Bipolar Disorder Psychiatrists in Oakland, CA

Photo of Mike Hoaglin - Gut Feelings Psychosomatic Medicine, MD, Psychiatrist
Gut Feelings Psychosomatic Medicine
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609
I treat clients who have suffered from depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, PTSD or who simply feel that something is just not right with their mind or body and are looking for a diagnosis and/or relief. My clients are busy professionals who seek a real-world approach to psychiatric treatment. I meaningfully use technology to make interactions convenient, comfortable and no-nonsense.
I treat clients who have suffered from depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, PTSD or who simply feel that something is just not right with their mind or body and are looking for a diagnosis and/or relief. My clients are busy professionals who seek a real-world approach to psychiatric treatment. I meaningfully use technology to make interactions convenient, comfortable and no-nonsense.
(415) 941-3692 View (415) 941-3692
Photo of Kumar Vedantham, MD, Psychiatrist
Kumar Vedantham
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94612
Waitlist for new clients
Combining Science with Kindness is what drew me to psychiatry and is the cornerstone of my practice. After graduating from Brown Medical School, I completed my psychiatry training at UCSF. I have been practicing psychiatry for over 30 years. I currently have a hybrid career. I take care of Veterans at the Oakland Behavioral Health Clinic and I teach students as Associate Clinical Professor at UCSF. I also have a busy private practice. I am proficient at treating Anxiety/Panic Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Major Depression, ADHD, Addiction, and PTSD. The primary focus of my practice is on providing pharmacologic treatment.
Combining Science with Kindness is what drew me to psychiatry and is the cornerstone of my practice. After graduating from Brown Medical School, I completed my psychiatry training at UCSF. I have been practicing psychiatry for over 30 years. I currently have a hybrid career. I take care of Veterans at the Oakland Behavioral Health Clinic and I teach students as Associate Clinical Professor at UCSF. I also have a busy private practice. I am proficient at treating Anxiety/Panic Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Major Depression, ADHD, Addiction, and PTSD. The primary focus of my practice is on providing pharmacologic treatment.
(510) 757-1624 View (510) 757-1624
Photo of Ifeatu B Enemmuo, PMHNP-, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Ifeatu B Enemmuo
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-, BC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94601  (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
Photo of Nicholas Reeves - Nicholas Reeves, MD | Mindful Health Solutions, MD, Psychiatrist
Nicholas Reeves, MD | Mindful Health Solutions
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609
As a psychiatrist, I specialize in managing a range of mental health conditions, from mood disorders like depression and bipolar disorder to treatment-resistant depression and various anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety, social anxiety, OCD, and panic disorder. I also have experience treating psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, as well as substance use disorders and addictions. My ultimate goal is to do more than just help my patients achieve remission. I aim to reduce their suffering and elevate their sense of peace so they can truly thrive and flourish in their lives.
As a psychiatrist, I specialize in managing a range of mental health conditions, from mood disorders like depression and bipolar disorder to treatment-resistant depression and various anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety, social anxiety, OCD, and panic disorder. I also have experience treating psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, as well as substance use disorders and addictions. My ultimate goal is to do more than just help my patients achieve remission. I aim to reduce their suffering and elevate their sense of peace so they can truly thrive and flourish in their lives.
(510) 640-8625 View (510) 640-8625
Photo of Jessica Bentzley, MD, Psychiatrist
Jessica Bentzley
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609
Welcome! I am a Stanford-trained, board-certified adult psychiatrist. I am currently accepting new patients ages 18+ who live in CA. I have expertise with a broad range of conditions and concerns, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, relationship issues, and concerns during pregnancy and postpartum. I am committed in getting to know you as a person and understanding the factors impacting your wellbeing from a holistic approach. I aim to thoughtfully create values-based, personalized treatment plans that may involve therapy, lifestyle changes, and/or medications.
Welcome! I am a Stanford-trained, board-certified adult psychiatrist. I am currently accepting new patients ages 18+ who live in CA. I have expertise with a broad range of conditions and concerns, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, relationship issues, and concerns during pregnancy and postpartum. I am committed in getting to know you as a person and understanding the factors impacting your wellbeing from a holistic approach. I aim to thoughtfully create values-based, personalized treatment plans that may involve therapy, lifestyle changes, and/or medications.
(628) 265-8501 View (628) 265-8501
Photo of Chris Nester, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Chris Nester
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610  (Online Only)
Thanks for reviewing my profile. I am a healthcare professional with over a decade of clinical experience. I obtained my undergraduate and graduate degrees from Johns Hopkins and Rush Universities. I hold a doctorate in mental health nursing with board certification as a psychiatric nurse practitioner and psychotherapist. I specialize in psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and supportive therapy. I take a general harm reduction approach and may at times incorporate elements of Acceptance Commitment and Psychodynamic schools of therapy. I treat ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar, panic disorder, OCD, and PTSD.
