenging to maintain consistent work, relationships, and a sense of identity.
Other personality disorders present with their own distinct patterns of thoughts and behaviors, but many share common challenges such as difficulty with interpersonal relationships, rigid thinking, and maladaptive coping strategies. For example, some individuals may appear overly suspicious or detached, while others may exhibit dramatic, attention-seeking, or highly anxious behaviors. Across all personality disorders, symptoms tend to be long-standing and deeply ingrained, often requiring structured, evidence-based treatment to support lasting change and improved quality of life.
Our Approach to Personality Disorder Treatment
At Alta Loma, we provide transformative services for those dealing with personality disorders and other mental health issues. We establish a safe, structured environment where residents can find stability and hope, tailoring our services to meet each person’s unique needs. By combining the expertise of our psychiatric team with proven methods and a highly personalized approach to healing, we can help individuals facing challenging diagnoses and co-occurring disorders that may not have found success elsewhere.
Evidence-Based Therapies and Modalities
At Alta Loma, we utilize evidence-based therapies and modalities tailored to varying types of mental health disorders. This includes trauma-focused therapies, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
Medication Management and Psychiatric Support
Medication management and psychiatric support play critical roles in the treatment process. Psychiatric care involves a full evaluation, consistent monitoring, and frequent check-ins to ensure that any medication a resident may be taking is effectively working as anticipated.
Individual Therapy and Group Therapy
At Alta Loma, individual therapy allows residents to work with a therapist one-on-one to identify their treatment goals and determine the specific steps needed to move forward. Individual therapy is where residents may learn new coping skills, process trauma, and discover emotional regulation techniques. Group therapy provides an environment where clients can build relationship skills, practice communication, and learn from their peers.
Why Alta Loma Is Different
Our programs combine long-term, psychiatry-driven care with family support and individualized treatment plans to help those with severe mental health conditions achieve lasting stability.
Dual Diagnosis Support
Our programs are designed to treat co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders simultaneously, addressing the unique challenges of dual diagnosis for long-term recovery.
Family-Focused Therapy
Families are integral to the healing process, participating in weekly sessions and intensive monthly programs that strengthen support systems and improve treatment outcomes.
High Staff Involvement
At our treatment center, residents benefit from a high staff-to-client ratio, with continuous, personalized care from therapists, psychiatrists, and peer specialists throughout the treatment journey.
Long-Term, Psychiatry-Driven Care
At Alta Loma, we provide Individualized treatment led by board-certified psychiatrists. This ensures every resident receives expert guidance for complex mental health conditions. Our approach supports lasting stability rather than short-term symptom relief.
Community Reintegration Model
Alta Loma focuses on real-world skills and gradual reentry into the community, helping residents transition confidently while maintaining mental health stability.
Holistic, Evidence-Based Approach
Our care combines psychotherapy, medication management, psychoeducation, and complementary therapies to create a comprehensive, science-backed plan tailored to each resident’s needs.
CBT Treatment
Nutrition Education
Medication Management
Recreational Therapy
Truthought Curriculum
Community Integration
Levels of Care for Personality Disorder Treatment
Care at Alta Loma is not designed as short-term or step-in access to isolated services. Every individual is admitted into a structured, long-term continuum of care that begins with the primary program and progresses based on clinical readiness, stability, and real-world functioning.
Primary Program
All residents begin in the primary program. This phase provides intensive, psychiatry-driven care within a highly structured environment designed for individuals with severe mental illness and complex presentations, including personality disorders.
Treatment includes frequent psychiatric oversight, master’s-level individual therapy, and consistent staff engagement to support stabilization, insight development, and early progress toward functional independence.
Extended Care and Supportive Living
As residents demonstrate increased stability and clinical progress, they may transition into extended care and supportive living environments within the same continuum. These phases maintain strong clinical involvement while gradually introducing greater independence and responsibility.
