Bipolar Disorder Psychiatrists in Saint Louis, MO

Photo of Susan Dawson, EdD , PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Susan Dawson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, EdD , PMHNP
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63129
This includes: Anxiety, Depression, Schizophrenia, Bipolar.
I am a licensed and board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, in practice for over 25yrs. I have served as a Professor, Dean and Director of nursing programs. My passion is in helping people in need of substantial management of mental health issues. Helping patients with addiction and adult psychiatry issues is essential for the success of those in these situations. I'm looking forward to serving patients who are ready to deal with their mental health issues, head on. If you need a provider who cares, believes in being honest and trustworthy consider care here is the place.
This includes: Anxiety, Depression, Schizophrenia, Bipolar.
I am a licensed and board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, in practice for over 25yrs. I have served as a Professor, Dean and Director of nursing programs. My passion is in helping people in need of substantial management of mental health issues. Helping patients with addiction and adult psychiatry issues is essential for the success of those in these situations. I'm looking forward to serving patients who are ready to deal with their mental health issues, head on. If you need a provider who cares, believes in being honest and trustworthy consider care here is the place.
(314) 730-1975 View (314) 730-1975
Photo of Samantha Saale, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Samantha Saale
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63127
As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, I offer mental health services to patients aged 6 and up, including medication management and psychoeducation in collaboration with Dr. Thomas Nowotny. I am certified to treat a range of psychiatric illness including, but not limited to; anxiety, depression, bipolar disorders, personality disorders, sleep disorders, ADHD, PTSD, schizophrenia, Autism Spectrum Disorder, & neurocognitive disorders. I am committed to helping my patients achieve optimal mental health and wellness. If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health issues, don't hesitate to reach out to me.
As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, I offer mental health services to patients aged 6 and up, including medication management and psychoeducation in collaboration with Dr. Thomas Nowotny. I am certified to treat a range of psychiatric illness including, but not limited to; anxiety, depression, bipolar disorders, personality disorders, sleep disorders, ADHD, PTSD, schizophrenia, Autism Spectrum Disorder, & neurocognitive disorders. I am committed to helping my patients achieve optimal mental health and wellness. If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health issues, don't hesitate to reach out to me.
(314) 909-8484 View (314) 909-8484
Photo of Narissa Marasso, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Narissa Marasso
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63122
Narissa Marasso, PMHNP is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She practices general psychiatry with an emphasis on adult populations, including the treatment of depression, bipolar, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, insomnia, PTSD, trauma, eating disorders, and the co-occurring mental health complications of Type 1 Diabetes. Services include brief psychotherapy and psychopharmacologic management. Narissa enjoys building therapeutic relationships with her clients and seeing them heal believing that mental, physical, and spiritual wellness can lead to lasting recovery.
Narissa Marasso, PMHNP is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She practices general psychiatry with an emphasis on adult populations, including the treatment of depression, bipolar, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, insomnia, PTSD, trauma, eating disorders, and the co-occurring mental health complications of Type 1 Diabetes. Services include brief psychotherapy and psychopharmacologic management. Narissa enjoys building therapeutic relationships with her clients and seeing them heal believing that mental, physical, and spiritual wellness can lead to lasting recovery.
(314) 794-5562 View (314) 794-5562
Photo of Katie Padberg, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Katie Padberg
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63141
I help children, adolescents, and adults with anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to worry less, improve their mood, and focus better through a combination of medication management, supportive psychotherapy, and integrative mind-body approaches (e.
I am so happy you are here! It takes courage to reach out for help. You don't have to feel this way forever. Valuable mental healthcare means feeling understood and supported, while continuously moving forward towards improved mental health. I understand how challenging it can be to find the right provider that really listens and fosters a nonjudgemental, welcoming environment. I would be honored to be that person for you.
I help children, adolescents, and adults with anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to worry less, improve their mood, and focus better through a combination of medication management, supportive psychotherapy, and integrative mind-body approaches (e.
I am so happy you are here! It takes courage to reach out for help. You don't have to feel this way forever. Valuable mental healthcare means feeling understood and supported, while continuously moving forward towards improved mental health. I understand how challenging it can be to find the right provider that really listens and fosters a nonjudgemental, welcoming environment. I would be honored to be that person for you.
(314) 347-3034 View (314) 347-3034
Photo of Mohd Azfar Malik - Serenity Health, MD, DFAPA, Psychiatrist
Serenity Health
Psychiatrist, MD, DFAPA
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63128
At Serenity Health, we understand the courage it takes to ask for help. If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and more, our team of licensed and certified providers are here to help. Our providers are trained to use psychotherapy to learn about your situation, properly diagnose, and treat your symptoms. Along with psychiatry, we offer neurology services to patients struggling with neuropathy, movement disorders, migraines, post-stroke care, seizures, and more. Our neurology team coordinates with the care plans of your other providers to ensure continuous improvement.
