Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing a therapy practice is a significant decision, and we understand that you may have questions before getting started. At The Kimberly Center, we are committed to providing clarity, compassion, and high-quality care every step of the way. This FAQ is designed to answer the most common questions about our services, approach, and practical details, so you can feel confident and informed as you consider taking the next step toward healing and growth.
What is Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), and how does The Kimberly Center treat it?
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a complex condition marked by intense difficulty in managing emotions, impulsivity, unstable self-image, and turbulent relationships. At its most severe, it can lead to self-harming behaviors and suicidal crises.
At The Kimberly Center, we specialize in the treatment of BPD with a comprehensive and integrative approach. Our clinicians are trained in the leading evidence-based therapies for BPD, and we tailor treatment to each client’s needs. Our model combines:
- Transference-Focused Psychotherapy (TFP): A psychodynamic approach that helps patients understand and transform core relationship patterns.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Including individual therapy and specialized DBT skills groups to build emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and mindfulness.
- Mentalization-Based Therapy (MBT): Strengthening the capacity to reflect on one’s own and others’ mental states.
- Individual, group, and family therapy: Providing multiple levels of support and relational healing.
- Psychopharmacological treatment (when appropriate): Thoughtfully integrated to reduce symptom burden.
- Holistic methods (e.g., Holotropic Breathwork): For clients who seek deeper experiential work alongside psychotherapy.
Our goal is to create a structured yet deeply supportive environment that not only reduces self-harming and impulsive behaviors, but also helps clients build stable relationships, a more cohesive identity, and greater emotional resilience.
What is Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), and how does The Kimberly Center treat it?
Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) involves enduring patterns of grandiosity, sensitivity to criticism, difficulties with empathy, and intense struggles in relationships. While individuals with NPD may appear confident on the surface, they often experience profound insecurity, emptiness, and vulnerability underneath. These challenges can lead to repeated relational conflicts, workplace difficulties, and emotional isolation.
At The Kimberly Center, we provide specialized treatment for narcissistic personality dynamics that blends depth-oriented exploration with evidence-based interventions. Our approach recognizes both the defensive structure of narcissism and the emotional pain that drives it. Treatment may include:
- Transference-Focused Psychotherapy (TFP): A psychodynamic method that addresses core identity organization and interpersonal difficulties.
- Schema Therapy: Helping clients recognize and shift long-standing maladaptive patterns rooted in early life experiences.
- Mentalization-Based Therapy (MBT): Strengthening reflective functioning and empathy in relationships.
- Individual and family therapy: Supporting both the individual and their loved ones in navigating the challenges of narcissism.
- Integration with holistic methods: Such as mindfulness and experiential practices to enhance self-awareness and emotional regulation.
Our clinicians understand that individuals with narcissistic traits often come to treatment after repeated relational or professional crises. We create a safe, structured, and non-shaming therapeutic environment that supports lasting personality change, healthier relationships, and a stronger, more cohesive sense of self.
How does The Kimberly Center approach treatment for trauma?
At The Kimberly Center, all services are grounded in trauma-informed care, recognizing the profound impact of early and acute trauma on personality development and emotional well-being. Our approach integrates evidence-based interventions—including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Transference-Focused Psychotherapy (TFP), Mentalization-Based Treatment (MBT), and Cognitive Therapy—with depth-oriented modalities such as Holotropic Breathwork.
The goal is to help clients:
- Safely process and integrate traumatic experiences
- Strengthen emotional regulation and distress tolerance
- Restore a deeper sense of identity, safety, and trust
- Build resilience for long-term healing and growth
This integrative framework allows treatment to be both structured and exploratory, ensuring clients receive tools for stabilization while also addressing the underlying meaning and impact of trauma.
What services are available for young adults?
Young adults often face self-sabotaging behaviors, identity confusion, and emotional struggles. The Kimberly Center provides tailored therapy to help young adults:
- Break cycles of self-sabotage
- End suicidal ideation and self-harm
- Develop emotional regulation skills
- Improve relationships and self-confidence
- Thrive academically, professionally, and personally
Therapy is collaborative and aimed at empowering young adults to move forward with clarity and confidence.
How do I get started?
To begin, contact us to schedule an initial session. The intake process typically includes an initial conversation to discuss your concerns, goals, and what type of therapy may be most helpful.
What should I expect in the first session?
Your first session is an opportunity to share your story and goals for therapy. Together with your clinician, you’ll create a personalized treatment plan. It’s a collaborative process designed to create the most comprehensive and effective plan for your healing.
Do you offer in-person sessions?
Yes. We offer in-person sessions at our Manhattan office location.
Do you offer telehealth or online therapy?
Yes. The Kimberly Center provides secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth sessions for those who can not come in-person. This option is especially valuable for those living outside New York City.
How long does therapy usually last?
The length and frequency of therapy depend on your individual goals and challenges. Some clients benefit from shorter-term, focused treatment, while others engage in longer-term therapy for deeper transformation. Your clinician will collaborate with you to determine the best plan.
How do group therapy sessions work?
Group sessions—such as DBT Skills Groups and Self & Other Intensive Groups—are structured, supportive spaces where clients learn practical coping tools and gain insight through connection with others. Groups often complement individual therapy, offering clients a chance to practice skills in a safe, guided environment.
Do you work with families?
Yes. Family therapy is available to help improve communication, resolve conflicts, and build stronger, healthier dynamics. For young adults, family involvement can play a crucial role in the healing process.
Does The Kimberly Center accept insurance?
The Kimberly Center is committed to protecting your privacy and the quality of care. Although we are not in-network with insurance companies, most clients use out-of-network benefits with a superbill for partial reimbursement (typically 70% after deductible).
What are the fees and payment options?
Session fees vary depending on provider and service type (individual, group, family, or psychiatry). The Kimberly Center is a private, boutique practice and does not contract directly with insurance. Instead, we provide detailed invoices (“superbills”) that you may submit to your insurance company for out-of-network reimbursement. Most of our clients are able to recover a large portion of their costs this way.
All payment details are reviewed during your initial consultation, and we are committed to making the process as seamless and transparent as possible so you can focus fully on treatment.
How do you ensure privacy and confidentiality?
The Kimberly Center adheres strictly to HIPAA standards. All therapy sessions—whether in person or online—are conducted in a secure and confidential environment, ensuring that your privacy is fully protected.
Who should consider therapy at The Kimberly Center?
The Kimberly Center is the right choice for individuals seeking specialized, intensive treatment in a private, boutique setting. We work with clients who are navigating:
- Borderline Personality Disorder and other personality disorders, especially when prior treatments have not provided meaningful or lasting change
- Trauma and PTSD, including complex developmental trauma and its impact on identity and relationships
- Emotional dysregulation, depression, or anxiety that interfere with work, relationships, or daily life
- Self-harm, addictive behaviors, or other high-risk patterns that feel difficult to control
- Identity confusion, difficulties with self-image, or chronic interpersonal conflict
- Young adults and professionals in major life transitions, such as entering independence, navigating career shifts, or managing relational challenges
For many of our clients, The Kimberly Center represents a turning point: a more comprehensive and effective alternative to traditional once-weekly therapy. Our discreet, highly personalized approach is designed to break cycles of self-sabotage and self-harm, and to support lasting change in a safe, supportive environment.