Bipolar Disorder Psychiatrists in Lake Forest, CA

Photo of Samir Hamed, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Samir Hamed
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Lake Forest, CA 92609  (Online Only)
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Allied Healers 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 Allied Healers, 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.
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Allied Healers 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 Allied Healers, 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.
(916) 666-6412 View (916) 666-6412
Photo of Maryam Gulraiz, FNP-C, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Maryam Gulraiz
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP-C, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
Lake Forest, CA 92610
I am a provider with several years of experience in treating mental health. I've worked in variety of settings including internal medicine, urgent care, nephrology, and various mental health settings. I'm here to support your needs for mental health, it's a journey towards self growth and healing. I enjoy working with diverse people from different cultures. I work in Collaboration with Dr K Kapoor and Dr A Ali.
I am a provider with several years of experience in treating mental health. I've worked in variety of settings including internal medicine, urgent care, nephrology, and various mental health settings. I'm here to support your needs for mental health, it's a journey towards self growth and healing. I enjoy working with diverse people from different cultures. I work in Collaboration with Dr K Kapoor and Dr A Ali.
(949) 776-4891 View (949) 776-4891
Photo of Karen Rightler, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Karen Rightler
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Lake Forest, CA 92630
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner(PMHNP-BC) with an additional master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT). I treat patients in person and via telehealth with medication and therapy. Working with me, my clients experience less difficulty navigating life stressors, and more confidence in their abilities to meet their goals.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner(PMHNP-BC) with an additional master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT). I treat patients in person and via telehealth with medication and therapy. Working with me, my clients experience less difficulty navigating life stressors, and more confidence in their abilities to meet their goals.
(949) 835-4448 View (949) 835-4448
Photo of Karen Rightler, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Karen Rightler
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lake Forest, CA 92630
If you need a provider who takes the time to listen and understand you, contact me. I provide a safe space to explore your mental health concerns, with No shame, blame or judgments. I help clients through accurate diagnosing and targeted symptom management so they can begin to live the lives they want and deserve.
If you need a provider who takes the time to listen and understand you, contact me. I provide a safe space to explore your mental health concerns, with No shame, blame or judgments. I help clients through accurate diagnosing and targeted symptom management so they can begin to live the lives they want and deserve.
(949) 828-0583 View (949) 828-0583
Photo of Dormico Walker, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Dormico Walker
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Lake Forest, CA 92610  (Online Only)
Dormico Walker is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a doctorate in nursing who is dedicated to the promotion of improved healthcare outcomes. Symptoms management and patient advocacy encompass this provider's target goals in clinical care. My approach to therapy is a Patient-centered approach to individualized psychiatric care. I have worked with Children ages 5-17 and adults aged 18-59. Medication-assisted treatment such as suboxone, naltrexone, and vivitrol, to adults aged 18 and older. Generalized psych.
Dormico Walker is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a doctorate in nursing who is dedicated to the promotion of improved healthcare outcomes. Symptoms management and patient advocacy encompass this provider's target goals in clinical care. My approach to therapy is a Patient-centered approach to individualized psychiatric care. I have worked with Children ages 5-17 and adults aged 18-59. Medication-assisted treatment such as suboxone, naltrexone, and vivitrol, to adults aged 18 and older. Generalized psych.
(424) 424-8911 View (424) 424-8911
Photo of Khadija Hamisi, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Khadija Hamisi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Lake Forest, CA 92630
Khadija Hamisi, DNP, PMHNP-BC, takes a unique and progressive approach to mental health illnesses. Treatment is personalized, based on evidence research, and encompasses on a myriad of treatment modalities. The influence of three factors: one's past and upbringing, current life situations, and one's genetic makeup, affecting mental illness Being trained and current with the best evidence-bas medication treatment strategy, he places a strong emphasis on psychosocial, and psychodynamic factors as the foundation of his treatment. Many psychiatric conditions have an underlying biological and genetic component of treatment.
