Mentalization-based therapy online with Talkspace

Mentalization based therapy can be used to uncover new ways of thinking and improve emotional regulation and connection in those with borderline personality disorder (BPD).

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How Talkspace mentalization therapy works

Brief assessment

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What you’ll get from mentalization based therapy

Healing and repair

Mentalization therapy aims to help the brain relearn to identify and express emotions.

Emotional regulation

Using the power of mentalization, you’ll analyze your own emotions and feelings with the goal of understanding them on a deeper level.

The power of empathy

Empathy is about understanding how others feel. Mentalization therapy aims to improve empathy in those who struggle to identify others’ emotions.

Ongoing support

Ongoing dedicated support through live sessions (text, audio, or video) and/or unlimited messaging with your licensed mental healthcare provider.

Individual Therapy

Get treatment catered to meet your needs with individual therapy. Increase your own social functioning and learn to understand the emotions and feelings that occur in people’s minds and your own with 1:1 sessions with your MBT therapist.

Improved interpersonal relationships

Learn the skills for improved interpersonal relationships and social functioning.

Benefits of Talkspace

  • No appointments or commuting needed
  • Ongoing support — express yourself in real-time
  • Seamlessly switch therapists, at no extra cost
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Frequently asked questions

Mentalization therapy and mentalization based treatment is an evidence based psychotherapy approach, often used when treating Borderline Personality Disorder. Mentalization therapy is used to help someone analyze and gain a deeper understanding of any emotion or feeling in both themselves and others, especially for those who may have a difficult time identifying with other people’s feelings.
Some Talkspace therapists offer mentalization based treatment in their practice. Plans include the ability to message with your therapist daily, and some include live sessions (video, audio, text).

With Talkspace mentalization therapy, you’ll receive ongoing dedicated support and a practical guide for attachment, emotions, and empathy through live sessions.

Mentalization psychotherapy has been effective as treatment for borderline personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder, addiction, eating disorders, and depression.
If your insurance plan covers therapy, it may also cover mentalization therapy. An increasing number of online therapy providers (like Talkspace) accept insurance, so check with your insurance company to confirm your coverage details for mentalization therapy.

If you don’t have a health insurance plan that covers mental health services, you may be able to access Talkspace directly through your employer or school. We work with many employee assistance programs (EAP) and educational organizations to make online therapy available and affordable for all.

Mentalization based treatment can be done online, and many members prefer it that way. Talkspace members message their therapist whenever, wherever, and get responses daily, 5 days a week. Live video, audio, and messaging therapy sessions are also available.
MBT begins with an assessment and articulation of the patient’s problems and treatment goals. The therapist and patient work together to build a joint understanding of current challenges, which serves as a foundation on which specific goals can be addressed as treatment progresses. The initial evaluation aids both parties in understanding how obstacles arise from the patient’s history of attachment and emotional arousal.

Throughout treatment, the therapist will guide narrative therapy, which helps individuals interpret their experiences as stories that give meaning to their lives. MBT therapists will scan for emotional disconnection and encourage the individual to begin working in the perspectives of others to establish a more balanced view. The guidance provided in sessions serves as a practical guide for approaching conflict in day-to-day life. Group therapy may be integrated into the treatment plan to provide more real-life practice in expanding perspective.

Mentalization based therapy (MBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are both evidence-based therapy approaches used to help individuals better understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to achieve better mental health outcomes.

While MBT helps people better understand their own mental state and the mental states of others, DBT is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy focused on mindfulness, emotional regulation, and building strong relationships.

To get started, find a qualified MBT practitioner who specializes in treating your specific mental health concerns. During online therapy sessions, your therapist will help you reflect on past experiences. Over time, treatment is designed to help individuals regulate negative emotions, manage interpersonal relationships, and lead a balanced life.