Admissions available 24/7 – ⚠️ We Do Not Accept Medicare or Medicaid
Revised by: Sara Sorenson: LCMHC
Director of Clinical Development
Sarah stared at the phone, willing it to ring. Her boyfriend was five minutes late. He’s leaving me. The thought became a tidal wave of panic and rage. When he finally called, her relief twisted into sharp accusations. Another perfect evening was shattered, another relationship fracture deepened. One snapshot of life with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).
Once thought “difficult to treat” if not incurable, BPD has now been proven treatable primarily with certain forms of psychotherapy and possibly some medications although there are none FDA-approved specifically for BPD. Read on to learn more about this complex mental health condition and its treatment.
BPD is a complex mental health condition, characterized by pervasive patterns of instability in emotions, self-image, interpersonal relationships, and impulsivity.
While historically considered difficult to treat, and with the associated stigma this brings, a new era of BPD treatment offers genuine hope and proven pathways to recovery,as this article highlights.
The contemporary view is that those with BPD often have experienced trauma, emotional abuse, or emotional invalidation, physical or sexual abuse, and it has often started in their early life. In this view, it is a trauma condition that is not universally recognised as one [1].
BPD is a personality disorder that involves a pattern of instability in personal relationships, intense emotions, unstable self-image, and impulsivity. These symptoms bring significant challenges to an individual regarding their self-image and self-worth, leaving them with intense self-doubt and fears of abandonment [2].
It affects approximately 14 million Americans, or 2% of the general population, 10% of psychiatric outpatients, and 20% of psychiatric inpatients.
The term “borderline” originally meant a state that bordered on psychosis and that was viewed as untreatable. That view has continued until recently [3] [4].
BPD typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood and can persist for many years. However, despite previous understandings of the disorder, it can remit, and symptoms can be reduced and managed.
Psychotherapies have been considered (and still are) first-line treatment for BPD. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) renewed its guidelines for treating BPD in 2024. It reaffirmed that several structured psychotherapies were found to be effective, but no therapy emerged as a ‘gold standard.’
Furthermore, no evidence was found for any medication’s effectiveness in treating the core symptoms of BPD. As a result, it advises against the simultaneous use of multiple drugs to treat BPD in a prolonged manner.
Often these drugs could target one of the frequent associated symptoms, such as depression, but not the core symptoms. The objective here is to avoid the risks of ineffective medication treatment [4].
Several of the recommended, and often specialized, forms of longer-term psychotherapy include [5]:
Originally developed specifically to treat DBT, it includes group and individual therapy and phone coaching, using a skills-based approach to teach you how to manage your emotions, handle distress, and understand relationships better. It includes 4 modules: Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness.
CBT helps you change your beliefs that come from distorted ways of seeing things by targeting negative thoughts and helping you cope with them. It can also help with relationship issues, reduce mood swings, and make you less anxious. It can also help reduce self-harm or suicide attempts.
This therapy focuses on changing negative thought patterns in a structured way. It helps you identify and change deep, self-defeating life patterns called schemas, often rooted in childhood, to improve emotions and relationships.
MBT helps you note your thoughts and feelings and see things differently. MBT stresses thinking before reacting. It teaches you to recognize and understand your own and others’ mental states (thoughts, feelings, and beliefs) to reduce interpersonal conflict and emotional instability.
STEPPS is a 20-week treatment program where you work in groups that include your family members, caregivers, friends, or significant others. STEPPS is used in addition to other types of talk therapy. It teaches concrete skills to manage BPD emotions and behaviors, using a support system.
Also called psychodynamic psychotherapy, TFP aims to help you learn about your emotions and issues relating to others by creating a relationship between you and your therapist. You then apply what you learn to other situations.
A new Digital Self-Management Intervention using an app called Priovi, based on Schema Therapy, demonstrated improved emotion regulation and symptom reduction in 2025 trials [6].
Recent studies have reported on two new avenues for medication [1]. One is a drug called Memantine, which is an Alzheimer’s medication. It targets the glutamate system in the brain which addresses the cognitive disturbances that make up all of the BPD symptoms. Early results show that patients are seeing their symptoms reduce, and some are reporting it has allowed them to stop and reassess situations before emotionally reacting, while self-harming is also reduced quite drastically as well.
Another drug is the hormonal treatment estradiol in women with BPD diagnoses. This is particularly relevant as women make up approximately 75% of BPD diagnoses globally. The theory is that when people have early life trauma, the stress on the body leads to hormone disturbances, so targeting hormones for females promises to eventually improve the BPD symptoms.
While the APA recommends against the unnecessary use of multiple medications as it is not evidence-based, often people with BPD have co-occurring conditions such as depression and anxiety. In this regard, medication is considered as an adjunct to, not a replacement for, psychotherapy. These include [7]:
Recovery from BPD is a process, not an event. It is marked by several stages of progress.
