Bipolar Disorder Psychiatrists in Los Angeles, CA

Photo of Art Yeh, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Art Yeh
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90071  (Online Only)
Hi there! I'm Art Yeh (pronounced "yay!"). I've worked in behavioral health for over 10 years. I've worked as a prescriber in a wide array of settings in different states. I've done psychiatric consulting and specializes in many disorders including depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorders, and psychosis. I've worked telehealth treating clients across the lifespan.
Hi there! I'm Art Yeh (pronounced "yay!"). I've worked in behavioral health for over 10 years. I've worked as a prescriber in a wide array of settings in different states. I've done psychiatric consulting and specializes in many disorders including depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorders, and psychosis. I've worked telehealth treating clients across the lifespan.
(562) 379-4450 View (562) 379-4450
Photo of Natalie Song, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Natalie Song
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90025  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Announcement: I am not accepting new clients at this time. I understand that the individual is the expert of his or her own life, and try to foster an environment where one can develop skills to manage difficulties and gain insight into unique personal challenges. I am trained in the use of both medication management and brief psychotherapy to help individuals reach their desired goals. I have experience in treating a range of psychiatric conditions including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, personality disorders, trauma-related disorders and schizophrenia spectrum disorders.
Announcement: I am not accepting new clients at this time. I understand that the individual is the expert of his or her own life, and try to foster an environment where one can develop skills to manage difficulties and gain insight into unique personal challenges. I am trained in the use of both medication management and brief psychotherapy to help individuals reach their desired goals. I have experience in treating a range of psychiatric conditions including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, personality disorders, trauma-related disorders and schizophrenia spectrum disorders.
(310) 986-3791 View (310) 986-3791
Photo of Jaswinder (Jesse) Kumar, MD, PhD, Psychiatrist
Jaswinder (Jesse) Kumar
Psychiatrist, MD, PhD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90025
I offer both medication and psychotherapy to individuals struggling with depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, substance use disorders, stress and burnout, and emotional dysregulation.
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 offer both medication and psychotherapy to individuals struggling with depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, substance use disorders, stress and burnout, and emotional dysregulation.
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 Janet Osuagwu, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Janet Osuagwu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90071  (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 Stephen Seager, MD, Psychiatrist
Stephen Seager
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90045
Stephen B Seager MD has been a board-certified psychiatrist for almost 30 years. He specializes in the treatment of ADHD, anxiety, depression and bipolar disorders. A graduate of Hahnemann Medical College in Philadelphia, Dr Seager completed his psychiatry residency at Martin Luther King Hospital in Los Angeles. A former Emergency Room physician, Dr Seager is also a retired Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at UCLA School of Medicine.
Stephen B Seager MD has been a board-certified psychiatrist for almost 30 years. He specializes in the treatment of ADHD, anxiety, depression and bipolar disorders. A graduate of Hahnemann Medical College in Philadelphia, Dr Seager completed his psychiatry residency at Martin Luther King Hospital in Los Angeles. A former Emergency Room physician, Dr Seager is also a retired Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at UCLA School of Medicine.
(510) 272-7095 View (510) 272-7095
Photo of Barbara Kenerson, PMHNP, APRN, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Barbara Kenerson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, APRN, MSN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90013
With over two decades of experience in the medical field, I have a great passion for treating depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and ADHD offering a personalized approach that goes beyond managing symptoms.
Do you feel like you're trudging through life, weighed down by a constant sense of sadness & worry? Perhaps the joy you once knew has faded, replaced by a persistent feeling of being stuck. You're not alone. Millions of adults struggle with Depression, Bipolar, Anxiety, ADHD, & an overwhelming sense of being trapped in a cycle of negativity. I understand the profound impact these conditions can have on your daily life. The relentless drain of energy, the crippling anxieties, & the sense of hopelessness can make even the simplest tasks feel insurmountable.
With over two decades of experience in the medical field, I have a great passion for treating depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and ADHD offering a personalized approach that goes beyond managing symptoms.
Do you feel like you're trudging through life, weighed down by a constant sense of sadness & worry? Perhaps the joy you once knew has faded, replaced by a persistent feeling of being stuck. You're not alone. Millions of adults struggle with Depression, Bipolar, Anxiety, ADHD, & an overwhelming sense of being trapped in a cycle of negativity. I understand the profound impact these conditions can have on your daily life. The relentless drain of energy, the crippling anxieties, & the sense of hopelessness can make even the simplest tasks feel insurmountable.
