Borderline Personality Disorder Assessment
“Do I have borderline personality disorder?” “Could this explain the way I feel in relationships?” “Why do my emotions feel so intense and unpredictable?”
People often come seek treatment with questions like these, looking for answers about intense emotions, unstable relationships, or a persistent sense that something deeper is going on. Because BPD is frequently misdiagnosed as other conditions, and other conditions are frequently misdiagnosed as BPD, a thorough, evidence-based evaluation is often the clearest way to understand what you’re experiencing.
I conduct formal diagnostic assessments for BPD using standardized, empirically validated instruments such as the SCID-5-PD (Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 Personality Disorders). This structured approach helps ensure an accurate diagnosis, which can meaningfully improve treatment planning and outcomes whether you continue working with me or with another provider.
About Dr. Sharpless
I am a licensed clinical psychologist and author with over 20 years of experience assessing and treating personality disorders (including BPD). I received my Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Pennsylvania State University and completed post-doctoral clinical and research fellowships at the University of Pennsylvania. I also completed a clinical fellowship at the Psychoanalytic Center of Philadelphia. I have a great deal of experience conducting diagnostic assessments and was a reviewer for the most recent version of the Structured Interview for DSM-5, Research Version (SCID-5-RV).
Along with my clinical practice, I publish books and articles on psychodynamic therapy and psychopathology (i.e., the study of mental disorders) and provide ongoing supervision and consultation to other therapists treating complex cases.
Who This Assessment is For
Individuals who:
- Are experiencing symptoms consistent with BPD and want diagnostic clarity
- Have been previously diagnosed with BPD and want a second opinion or formal confirmation
- Are working with another therapist or psychiatrist who has requested a specialized diagnostic evaluation
- Suspect their current diagnosis may not fully capture their experience
- Want to better understand their emotional patterns, relationships, or sense of identity through a formal clinical lens
What to Expect
A comprehensive BPD assessment typically involves a detailed clinical interview using standardized, reliable instruments such as the SCID-5-PD, along with a review of relevant history and current symptoms. Because BPD shares features with several other conditions, careful differential diagnosis is central to this process.
Following the assessment, you will receive clear feedback about the diagnostic findings, along with recommendations for next steps — whether that involves beginning treatment with me, continuing care with an existing provider, or simply gaining a clearer understanding of your symptoms. Assessment sessions are available via secure telehealth across many states (check the status of your home state here), with limited in-person availability in Frederick, MD.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is BPD diagnosed? BPD is diagnosed through a comprehensive clinical interview, often supplemented by standardized, empirically validated instruments such as the SCID-5-PD.
Why get a formal assessment instead of just starting therapy? Because BPD is commonly misdiagnosed for other conditions, a formal evaluation helps ensure that treatment, whether with me or another provider, is targeted to your actual diagnosis
Do I need to already have a diagnosis to request an assessment? No. Many people seek an assessment precisely because they don’t yet have a clear diagnosis, or because they want to better understand their symptoms.
Will you provide treatment after the assessment? If appropriate and I have openings, yes. Many people transition directly into treatment with me following an assessment. However, the assessment can also stand alone if you are working with another provider or simply seeking diagnostic clarity.
How long does the assessment process take? This varies, but a formal BPD assessment is typically completed within three hours depending upon the patient’s mental health history.
Contact Dr. Sharpless
If you are interested in an evaluation and/or treatment, please contact me here or click the Contact button at the top or bottom of this page.