What is the best treatment for BPD in Australia?

Psychotherapy is the primary recommended treatment for BPD. Two of the most well-evidenced approaches are Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Schema Therapy. Other approaches including CBT, ACT and EMDR are also used. Medication alone is not considered the main treatment for BPD, though it may sometimes be used alongside therapy for specific symptoms. Cairnmillar's registered clinicians include practitioners with experience in DBT, Schema Therapy, CBT, ACT and EMDR.

Is there free support available for BPD in Melbourne?

Yes. Cairnmillar's Community Clinic offers free individual counselling with student clinicians working under experienced supervision. This service is available to anyone aged 4 and over, with no referral required. Low-cost personality assessments are also available through the Community Clinic pathway for $100 (full fee) or $50 (concession). Contact the clinic on 1800 391 393 for more information.

What Is Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)? Signs, Treatment and Support in Australia

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition that affects thoughts, emotions and behaviours and can make it difficult to cope in areas such as relationships and daily life.

Healthdirect states that research estimates around 1 in 100 adults live with borderline personality disorder. BPD is treatable, and psychological therapy is the main form of treatment. Treatment is tailored to the individual and may include approaches such as Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), psychodynamic therapy and Schema Therapy.

This guide explains what BPD is, how it presents, and what treatment and support options are available in Australia — including how Cairnmillar Institute’s clinic in Melbourne can help.

Key Takeaways

BPD is a mental health condition characterised by emotional instability, difficulties in relationships and challenges with self-image
BPD is treatable, and psychological therapy is the main form of treatment. Healthdirect lists DBT, psychodynamic therapy and Schema Therapy as examples of evidence-based therapies that may help.
BPD should be assessed by a mental health professional with experience in the condition, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. Diagnosis is based on a person’s symptoms and experiences and may involve a broader psychological assessment where appropriate.
Cairnmillar offers psychological assessment services that can explore personality and mental health concerns, as well as Individual Counselling for adults with a range of presentations.
Crisis support is available 24 hours a day through Lifeline on 13 11 14

What Is Borderline Personality Disorder?

Borderline Personality Disorder is a mental health condition characterised by ongoing instability in emotions, self-image, thinking and relationships. People living with BPD may experience intense emotional responses that are difficult to manage, patterns of unstable relationships, and a fluctuating sense of identity.

BPD is a recognised mental health condition. Healthdirect notes that it can be treated, with ongoing psychological therapy forming an important part of treatment.

Signs and Symptoms of BPD

BPD presents differently in different people. Common signs and experiences associated with BPD include intense fear of abandonment — whether real or imagined — and a pattern of unstable and intense personal relationships that may shift between idealisation and significant conflict.

People living with BPD may also experience a persistently unstable or unclear sense of identity, impulsive behaviours in areas such as spending, relationships or other high-risk activities, and significant emotional swings that can occur rapidly and feel difficult to control. Some people experience chronic feelings of emptiness, difficulty managing anger, and in some cases, thoughts of self-harm or suicidal ideation.

Not everyone who experiences these challenges will have BPD. Many of these experiences are also associated with other mental health conditions. If BPD is suspected, assessment should be undertaken by a mental health professional with experience in the condition, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. Diagnosis is based on the person’s symptoms and experiences.

⚠️ If you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or call 000 in an emergency.

What Causes BPD?

The causes of BPD are not completely understood. Healthdirect notes that it is probably caused by a combination of genetic factors and life experiences. Childhood abuse, neglect or trauma are common in the histories of some people with BPD, but a person can develop BPD without these experiences, and experiencing trauma does not mean someone will develop BPD.

How Is BPD Diagnosed in Australia?

If BPD is suspected, Healthdirect recommends assessment by a mental health professional who has experience with the condition, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. The assessment considers symptoms, experiences and relevant history before a diagnosis is made.

At Cairnmillar Institute’s clinic in Melbourne, psychological assessments are available for people who want to better understand their mental health, personality traits or day-to-day functioning. Cairnmillar’s assessment service can explore areas including personality and mental health concerns. The specific assessment pathway depends on the person’s circumstances and the questions being explored.

Cairnmillar offers several assessment pathways and lists personality assessment among the areas its assessment service can explore. The Community Clinic currently lists a two-session Personality Assessment at $100, or $50 concession. However, this should not be interpreted as a guaranteed BPD diagnostic assessment. Cairnmillar’s Assessment Clinic Lead reviews each person’s information and allocates them to the most appropriate pathway. People seeking diagnostic clarification for complex mental health presentations may be allocated to a registered-psychologist assessment pathway.

For a full breakdown of assessment types, fees and pathways, visit the Cairnmillar Assessments page.

Treatment for BPD in Australia

Psychotherapy is the primary recommended treatment for BPD in Australia. Medication alone is generally not considered the main approach, though it may sometimes be used alongside therapy for specific symptoms.

Evidence-based psychological therapies used in BPD treatment include Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), psychodynamic therapy and Schema Therapy.