(323) 310-0947 View (323) 310-0947
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 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 Essie Mugomba-Bird, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Essie Mugomba-Bird
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90015  (Online Only)
My name is Essie Mugomba-Bird and I am a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner offering online behavioral health services to adults. I treat a full list of issues; however, my specialties include bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorders, mood disorders, PTSD, and ADHD.
My name is Essie Mugomba-Bird and I am a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner offering online behavioral health services to adults. I treat a full list of issues; however, my specialties include bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorders, mood disorders, PTSD, and ADHD.
(213) 699-1876 View (213) 699-1876
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 Gurtej Mann, MD, Psychiatrist
Gurtej Mann
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90015  (Online Only)
My name is Dr. Gurtej Mann and I am a board-certified psychiatrist offering online services to adolescents and adults. I treat an array of conditions, however, my specializations include adult psychiatry, addiction psychiatry, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders.
My name is Dr. Gurtej Mann and I am a board-certified psychiatrist offering online services to adolescents and adults. I treat an array of conditions, however, my specializations include adult psychiatry, addiction psychiatry, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders.
(213) 698-3577 View (213) 698-3577
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 Kara Ditto, MD, Psychiatrist
Kara Ditto
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90015  (Online Only)
My name is Kara Ditto, MD and I am a board-certified psychiatrist offering online medication management to adults. I treat an array of conditions, however, my specializations include bipolar, depression, psychotic disorders, PTSD, trauma, mood disorders, and women's issues. I do not prescribe controlled substances or stimulants.
My name is Kara Ditto, MD and I am a board-certified psychiatrist offering online medication management to adults. I treat an array of conditions, however, my specializations include bipolar, depression, psychotic disorders, PTSD, trauma, mood disorders, and women's issues. I do not prescribe controlled substances or stimulants.
(213) 699-5721 View (213) 699-5721
Photo of Dr. David J Hermiz, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. David J Hermiz
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90034  (Online Only)
As a psychiatrist with training from UCLA, I focus on fostering personal growth and well-being. My approach integrates psychodynamic psychotherapy with medication management, addressing conditions such as PTSD, bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety disorders. Additionally, I provide dementia assessments and have a dedicated interest in working with older adults. My practice is committed to creating a supportive environment, facilitating a collaborative process to navigate life's complexities or mental health issues. If you are experiencing challenges in these areas, I encourage you to make contact for professional support.
As a psychiatrist with training from UCLA, I focus on fostering personal growth and well-being. My approach integrates psychodynamic psychotherapy with medication management, addressing conditions such as PTSD, bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety disorders. Additionally, I provide dementia assessments and have a dedicated interest in working with older adults. My practice is committed to creating a supportive environment, facilitating a collaborative process to navigate life's complexities or mental health issues. If you are experiencing challenges in these areas, I encourage you to make contact for professional support.
(424) 799-3667 View (424) 799-3667
Photo of Caleb Davis, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Caleb Davis
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90015  (Online Only)
My name is Caleb Davis and I am a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner offering online medication management to adults. I treat a full list of issues with specializations in anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and PTSD.
My name is Caleb Davis and I am a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner offering online medication management to adults. I treat a full list of issues with specializations in anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and PTSD.
(213) 698-8615 View (213) 698-8615
Photo of Maria Delia Fortunato, BSN, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Maria Delia Fortunato
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, BSN, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90011  (Online Only)
I utilize psychopharmacological, psychotherapeutic, and holistic interventions in treating various mental health conditions including: anxiety, depression, bipolar/mood disorders, psychosis, sleep disorders, and more.
Have you been feeling anxious, hopeless, unmotivated, tired, confused, angry, or discouraged? Do you feel guilty about unintentionally causing pain/hurt towards people you love and care about? Are you feeling overwhelmed and don’t know where to start, or wonder how you even got to where you are now in the first place? I want to hold your hand through the process. You can always choose today as the start of your healing journey towards better health!
I utilize psychopharmacological, psychotherapeutic, and holistic interventions in treating various mental health conditions including: anxiety, depression, bipolar/mood disorders, psychosis, sleep disorders, and more.
Have you been feeling anxious, hopeless, unmotivated, tired, confused, angry, or discouraged? Do you feel guilty about unintentionally causing pain/hurt towards people you love and care about? Are you feeling overwhelmed and don’t know where to start, or wonder how you even got to where you are now in the first place? I want to hold your hand through the process. You can always choose today as the start of your healing journey towards better health!
