PERSONALITY DISORDER TREATMENT

What Are Personality Disorders?

Personality disorders are patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that create distress and make daily life harder. Your personality forms during childhood and adolescence through a mix of genetics, environment, and experiences. When these patterns become rigid or disruptive, they can cause problems in relationships, work, school, and self-esteem. Personality disorders are not a label meaning people are unfixable—they are mental health conditions that can be diagnosed and treated.

MEET OUR TEAM

At Hightide Mental Health, we are your trusted partner in Orange County for comprehensive mental health treatment. Our team, composed of seasoned behavioral health professionals, brings years of experience and a wealth of knowledge to our practice. We are dedicated to delivering ethical, innovative, and top-notch care. Our mission is to transform lives by addressing a wide range of mental health challenges. As one of the leading mental health facilities in California, we are committed to fostering personal development and promoting healthier, happier lives. Our well-seasoned staff's expertise in the field of mental health, combined with our unwavering commitment to our clients, makes us a preferred choice for mental health treatment in Orange County.

History of Personality Disorder Diagnosis

In the past, personality disorders were placed on “Axis II” in a five-axis system used by psychiatrists when diagnosing someone. Axis I included conditions seen as treatable, such as anxiety and depression, while Axis II was reserved for personality disorders, which were thought to be permanent (read: unfixable). This system created stigma and suggested that people could not change.

Today, the five-axis system has been removed. Personality disorders are listed alongside other mental health diagnoses, reflecting the truth that recovery is possible.

Clusters of Personality Disorders

There are three clusters of personality disorders:

Cluster A: Paranoid, Schizoid, and Schizotypal. These often involve eccentric thoughts, social withdrawal, or suspicion of others. Treatment may include therapy to improve social trust and reality testing.

Cluster B: Borderline, Narcissistic, Histrionic, and Antisocial. These involve intense emotions, difficulties with relationships, and impulse control challenges. Treatments like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), schema therapy, and mentalization-based therapy are highly effective here.

Cluster C: Avoidant, Dependent, and Obsessive-Compulsive. These involve fear, anxiety, and high self-doubt. Treatment focuses on building confidence, independence, and reducing avoidance.

How to Identify a Personality Disorder

It is not always easy to recognize a personality disorder, because the patterns often feel like “just the way someone is.” But there are signs to look for. These may include long-term difficulties with relationships, frequent conflicts or breakups, and struggles to maintain stability in work, school, or self-care. Personality disorders can also appear as intense mood swings, rigid patterns of thinking, or behaviors that repeatedly create stress for the person and those around them.

Someone experiencing a personality disorder may feel misunderstood, isolated, or unable to change behaviors even when they want to. Often, these difficulties have been present since adolescence or early adulthood. If patterns of thinking and relating are consistently causing distress or disruption, it may be a sign of a personality disorder—and an assessment with a mental health professional can help bring clarity.

Treatment for Personality Disorders

HighTide Mental Health specializes in personality disorder treatment, which is rare among treatment centers. Our programs are clinically certified to provide this care, and our founder has lived experience. Diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder in 2012, she went on to fully transform her life, earn a doctorate degree, and create HighTide to help others do the same. We treat co-occurring conditions, provide comprehensive personality disorder testing, and create individualized plans to meet each client’s needs.

Stigma and Assessment of Personality Disorders

For decades, personality disorders carried a stigma. They were seen as untreatable and were often dismissed, leaving many people without support. Accurate diagnosis and assessment take time and a skilled clinical team. At HighTide, we approach this process with compassion and care, making sure clients feel understood and supported from the very beginning.

Hope and Recovery

Recovery from a personality disorder is possible. With the right treatment, symptoms can improve, relationships can heal, and daily functioning can become stable again. Even if you are not ready to begin treatment, you can start learning. Our founder’s book, Your Unconscious Is Showing: Take Control of Your Life Using the 12 Steps of Consciousness, shares her personality disorder recovery story and offers practical tools to begin making changes.

Treatment takes commitment, but change is real, and hope is always possible. When you’re ready, we are here.

CHIEF CLINICAL OFFICER

Dr. Courtney Tracy, LCSW, PsyD, CCTP, C-PD, C-DBT

_{Courtney specializes in the clinical treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder and co-occurring mental health issues. She is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and a Certified Personality Disorder Treatment Provider, with a forthcoming certification in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Holding a CA-state license as a Clinical Social Worker and currently registered as a Psychological Associate, Courtney brings 12 years of dedicated experience to her practice. Her entire career has been devoted to helping individuals struggling with co-occurring mental health problems, demonstrating her commitment to this field.}

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Anthony Fletcher

Anthony is our dynamic CEO at Hightide Mental Health. With a background in clinical studies and a decade of experience working with both adults and adolescents in the mental health industry, Anthony brings a unique perspective to our team. His personal journey with ADHD and trauma has fueled a deep-seated drive to help others. Over the years, Anthony has dedicated his time to developing innovative programs designed to support those struggling with mental health. His commitment extends beyond our organization, as he is a respected figure in Orange County's mental health community. From motivational speaking to participating in local mental health awareness events, Anthony's influence is far-reaching. At Hightide Mental Health, Anthony's vision is to empower individuals to overcome their struggles and embrace their full potential.

CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER

Jessica Flores, BA, CATC III

Meet Jessica, our Chief Operating Officer at Hightide Mental Health. With a decade of experience in the mental health field, Jessica brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our team. She holds a BA in Community Advocacy and Social Policy and is a certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor. But what truly sets Jessica apart is her personal journey. As someone who has successfully navigated her own recovery from substance abuse and mental health challenges, she understands firsthand the struggles our clients face. This personal experience fuels her passion for giving back and helping others on their journey to wellness. At Hightide Mental Health, Jessica is committed to creating a supportive environment where individuals can grow, heal, and thrive.

PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Amber Shaw, SUDRC

Meet Amber, our dedicated Program Director at Hightide Mental Health. Amber holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and is a certified Substance Use Recovery Coach. She is on the cusp of completing her CDAC III certification, further solidifying her commitment to the field. With seven years of experience in the substance abuse and mental health field, Amber brings a deep level of care and empathy to our team. Her decision to work in this field was very personal. After receiving compassionate and understanding treatment during her own recovery journey, she felt a calling to provide the same level of care to others.

Kat Day, ACSW

Kat is a dedicated and experienced Associate Clinical Social Worker, licensed in the state of California. They are currently on a journey towards becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, while also pursuing certification in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). With a rich experience of six years, Kat has provided their expertise in various psychiatric settings and treatment centers. Their focus is on supporting individuals grappling with co-occurring mental health disorders. Kats commitment to their profession is evident in their continuous pursuit of knowledge and skills to better serve their clients.

GROUP FACILITATOR

Steven Shaw

Meet Steven! With seven years of experience in the industry, Steven brings a wealth of knowledge, empathy, and positivity to our team. His approach to group facilitation prioritizes love and connection, creating an environment where every individual feels seen, heard, and valued. Steven believes that people thrive when they are able to connect authentically with others, and he is committed to fostering these connections in his group sessions. His positive influence has been instrumental in shaping the experiences of our clients, guiding them towards the light in their lives and helping them focus on positivity.