At Serenity Health, we understand the courage it takes to ask for help. If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and more, our team of licensed and certified providers are here to help. Our providers are trained to use psychotherapy to learn about your situation, properly diagnose, and treat your symptoms. Along with psychiatry, we offer neurology services to patients struggling with neuropathy, movement disorders, migraines, post-stroke care, seizures, and more. Our neurology team coordinates with the care plans of your other providers to ensure continuous improvement.
(636) 259-4665 View (636) 259-4665
Photo of Deborah Patton, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Deborah Patton
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63129  (Online Only)
I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and am licensed as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP) in the state of Missouri with prescriptive authority. I graduated from the University of Missouri-St. Louis with my BSN, and from St. Louis University with my MSN and Post-Master’s degree education. I have been practicing in the mental health field for over 20 years. My primary areas of focus are depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and PTSD/trauma. My primary treatment focus will be individuals 18 years and older.
I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and am licensed as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP) in the state of Missouri with prescriptive authority. I graduated from the University of Missouri-St. Louis with my BSN, and from St. Louis University with my MSN and Post-Master’s degree education. I have been practicing in the mental health field for over 20 years. My primary areas of focus are depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and PTSD/trauma. My primary treatment focus will be individuals 18 years and older.
(314) 620-8291 View (314) 620-8291
Photo of Vivek Agnihotri, MD, Psychiatrist
Vivek Agnihotri
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63131
I am a Psychiatrist specializing in Addiction Treatment and Adult Psychiatric Treatment. Also provide individualized Weight Management Services. I specialize in the treatment of Opioid dependence with Suboxone, Alcohol dependence, other addictions and Dual Diagnosis and Psychiatric disorders. I have extensive experience in treating a wide range of Psychiatric disorders including Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Bipolar Disorders, ADHD. I provide compassionate care and individualized attention in conducting comprehensive psychiatric evaluations.
I am a Psychiatrist specializing in Addiction Treatment and Adult Psychiatric Treatment. Also provide individualized Weight Management Services. I specialize in the treatment of Opioid dependence with Suboxone, Alcohol dependence, other addictions and Dual Diagnosis and Psychiatric disorders. I have extensive experience in treating a wide range of Psychiatric disorders including Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Bipolar Disorders, ADHD. I provide compassionate care and individualized attention in conducting comprehensive psychiatric evaluations.
(314) 794-5773 View (314) 794-5773
Photo of Rasha Elkady, MD, Psychiatrist
Rasha Elkady
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63101  (Online Only)
My specialities include but not limited to the following : Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism Spectrum disorder, Post traumatic stress disorder, Anxiety disorders, Mood disorders, Depression, Bipolar Disorders, Psychotic Disorders , Personality Disorders , Eating Disorders , dual diagnosis and anger problems.
I have been enjoying my work in psychiatry for the past 15 years and I wanted to provide a new and unique service to patients. I provide weekend and afternoon online appointments from the comfort of your own home. The importance of mental health cannot be stressed enough so why make it such a hassle to see a psychiatrist? At one simple click of a button, you can see a psychiatrist and receive a diagnosis tailored just for you. Times are changing, let’s make life easy.
My specialities include but not limited to the following : Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism Spectrum disorder, Post traumatic stress disorder, Anxiety disorders, Mood disorders, Depression, Bipolar Disorders, Psychotic Disorders , Personality Disorders , Eating Disorders , dual diagnosis and anger problems.
I have been enjoying my work in psychiatry for the past 15 years and I wanted to provide a new and unique service to patients. I provide weekend and afternoon online appointments from the comfort of your own home. The importance of mental health cannot be stressed enough so why make it such a hassle to see a psychiatrist? At one simple click of a button, you can see a psychiatrist and receive a diagnosis tailored just for you. Times are changing, let’s make life easy.
(573) 799-3693 View (573) 799-3693
Photo of Vilash Reddy - One Life Psychiatry, PLLC, MD, Psychiatrist
One Life Psychiatry, PLLC
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63101  (Online Only)
My name is Dr. Vilash Reddy, M.D. I grew up in California and trained at Washington University in St. Louis. I specialize in treating children aged 6 and older in Missouri and Kansas exclusively via telehealth appointments. My average wait time for new patients is 3 weeks. I diagnose and treat a range of developmental, behavioral, and mood disorders. I offer medication management as well as therapy and I believe in using holistic, natural remedies whenever possible. I treat ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder, depression, suicidal ideation, anxiety, autism, intellectual disability, PTSD, OCD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, etc
My name is Dr. Vilash Reddy, M.D. I grew up in California and trained at Washington University in St. Louis. I specialize in treating children aged 6 and older in Missouri and Kansas exclusively via telehealth appointments. My average wait time for new patients is 3 weeks. I diagnose and treat a range of developmental, behavioral, and mood disorders. I offer medication management as well as therapy and I believe in using holistic, natural remedies whenever possible. I treat ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder, depression, suicidal ideation, anxiety, autism, intellectual disability, PTSD, OCD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, etc
(816) 578-0985 View (816) 578-0985
Photo of Sindhura Saini - SANA Psychiatry, MD, Psychiatrist
SANA Psychiatry
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63108
Saini's expertise involves anxiety, OCD, depression, trauma, ADHD and bipolar disorder.