Khadija Hamisi, DNP, PMHNP-BC, takes a unique and progressive approach to mental health illnesses. Treatment is personalized, based on evidence research, and encompasses on a myriad of treatment modalities. The influence of three factors: one's past and upbringing, current life situations, and one's genetic makeup, affecting mental illness Being trained and current with the best evidence-bas medication treatment strategy, he places a strong emphasis on psychosocial, and psychodynamic factors as the foundation of his treatment. Many psychiatric conditions have an underlying biological and genetic component of treatment.
(415) 870-8862 View (415) 870-8862
Photo of Alex Sahba - Psychiatric Evaluations - Dr. Alex Sahba, MD, Psychiatrist
Psychiatric Evaluations - Dr. Alex Sahba
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Lake Forest, CA 92630
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).
(949) 818-2092 View (949) 818-2092
Photo of Randall Bailey, MD, Psychiatrist
Randall Bailey
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Lake Forest, CA 92630  (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) 339-0390 View (424) 339-0390
Photo of Sabrina S Sandoval - Mind Care Services Incorporated, MD, Psychiatrist
Mind Care Services Incorporated
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lake Forest, CA 92630  (Online Only)
Mind Care Services provides individualized psychiatric services in a caring, confidential and respectful environment. Our greatest joy comes from helping our clients realize their personal goals and achieve successful outcomes in their lives. We offer comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services from a diverse team of competent and compassionate providers. We are experienced in treating a wide array of cognitive, behavioral and emotional disorders thru therapy, medication management and other treatment modalities including SpravatoTM (esketamine) for medication resistant depression. We are a certified Spravato treatment center.
Mind Care Services provides individualized psychiatric services in a caring, confidential and respectful environment. Our greatest joy comes from helping our clients realize their personal goals and achieve successful outcomes in their lives. We offer comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services from a diverse team of competent and compassionate providers. We are experienced in treating a wide array of cognitive, behavioral and emotional disorders thru therapy, medication management and other treatment modalities including SpravatoTM (esketamine) for medication resistant depression. We are a certified Spravato treatment center.
(562) 471-4516 View (562) 471-4516
Photo of Stephany Lavigne - Stephany Lavigne - Anew Era TMS & Psychiatry, DNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Stephany Lavigne - Anew Era TMS & Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP
Verified Verified
Lake Forest, CA 92630
Dr. Stephany Lavigne, a distinguished Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice with honors from the University of South Alabama. With over a decade of experience, she has excelled in forensic psychiatry at Metropolitan State Hospital, caring for patients under penal codes and conservatorship. Dr. Lavigne has also demonstrated her commitment in diverse outpatient settings, providing quality mental health care.
Dr. Stephany Lavigne, a distinguished Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice with honors from the University of South Alabama. With over a decade of experience, she has excelled in forensic psychiatry at Metropolitan State Hospital, caring for patients under penal codes and conservatorship. Dr. Lavigne has also demonstrated her commitment in diverse outpatient settings, providing quality mental health care.
(714) 477-1076 View (714) 477-1076
Photo of Mike Kelly - Alliance Psychiatric Group , DNP, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Alliance Psychiatric Group
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Lake Forest, CA 92609
Alliance Psychiatric Group (APG) is an organization of clinicians providing quality care. It is APG’s clear vision to meet the psychiatric needs of the individual, family, and community.
Alliance Psychiatric Group (APG) is an organization of clinicians providing quality care. It is APG’s clear vision to meet the psychiatric needs of the individual, family, and community.
(714) 769-6090 View (714) 769-6090
Photo of Priti Bhardwaj - Dr Priti Bhardwaj - Anew Era TMS & Psychiatry, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr Priti Bhardwaj - Anew Era TMS & Psychiatry
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Lake Forest, CA 92630
Dr. Priti Bhardwaj knows how difficult it can be to seek help, but by doing so you’re taking a step closer to where you want to be. Struggles with anxiety, depression, attention, and insecurity interfere with our emotional and physical well-being as well as our ability to connect with others. Her goal with patients and families is to provide a warm, safe, and accepting environment for them to communicate the difficulties and challenges they face and work on finding solutions that nourish them toward becoming the healthiest and best version of themselves.
Dr. Priti Bhardwaj knows how difficult it can be to seek help, but by doing so you’re taking a step closer to where you want to be. Struggles with anxiety, depression, attention, and insecurity interfere with our emotional and physical well-being as well as our ability to connect with others. Her goal with patients and families is to provide a warm, safe, and accepting environment for them to communicate the difficulties and challenges they face and work on finding solutions that nourish them toward becoming the healthiest and best version of themselves.
(949) 828-2417 View (949) 828-2417