Thanks for reviewing my profile. I am a healthcare professional with over a decade of clinical experience. I obtained my undergraduate and graduate degrees from Johns Hopkins and Rush Universities. I hold a doctorate in mental health nursing with board certification as a psychiatric nurse practitioner and psychotherapist. I specialize in psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and supportive therapy. I take a general harm reduction approach and may at times incorporate elements of Acceptance Commitment and Psychodynamic schools of therapy. I treat ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar, panic disorder, OCD, and PTSD.
(510) 999-8234 View (510) 999-8234
Photo of Nelly Duarti, APRN, PMHNP-, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Nelly Duarti
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP-, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611  (Online Only)
I am Nelly Duarti, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-BC, MSN, APRN, I am Board Certified and highly trained to assess, diagnose and treat mental health conditions with particular attention given to treating Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, PTSD, ADHD, Stress-related disorders, and Psychosis.
Are you feeling overwhelmed? Are you having difficulty waking up in the morning, getting through the day, and sleeping through the night? Are you going through cycles of sadness, mood changes, nervousness, and tiredness? We provide holistic and patient-centered care for adolescents and adults from diverse populations to facilitate the process of healing.
I am Nelly Duarti, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-BC, MSN, APRN, I am Board Certified and highly trained to assess, diagnose and treat mental health conditions with particular attention given to treating Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, PTSD, ADHD, Stress-related disorders, and Psychosis.
Are you feeling overwhelmed? Are you having difficulty waking up in the morning, getting through the day, and sleeping through the night? Are you going through cycles of sadness, mood changes, nervousness, and tiredness? We provide holistic and patient-centered care for adolescents and adults from diverse populations to facilitate the process of healing.
(909) 637-4740 View (909) 637-4740
Photo of Trenice Johnson, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Trenice Johnson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609  (Online Only)
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with dual certification as a family practice nurse practitioner and I also obtained my Doctor of Nursing practice degree. I have practiced for several years in family practice and mental health services and strongly believe in the importance of mental healthcare. I am thrilled to be treating each person holistically and individually. I am comfortable diagnosing and treating patients struggling with depression, anxiety/panic, insomnia, PTSD, PMDD, Eating disorders, ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, and schizophrenia.
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with dual certification as a family practice nurse practitioner and I also obtained my Doctor of Nursing practice degree. I have practiced for several years in family practice and mental health services and strongly believe in the importance of mental healthcare. I am thrilled to be treating each person holistically and individually. I am comfortable diagnosing and treating patients struggling with depression, anxiety/panic, insomnia, PTSD, PMDD, Eating disorders, ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, and schizophrenia.
(951) 514-3787 View (951) 514-3787
Photo of Sahab Yaqubi - Mindful Health Solutions - Sahab Yaqubi, MD, Psychiatrist
Mindful Health Solutions - Sahab Yaqubi
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609
I am a Board-Certified Psychiatrist with a strong specialty in helping patients struggling with Depression, Bipolar Disorder, and Anxiety Disorders. I find Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive therapeutic tool that can play a crucial role for those with treatment-resistant mood or anxiety disorders. I take a holistic approach to patient care and treatment plans, considering biological, psychological, and social factors. I have found that being in tune with his patient’s emotional pain is the key to developing a good rapport.
I am a Board-Certified Psychiatrist with a strong specialty in helping patients struggling with Depression, Bipolar Disorder, and Anxiety Disorders. I find Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive therapeutic tool that can play a crucial role for those with treatment-resistant mood or anxiety disorders. I take a holistic approach to patient care and treatment plans, considering biological, psychological, and social factors. I have found that being in tune with his patient’s emotional pain is the key to developing a good rapport.
(628) 200-3605 View (628) 200-3605
Photo of Kim Schurman, MD, Psychiatrist
Kim Schurman
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94601
I am a psychiatrist with a focused interest in working with patients who struggle with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, and Anxiety. My style of psychiatry is a warm, curious, and empathic approach to working with my patients. I prefer to work collaboratively in order to help patients understand themselves and their treatment process.
I am a psychiatrist with a focused interest in working with patients who struggle with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, and Anxiety. My style of psychiatry is a warm, curious, and empathic approach to working with my patients. I prefer to work collaboratively in order to help patients understand themselves and their treatment process.
(415) 619-6211 View (415) 619-6211
Photo of Trenice Johnson, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Trenice Johnson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611  (Online Only)
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with dual certification as a family practice nurse practitioner and I also obtained my Doctor of Nursing practice degree. I have practiced for several years in family practice and mental health services and strongly believe in the importance of mental healthcare. I am thrilled to be treating each person holistically and individually. I am comfortable diagnosing and treating patients struggling with depression, anxiety/panic, insomnia, PTSD, PMDD, Eating disorders, ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, and schizophrenia.
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with dual certification as a family practice nurse practitioner and I also obtained my Doctor of Nursing practice degree. I have practiced for several years in family practice and mental health services and strongly believe in the importance of mental healthcare. I am thrilled to be treating each person holistically and individually. I am comfortable diagnosing and treating patients struggling with depression, anxiety/panic, insomnia, PTSD, PMDD, Eating disorders, ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, and schizophrenia.
