What to Expect During a BPD Assessment

What to Expect During a BPD Assessment BPD Diagnosis Print Borderline Personality Disorder Assessment Process By Kristalyn Salters-Pedneault, PhD Kristalyn Salters-Pedneault, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and associate professor of psychology at Eastern Connecticut State University. Learn about our editorial policy Kristalyn Salters-Pedneault, PhD Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD on January 23, 2020 twitter linkedin Daniel B. Block, MD, is an award-winning, board-certified psychiatrist who operates a private practice in Pennsylvania. Learn about our Medical Review Board Daniel B. Block, MD Updated on February 01, 2020 Universal Images Group / Getty Images More in BPD Diagnosis Treatment Living With BPD Related Conditions If you think you (or a loved one) may have borderline personality disorder  (BPD), its important to get an accurate diagnosis, which requires a BPD assessment.   Did you know that BPD symptoms often overlap those of other mental health disorders, such as anxiety and major depression??? Following the steps below will keep you on track toward an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment. Find a Mental Health Professional Look for a mental health professional with experience diagnosing and treating people with  BPD. In addition, if you have health insurance, consider asking the insurance company to give you the names of nearby mental health professionals with the expertise youre seeking who also take your insurance. If you get this information, ask how many treatment sessions theyll cover and how much your co-pay will be. If you dont have health insurance, you may qualify for public assistance programs or services through your state or regions department of mental health or social services. What types of mental health professionals can do a BPD assessment, provide a diagnosis, and treat you or refer you to a therapist who better matches your treatment needs? They include: PsychologistsPsychiatristsSocial workersLicensed mental health counselorsPsychiatric-mental health nurses Generally, psychologists have the most training in psychological assessment. So you may want to start your search with this group. Most psychologists will have a Ph.D. ?or PsyD  after their names.   Before you make your first call to a therapist, go online to review his or her education, training, and experience. That way, you can check off the most promising names on your list and call them first. Having this information before you call also means you dont have to ask about it when you schedule your appointment. Schedule an Assessment Once you have a list of BPD therapists who appear to meet your requirements, start at the top and call to schedule an appointment for a BPD assessment. Besides scheduling your appointment, the person who answers the therapists phone can probably tell you what a BPD assessment will cost and whether your insurance is accepted. Next, ask to speak with the therapist, or, if thats not possible, ask if he or she will call you for a brief introductory discussion. If you do get to speak with the therapist, try to get a sense of how comfortable you feel discussing your symptoms with this person. If youre reasonably satisfied with what you hear and how you feel, keep the appointment. If you arent, thank the therapist for speaking with you, hang up, and call back to cancel the appointment. Then try the next name on your list. Start the Assessment Process When you arrive for your first therapy session, its normal to feel nervous and uncomfortable, particularly if youve never done this before. Its not easy to meet a new person and share private details about your life. However, keep in mind that the more direct and honest you are during your BPD assessment, the more you will get out of it. Your BPD assessment may take one session or several sessions. Your therapist will tell you how long the assessment will take and what types of tests or interviews will be completed if any. Different providers use different tools to conduct an assessment. Generally, you can expect the therapist to ask questions about your current and past symptoms, family and work history, and current life situation. Some therapists will also give you a short questionnaire to fill out and/or administer a psychological test, which is typically longer and asks more questions. You can also ask any questions you may have. Borderline Personality Disorder Discussion Guide Get our printable guide to help you ask the right questions at your next doctors appointment. Download PDF Receive a Diagnosis Youll probably receive a diagnosis after your BPD assessment is completed. However, if your therapist needs more information before making a diagnosis, he or she may refer you to a specialist or your primary care doctor for further assessment. Reasons for this include: Your symptoms may suggest the possibility of a non-BPD diagnosis, and the therapist may want to get another specialists evaluation.If youve had one or more serious head injuries, you may be referred for a specialists assessment of whether some or all of your symptoms are due to this cause rather than a mental health disorder.You may be referred to your primary care doctor for an assessment of any other medical conditions that could be causing your symptoms. However, its more likely youll receive a diagnosis at the end of your BPD assessment. Your therapist will also explain more about the problems your symptoms are causing and recommend treatment options that may help you feel better. Your therapist may provide some of your treatment  or all of it.  If necessary, he or she may refer you for part of your therapy to another mental health professional with special expertise. For more information on borderline personality disorder, consider taking this quiz. Treatment Options for Borderline Personality Disorder