Narcissistic Personality Disorder Treatment in Orange County, CA
At Friendly Recovery, we help people manage these symptoms through structured, supportive care. Our programs include Partial Hospitalization PHP, Intensive Outpatient (IOP), and Outpatient Services. Each level is designed to support emotional growth, improve self-awareness, and promote long-term behavioral change.
What Is Narcissistic Personality Disorder?
Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is a Cluster B personality disorder, which means it is a mental health condition defined by a strong need for admiration, low empathy, and an inflated self-image. Often involving dramatic, overly emotional, or unpredictable thinking and behavior. NPD can lead to frequent conflict, emotional distress, and unstable relationships. It may affect you directly or impact someone close to you.
Many people with NPD struggle with criticism, rely heavily on external validation, and often have difficulty forming close relationships. Some people experience mood swings, sensitivity to rejection, or a pattern of controlling or dismissive behavior. These symptoms can damage relationships and lead to isolation. With the right help, people with NPD can learn how to manage these behaviors and develop healthier patterns.
"Before treatment, I didn’t realize how much my behavior was hurting the people around me. I used to push people away without even meaning to. Therapy helped me see things more clearly and build stronger relationships. I feel more connected to the people I care about."
Common Symptoms of NPD
Symptoms may vary, but many people with NPD experience the following:
Emotional and Cognitive Symptoms
- Inflated sense of self-importance
- Need for constant praise and attention
Sensitive to feedback or perceived criticism - Difficulty recognizing others’ feelings
Strong feelings of envy or the belief that others envy them - Rigid thinking around success, power, or appearance
Behavioral Symptoms
- Dismissing or devaluing others’ input
- Manipulating or controlling behaviors in relationships
- Struggling with empathy and emotional connection
- Outbursts or withdrawal when feeling challenged or ignored
- Difficulty maintaining work, family, or social connections
Not everyone shows all signs. A diagnosis is made when several specific traits consistently impact daily functioning and relationships.
Types of NPD We Treat
Our team supports clients with Narcissistic Personality Disorder and related issues, including:
NPD with Aggression: Irritability or hostility when feeling criticized or challenged.
NPD with Depression or Anxiety: Feelings of emptiness, low self-worth, or emotional numbness.
NPD with Relationship Struggles: Conflict in family, romantic, or work settings.
"We focus on what works. People with NPD often struggle with connection and trust. Our goal is to teach clear, repeatable skills that help reduce conflict and improve relationships."
How We Help
We use direct evidence-based therapies that focus on what actually works. Many people with Narcissistic Personality Disorder struggle with emotional reactions, self-image, and strained relationships, but change is possible with the right approach.
In therapy, we help you recognize unhelpful patterns and build awareness around how your behavior affects others. You will learn tools to manage your emotions, respond instead of react, and communicate more effectively. We do not focus on blame. We focus on insight, growth, and practical solutions you can use every day.
Our goal is to help you feel more in control of your actions, more confident in who you are, and more connected in your relationships. With steady support and a clear plan, meaningful progress is not only possible. It is likely.
Therapies Include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps change rigid thinking and improve communication.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Teaches emotion regulation and distress tolerance.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Builds self-awareness and values-based action.
Group Therapy: Helps clients practice empathy and develop social insight.
Trauma-Informed Therapy: Supports healing from past emotional injury.
Medication Management: When needed, we coordinate care with prescribing clinicians.
Outpatient Programs
Our outpatient services for Narcissistic Personality Disorder provide consistent support in a structured but flexible setting. Whether you choose standard outpatient therapy, an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), or a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), each option offers focused care without requiring a residential stay. This allows you to balance daily responsibilities with actively working on your mental health.
In each program, we teach practical skills that help reduce emotional reactivity and improve day-to-day communication. Many people with NPD struggle with criticism, defensiveness, or relationship strain. Our approach helps you identify those patterns early, respond more calmly, and gradually rebuild trust with others over time. Sessions may include individual therapy, group work, and skill-building exercises based on your specific goals.
Whether you’re dealing with work conflict, family tension, or personal frustration, we guide you in applying what you learn in therapy to real-life situations. With support, repetition, and honest reflection, outpatient care can be a strong foundation for lasting change.
Available Levels of Care:
General Outpatient Services: For ongoing support and symptom management.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): Several days of therapy per week to balance treatment with work, school, or family life.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): Full-day support to stabilize depression, with the ability to return home each evening.
Is This Care Right for You?
If Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is making it hard to maintain relationships, handle feedback, or stay grounded in daily life, you’re not alone. You might find yourself reacting strongly to criticism, feeling disconnected from others, or struggling with conflict at work, school, or home. These patterns can affect your confidence and leave you feeling misunderstood or distant from the people around you.
Over time, these behaviors can lead to stress, isolation, and tension in key areas of life. Breaking the cycle can be challenging without support. Therapy provides a space to understand these reactions, develop healthier ways to relate to others, and cultivate more balanced responses.
Getting help might be a good idea if you:
- Struggle to keep close relationships
- React strongly to feedback or rejection
- Feel easily hurt, frustrated, or misunderstood
- Use control or withdrawal to manage emotions
- Notice that others feel distant, hurt, or drained
Want to understand yourself better and feel more balanced
Why People Choose Friendly Recovery?
We create treatment plans tailored to your individual behavior, goals, and unique situation. We do not offer cookie-cutter programs. Each person’s version of NPD looks different, so your plan should be different too.
Research indicates that personalized mental health treatment enhances engagement, satisfaction, and long-term outcomes. That’s why we take time to understand what you’re facing before we begin treatment. Learn more about your team here.
Choose Specialized Care for NPD
We work with individuals who seek genuine transformation, not fleeting solutions. At Friendly Recovery, you will work with experienced professionals who understand Narcissistic Personality Disorder and use proven methods to help you change patterns and build healthier relationships.
Medically Reviewed By: Shahana Ham, LCSW
Shahana Ham, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Southern California. She specializes in client-centered care for individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges, fostering a supportive environment for healing and growth.
