Borderline Personality Disorder Care at the Gunderson Residence

Call us today to learn how we help women build healthy, rewarding lives.

The Gunderson Residence delivers world-class treatment for adults with borderline personality disorder and other severe personality disorders, including those who experience co-occurring mental health conditions such as trauma-related disorders, substance misuse, eating disorders, depression, or anxiety.

We offer highly specialized therapeutic approaches that integrate evidence-based therapy models with the goal of improving interpersonal and relationship skills and reducing self-destructive behaviors.

Our Harvard Medical School-affiliated clinicians strive to develop effective treatment plans for individuals who struggle with narcissistic, antisocial, histrionic, paranoid, avoidant, dependent, and obsessive-compulsive personality traits.

Are you seeking world-class residential care for BPD? Keep reading to learn more or call us now at 617.855.4250

Our self-pay program is best suited to:

  • Cisgender women, transgender women, and nonbinary individuals assigned female at birth who have borderline personality disorder (BPD) and other complex personality disorders
  • Those who would benefit from specialty residential treatment for core issues related to personality disorders such as emotion dysregulation, self-harm, suicidality, and relationship difficulties
  • Individuals who struggle with self-image problems, feelings of self-doubt, intense fear of abandonment, and low self-worth

With a minimum stay of 60 days and an average stay of four to five months, we specialize in care for patients who have previously been through several treatment programs as well as those who are seeking treatment for the first time. Most of our patients are ages 21 and up, however, we may make exceptions for some younger individuals.

Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, patients come to McLean from across the country and all over the world to benefit from our unique and unrivaled BPD treatment program.

Our open-door setting is designed for community living in modern townhouses less than two miles from Harvard Square and four miles from downtown Boston.

The Gunderson Residence is a residential treatment program for adults. For individuals who are seeking outpatient care, please consider McLean’s Borderline Personality Disorder Outpatient Program.

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McLean offers world-class treatment for individuals struggling with borderline personality disorder. Contact us today to learn more about treatment options.

Treatment Approach

Our expert treatment team employs a range of treatment and therapy models proven effective to treat BPD. These cutting-edge treatment methods benefit from clinical research conducted at McLean and around the globe.

Patients entering the program receive a detailed evaluation in order for clinicians to establish a treatment plan that incorporates the best therapies and strategies for addressing symptoms, identifying challenges, and setting goals. Care is customized to the needs of the individual based on the type and severity of specific symptoms.

Our program uses individual and group therapy treatment models such as:

  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) emphasizes the development of four skill sets: mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance. DBT has proven to be one of the most effective ways of treating borderline personality disorder.
  • Mentalization-based treatment (MBT) is a therapy model that focuses on helping people to differentiate and separate their own thoughts and feelings from those around them.
  • General psychiatric management (GPM), which includes education for patients and their families and case management, was developed by McLean’s own John G. Gunderson, MD, a pioneer in BPD research and care.
  • Transference-focused psychotherapy (TFP) is a rigorously structured psychodynamic therapeutic approach rooted in object relations theory. It is a nuanced and empirically validated intervention tailored to address disturbances in self-identity, interpersonal relationships, and affect regulation characteristic of individuals diagnosed with BPD.
  • Dialectical behavior therapy for PTSD (DBT-PTSD) integrates DBT principles with trauma-focused cognitive techniques and exposure interventions for childhood trauma, fostering self-acceptance and compassion.
  • Radically open DBT (RO-DBT) targets disorders characterized by excessive self-control by promoting flexibility, openness, and social connectedness in individuals who struggle with perfectionism and overly controlled, rigid, or inhibited behavior.

Group therapy covers a broad range of topics including mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, distress tolerance, skills generalization, emotion regulation, symptom education, and family issues.

“This program helped me learn how to accept, understand, and express my emotions. The emphasis on community and group work allowed me to benefit from the wisdom and support of other patients. The Gunderson program saved my life.”– Former Gunderson patient

Treatment may also include diagnostic assessment, medication consultation and management, family evaluation and involvement, case management, ongoing treatment review, toxicology testing, expressive therapy, vocational and educational counseling for transitional support, and coordination of care with referring clinicians and aftercare providers.

Ancillary health services may include psychological and neuropsychological testing and consultation, eating disorder services and nutritional counseling, treatment for trauma-related disorders, and substance addiction treatment.

While at the Gunderson Residence, patients receive twice weekly individual psychotherapy, regular medication management and medical oversight, once weekly family therapy, four to five groups per day, and have continuous access to skills coaching by our DBT-trained staff.

