Bipolar Disorder Psychiatrists in Century City, CA

Photo of Adel Mostafavi - WellPsyche Medical Group, MD, Psychiatrist
WellPsyche Medical Group
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Century City, CA 90067  (Online Only)
Are you struggling to balance your physical and mental health? Are things becoming unmanageable? Is your time limited? Then welcome to WellPsyche! WellPsyche Medical Group provides experts in the field of Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry. Our practice offers the latest in psychiatry including Telemedicine! Now you can visit with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of your home or work. Our providers take a Conservative and Effective approach to medication management and can help you balance your life.
Are you struggling to balance your physical and mental health? Are things becoming unmanageable? Is your time limited? Then welcome to WellPsyche! WellPsyche Medical Group provides experts in the field of Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry. Our practice offers the latest in psychiatry including Telemedicine! Now you can visit with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of your home or work. Our providers take a Conservative and Effective approach to medication management and can help you balance your life.
(424) 396-0572 View (424) 396-0572
Photo of Randall Bailey, MD, Psychiatrist
Randall Bailey
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Century City, CA 90067  (Online Only)
Are you struggling to balance your physical and mental health? Are things becoming unmanageable? Is your time limited? Then welcome to WellPsyche! WellPsyche Medical Group provides experts in the field of Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry. Our practice offers the latest in psychiatry including Telemedicine! Now you can visit with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of your home or work. Our providers take a Conservative and Effective approach to medication management and can help you balance your life.
Are you struggling to balance your physical and mental health? Are things becoming unmanageable? Is your time limited? Then welcome to WellPsyche! WellPsyche Medical Group provides experts in the field of Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry. Our practice offers the latest in psychiatry including Telemedicine! Now you can visit with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of your home or work. Our providers take a Conservative and Effective approach to medication management and can help you balance your life.
(424) 363-4887 View (424) 363-4887
Photo of Olga Tsoy, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Olga Tsoy
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Century City, CA 90067
Stability Through Medication Management If you’re facing mental health challenges or supporting a loved one, I am here to support you. Let’s work together to pave the path toward wellness by uncovering the treatment plan tailored just for you, including personalized medication options.
Stability Through Medication Management If you’re facing mental health challenges or supporting a loved one, I am here to support you. Let’s work together to pave the path toward wellness by uncovering the treatment plan tailored just for you, including personalized medication options.
(424) 415-8119 View (424) 415-8119
Photo of Alex Sahba - Psychiatric Evaluations - Dr. Alex Sahba, MD, Psychiatrist
Psychiatric Evaluations - Dr. Alex Sahba
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Century City, CA 90067
I'm Dr. Alex Sahba, board certified in general psychiatry/forensic psychiatry and trained at UCLA. As a recognized leader in the fields of psychiatry and qualified medical evaluations (QMEs), I am called upon to provide excellent service in various settings, including medical, legal, and academics. I conduct various types of evaluations, including: Legal/Forensics, Risk Assessment (Violence/Sexual), Drug/Alcohol Evals, Cognitive Evals, Competency Evals, Diagnostic Clarification, Fitness For Duty Evals.,​ Pre-employment Evals., Immigration-related Evals., and Workers’ Comp. (QME/AME).
I'm Dr. Alex Sahba, board certified in general psychiatry/forensic psychiatry and trained at UCLA. As a recognized leader in the fields of psychiatry and qualified medical evaluations (QMEs), I am called upon to provide excellent service in various settings, including medical, legal, and academics. I conduct various types of evaluations, including: Legal/Forensics, Risk Assessment (Violence/Sexual), Drug/Alcohol Evals, Cognitive Evals, Competency Evals, Diagnostic Clarification, Fitness For Duty Evals.,​ Pre-employment Evals., Immigration-related Evals., and Workers’ Comp. (QME/AME).
(562) 539-2641 View (562) 539-2641
Photo of Nwankaego Nwandei, PA, Physician Assistant
Nwankaego Nwandei
Physician Assistant, PA
Verified Verified
Century City, CA 90067  (Online Only)
Is life becoming unmanageable? Looking for real answers? Seeking the best group of clinicians who accept your insurance? Welcome to WellPsyche Medical Group! WellPsyche providers are experts in Wellness and Mental Health. Our providers take a Thoughtful, Practical, and Caring approach to therapy and can help you balance your life. WellPsyche is also a leader in Telemedicine. Now you can visit with your provider from the privacy and convenience of your home or work.