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) was developed specifically to support people who experience intense emotional responses and difficulty managing them. DBT combines individual therapy and skills training in four areas — mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness. Healthdirect lists DBT as an evidence-based therapy that can help people with BPD. Cairnmillar lists Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) among the therapeutic modalities available through its Individual Counselling service. Clients should discuss the specific form of DBT available and its suitability for their needs during the clinic’s triage process.

Schema Therapy is an integrative approach that works with deep-rooted patterns and beliefs — called schemas — that may have developed during childhood and continue to affect how a person relates to themselves and others. Schema Therapy is another evidence-based therapy listed by Healthdirect as an option that can help people with BPD. Cairnmillar also lists Schema Therapy among the therapeutic modalities available through its Individual Counselling service.

Cairnmillar’s Individual Counselling service also lists other therapeutic modalities including CBT, ACT and EMDR. The most appropriate therapeutic approach depends on the person’s presentation, treatment goals and clinician assessment.

Accessing Counselling and Support at Cairnmillar

Cairnmillar Institute’s clinic in Melbourne offers individual counselling and psychological services for adults aged 16 and over with a variety of presentations, including complex mental health challenges and personality-related concerns. Cairnmillar states that clients are matched with clinicians based on clinicians’ areas of interest and experience.

Cairnmillar’s fee-paying Individual Counselling services with registered clinicians are currently available at Hawthorn East, North Melbourne and Dandenong. Telehealth may also be available where appropriate.

Cairnmillar’s Community Clinic provides free individual counselling with supervised student clinicians across all four clinic locations for people aged 4 and over. No referral is required. As with other clinic services, suitability and clinician availability are considered through the appointment and triage process.

To request an appointment, contact the clinic on 1800 391 393 or visit cairnmillar.org.au/clinic-appointment.

Support for Family Members and Carers

Living alongside someone with BPD can be challenging. Family members, partners and carers often experience their own emotional strain and may benefit from professional support or information about how to respond helpfully.

Cairnmillar offers Family Therapy for families of up to six people who want support with communication, conflict or other family concerns. This is a general family therapy service rather than a BPD-specific program.

Conclusion

BPD is treatable, and psychological therapy is the main treatment recommended by Healthdirect. The type and duration of treatment will depend on the person’s symptoms, circumstances and clinical needs.

If you are concerned that you may have BPD, Healthdirect recommends speaking with a doctor or mental health professional and seeking an appropriate assessment.

Cairnmillar Institute has been delivering psychology and counselling services in Melbourne for over 60 years. As a not-for-profit organisation and registered health promotion charity, Cairnmillar is committed to making professional mental health support accessible to the community — including through its free Community Clinic and low-cost assessment services.

To find out more or to request an appointment, visit cairnmillar.org.au or call 1800 391 393.

Crisis Support

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please reach out to one of the following services immediately.

Service	Number	Hours
Emergency Services	000	24/7
Lifeline	13 11 14	24/7
SuicideLine Victoria	1300 651 251	24/7
BeyondBlue	1300 224 636	24/7
MensLine Australia	1300 789 978	24/7
Kids Helpline	1800 551 800	24/7
Safe Steps	1800 015 188	24/7
13YARN (First Nations)	13 92 76	24/7

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is BPD?

BPD is treatable, with psychological therapy forming the main type of treatment. Healthdirect lists DBT, psychodynamic therapy and Schema Therapy as examples of evidence-based therapies that may help.

Q: How is BPD diagnosed in Australia?

BPD should be assessed by a mental health professional with experience in the condition, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. Assessment considers the person’s symptoms, experiences and history. At Cairnmillar, diagnoses may be provided as part of an appropriate psychological assessment pathway where relevant.

Q: How is BPD treated in Australia?

Psychological therapy is the main treatment for BPD. Healthdirect lists DBT, psychodynamic therapy and Schema Therapy as examples of evidence-based therapies that may help. Medicines are not recommended as the primary treatment, although they may sometimes be used to manage particular symptoms.

Q: Can I access counselling for BPD at Cairnmillar?

Cairnmillar offers Individual Counselling for adults aged 16 and over, and its assessment services can explore personality and mental health concerns. Whether a particular Cairnmillar service is appropriate for someone with BPD will depend on their needs, risk, clinician availability and the outcome of the clinic’s triage process.

Q: Does Cairnmillar offer free counselling in Melbourne?

Cairnmillar’s Community Clinic provides free individual counselling with supervised student clinicians for people aged 4 and over, with no referral required. Whether this service is appropriate for a person’s particular mental health needs is determined through Cairnmillar’s appointment and triage process.

Q: What support is available for family members of someone with BPD?

Cairnmillar offers Family Therapy for families of up to six people who want support with communication, conflict or other family concerns. This is a general Family Therapy service rather than a BPD-specific program. Cairnmillar’s Community Clinic also provides free individual counselling with supervised student clinicians, subject to suitability and availability.

Q: How do I book an appointment at Cairnmillar?

No referral is required. You can request an appointment by visiting cairnmillar.org.au/clinic-appointment or calling 1800 391 393. A clinical admin team member will contact you to commence the triage process.

Q: What if I am in crisis right now?

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 000. For crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 — available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. SuicideLine Victoria is also available 24/7 on 1300 651 251.