More Psychiatrists Nearby

Photo of Mottsin Thomas, MD, Psychiatrist
Mottsin Thomas
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Laguna Hills, CA 92653  (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, and OCD.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS-Bonmente knows 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.
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, and OCD.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS-Bonmente knows 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.
(657) 256-5949 View (657) 256-5949
Photo of Heather Mak - Dr. Heather Mak - Anew Era TMS & Psychiatry, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Heather Mak - Anew Era TMS & Psychiatry
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Dr. Heather Mak is a psychiatrist with experience in helping patients with issues like hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Dr. Heather Mak is a psychiatrist with experience in helping patients with issues like hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
(714) 586-8294 View (714) 586-8294
Photo of Summer Brown, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Summer Brown
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
In my practice, I embrace the full spectrum of adult life, from my youngest client at 18 to my oldest at 103. This wide range reflects my commitment to providing dedicated mental health care to all adults, whether you're facing conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar, ADHD, or seeking overall mental wellness. My approach is centered on understanding and addressing your unique needs with personalized medication management and supportive therapy. Committed to navigating life’s challenges with you, I offer same-day appointments, ensuring a treatment plan that respects and responds to the diverse experiences of all ages.
In my practice, I embrace the full spectrum of adult life, from my youngest client at 18 to my oldest at 103. This wide range reflects my commitment to providing dedicated mental health care to all adults, whether you're facing conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar, ADHD, or seeking overall mental wellness. My approach is centered on understanding and addressing your unique needs with personalized medication management and supportive therapy. Committed to navigating life’s challenges with you, I offer same-day appointments, ensuring a treatment plan that respects and responds to the diverse experiences of all ages.
(949) 990-5650 View (949) 990-5650
Photo of Andrea Carasquero, MSN, PMHNP-C, ANP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Andrea Carasquero
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP-C, ANP-BC
Verified Verified
Laguna Hills, CA 92653  (Online Only)
Whole Hearts Clinic our providers specialize in the care of patients with depression, anxiety, ADHD assessment, bipolar, schizophrenia, substance abuse including medication management with ketamine for treatment resistant depression, Suboxone for Opioid use disorder, Naltrexone for Alcohol use. These are uncertain times! You know you could use some support, you want to feel better, so you came to this website. Congratulations on taking the first step. However, you've been scrolling the pages on this site for a while and every clinician is beginning to look the same, and just know my focus is always on you and your health care needs.
Whole Hearts Clinic our providers specialize in the care of patients with depression, anxiety, ADHD assessment, bipolar, schizophrenia, substance abuse including medication management with ketamine for treatment resistant depression, Suboxone for Opioid use disorder, Naltrexone for Alcohol use. These are uncertain times! You know you could use some support, you want to feel better, so you came to this website. Congratulations on taking the first step. However, you've been scrolling the pages on this site for a while and every clinician is beginning to look the same, and just know my focus is always on you and your health care needs.
(949) 649-8166 View (949) 649-8166
Photo of Ana Jimenez, PA-C , Physician Assistant
Ana Jimenez
Physician Assistant, PA-C
Verified Verified
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
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!
(949) 776-2731 View (949) 776-2731
Photo of Chika Okechukwu, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Chika Okechukwu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92691  (Online Only)
Provider treats a wide range of conditions including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, mood disorders, stress disorder, schizophrenia, etc.
Dr. Chika Okechukwu is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner with great experience treating clients with medical and mental health disorders. She utilizes a holistic approach to psychiatric care by integrating core values in medical and nursing practice and evidence-based psychiatric treatments. She provides comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, diagnosis, and medication management for children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly.
Provider treats a wide range of conditions including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, mood disorders, stress disorder, schizophrenia, etc.
Dr. Chika Okechukwu is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner with great experience treating clients with medical and mental health disorders. She utilizes a holistic approach to psychiatric care by integrating core values in medical and nursing practice and evidence-based psychiatric treatments. She provides comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, diagnosis, and medication management for children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly.
(424) 424-8911 View (424) 424-8911
Photo of Riz Ahmad, MD, Psychiatrist
Riz Ahmad
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Laguna Hills, CA 92653  (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, and OCD.
Bonmente knows 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.
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, and OCD.
Bonmente knows 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.
(323) 312-3677 View (323) 312-3677
Photo of Taqialdeen Zamil, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Taqialdeen Zamil
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Welcome to my practice. With over a decade of diverse clinical experience, I've had the privilege of guiding clients through the intricate landscape of mental health. From adolescents struggling with identity issues, adults combating anxiety, to those deciphering the layers of substance use, depressive or bipolar disorders, PTSD, or OCD, I've witnessed the resilience of the human spirit. I'm passionate about providing evidence-based, compassionate care to empower individuals to reclaim control and joy in their lives. If you seek a deeper understanding and the tools to flourish, I'm here to support you on this transformative journey.
Welcome to my practice. With over a decade of diverse clinical experience, I've had the privilege of guiding clients through the intricate landscape of mental health. From adolescents struggling with identity issues, adults combating anxiety, to those deciphering the layers of substance use, depressive or bipolar disorders, PTSD, or OCD, I've witnessed the resilience of the human spirit. I'm passionate about providing evidence-based, compassionate care to empower individuals to reclaim control and joy in their lives. If you seek a deeper understanding and the tools to flourish, I'm here to support you on this transformative journey.
(657) 297-5632 View (657) 297-5632

See more therapy options for Lake Forest

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.