Is life becoming unmanageable? Looking for real answers? Seeking the best group of clinicians who accept your insurance? Welcome to WellPsyche Medical Group! WellPsyche providers are experts in Wellness and Mental Health. Our providers take a Thoughtful, Practical, and Caring approach to therapy and can help you balance your life. WellPsyche is also a leader in Telemedicine. Now you can visit with your provider from the privacy and convenience of your home or work.
(310) 526-3404 View (310) 526-3404
Photo of Yvette Holman, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Yvette Holman
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Century City, CA 90067
I've worked with clients of all backgrounds who have struggled with addiction, process disorders and various mental heath issues. My goal after the initial assessment, is to work with the client to develop a course of action to get better. With a combination of therapy, a treatment plan and medication (if applicable) we will get you, the client back into the normal stream of life.
I've worked with clients of all backgrounds who have struggled with addiction, process disorders and various mental heath issues. My goal after the initial assessment, is to work with the client to develop a course of action to get better. With a combination of therapy, a treatment plan and medication (if applicable) we will get you, the client back into the normal stream of life.
(323) 315-0586 View (323) 315-0586

More Psychiatrists Nearby

Photo of Sumit Naig, MD, PhD, Psychiatrist
Sumit Naig
Psychiatrist, MD, PhD
Verified Verified
West Hollywood, CA 90069  (Online Only)
Medication Management Comprehensive and Evidence Based treatments for Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Eating disorders, Inattention and focus symptoms, Schizophrenia, late life depression, dementia,  treatment of psychiatric conditions in patients with cancer, auto immune diseases such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, post COVID 19 related sequelae.
I believe in collaborating with my patients to understand their mental health needs using a four-part model:- the life story: where the patient is in her/his life, family history and upbringing- the personality: who she/he is as a person- the behavior: what coping methods does she/he employ to manage stressors and psychologic- the illness:  the symptoms that brought her/him to seek help.
Medication Management Comprehensive and Evidence Based treatments for Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Eating disorders, Inattention and focus symptoms, Schizophrenia, late life depression, dementia,  treatment of psychiatric conditions in patients with cancer, auto immune diseases such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, post COVID 19 related sequelae.
I believe in collaborating with my patients to understand their mental health needs using a four-part model:- the life story: where the patient is in her/his life, family history and upbringing- the personality: who she/he is as a person- the behavior: what coping methods does she/he employ to manage stressors and psychologic- the illness:  the symptoms that brought her/him to seek help.
(323) 405-9480 View (323) 405-9480
Photo of William F Stubbeman, MD, Psychiatrist
William F Stubbeman
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Thank you for visiting my page. I am a board certified psychiatrist specializing in the treatment of refractory psychiatric conditions. My treatment approach includes psychopharmacology (medications), psychodynamic psychotherapy, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). I have successfully treated hundreds of patients in my private practice in West LA since 1999. My areas of focus include mood disorders (major depression, bipolar, mania), anxiety disorders (social phobia, OCD, generalized anxiety, panic), trauma (PTSD, grief & loss), as well as tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and its associated neuropsychiatric symptoms.
Thank you for visiting my page. I am a board certified psychiatrist specializing in the treatment of refractory psychiatric conditions. My treatment approach includes psychopharmacology (medications), psychodynamic psychotherapy, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). I have successfully treated hundreds of patients in my private practice in West LA since 1999. My areas of focus include mood disorders (major depression, bipolar, mania), anxiety disorders (social phobia, OCD, generalized anxiety, panic), trauma (PTSD, grief & loss), as well as tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and its associated neuropsychiatric symptoms.
(424) 358-3483 View (424) 358-3483
Photo of Jaswinder (Jesse) Kumar, MD, PhD, Psychiatrist
Jaswinder (Jesse) Kumar
Psychiatrist, MD, PhD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90025
I specialize in advanced psychopharmacology for treatment-resistant unipolar and bipolar depression.
It’s hard finding access to good mental health care. Whether it's due to long wait times to see someone, or feeling like you're not being heard, it seems that the mental health care system just isn't optimized to deliver effective treatment. With that in mind, I have developed a practice designed to deliver treatment that, at its core, is convenient, comprehensive, and compassionate.
