If your teen is showing signs of a personality disorder, early support can make all the difference. At Beachside Teen, our compassionate team specializes in helping adolescents navigate mental health challenges with personalized care and proven therapies.
When you hear the words “personality disorder,” you might picture someone with extreme behavior or unpredictable emotions. In reality, personality disorders in teens can look very different, often showing up as complex patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that impact a teenager’s relationships, self-esteem, and overall well-being. Adolescence is already a challenging time, and when a teen struggles with a personality disorder, it can complicate their ability to navigate the world around them.
This article will dive deep into understanding personality disorders in teens, the most common types seen in adolescence, warning signs, and how treatment can help. If you suspect your teen may be dealing with a personality disorder, it’s important to seek out the right care that can make a world of difference. At Beachside Teen Treatment Center, our compassionate and dedicated staff have decades of hands-on experience treating personality disorders of all types and severities. Contact us directly to learn more about our comprehensive and effective
Learn more about our teen treatment programs or call us now at 888-254-0916.
Personality disorders in teens are categorized into three groups, known as clusters, based on their symptoms and behaviors. Understanding which type of personality disorder your teen may be dealing with can provide clarity and guide effective treatment.
Teens with Cluster A personality disorders often appear strange or eccentric, with behaviors that seem disconnected from reality or difficult to understand.Â
The most common disorders in this cluster are:
Teens with Cluster B disorders often struggle with intense emotions, and their behavior may appear erratic or dramatic. These disorders are some of the most challenging to deal with, but with the right treatment, recovery is possible.Â
Common disorders in this cluster include:
Teens in Cluster C tend to be highly anxious or fearful, and their behaviors may be driven by excessive worry about what others think.Â
The most common personality disorders in this cluster are:
Personality disorders in teens often manifest as persistent patterns of thinking and behaving that create difficulties in the teen’s relationships and daily life. For teenagers, this can mean ongoing struggles in school, at home, and with friends. During adolescence, the brain is still developing, and emotional regulation can be a challenge. Because personality disorders often emerge during this stage of life, identifying them early can make a huge difference in how they are treated.
It’s essential to remember that personality disorders aren’t just a phase or typical teenage rebellion. These conditions are deeply rooted in patterns of thought and behavior that affect many aspects of a teen’s life. Fortunately, with the right therapeutic interventions, teens can learn to manage their symptoms, build healthier relationships, and lead fulfilling lives.
Recognizing the signs of personality disorders in teens can be challenging, as some behaviors are typical of adolescence. However, there are key indicators that may suggest a deeper issue.Â
Some common warning signs include:
Diagnosing personality disorders in teens involves a comprehensive evaluation by a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. The clinician will conduct interviews, review the teen’s medical history, and assess behavioral patterns over time. Because many of the symptoms of personality disorders overlap with other mental health conditions (such as anxiety or depression), it’s important that the diagnosis be made by a trained professional.
In some cases, a combination of therapy, family involvement, and possibly medications will be recommended as part of the treatment plan. A careful diagnosis is key to determining the most appropriate course of action for the teen’s well-being.
When it comes to treating personality disorders in teens, therapy is the cornerstone of effective treatment. Specialized adolescent personality disorder treatment programs in California offer evidence-based therapies that can help teens manage their emotions, develop healthier coping strategies, and build stronger, more resilient relationships.Â
Common therapies for treating personality disorders in teens include:
At Beachside Teen, we specialize in providing compassionate and personalized treatment for teens with co-occurring mental health and behavioral disorders, including personality disorders. Located in the serene beauty of Malibu, California, our treatment programs are designed to support each teen’s unique needs. With a combination of therapeutic approaches, including DBT, CBT, and family involvement, we guide teens through the process of healing while empowering them to build the skills necessary for long-term success. Our dedicated team of clinicians is passionate about creating a safe, nurturing environment where teens can learn, grow, and thrive.
At Beachside Teen, we understand that each teen’s journey to healing is unique. That’s why we offer a range of treatment options to meet the individual needs of our patients. From intensive residential care to flexible aftercare support, our programs are designed to guide your teen through every stage of recovery.Â
Our Residential Treatment program provides 24/7 care in a safe and structured environment. Teens live at our facility while receiving therapeutic interventions tailored to their specific needs. This level of care is ideal for those who need intensive support and supervision, offering a comprehensive approach that includes individual therapy, group therapy, and family involvement. Residential treatment helps teens stabilize and build the foundation for long-term recovery.
The Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) offers a higher level of care than traditional outpatient treatment while allowing teens to return home in the evenings. This program is designed for teens who need intensive therapy but do not require overnight care. PHP provides structured, full-day programming that includes therapy, skill-building, and family support, helping teens make progress while reintegrating into their daily routines.
Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides a flexible treatment option for teens who are able to manage their day-to-day activities while still needing therapeutic support. With a focus on behavior modification, coping strategies, and emotional regulation, IOP offers structured therapy sessions multiple times a week. This program is a great step-down option after more intensive treatment or as an alternative for teens who need additional support but not full-time care.
The Therapeutic Education Program (TEP) integrates academic education with therapeutic services to support teens who require both academic and emotional support. This program helps teens continue their education while receiving therapy to address underlying mental health and behavioral issues. TEP is ideal for students who need a structured learning environment combined with individualized therapy, helping them maintain academic progress while focusing on recovery.
Aftercare is designed to provide ongoing support to teens who have completed a primary treatment program. This level of care focuses on helping teens transition back to their everyday lives, reinforcing the skills they’ve learned in therapy, and preventing relapse. Aftercare may include continued therapy, peer support groups, and regular check-ins to ensure lasting success in recovery.
If you’re concerned that your teen may be struggling with a personality disorder, don’t wait to seek support. Early intervention can make a profound difference in their journey toward healing. Contact Beachside Teen today to learn more about our comprehensive treatment programs and how we can help your teen navigate the challenges of personality disorders.
At Beachside, our programming meets the highest standards for quality adolescent healthcare.
At Beachside Teen Treatment Center, we understand how challenging it can be to see your teen struggling with mental or behavioral health issues. Our inpatient treatment program offers a serene, supportive environment where your teenager can begin their journey to healing and recovery.
Take the first step today. Contact us to learn more about our program or verify your insurance.
Together, we can help your teen build a brighter future.