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Offered in-person & online

Our therapists offer personality disorder counseling in Cambridge, MA

Get in-person or online care, and cover the majority of the costs with your insurance.

Get in-person or online care, and cover the majority of the costs with your insurance. Scheduling is easy — call our team and they’ll help you find your perfect match.

Connect with a therapist, psychiatrist or counselor near you
http://Thriveworks%20wins%20Yahoo!%20award%20for%20best%20online%20therapy%20services%20two%20years%20in%20a%20row.

686,000 people sought help with Thriveworks in the last year

Discover how starting personality disorder therapy can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS, Cigna | Evernorth, +4 more
Narcissism, Anger, Behavioral Issues, Self Esteem, Stress, +16 more

As a trained physician, experienced oriental medicine practitioner, and PhD medical researcher, I believe in a holistic approach to physical, mental, ... As a trained physician, experienced oriental medicine practitioner, and PhD medical researcher, I believe in a holistic approach to physical, mental, and spiritual health. Read more

Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS, Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card), +23 more
Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, +6 more

As a nurse who has been practicing nursing for over 20 years and a Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Educator (of 10 years as well) working for a major cit... As a nurse who has been practicing nursing for over 20 years and a Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Educator (of 10 years as well) working for a major city hospital in Massachusetts; caring for a wide ethnic group as well as young adults to geriatric population; working with many patients with mental health and substance abuse disorders in the in-patient and outpatient settings, I have practically seen it all and recognize some of the barriers to healthcare that the vulnerable and underserved population face therefore can understand the stigmatization and difficulty associated with caring for such group. Read more

Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS, Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card), +24 more
Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, +12 more

Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS, Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card), +24 more
Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Infidelity, Self Esteem, +10 more

Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS, Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card), +24 more
Stress, Women’s Issues, OCD / Obsessive-Compulsive, Sleep / Insomnia, Anxiety, +2 more

I understand the complex and dynamic needs associated with mental health challenges—and can help you fulfill those needs.

Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS, Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card), +25 more
Anger, Behavioral Issues, Men’s Issues, Stress, ADHD, +3 more

As a human being, I understand the myriad of psychiatric, psychological, and mental health problems that humans face throughout their formative years,... As a human being, I understand the myriad of psychiatric, psychological, and mental health problems that humans face throughout their formative years, adolescence, young adulthood, and mid-adulthood. Read more

Starting Personality disorder therapy

What is personality disorder therapy?

Personality disorder counseling is an effective form of mental health treatment for those with personality disorders. It aims to treat dangerous behavior as well as behavior that might contribute to a low quality of life.

How does personality disorder therapy work?

Thriveworks personality disorder counseling in Cambridge, MA is personalized to each individual, dependent on their unique needs and the severity of their personality disorder. That said, it often works best to have a team of professionals involved in treatment, which might include a psychiatric provider and/or other experts in addition to your therapist.

Is personality disorder therapy conducted in person or online?

Thriveworks’ personality disorder counseling in Cambridge, MA is conducted both in person and virtually through online therapy. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How long does personality disorder therapy last?

The length of personality disorder counseling sessions will depend on the individual’s specific personality disorder, which means it can vary from one person to the next.

Need more help deciding?

Dependent Personality Disorder Treatment in Cambridge, MA

Dependent Personality Disorder introduces many personal and professional handicaps into an individual’s life. It is a serious mental illness, but it is also a disorder that has viable treatment options.

If you or someone you know is struggling with dependency, know that it is possible to live an independent, self-reliant life. The therapists at Thriveworks Cambridge have worked with many clients who have Dependent Personality Disorder and helped them become their unique, capable self. Reach out today to schedule.

Dependent Personality Disorder: What Is It?

Two powerful but untrue beliefs undergird and fuel Dependent Personality Disorder. First, people with the disorder believe they care incapable—that they cannot fulfill and take responsibility for their own psychological and mental needs. Second, people with the disorder believe that others must provide for them. These negative and false thought patterns are two sides of the same coin, and they lead to a number of negative behaviors that undermine a person’s individuality. People with the disorder are often anxious and clingy in relationships. They are their own worst critics—downplaying their skills and emphasizing their faults.