The initial focus is on achieving safety (reducing self-harm, suicidal behaviors) and stabilizing out-of-control behaviors.
Once behavior is stable, therapy often shifts to addressing underlying trauma and painful emotions.
The final stage focuses on identity, career, and sustaining healthy, interdependent relationships.
Progress is often marked by setbacks, and treatment requires significant commitment by the patient.
One of the most powerful predictors for positive outcomes is the relationship between patient and therapist. Having a strong therapeutic alliance based on trust, validation, and collaboration is key.
Likewise, integrated and supportive care are very important:
Treatment for mental health conditions and trauma is available in Utah. Are you or a loved one looking for a compassionate space to heal from anxiety, trauma, PTSD, CPTSD, other mental health conditions, or addictions? Our licensed trauma-informed professional therapists and counselors at Corner Canyon Health Centers can provide compassionate help using a range of therapeutic and holistic techniques.
Reach out to our Admissions team now at Corner Canyon. We’re in a peaceful setting bordered by the beautiful Wasatch Mountains.
[1] Alfred Health. 2024. New trials tackle the Borderline Personality Disorder riddle.
[2] McLean News. 2025. Highly Treatable: Lessons Learned From Decades-Long Borderline Personality Disorder Study.
[3] Aslam, H. et al. (2025). Clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of borderline personality disorder: a systematic review of best practice in anticipation of MAiD MD-SUMC. Borderline personality disorder and emotion dysregulation, 12(1), 13.
[4] APA. 2024. American Psychiatric Association Publishes Updated Practice Guideline on the Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder
[5] Mayo Clinic. 2024. Borderline Personality Disorder
[6] Assmann N. et al. A digital therapeutic for people with borderline personality disorder in Germany (EPADIP-BPD): a pragmatic, assessor-blind, parallel-group, randomised controlled trial. The Lancet Psychiatry, Volume 12, Issue 5, 366 – 376
[7] Olabi, B., & Hall, J. (2010). Borderline personality disorder: current drug treatments and future prospects. Therapeutic advances in chronic disease, 1(2), 59–66.
Sav Headden
My experience at Corner Canyon to put it simply, was life changing. The program gave me a structure to set a solid foundation for my life outside of treatment. The people that are involved with Corner Canyon are amazing. From the staff, to the clients, these people quickly began to feel like family. This place felt like home to me. I truly was cared for in a way that I had never been before. I can honestly say that in the 62 days I was there I didn’t have a single bad day, and that to me speaks volumes. I’m grateful to have had the experience that I did. To anyone who is looking for help – I would heavily recommend going to Corner Canyon.
Jordan Brown
I arrived at Corner Canyon during the worst depressive episode of my life. I had no hope and felt disconnected from everything. I’m a therapist, and I had been doing all the “right” things to care for myself. But sometimes self-care is simply not enough.
Corner Canyon met me where I was and crawled with me until I could walk again. Literally. One mentor sat on the floor beside my bed and talked to me when I didn’t yet have the strength to regularly go out into the common areas. Another mentor coaxed stories out of me and excitedly shared them with other staff. He reminded me of how much time I had spent serving others and made sure I knew how valuable my service had been. Little by little, connections with staff and clients helped my find myself again.
Because, above all else, Corner Canyon was where I rediscovered the power of human connection. Yes, the treatment was top-notch. Yes, the food served was beyond delicious and healthy. But it was the way in which the treatment was provided, the food was served, and the connections were forged that made all the difference.
Specific techniques treated my depression, but so did the stories of healing and recovery told by therapists, house staff, and other clients. Healers have often been wounded at one point in their lives.
There’s a lot of stigma attached to mental illness, even, sadly, among mental health providers. I was worried I was going to be looked down upon. But what makes Corner Canyon so special is that you will get to know your pain in a welcoming, non-judgmental space. All kinds of people go to Corner Canyon for treatment. And that’s because the treatment center is grounded in acceptance and professionalism.
At Corner Canyon, you will come to realize the power of vulnerability, the healing that comes from meaningful connection, and the love that binds us all together.
Dominique Suazo
When I came to Corner Canyon I was lost. I was 31 years old, struggling with addiction issues and my own mental health, and didn’t know which way to turn. I was very fortunate to land here. Through the help of some people who loved and cared about me, they got me in the doors of this wonderful program.
I was nervous at first, but I soon realized I was amongst peers who were feeling and going through the same things, which put me at ease. I was surrounded by staff who themselves had been through their own treatment and had such compassion and support for me and my well-being.
The Clinical team is wonderful and they are all highly trained experts. They practice many different modalities and with that they were able to get to the core of my issues to treat both my trauma, and subsequently my substance abuse. They did this with such grace, compassion, and empathy, that I always felt they had my best care in mind.
