Personality Disorders Service
The Personality Disorders Service supports individuals diagnosed with a personality disorder and those who struggle with emotion dysregulation including those with Borderline Personality Disorder traits, Depression, Anxiety, Trauma related disorders, and co-occurring substance use— offering structured group-based treatment. We help you understand your emotions, behaviours, and relationships — and develop skills to manage distress, improve functioning, and build a meaningful life.
Who We Help
This program supports adults 18 and older who:
- Have a diagnosed or suspected personality disorder, depression, anxiety or trauma related disorder. Those without a formal diagnosis who struggle with emotion dysregulation will also be considered.
- Are not actively psychotic
- Experience difficulties that interfere with relationships, work, or daily functioning
- Are motivated to participate independently in structured group treatment, focused on personal change
Common concerns may include:
- Intense or rapidly shifting emotions
- Self-destructive behaviours
- Fear of abandonment or unstable relationships
- Impulsivity or difficulty managing anger
- Patterns of behaviour that feel difficult to change
What to Expect
This outpatient program provides:
Structured, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)-informed group therapy
Psychiatric assessment available upon request from a physician (referral and supporting documentation required)
Treatment draws on evidence-based approaches, including DBT therapy, radically open DBT and other psychodynamic psychotherapies.
Skill development for managing emotions, relationships and distress
Key Benefits
Learn to manage emotions and behaviours more effectively
Improve communication and relationships
Build self-awareness and personal strengths
Reduce risk of hospitalization and improve quality of life
Groups and Programs
The Chrysalis Group Treatment Program operates out of the Personality Disorders Service (PDS), Providence Care Hospital. We provide specialized treatment to individuals with problematic patterns of thoughts and behaviours that are long-standing, hard to change, and impact many aspects of their lives. These patterns can cause difficulties in relationships, at school, and at work.
Managing Powerful Emotions (MPE)
- Get through emotional crises without making things worse
- Understand what you are feeling and why
- Reduce impulsive or harmful behaviours
- Respond to situations in a more balanced way
Mindfulness
- Notice your thoughts and feelings without reacting right away
- Stay focused on the present moment
- Build awareness of your body and emotions
- Increase your ability to handle difficult feelings
People Skills
- Express your needs, thoughts, and feelings clearly
- Ask for what you need in a respectful way
- Say no when needed and set healthy limits
- Handle conflict and repair relationships
Kaleidoscope Program
- Have more severe or long-standing challenges
- Have not found enough improvement in other treatments
- Are ready for a more structured and in-depth program
- Building and strengthening skills
- Increasing insight into patterns of thinking and behaviour
- Making meaningful, lasting changes
Seeking Safety
- Understand the link between trauma and substance use
- Reduce or stop using substances
- Cope with triggers in healthier ways
- Build safer habits and relationships
Open Minds
- Struggle with perfectionism
- Feel emotionally shut down or over-controlled
- Have difficulty being open, flexible, or spontaneous
- Become more open to new experiences
- Express emotions more freely
- Build stronger social connections
- Let go of rigid patterns that may be holding you back
How to Access the Service
For Patients and Care Partners:
Speak with your healthcare provider about a referral to our program.
If you do not have a healthcare provider, self-refer through AccessMHA.
For psychiatry assessments, you must be referred by a physician who will continue to offer you care.
Once your referral has been received and accepted, you will be contacted by mail with further information.
For Referring Partners
Patients can be referred using the South Eastern Ontario Addictions and Mental Health Service Access Form.
Eligibility Criteria & Referral Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Be 18 years or older
- Have been diagnosed or are suspected to have a personality disorder, depression, anxiety, or trauma-related disorder.
- Be medically and psychiatrically stable
- Be willing and able to engage in outpatient group treatment independently
- This program is not appropriate for individuals experiencing psychosis or those requiring inpatient care.
Required with Referral
- Psychiatric diagnosis and treatment history
- Relevant medical and psychiatric reports
- Risk assessment and safety planning details (if applicable)
- Any recent hospitalizations or emergency visits
For questions about referrals or to confirm eligibility, contact our office at 613-542-8344
Group Referral
Referrals to the Chrysalis Group Treatment Program are accepted from family physicians, psychiatrists, community mental health agencies, and medical care providers. Referrals can be better assessed if all collateral information is included (i.e., psychiatric assessments, social histories, discharge summaries, mental health consultation reports, or a detailed note outlining the purpose of the referral). Self-referrals are not accepted.
Participants are encouraged to have their family physician or primary care provider continue to manage their ongoing care as our program is considered an adjunct to existing supports.
Patients can be referred using the South Eastern Ontario Addictions and Mental Health Service Access Form.
Contact Information
Hours of Operation
Our facilities operate 24/7, but building access and available services vary by location and time of day. Some entrances may be locked, and ID badge or intercom access may be required.
Clinic and outpatient service hours also differ. Please contact your specific care area or clinic for details.
Program Secretary
613-542-8344, ext. 35300
Regional Director
613-544-4900, ext. 34101
Vice President, Mental Health and Community Teams
613-544-4900, ext. 51219