I specialize in advanced psychopharmacology for treatment-resistant unipolar and bipolar depression.
It’s hard finding access to good mental health care. Whether it's due to long wait times to see someone, or feeling like you're not being heard, it seems that the mental health care system just isn't optimized to deliver effective treatment. With that in mind, I have developed a practice designed to deliver treatment that, at its core, is convenient, comprehensive, and compassionate.
(310) 706-2042 View (310) 706-2042
Photo of Scott Fears - Amae Health, MD, PhD, LPCC, MSW, PMHNP, Psychiatrist
Amae Health
Psychiatrist, MD, PhD, LPCC, MSW, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90024
Amae Health is a psychiatry-led integrated care provider of mental and physical health services for adults struggling with a severe mental illness such as major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
Amae Health is a psychiatry-led integrated care provider of mental and physical health services for adults struggling with a severe mental illness such as major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
(310) 929-9956 View (310) 929-9956
Photo of Uchenna Okoye, MD , Psychiatrist
Uchenna Okoye
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90034  (Online Only)
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, OCD, and gender dysphoria.
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, OCD, and gender dysphoria.
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
(424) 610-9948 View (424) 610-9948
Photo of Eric Wexler, MD, PhD, Psychiatrist
Eric Wexler
Psychiatrist, MD, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90024
I am a board certified psychiatrist and scientist with over 10 years experience in the practice of evidence-based medicine. While I specialize in treating patients experiencing disturbed moods and poor impulse control (e.g. Bipolar disorder and ADHD), I treat nearly the full spectrum of psychiatric conditions. With expertise in psychiatry and neurobiology I provide patients with an individualized approach that combines the most effective tools including cognitive-behavioral therapy and state-of-the-art psychopharmacology.
I am a board certified psychiatrist and scientist with over 10 years experience in the practice of evidence-based medicine. While I specialize in treating patients experiencing disturbed moods and poor impulse control (e.g. Bipolar disorder and ADHD), I treat nearly the full spectrum of psychiatric conditions. With expertise in psychiatry and neurobiology I provide patients with an individualized approach that combines the most effective tools including cognitive-behavioral therapy and state-of-the-art psychopharmacology.
(310) 692-9011 View (310) 692-9011
Photo of Janet Osuagwu, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Janet Osuagwu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90025  (Online Only)
I specialize in medication management of Severe Anxiety disorder, Severe Depressive Disorder, Bipolar disorder, PTSD, Anxiety, depression, Psychosis, OCD, adjustment disorder and many more.
I believe that each individual deserves a life that is fulfilling, enriched, empowered and allow for understanding of self and feelings. You don’t want to continue living in isolation and consumed daily with thoughts of how to face tomorrow hence you making this move. If you feel seeking help and scheduling this appointment today with me for psychiatric medication management is the right move, then you are right. By taking this bold step today, you are ready to take back control of your life and pave a new path for yourself. I am here to help you achieve through.
I specialize in medication management of Severe Anxiety disorder, Severe Depressive Disorder, Bipolar disorder, PTSD, Anxiety, depression, Psychosis, OCD, adjustment disorder and many more.
I believe that each individual deserves a life that is fulfilling, enriched, empowered and allow for understanding of self and feelings. You don’t want to continue living in isolation and consumed daily with thoughts of how to face tomorrow hence you making this move. If you feel seeking help and scheduling this appointment today with me for psychiatric medication management is the right move, then you are right. By taking this bold step today, you are ready to take back control of your life and pave a new path for yourself. I am here to help you achieve through.
(562) 372-6654 View (562) 372-6654
Photo of Catalina Villa, MD , Psychiatrist
Catalina Villa
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90036  (Online Only)
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, OCD, and gender dysphoria.
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, OCD, and gender dysphoria.
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
(323) 676-2665 View (323) 676-2665
Photo of Catalina Villa, MD, Psychiatrist
Catalina Villa
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
West Hollywood, CA 90069  (Online Only)
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, OCD, and gender dysphoria.
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, OCD, and gender dysphoria.
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
(747) 298-5989 View (747) 298-5989
Photo of Ese Ogbetuo, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Ese Ogbetuo
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90025  (Online Only)
Ese Ogbetuo, PMHNP, has always loved science since childhood hence her determination to pursue a career in the medical field with specialty in both family and psychiatry. She takes particular interest in mental health managing conditions such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorders, mood disorders, adjustment disorders, eating disorders, grief and loss.