Signs of Dependent Personality Disorder

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) outlines the diagnostics for Dependent Personality Disorder (301.6[F70.7]) in detail. The primary signs are:

  1. A need to be cared for.
  2. Submissive behavior.
  3. Fear of separation.

People with the disorder will also have at least five of the following:

  • Seeking reassurance and advice about everyday choices from a caretaker or authority figure. For example, calling a parent about where to eat out or which color sweater to buy.
  • Experiencing discomfort with one’s individuality.
  • Fearing having to provide for oneself.
  • Abdicating responsibility within significant areas of one’s life. For example, having another person pay one’s bills.
  • Going to great lengths to ensure a caregiver’s nurture and support, even compromising one’s values or identity.
  • Experiencing an intense fear of abandonment.
  • Being overly compliant with what other’s believe and think. For example, yielding to everything, from which movie to see to which political party to support.
  • Hopping from one caretaker to another whenever a relationship ends.
  • Fear of being alone.

Dependent Personality Disorder Treatment Options

Dependency can severely hinder an individual’s ability to function well in life, but it is possible to live a unique and independent life. One particular challenge to healing is that the therapist cannot become another dependent relationship or caregiver. Therapy must focus upon building self-reliance. In order to do so, there are several options for treatment, depending upon a particular individual’s needs. For example, a holistic treatment plan may include elements such as…

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy: This treatment looks at the disordered beliefs that the disorder teaches people. It helps individuals identify untrue thinking patterns, such as, “I cannot provide for my own needs.” It helps people see the truth, that they are capable people.
  • Medication: Some people need the symptoms of the disorder to be relieved in the short term so that they can focus upon long term healing. Medication may be particularly helpful for people who are also struggling with depression or anxiety.
  • Psychodynamic therapy: This treatment option has a long-term healing goal. It delves into how and why the dependency developed. It explores emotional and psychological wounds so that healing can be applied.

Scheduling Appointments at Thriveworks Cambridge

If you are struggling with dependency, consider reaching out for help. Thriveworks Cambridge treats Dependent Personality Disorder, and we have appointments available. When you call our office, your first appointment may be within the week. We also accept many different forms of insurance. Call today.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our Cambridge therapists and counselors accept 23 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS Medicare Advantage (HMO | PPO)

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS

  • Carelon

  • Carelon | Medicare Advantage

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Compsych

  • Fallon Health | Medicare Advantage

  • Firefly Health Plan | Cigna PPO Network

  • First Health Network

  • Harvard Pilgrim

Show more
Self-pay costs at Cambridge
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

4.6 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
The therapist asked thoughtful questions and her responses were thoughtful and professional. It showed her understanding of mental health issues
Sharon Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
She listened to me. The first time we met she asked me all sorts of questions and then sat back and let me talk. She was THE FIRST to really listen and diagnose me. Once I had the diagnosis, my best friend and I said finally. I'm now on medication and feel like I'm functioning fully for the first time in years.
Read more She listened to me. The first time we met she asked me all sorts of questions and then sat back and let me talk. She was THE FIRST to really listen and diagnose me. Once I had the diagnosis, my best friend and I said finally. I'm now on medication and feel like I'm functioning fully for the first time in years.
Nicole Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Very good attention to detail and caring about my life. I really appreciate everything.
Pierre Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I love my provider (Karissa Peoples). She is very thoughtful, professional and understanding. She has done wonders for my mental health and inner peace. 10/10
Joseph Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My provider has given me tools to work through my challenges.
Alicia Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Marissa does great work, especially given that our appointments are just 30 minutes
Benjamin Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
The patient can talk to his/her doctor using Zoom. It saves time and traveling.
Joseph Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
The honesty of my therapist and how I am always excepted with them.
Robert Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Cambridge is located off of Massachusetts Ave, on the north side of the Charles River. Our office is in the Cambridge Tower next to Apollo Travel and Tours, Tanjore, and Cambridge Premier Realty. The closest bus stop is Massachusetts Ave opp Lee St. If you have trouble finding our office or have any questions about how to get here, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Phone number

(617) 380-4651

Languages spoken by MA providers

  • English
  • Spanish
  • Creole
  • French
  • Japanese
  • Mandarin
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm

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Thursday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 8:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 6:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:30pm

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