We look forward to seeing you. For your convenience, you can set up an appointment at www.sana-psychiatry.com. At this time, this is the only way to make an appointment.
Saini's expertise involves anxiety, OCD, depression, trauma, ADHD and bipolar disorder.
We look forward to seeing you. For your convenience, you can set up an appointment at www.sana-psychiatry.com. At this time, this is the only way to make an appointment.
(314) 866-7702 View (314) 866-7702
Photo of Helia Ibarra-Alos, MD, Psychiatrist
Helia Ibarra-Alos
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63108
With meaningful expertise and board certifications in adult, geriatric and addiction psychiatry, I confidently treat mental health disorders including: depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, addiction disorders, attention deficit disorder, PTSD, schizophrenia, cognitive disorders, sleep disorders, and bipolar disorders, among others.
I am an empathic, non-judgmental, easy to engage with, triple-board certified psychiatrist who conducts thorough psychiatric evaluations to assess your needs and figure out together about the best options to achieve your goals with an individualized treatment plan. Evaluations are currently done virtually via telepsychiatry if you are in either state of FL, NM or MO, and can be done in English or Spanish according to your preference.
With meaningful expertise and board certifications in adult, geriatric and addiction psychiatry, I confidently treat mental health disorders including: depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, addiction disorders, attention deficit disorder, PTSD, schizophrenia, cognitive disorders, sleep disorders, and bipolar disorders, among others.
I am an empathic, non-judgmental, easy to engage with, triple-board certified psychiatrist who conducts thorough psychiatric evaluations to assess your needs and figure out together about the best options to achieve your goals with an individualized treatment plan. Evaluations are currently done virtually via telepsychiatry if you are in either state of FL, NM or MO, and can be done in English or Spanish according to your preference.
(561) 220-1309 View (561) 220-1309
Photo of Hattie DeBord - Better Days Psychiatry and Family Practice, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Better Days Psychiatry and Family Practice
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63129
Hattie is certified to treat a wide range of psychiatric illnesses including, but not limited to depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar, ADHD and Autism.
Hattie DeBord is certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and a Family Nurse Practitioner with over 11 years’ experience working with pediatric and adult mental illness. She offers mental health services to patients aged 5 years and up.
Hattie is certified to treat a wide range of psychiatric illnesses including, but not limited to depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar, ADHD and Autism.
Hattie DeBord is certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and a Family Nurse Practitioner with over 11 years’ experience working with pediatric and adult mental illness. She offers mental health services to patients aged 5 years and up.
(314) 949-3520 View (314) 949-3520
Photo of Deidra Thompson - Brightside Health, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Brightside Health
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63133  (Online Only)
We specialize in treating anxiety, depression, and many other common concerns like panic, bipolar, postpartum depression, and suicidal thoughts.
It gets much better from here. No matter what you're going through, our expert providers are here to help with online mental health care tailored to you. Brightside Health offers personalized psychiatry, proven therapy, or both to help you feel better. Get started right from home, with appointments in as little as 2 days.
We specialize in treating anxiety, depression, and many other common concerns like panic, bipolar, postpartum depression, and suicidal thoughts.
It gets much better from here. No matter what you're going through, our expert providers are here to help with online mental health care tailored to you. Brightside Health offers personalized psychiatry, proven therapy, or both to help you feel better. Get started right from home, with appointments in as little as 2 days.
(337) 607-0683 View (337) 607-0683
Photo of Dr. Femi Popoola, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Femi Popoola
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63141
I am dual board-certified in General Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. I am CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW TELEHEALTH PATIENTS for medication management for depression, anxiety, Panic Disorder, OCD, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, ADHD, Eating Disorder, Schizophrenia, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder, etc. If you are looking for a doctor who is empathic and an active listener, you have one in me.
I am dual board-certified in General Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. I am CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW TELEHEALTH PATIENTS for medication management for depression, anxiety, Panic Disorder, OCD, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, ADHD, Eating Disorder, Schizophrenia, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder, etc. If you are looking for a doctor who is empathic and an active listener, you have one in me.
(573) 279-2951 View (573) 279-2951
Photo of Tyler Josephs, DO, Psychiatrist
Tyler Josephs
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63105
Dr. Tyler Josephs is a staff psychiatrist at Talkiatry. He received his medical degree from Kansas City University in 2017 and completed his psychiatric residency at the University of Kansas Medical Center in 2021. During that time, he served as Chief Resident at both the University of Kansas Medical Center and at the Kansas City VA Medical Center. Dr. Josephs most recently worked at the Kansas City VA Medical Center where he was the psychiatric director of the outpatient mental health clinic as well as serving as Psychiatry Executive for behavioral health services.
Dr. Tyler Josephs is a staff psychiatrist at Talkiatry. He received his medical degree from Kansas City University in 2017 and completed his psychiatric residency at the University of Kansas Medical Center in 2021. During that time, he served as Chief Resident at both the University of Kansas Medical Center and at the Kansas City VA Medical Center. Dr. Josephs most recently worked at the Kansas City VA Medical Center where he was the psychiatric director of the outpatient mental health clinic as well as serving as Psychiatry Executive for behavioral health services.