Ese Ogbetuo, PMHNP, has always loved science since childhood hence her determination to pursue a career in the medical field with specialty in both family and psychiatry. She takes particular interest in mental health managing conditions such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorders, mood disorders, adjustment disorders, eating disorders, grief and loss.
(909) 323-3203 View (909) 323-3203
Photo of Philip B Cawkwell, MD, Psychiatrist
Philip B Cawkwell
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90067  (Online Only)
I have specialized training and research experience in first episode psychosis, bipolar disorder, and ADHD.
Hi there - I'm Dr. Philip Cawkwell, board certified in Adult Psychiatry as well as Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. I trained at the top institutions - NYU for medical school, MGH/McLean Harvard for Adult Residency, and Stanford for Child/Adolescent Fellowship. I have the ability to connect with teenagers and young adults, while staying up-to-date knowledge on the latest in psychiatric treatments. I am a good fit if you are looking for a provider who is easy to communicate with (both in and out of session), takes your concerns seriously, and is results-driven.
I have specialized training and research experience in first episode psychosis, bipolar disorder, and ADHD.
Hi there - I'm Dr. Philip Cawkwell, board certified in Adult Psychiatry as well as Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. I trained at the top institutions - NYU for medical school, MGH/McLean Harvard for Adult Residency, and Stanford for Child/Adolescent Fellowship. I have the ability to connect with teenagers and young adults, while staying up-to-date knowledge on the latest in psychiatric treatments. I am a good fit if you are looking for a provider who is easy to communicate with (both in and out of session), takes your concerns seriously, and is results-driven.
View
Photo of Sham Singh, MD , Psychiatrist
Sham Singh
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
West Hollywood, CA 90069  (Online Only)
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, OCD, and gender dysphoria.
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, OCD, and gender dysphoria.
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
(818) 873-3007 View (818) 873-3007
Photo of James Rounds, MSN,  PMHNP-, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
James Rounds
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP-
Verified Verified
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
James Rounds, PMHNP specializes in treating depression, anxiety, and trauma, with a particular focus on serving the LGBTQIA+ community. Based in California, James takes a holistic approach, blending empathetic and tailored care to address both symptoms and underlying causes. He creates a safe, affirming space for individuals, guiding them toward resilience, healing, and personal growth. James is particularly passionate about addressing bipolar disorder, PTSD, and trauma. He incorporates motivational interviewing into his practice to help patients explore and resolve ambivalence, fostering meaningful change.
James Rounds, PMHNP specializes in treating depression, anxiety, and trauma, with a particular focus on serving the LGBTQIA+ community. Based in California, James takes a holistic approach, blending empathetic and tailored care to address both symptoms and underlying causes. He creates a safe, affirming space for individuals, guiding them toward resilience, healing, and personal growth. James is particularly passionate about addressing bipolar disorder, PTSD, and trauma. He incorporates motivational interviewing into his practice to help patients explore and resolve ambivalence, fostering meaningful change.
(424) 319-1315 View (424) 319-1315
Photo of Vincent David Feitosa, MSN, FNP, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Vincent David Feitosa
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, FNP, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90095  (Online Only)
Greetings to new patients! We are thrilled to extend a warm welcome to individuals from all walks of life, with a special emphasis on those navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, bipolar, schizoaffective disorder, dual diagnosis, ADHD, and LGBTQI+ concerns. As a seasoned Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Board Certified, I bring a wealth of experience, particularly in working with the chronically mentally ill. In our welcoming and nonjudgmental environment, our focus is on providing more than just medication support; we aim to instill hope, relief, and quality of life. Discover a Path to Wellness with Us!
Greetings to new patients! We are thrilled to extend a warm welcome to individuals from all walks of life, with a special emphasis on those navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, bipolar, schizoaffective disorder, dual diagnosis, ADHD, and LGBTQI+ concerns. As a seasoned Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Board Certified, I bring a wealth of experience, particularly in working with the chronically mentally ill. In our welcoming and nonjudgmental environment, our focus is on providing more than just medication support; we aim to instill hope, relief, and quality of life. Discover a Path to Wellness with Us!
(858) 879-6097 View (858) 879-6097

See more therapy options for Century City

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.