Patients have a rigorous daily schedule. Morning is usually reserved for group sessions. Following lunch, patients have clinical appointments or work on treatment-related goals. Afterward, patients are encouraged to go to the gym and/or self-help meetings at off-site locations. Community dinner is followed by evening group. The rest of the evening, patients have social time until curfew.

We also encourage patients to become involved with the larger community through part-time work, volunteer opportunities, and classes at local colleges and universities. The Gunderson Residence offers group activities such as community cooking, fitness, and community outings.

Learn more about BPD treatment at McLean

How DBT Supports BPD

blonde woman talking to a therapist

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a proven, effective treatment that can help people manage their emotions and address other mental health symptoms. Learn more about DBT and how it can support individuals struggling with BPD.

blonde woman talking to a therapist

Family Involvement in Patient Care

Family and friends are valuable tools in a patient’s recovery and long-term success, providing reinforcement for achieving treatment goals and enacting positive change.

Support and education for patients, families, and friends is also integral to treatment success. In addition to patient education, the Gunderson Residence offers group therapy and educational workshops for families and friends targeted for the specific needs of supporting a loved one with BPD.

Family is involved in a weekly family therapy session, weekly check-in calls, and a multifamily group aimed at providing education, support, and skill building for families.

60-Day Immersion Track

We also offer a 60-day track focused on evaluation and skills. This short-term immersion track offers comprehensive consultation, assessment, and diagnostic clarification aimed at clarifying core issues through a lens of personality functioning. This is paired with a dedicated focus on skill development in the areas of mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, mentalization, and the capacity to reflect on what goes on within and between oneself and others, and more.

With a minimum stay of 60 days, this immersive experience aims to provide a rich, meaningful, and cost-effective opportunity for patients to clarify diagnoses, identify core issues, acquire essential skills, and construct a viable plan for next steps in treatment that align with the needs identified throughout the assessment process.

How Is BPD Diagnosed?

Woman sits on couch

BPD is a complex disorder, one that is often confused for other diagnoses. Learn how clinicians review patient symptoms and determine if borderline personality disorder is the right diagnosis.

Woman sits on couch

Admission

The Gunderson Residence is suitable for individuals who seek intensive treatment for core issues related to borderline personality disorder (BPD) and other complex personality disorders, such as emotion dysregulation, self-harm, suicidality, and relationship difficulties, with or without other mental health conditions such as addiction, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders.

We can help arrange admission from most domestic or international locations.

We look forward to speaking with you about the treatment opportunities at the Gunderson Residence. For more information or to make a referral, please contact our admissions coordinator:

Phone: 617.855.4250
Email: @email

Prospective patients are interviewed and evaluated prior to admission to ensure the best chance of success.

Independent motivation to change is an essential requirement, and while family members or clinicians may see the Gunderson Residence as a good fit, the individual must be ready to actively participate in recovery—regardless of outside factors such as pending legal charges.

In addition, adequate levels of physical health and sobriety are reviewed to determine whether the level of care is appropriate for the individual.

Cost

The fee for the Gunderson Residence is $1,800 per day with a minimum stay of 60 days. Individuals stay with us an average of four to five months. We are a self-pay program and do not accept insurance or any third-party reimbursement.

For more information on services included in the Gunderson Residence day rate, please see below.

Use DBT in Your Everyday Life

Woman leads a group therapy session

At its core, DBT equips people with practical, life-changing skills grouped into four skill sets: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Each skill set offers unique tools to navigate life’s challenges.

Woman leads a group therapy session

Accommodations

2 people sit at table talking

Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the Gunderson Residence is designed for community residential living. The residence’s open-door setting offers each patient a modern and comfortable private bedroom and shared bathrooms so that they can feel safe and comfortable while focusing on treatment.

2 people standing with coffee cups in kitchen

Our skilled chef creates delicious, nutritious lunches and dinners to support a healthy lifestyle and aid in recovery. If you have special requirements such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free, our chef ensures dietary needs are cared for. The spacious, modern kitchen is ideal for community cooking classes or for patients who prefer to prepare their own meals.

Patient and clinician talk in living room

All living areas have been designed with the serenity of a home environment in mind—from quality furnishings and artwork to the peaceful surroundings of the grounds.

Laundry facilities are onsite for convenience. Each patient also has a fitness membership to a premier sports club, which is included in the program cost.

Group sitting on blankets outside with an instructor facing towards them

Outside of the treatment schedule, the Gunderson Residence offers an array of onsite leisure activities, or patients can visit area bookstores, coffee shops, restaurants, museums, boutiques, and more.

Located minutes from downtown Cambridge and Boston, public transportation to various local sites is just steps from our front door.