(310) 807-6176 View (310) 807-6176
Photo of Felista Anugom, DNP, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Felista Anugom
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90061
Now Accepting New Patient! Are you struggling with mental health issues? You should never suffer alone or in silence. Your mental health is essential and matters a lot. If you're struggling with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, amongst others, reach out to me, a certified mental health specialist with a clear understanding and knowledge of what you're going through and will actively listen to you. I also assist with medication management. I am GENDER sensitive and use an individualized approach to care for you and your needs. Call me to schedule an appointment today. Check out our webpage at www.prudenttelepsychiatry.com
Now Accepting New Patient! Are you struggling with mental health issues? You should never suffer alone or in silence. Your mental health is essential and matters a lot. If you're struggling with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, amongst others, reach out to me, a certified mental health specialist with a clear understanding and knowledge of what you're going through and will actively listen to you. I also assist with medication management. I am GENDER sensitive and use an individualized approach to care for you and your needs. Call me to schedule an appointment today. Check out our webpage at www.prudenttelepsychiatry.com
(559) 530-0087 View (559) 530-0087
Photo of Elio Pedroso Conroy, MD, Psychiatrist
Elio Pedroso Conroy
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90045  (Online Only)
Conroy is particularly interested in working with individuals with depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, PTSD and ADHD.
Elio Pedroso Conroy, MD, located in Napa Valley, is a board-certified Adult Psychiatrist licensed in California. Dr. Conroy attended medical school in Brazil, where he is originally from. He practiced as a generalist physician for a few years in his home country strengthening his foundation in general medicine. After that, he moved to the USA and completed his psychiatry residency at Saint Elizabeth’s Hospital, Washington DC.
Conroy is particularly interested in working with individuals with depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, PTSD and ADHD.
Elio Pedroso Conroy, MD, located in Napa Valley, is a board-certified Adult Psychiatrist licensed in California. Dr. Conroy attended medical school in Brazil, where he is originally from. He practiced as a generalist physician for a few years in his home country strengthening his foundation in general medicine. After that, he moved to the USA and completed his psychiatry residency at Saint Elizabeth’s Hospital, Washington DC.
(310) 954-9735 View (310) 954-9735
Photo of Eucharia Maduafokwa, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Eucharia Maduafokwa
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90071  (Online Only)
Do you want to take control of your mental health? Are you overwhelmed by the effect of your mental health problem on your daily life activities? We offer services in treating adults with a wide range of mental health conditions such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Depression. Insomnia, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Panic disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Bipolar disorder, ADHD, Personality disorder, Schizophrenia, Autistic disorder and Eating Disorder.
Do you want to take control of your mental health? Are you overwhelmed by the effect of your mental health problem on your daily life activities? We offer services in treating adults with a wide range of mental health conditions such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Depression. Insomnia, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Panic disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Bipolar disorder, ADHD, Personality disorder, Schizophrenia, Autistic disorder and Eating Disorder.
(909) 610-1563 View (909) 610-1563
Photo of Ifeatu B Enemmuo, PMHNP-, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Ifeatu B Enemmuo
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-, BC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90045  (Online Only)
I am a board certified psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and specialized in psychiatric evaluations, diagnosis and evidenced based treatment including medication management of mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, Adjustment disorder, Bipolar, ADHD.
No man is an Island, we are not meant to live in pain alone. Mental struggles hurt more than physical pain. Unfortunately it receives less attention, less empathy and compassion and more judgement than physical pain. I was raised to live in a community and build up the weak and hurting in the community because we are as strong as the strength of our weakest brethren. My goal as a psychiatric provider is to unconditionally support, build, strengthen and alleviate the judgement, and pain of mental struggles; this I achieve through empathy, listening, honest communication, building trust and strong partnership with my clients.
I am a board certified psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and specialized in psychiatric evaluations, diagnosis and evidenced based treatment including medication management of mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, Adjustment disorder, Bipolar, ADHD.
No man is an Island, we are not meant to live in pain alone. Mental struggles hurt more than physical pain. Unfortunately it receives less attention, less empathy and compassion and more judgement than physical pain. I was raised to live in a community and build up the weak and hurting in the community because we are as strong as the strength of our weakest brethren. My goal as a psychiatric provider is to unconditionally support, build, strengthen and alleviate the judgement, and pain of mental struggles; this I achieve through empathy, listening, honest communication, building trust and strong partnership with my clients.
(925) 722-5195 View (925) 722-5195
1
...

See more therapy options for Los Angeles

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.