avoidant personality disorder treatment
avoidant personality disorder treatment for adolescents and adults
Living with Avoidant Personality Disorder (AVPD) often means wanting connection but feeling too afraid to reach for it. The pain of being judged, rejected, or criticized becomes so overwhelming that it feels safer to withdraw rather than risk being seen. At Galen Hope, we understand how isolating and exhausting that cycle can be. Our Avoidant Personality Disorder treatment program is designed to support adolescents and adults in stepping out of shame, strengthening resilience, and learning how to form meaningful, reciprocal relationships at their own pace.
what is avoidant personality disorder?
AVPD is a mental health condition marked by an intense fear of rejection, criticism, and disapproval, often leading to social withdrawal, low self-esteem, and chronic feelings of inadequacy. Individuals with AVPD may avoid friendships, romantic relationships, or professional opportunities—not because they don’t care, but because the potential for judgment or failure feels unbearable.
Unlike occasional social discomfort, AVPD is deeply rooted and interferes with nearly every area of life. The internal dialogue is often harsh, self-defeating, and filled with shame. Many individuals with AVPD also experience co-occurring conditions like anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress. At Galen Hope, we take a trauma-informed approach to help clients understand where these patterns come from—and how to begin rewriting them.
our approach to avoidant personality disorder treatment
At Galen Hope, we recognize that AVPD isn’t a character flaw. It’s a protective strategy that developed in response to relational pain. Our treatment model focuses on building trust, emotional safety, and internal confidence, creating space for healing that feels empowering, not overwhelming.
We combine evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), psychodynamic therapy, and relational work with somatic practices and creative expression. Clients are supported in exploring internal narratives, identifying limiting beliefs, and learning how to tolerate emotional vulnerability. Our clinicians provide consistent, attuned support, helping clients take steps toward connection, authenticity, and self-acceptance—at a pace that feels respectful and manageable.
what avoidant personality disorder treatment might look like at galen hope
1. connect
Connect with us: A compassionate care coordinator will listen and help you take the first step towards healing and moving forward with your life.
2. Collaborate
Collaborate on your treatment plan: Our expert clinical team will design a personalized roadmap based on your goals, needs, and life circumstances.
3. Engage
Engage in our healing community: Participate in a structured, supportive treatment program alongside peers and professionals who understand trauma.
4. Healing
Begin your journey toward lasting healing: As symptoms ease, you will develop skills, insight, and a renewed sense of self to carry with you long after treatment ends.
typical avoidant personality disorder clients we work with
At Galen Hope, we support a wide range of clients coping with AVPD. Many are adolescents, college students, and adults who have struggled silently for years – highly intelligent, deeply sensitive individuals who have learned to protect themselves by staying small, quiet, and invisible. Our clients often carry complex trauma, co-occurring anxiety or depression, and internal narratives of unworthiness.
We work with clients from diverse backgrounds, including the LGBTQ+ community, Latin and Hispanic clients, neurodivergent individuals, and professionals who have masked their distress behind high achievement. No matter your story, we meet you with curiosity, care, and a belief that connection and healing are possible—even if it has never felt that way before.
we invite you here to heal in your own very special way
At Galen Hope, every client is immediately acknowledged as an individual whose story may not be represented by traditional diagnostic criteria. We seek to fully understand their life experience and to provide them with an affirming environment where they feel accepted and supported.
For someone struggling with an eating disorder or mental illness, finding a place in the world, forming connections, developing meaning and purpose in life, and having day-to-day support is vital to better outcomes, long-term health, and well-being. We create a sense of community inside our doors, where we facilitate a commitment to recovery. We find tremendous meaning in bringing someone into our circle and helping them recognize the importance they play in it. It is through these relationships that healing takes place and clients begin to develop the skills to live both independently and in relation to others.
avoidant personality disorder faqs
what are the symptoms of avoidant personality disorder?
Symptoms of AVPD include chronic fear of rejection, social withdrawal, feelings of inadequacy, hypersensitivity to criticism, and reluctance to engage in new activities. People with AVPD may long for connection but avoid it due to fear of being judged, shamed, or exposed as “not good enough.” Symptoms often lead to intense suffering and impaired functioning across personal, professional, or academic settings.
what causes avoidant personality disorder?
While there is no single cause, AVPD often develops from early experiences of rejection, bullying, neglect, or abuse. Individuals may have internalized messages of unworthiness and developed a deep-seated fear of being “exposed.” Genetics, attachment style, and temperament also play a role. At Galen Hope, we help clients understand the origins of these patterns and build new pathways of healing.
how is avpd different from social anxiety disorder?
Both conditions involve fear of judgment and avoidance, but AVPD is more pervasive and deeply ingrained in a person’s identity. Social anxiety disorder often presents as situational fear (like going on a date or public speaking), whereas AVPD affects a person’s overall self-concept and relationships. AVPD also involves stronger feelings of shame and unworthiness that impact all areas of life.
can someone with avpd have healthy relationships?
