Personality

Personality Disorder Care in Long Beach

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Key takeaways

Personality disorders are long-standing patterns of thinking, feeling, and relating.
They are understandable responses to life experience, not character flaws.
Therapy is often central; medication management can ease related symptoms.
With support, many people see real improvement over time.

Understanding personality disorders

Personality disorders are long-standing patterns in how a person thinks, feels, and relates to others that can cause real distress or strain relationships. They often take shape over years and are understandable responses to life experience, not character flaws or something to be ashamed of.

How psychiatric care helps

A psychiatric evaluation helps clarify what you are experiencing, and medication management can ease related symptoms like mood swings, anxiety, or depression. Therapy is often central to progress, so we coordinate referrals alongside psychiatric care.

Sources: NIMH: Borderline Personality Disorder, Mayo Clinic: Personality Disorders.

Signs & symptoms

Intense or unstable relationships
Strong, hard-to-manage emotions
A shifting or unclear sense of self
Patterns that strain work or home life
Difficulty trusting or feeling secure

Causes & risk factors

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), personality disorders often become recognizable in the teen years or early adulthood and affect people across all backgrounds.

Causes

A combination of genetic and environmental factors
Early life experiences, including stress or trauma
Differences in how emotions are processed and regulated

Risk factors

Family history of personality or mood disorders
Difficult or traumatic early life experiences
Other co-occurring mental health conditions

Possible complications

Strained or unstable relationships
Depression or anxiety
Difficulty at work or in daily life

How it's diagnosed

Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation
Detailed personal and relationship history
Screening for co-occurring conditions

Treatment options

Service	What it's for
Medication Management	Careful selection, monitoring, and adjustment of psychiatric medications to maximize benefit and minimize side effects.
Psychiatric Evaluation	A thorough first assessment to understand your history and symptoms and build an accurate diagnosis and plan.

Visiting our office

Therapy is often central here, so psychiatric visits are one part of a wider plan. Our team answers by phone whether a provider has room for new patients with a personality disorder, and whether visits would happen in Long Beach or by video. If you already have a safety or crisis plan from a therapist, share it at the first visit.

Our office: 3646 Long Beach Blvd # 205, Long Beach, CA 90807
Hours: Mon–Fri · 8 AM–6 PM (Pacific)
Phone: (818) 286-3862

Directions and more about our office are on the Psychiatrist in Long Beach page.

When to seek help

If symptoms persist, worsen, or interfere with daily life, a psychiatric evaluation can help. If you have thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 now. It is free and open 24/7. In an emergency, call 911.

Frequently asked questions

Can personality disorders get better?

Yes. With support, many people see real improvement over time. Psychiatric care can ease symptoms, and we can coordinate therapy referrals, which often help most.

Will I be judged for having a personality disorder?

No. These patterns are understandable responses to life experience, not flaws. Care here is warm and nonjudgmental, focused on helping you feel steadier.

Providers who treat this

Irine Achuamang, MSN, PMHNP-BC

We see patients in person at our Long Beach office. Telehealth available across California, with new locations coming to Northern California. See every area we serve.

Coming from a nearby area?

Every in-person visit is at our one office in Long Beach.

Sources

Borderline Personality Disorder, NIMH

Medically reviewed by Irine Achuamang, MSN, PMHNP-BC. Last reviewed October 21, 2026.

This page is for general information and is not a substitute for professional care. In crisis? Call or text 988.

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