This step-down approach emphasizes community reintegration, helping residents apply therapeutic skills in real-world settings while still receiving ongoing psychiatric care, therapy, and peer support.
Family Involvement and Support
Family involvement plays a crucial role in the treatment process at Alta Loma. Our priority is to help family members and loved ones understand and heal together.
Family Therapy and Education
Family therapy and education in mental health treatment help families understand mental health conditions, improving communication and support. Sessions teach coping strategies and practical skills to manage stress, conflict, and emotional challenges together. By involving family members, treatment becomes more collaborative, promoting long-term well-being.
Support Groups and Ongoing Resources
Through support groups and the ongoing resources we offer at Alta Loma, our residents can remain connected to those they met during treatment. This can prevent isolation and encourage motivation as residents move forward with their recovery.
Life After Treatment: Discharge Planning and Long-Term Wellness
Discharge planning and long-term wellness are central to Alta Loma’s mission, ensuring that residents leave our care with a clear, supportive roadmap for sustained recovery. Extensive aftercare planning addresses each person’s unique needs and may include housing placement, ongoing psychiatry, therapy, case management, peer support, or a referral to local outpatient programs. By coordinating these resources, we help residents transition smoothly back into their communities, maintain treatment success, and build the skills, support networks, and stability necessary for lasting wellness.
When to Seek Professional Help
Seeking professional help for personality disorders is crucial, especially when symptoms begin to interfere with daily life, relationships, or emotional well-being. Early intervention can make a significant difference, as timely assessment and treatment – such as therapy, medication, and skill-building – can prevent patterns from becoming more entrenched and reduce the risk of co-occurring mental health challenges. Recognizing the need for professional support early allows individuals to develop healthier coping strategies, improve interpersonal functioning, and achieve more stable, long-term outcomes.
Personality Disorders FAQs
What are the most common BPD symptoms, including mood swings, impulsivity, and fear of abandonment?
In addition to mood swings, impulsivity, and fear of abandonment, other common BPD symptoms may include trouble controlling anger, extreme sensitivity to rejection, risky behavior, unstable behaviors, a distorted sense of identity, and suicidal ideation.
How does borderline personality disorder treatment address self-harm and self-destructive behaviors?
Borderline personality disorder treatment addresses self-harm and self-destructive behaviors through therapy sessions that help to get to the root cause of the problem, as well as evidence-based treatment methods such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
How is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) different from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in treating BPD?
While DBT addresses understanding and getting to the root cause of self-destructive behaviors and trouble with emotional regulation, CBT more closely focuses on taking steps to avoid those potential issues.
Can Alta Loma help individuals with severe BPD and unstable relationships?
Yes, at our personality disorder treatment center, we can help individuals with severe BPD and unstable relationships. We accomplish this through long-term mental health treatment, medication management, and individual and group therapy sessions. Residents also have access to life skills training to learn healthy coping skills for stress, as well as other traits that can benefit them as they move forward with their recovery journey.
How does a multidisciplinary treatment team support recovery from BPD and related behavioral health conditions?
At Alta Loma, our team of clinicians, consisting of psychiatrists, case managers, social workers, nurses, and substance use specialists, works together to coordinate care for those in recovery from BPD and related behavioral health conditions.
Do you provide referrals once BPD treatment has ended?
Yes, if needed, we provide referrals for ongoing treatment in outpatient programs.
Our Facilities & Programs
Our facilities are meticulously crafted to offer solace, recovery, and a feeling of belonging. From expansive, elegantly furnished bedrooms that guarantee seclusion and peace, to shared spaces that nurture relationships and companionship, each aspect has been meticulously planned to enhance the journey to well-being.
Men's Programs
Women's Programs
Contact Us
You understand your needs best. If you have found yourself at a crossroads in your treatment and feel like your program options don’t fully understand you or aspects of your recovery, it’s time to contact the specialists at Alta Loma.
phone
(512) 877-4883
Opening Hours
Open 24 Hours
Address
103 E 8th St, Georgetown, TX 78626
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