Yes. With support and treatment, individuals with AVPD can learn to form deep, fulfilling relationships. Treatment includes building self-compassion, learning how to communicate needs, and developing emotional regulation skills. Relationships become possible when individuals feel safe enough to be their authentic selves without fear of rejection.
how does avoidant personality disorder affect daily life and functioning?
AVPD limits almost every aspect of daily life, from social interactions to academic or professional opportunities. Individuals may avoid applying for jobs, attending events, or making phone calls out of fear of criticism or failure. The inner experience is constant self-doubt and isolation, leading to depression, loneliness, or substance use to cope.
what's the difference between an inpatient vs outpatient treatment center?
Inpatient treatment provides 24/7 care in a residential setting, often used for crisis stabilization. Outpatient treatment allows clients to engage in structured therapy while living at home or in supportive housing. Galen Hope is an outpatient treatment center offering Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), blending immersive treatment with real-world integration—ideal for clients with AVPD who benefit from relational practice in a safe, community-based setting.
how can I help a friend or family member with avoidant personality disorder?
Start by offering consistent support, patience, and non-judgmental presence. Avoid pushing them into social situations, but encourage small, manageable steps and validate their emotional experience. You may gently suggest treatment options and offer to help with logistics. At Galen Hope, we also work with families and loved ones to understand AVPD.
does galen hope take insurance?
Yes. Galen Hope accepts insurance for mental health and eating disorder treatment. We are in-network with ComPsych, Claritev (formerly called Multiplan), Aetna, and Optum/UnitedHealthcare plans. We also work with many out-of-network insurance providers and offer benefit verification to help you understand your options.
What insurance plans does Galen Hope accept for eating disorder and mental health treatment?
Galen Hope is currently in-network with ComPsych, Multiplan, Aetna, and select Optum/UnitedHealthcare plans. Through our Optum contract, we may also be able to work with commercial plans such as UnitedHealthcare, AvMed, and Oscar. We also support many clients through out-of-network benefits with providers like Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Cigna, First Health, and others. To determine how your specific plan may apply to treatment, please contact us for a complimentary insurance verification.
Can I use out-of-network insurance to pay for treatment at Galen Hope?
In some instances, we can accept out-of-network (OON) as full payment while in others, we provide a scaled partial payment. This may also be connected with your out or pocket max, as well as co-pays and co-insurance. The degree to which out of network benefits cover the full cost of treatment varies greatly from policy to policy. In some instances it can serve as full payment, while others may cover a portion. In all cases, individuals using out of network benefits will be subject to paying their out-of-network deductible and other fees such as the out of pocket max, co-insurance or co-pays as dictated by your insurance policy.
Does Galen Hope help verify insurance benefits for treatment?
Absolutely. We offer free insurance benefit verification to help you understand what your policy may cover before you begin treatment. We aim to provide full transparency around coverage and any potential out-of-pocket costs.
Can I get a Single Case Agreement (SCA) for treatment at Galen Hope?
When clinically indicated and appropriate, we pursue Single Case Agreements (SCAs) to help families access in-network-level coverage with an out-of-network provider. Our team advocates on your behalf and provides clinical documentation to support the request. We encourage you to call us so that we can determine if a SCA is warranted.
What happens if my insurance stops covering treatment early?
If your insurance coverage ends unexpectedly and we believe the denial of care is not in your best clinical interest, our team will work directly with your insurance carrier to appeal the decision. You will receive timely notification of any changes in authorizations for care in order to explore financial options and clinical recommendations to help minimize any disruption in care.
How can I find out what my insurance covers for eating disorder or mental health treatment?
Our admissions team will assess your insurance policy, the recommended level of care, and your treatment location to give you a clear understanding of what your plan is likely to cover. We’ll guide you every step of the way.
Are insurance benefits different depending on where I live?
Yes. Insurance coverage may vary by state and plan type. We consider your plan’s regional requirements when evaluating your benefits.
Will I know my treatment costs before starting at Galen Hope?
Yes. Before admission, we’ll walk you through all anticipated costs, including what insurance is likely to cover and any out-of-pocket expenses, so there are no surprises.
Can Galen Hope help me understand my insurance coverage?
Yes. Our experienced admissions team will break down your policy, explain your mental health or eating disorder benefits, and help you make the most informed decision possible.
our avoidant personality disorder treatment centers in florida
With two state-of-the-art Avoidant Personality Disorder treatment centers in Florida, Galen Hope provides a warm, relational, and trauma-informed environment where healing can begin. We intentionally design our centers to support safety, self-discovery, and growth—especially for individuals who are learning to open up to others, perhaps for the first time.
We offer personalized, integrative care that honors your pace and your process, supporting you in moving from avoidance and shame toward confidence, connection, and peace. Whether you’re local or seeking treatment from out of state, Galen Hope offers a pathway to recovery rooted in understanding, belonging, and real transformation.
coral gables
Address: 806 Douglas Road, Suite 625
Coral Gables, FL 33445
delray beach
Address: 4600 Linton Blvd.
Delray Beach, FL 33445