Program Leadership

Karen L. Jacob, MD
Karen L. Jacob, MD
Program Director
Brandon Unruh, MD
Brandon Unruh, MD
Medical Director

DBT Skills Can Improve Communication

Two people sitting and talking

Are you able to communicate your needs, say no when necessary, and set boundaries for yourself? If you answered no to any of these, don’t worry—you can use DBT skills to connect meaningfully with others and foster healthy, resilient relationships.

Two people sitting and talking

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Gunderson Residence located?

The Gunderson Residence is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

For more information on directions, parking, and local accommodations, please contact the program.

Who benefits most from the Gunderson Residence?

Our residential program focuses on treating cisgender women, transgender women, and nonbinary individuals assigned female at birth with personality disorders, including those whose borderline personality disorder is complicated by other mental health conditions.

Is family involved in treatment?

Family involvement, with the permission of the patient, is highly encouraged and can have a profound impact on treatment and recovery.

At the Gunderson Residence, family members—most commonly parents and/or spouses—will be assigned to work with a family therapist weekly or every other week, in person or over the phone. Additionally, we provide web-based family education seminars.

Is smoking permitted?

The Gunderson Residence is non-smoking. No e-cigarettes are allowed. We can assist with smoking cessation as needed.

When are Gunderson Residence visiting hours?

Visitors are permitted, following program policies. Visiting hours are Sundays 8am-12pm and visits are arranged in concert with the clinical team, family, and patient.

Please speak to the patient’s treatment team for more information. Additional details can be found on the Visitors page.

Are cell phones and other electronics allowed?

At the Gunderson Residence, technology (including, but not limited to, cell phones and computers) are held by the program upon arrival. Following completion of the first phase of treatment, patients are considered for technology privileges. At this point, the individual and their treatment team make a technology usage plan that works best with their treatment goals.

Those who are permitted to hold and use their cell phones and computers, must follow guidelines to prevent disruption of the program and other patients. Cameras and other recording devices are not allowed. Technology may be confiscated if not used appropriately.

Is the individual’s time at the program kept private?

Privacy is of the utmost importance to Gunderson, and we ensure confidentiality through our highly trained, professional, and discreet staff.

No third party, whether known to the patient or not, has access to medical records, health information, or any information about a patient’s stay without prior written authorization from the individual.

Are support and educational resources available?

From helpful online resources to self-help groups and more, McLean Hospital is committed to providing support and mental health education to aid patients and families on the path to recovery.

At the Gunderson Residence, we hold private, weekly webinars for family members to help educate them, provide regular patient updates, and address concerns and questions they may have.

Are support groups offered?

To complement our program’s services and encourage individuals’ initiatives in their own treatment course, many self-help groups are hosted by McLean.

Is aftercare planning a part of the program?

The treatment team works closely with the individual as well as with family, significant friends, and outside providers to develop a personalized aftercare plan. Recommendations by staff are made based upon clinical needs, progress made during treatment, and long-term treatment goals.

Can former patients access their medical records?

All requests for medical records should be directed to McLean’s Health Information Management Department.

Does McLean gather patient feedback?

McLean is dedicated to maintaining high-quality and effective patient care. To ensure that those standards remain at the highest level, we utilize a number of feedback instruments and quality indicators.

Among these tools are the Perceptions of Care survey, which monitors patient satisfaction, and BASIS-24™, a psychiatric outcomes measurement tool created at McLean and widely used in the U.S. and around the world, which delivers feedback on the patient care experience.

What is included in the Gunderson Residence day rate?

Clinical services such as:

  • Twice weekly psychotherapy (appointments are a privilege and can be lost if the patient cannot meet expectations of the program)
  • Medication management
  • Group therapy
  • Family therapy
  • Family educational online webinar offered 2-4 times monthly
  • Nursing care and coordination
  • Clinical residential counselors skills coaching
  • Treatment review and case management as needed

Non-clinical services:

  • Private room
  • Meals and beverages
  • Linens and laundry detergent
  • Membership to gym
  • Weekly Sunday outings to nearby museums, movie theaters, outdoor activities, etc.
  • Holiday activities

What is not Included in the Gunderson Residence day rate?

Clinical services including:

  • Medications: prescribed and over-the-counter
  • Internal medicine, medical, or neurological consultations
  • Neuropsychological and psychological testing
  • Sleep study
  • Physical therapy
  • Pain management
  • Medical, gynecology, and dental care

Non-clinical services:

  • Toiletries
  • Supplemental snacks
  • Transportation outside program outings
  • Spa services (hair, nails, etc.)

For those who require Kosher meals, we work with a Kosher catering company for an additional cost.

McLean Is Here to Help

If you or your loved one is struggling with borderline personality disorder, call us today to learn more about the Gunderson Residence and our state-of-the-art BPD care. Admission staff are ready to talk you through our treatment options.

617.855.4250