(314) 557-3846 View (314) 557-3846
Photo of Dr. Morgan Alexander, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Morgan Alexander
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63113  (Online Only)
Meet Dr. Alexander: a psychiatrist with a distinctive blend of empathy and expertise. Trained at Wright State University with a focus on integrating psychotherapy and psychopharmacology, Dr. Alexander excels in delivering personalized treatment plans with proven effectiveness. She actively engages with the narratives that shape patients' lives, forging therapeutic alliances as unique as the individuals she serves. This patient-first approach, combined with a rich background in community engagement, positions Dr. Alexander as a psychiatrist who understands the complexities of the complete human experience - mind, body and spirit.
Meet Dr. Alexander: a psychiatrist with a distinctive blend of empathy and expertise. Trained at Wright State University with a focus on integrating psychotherapy and psychopharmacology, Dr. Alexander excels in delivering personalized treatment plans with proven effectiveness. She actively engages with the narratives that shape patients' lives, forging therapeutic alliances as unique as the individuals she serves. This patient-first approach, combined with a rich background in community engagement, positions Dr. Alexander as a psychiatrist who understands the complexities of the complete human experience - mind, body and spirit.
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Photo of Courtney Wall - Provident Behavioral Health, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Courtney Wall - Provident Behavioral Health
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63103
The most gratifying thing about my work is being able to connect with great people who are going through challenging times and providing them with the assistance and individualized care they need to improve their overall quality of life. There is no better feeling than helping someone transition from a low point in their life to a newfound path of happiness. I’m a proud member of the Provident Behavioral Health team, an agency that offers not only psychiatric services but also counseling and crisis services. I currently offer telemental health appointments for Missouri residents, making services accessible and convenient for you.
The most gratifying thing about my work is being able to connect with great people who are going through challenging times and providing them with the assistance and individualized care they need to improve their overall quality of life. There is no better feeling than helping someone transition from a low point in their life to a newfound path of happiness. I’m a proud member of the Provident Behavioral Health team, an agency that offers not only psychiatric services but also counseling and crisis services. I currently offer telemental health appointments for Missouri residents, making services accessible and convenient for you.
(573) 955-0046 View (573) 955-0046
Photo of Ann Chartrand, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Ann Chartrand
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63123
I believe that all patients should be respected and actively participate in treatment plans, and properly educating my patients leads to better outcomes. Optimal mental health involves all aspects of an individual and not simply medication management. Every person leaving my office will know how, why and what we are doing to try to help him/her feel better and be healthier. I enjoy working with adults motivated to improve their mental health. My practice is informal and relaxed, designed to reduce "white coat" anxiety and stigma toward mental health treatment. I like to call it "Psychiatry with Personality."
I believe that all patients should be respected and actively participate in treatment plans, and properly educating my patients leads to better outcomes. Optimal mental health involves all aspects of an individual and not simply medication management. Every person leaving my office will know how, why and what we are doing to try to help him/her feel better and be healthier. I enjoy working with adults motivated to improve their mental health. My practice is informal and relaxed, designed to reduce "white coat" anxiety and stigma toward mental health treatment. I like to call it "Psychiatry with Personality."
(314) 668-7023 View (314) 668-7023
Photo of Brenda Bush - Innovative Mental Health Services, FNP-C, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Innovative Mental Health Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP-C, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63141  (Online Only)
Brenda Bush is a dual Certified Nurse Practitioner in Family and Psychiatric Mental Health. Her focus is Psychiatric Mental Health and Primary Care Adult medicine. Brenda has been a nurse for 28 years and a Nurse Practitioner for 15 years. Her practitioner education is from Indiana Wesleyan University- Marion, Indiana and University of Missouri- St. Louis. She has a collaborative practice in St. Louis and surrounding cities in Mo. and is also licensed in Arizona, Kansas and Virgina. Her goal is to partner with you to create a treatment plan that improves your mental and physical health, enhancing your quality of life.
Brenda Bush is a dual Certified Nurse Practitioner in Family and Psychiatric Mental Health. Her focus is Psychiatric Mental Health and Primary Care Adult medicine. Brenda has been a nurse for 28 years and a Nurse Practitioner for 15 years. Her practitioner education is from Indiana Wesleyan University- Marion, Indiana and University of Missouri- St. Louis. She has a collaborative practice in St. Louis and surrounding cities in Mo. and is also licensed in Arizona, Kansas and Virgina. Her goal is to partner with you to create a treatment plan that improves your mental and physical health, enhancing your quality of life.
(314) 582-6420 View (314) 582-6420
Photo of Mary Weiss, DO, Psychiatrist
Mary Weiss
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63122
Dr. Mary Weiss is a Psychiatrist in Missouri who has been practicing since 2019. Dr. Weiss approaches patients with empathy and respect. She primarily manages medications but may also incorporate therapy modalities. Dr. Weiss enjoys mystery books, word puzzles, and spending time with family.
Dr. Mary Weiss is a Psychiatrist in Missouri who has been practicing since 2019. Dr. Weiss approaches patients with empathy and respect. She primarily manages medications but may also incorporate therapy modalities. Dr. Weiss enjoys mystery books, word puzzles, and spending time with family.
(314) 347-3582 View (314) 347-3582
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See more therapy options for Saint Louis