I could write forever about how this place changed my life, but the reality is that there would never be enough words. This program, it’s wonderful staff, and the people who come here make this place more than just a rehabilitation center. It’s a home. I found myself here, I found my tribe, and I was able to unlock decades worth of trauma that led me to a life I didn’t want to lead. After coming here I found the life I always wanted, and it started at Corner Canyon.
Angel Warrior 68
Corner Canyon has put together an excellent residential program. I need a comprehensive program that addressed my health and mental health with cutting edge treatment — they exceeded my expectations. With the continuum of health, mental health, and wellness services offered – they truly individualized my treatment plan. They have an excellent, well-trained staff that genuinely care. I wish I had found them 5, 10 years ago it would have saved me a lot of heart ache. I feel ALOT better than I have felt in sometime and as I continue to take care of myself, I am confident I will be an even better version of myself. Michelle Feb-Mar 2023
Amber Litz
So it doesn’t sound so cliche I won’t say this place saved my life. But I will say this place saved my future!! There are no descriptive words that exist that hold enough volume to describe how extraordinarily phenomenal this place is! They get it, they listen! It kind of feels like the beginning of an awesome horror movie when you first get there cause everyone is so nice, kind, and caring you’re waiting for the ball to drop. Then you realize they are truly that kind & caring! (I have severe trust issues) I never thought I could ever get better so there was no point in going for help because I have been through so much trauma that there wasn’t any facility out there that could handle the magnitude and complex trauma I have endured. However I was wrong! The mentors, I seriously will never be able to thank them enough for listening to my emotional babble some days & they never made me feel like they needed to run off & do the other work they had to do or nothing! Liz & Dom the two on the front line that you only really interact with when you’re checking in. They deserve a lot of recognition & praise that I don’t think they get very often! The fact I struggle with anxiety & answering my phone most days fills me with dread & fear even though I’m the one who emailed the treatment center that was on my caller ID I still froze & couldn’t answer & felt dumb for even reaching out for help. Then the debilitating depression & shame would set in cause I didn’t pick up the phone would set in & I would get so angry at myself! It was a vicious cycle! Up until the day Liz text me & she never left me alone (haha I’m forever grateful for that) it was like chatting with a new friend. After her portion of the admissions process was done I was passed off to Dom, who again never left me alone! The ease & friendly chatting made it easier to commit to checking in. And I did it, I went to Corner Canyon & checked in & it was by far the best thing I’ve ever done for myself! The first week I was there Adam who is a mentor there (I won’t elaborate but…) did something for me that I’ve never had anyone do for me, that was thought of me. I always take care of everyone in my life & make sure they have what they need & they’re okay before myself. Usually not leaving time for myself. But for the first time in 46 years someone thought of me first. It was such a small gesture, but will forever make a monumental impact in my life. That day sealed my fate! I could stay at Corner Canyon, I could complete the program! They really did care! I have so much more to say about every single person there! But this is supposed to be a review, not a novel of my life so I will end this by saying, what you got to lose?! I can 100% guarantee that your worst day at Corner Canyon will still be 10 times easier than your worst day before you got there!
breanne motta
Wow, Corner Canyon Health Centers truly changed my life. I truly entered with not a thought of wanting to live, and I left today and I have SO many reasons now. The staff goes out of their way to not only connect with you, but care for you. They are amazing at taking feedback and truly care about the experience their clients have. You truly do become a family, the community I met while in CCHC will always be with me. I know I made the right choice coming to CCHC they truly saved my life in more ways than one. I couldn’t thank them properly even if I tried. CCHC is the right next step, I promise you will not regret it.
Michael Coyne
Unfortunately after a few days my mom went south quickly and I had to leave. AWESOME STAFF AND FACILITY, area is beautiful. Hard to leave. Highly recommend this facility. From Liz to the therapists to the medical and house staff! 11/10
Heather Colemere
Corner Canyon helped changed my trajectory in life. I was headed for disaster . Corner Caynon helped me see that I had more potential than I could ever see for myself. Chris assisted me with Ketamine assisted therapy and he helped me transorm my mindset from negative to positive. I’m so grateful for all Corner Canyon for helping me find myself again!
Emma Dimetrosky
I spent 30 days at corner canyon and overall had a great experience. There was an amazing group of clients and we all got so close which was really added to my experience. Some highlights were Monday, Tuesday and Thursday nights, we would do a really engaging activity. I always looked forward to getting out of the house and doing the activities.
The process groups were also really worthwhile and helpful. The process groups were a safe place for clients to share and be vulnerable. I also learned a lot during the second half of groups where they would teach us some skills. The group of staff is amazing too. They are all so sweet and supportive. All the staff really helped make it a better experience. I left with so many new skills and it a significantly better place. The house made it like a really homey safe space. I’d highly recommend this program.