Bipolar Disorder Psychiatrists

What is the most successful approach to treating bipolar disorder?

Living with bipolar disorder can be challenging, and a number of therapies have been found effective in providing support to patients as they gain the skills to understand and manage the disorder. Family-focused therapy is often helpful for children and teens (the majority of cases develop before age 19); it aims to minimize mood cycling by improving family communication and reducing conflict. It also helps young people navigate the developmental challenges the disorder can create. Cognitive and behavioral therapy (CBT) and variants such as Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)help patients manage the thoughts and feelings that influence bipolar mood swings as well as develop specific behavioral strategies to counteract them.

What happens in therapy for bipolar disorder?

Because the patterns of mood switching and its triggers differ for each person and can change over time, mood tracking or monitoring becomes a basic way patients learn about the nature of their condition. One of the most common features of therapy is finding a workable method of mood monitoring, in which patients track their daily activities and rate their moods, then use the findings to adjust routines accordingly. Patients learn ways of handling the many stresses that arise in life so that they do not trigger mood swings.

What kinds of problems does therapy help with?

Like many other mental health disorders, BPD is heavily influenced by stress; therapy provides skills for coping with stressors of all kinds. Therapy is extremely important for helping individuals identify the situations that may trigger mood switching, so that mood swings can be prevented. Therapy may especially target recognition of the early stages of mood change so that they can be managed. In addition, therapy helps patients deal with the significant amount of turbulence the disorder can create in relationships and in work life.

What is the goal of therapy for bipolar disorder?

Therapy helps patients set up their lives to maintain stability so that their mood isn’t constantly threatened by daily events. Perhaps the first task of therapy is to educate people about the nature of the disorder. At the same time, a primary goal of therapy is to enhance adherence to drug treatment. Extended periods of mood stability can prompt patients to discontinue medication, triggering relapse, while the early phases of manic episodes can feel so energizing that patients stop medication, ushering in full-blown mania and the altered self-perception that can lead to destructive behaviors. Another major goal of therapy is to understand one’s mood patterns so as to minimize both the frequency and intensity of mood cycling.