(951) 557-6019 View (951) 557-6019
Photo of David Roth, MD, Psychiatrist
David Roth
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94601
I have many areas of professional interest including obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, anxiety, insomnia, bipolar disorder, tics, irritability, impulsivity, ADHD, ADD, high functioning autism spectrum disorder and many more.
What are their issues, their needs, their goals? What do they want and why? I have enjoyed working with a wide variety of adults and youth over my career so far. My only requirements from patients are honesty and a desire for self-improvement.
I have many areas of professional interest including obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, anxiety, insomnia, bipolar disorder, tics, irritability, impulsivity, ADHD, ADD, high functioning autism spectrum disorder and many more.
What are their issues, their needs, their goals? What do they want and why? I have enjoyed working with a wide variety of adults and youth over my career so far. My only requirements from patients are honesty and a desire for self-improvement.
(415) 360-3466 View (415) 360-3466
Photo of Jeff Leininger, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Jeff Leininger
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94601
I specialize in treating Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Substance Abuse/Misuse, ADHD and Insomnia.
I help individuals who are experiencing challenging life transitions, acute or chronic anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar, insomnia and chemical dependency issues. Soon, I will offer Ketamine and Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy. I work with clients during their times of wellness in order to create a more balanced, mindful and body-centered consciousness. I have considerable experience working with individuals who are reconsidering their relationship to alcohol and other substances.
I specialize in treating Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Substance Abuse/Misuse, ADHD and Insomnia.
I help individuals who are experiencing challenging life transitions, acute or chronic anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar, insomnia and chemical dependency issues. Soon, I will offer Ketamine and Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy. I work with clients during their times of wellness in order to create a more balanced, mindful and body-centered consciousness. I have considerable experience working with individuals who are reconsidering their relationship to alcohol and other substances.
(415) 702-4304 View (415) 702-4304
Photo of Kimberly Dow, PMHNP, RN, MSW, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Kimberly Dow
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, RN, MSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609
I specialize in treating patients with mood disorders, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and ADHD.
I embrace a collaborative approach with my patients. I want to provide knowledge and experience so as to empower my patients to make informed decisions about their available treatment options. My style is grounded in the mind-body connection by blending mindfulness, behaviors, and holistic interventions with medications.
I specialize in treating patients with mood disorders, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and ADHD.
I embrace a collaborative approach with my patients. I want to provide knowledge and experience so as to empower my patients to make informed decisions about their available treatment options. My style is grounded in the mind-body connection by blending mindfulness, behaviors, and holistic interventions with medications.
(650) 640-1708 View (650) 640-1708
Photo of Guylene Joseph, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Guylene Joseph
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94603  (Online Only)
She treats adult clients for all types of difficulties, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, adjustment disorders, OCD, panic disorder, social anxiety, and insomnia.
Guylene Joseph is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with extensive training and experience in the field of Behavioral Health. She has over 20 years of experience with the last 7 years as mental health NP. Her goal is to provide compassionate care and to partner with you to meet your wellness goal. She uses a holistic approach to care. She believes every patient deserves the best care. "I'm passionate about creating welcoming environment where my patients feel comfortable and safe to share their story. "
She treats adult clients for all types of difficulties, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, adjustment disorders, OCD, panic disorder, social anxiety, and insomnia.
Guylene Joseph is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with extensive training and experience in the field of Behavioral Health. She has over 20 years of experience with the last 7 years as mental health NP. Her goal is to provide compassionate care and to partner with you to meet your wellness goal. She uses a holistic approach to care. She believes every patient deserves the best care. "I'm passionate about creating welcoming environment where my patients feel comfortable and safe to share their story. "
(424) 424-8911 View (424) 424-8911
Photo of Pavel Ksendz, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Pavel Ksendz
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94607  (Online Only)
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) specialized in treating mood, anxiety, cognitive, trauma-related, schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. I am a strong proponent of the philosophy that health is multifactorial, made up of physical, psychological, emotional, social and spiritual facets. I value taking a collaborative approach with clients to create a thorough, individualized treatment plan that best meets their specific needs and goals. I have a long-held passion for mental healthcare and have worked with individuals of all ages in a variety of settings within psychiatry.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) specialized in treating mood, anxiety, cognitive, trauma-related, schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. I am a strong proponent of the philosophy that health is multifactorial, made up of physical, psychological, emotional, social and spiritual facets. I value taking a collaborative approach with clients to create a thorough, individualized treatment plan that best meets their specific needs and goals. I have a long-held passion for mental healthcare and have worked with individuals of all ages in a variety of settings within psychiatry.
(415) 888-9601 View (415) 888-9601
Photo of David Phak, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
David Phak
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610  (Online Only)
As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, my drive to continue working in the mental health field comes from a deep passion for helping others and positively impacting their lives. Seeing my patients' progress and resilience motivates me every day. The ability to support individuals through their most challenging times and witness their growth and recovery is advantageous. I hope to impact those I serve by providing compassionate, evidence-based care that addresses their unique needs. I aim to create a safe, supportive environment where patients feel heard and understood.
As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, my drive to continue working in the mental health field comes from a deep passion for helping others and positively impacting their lives. Seeing my patients' progress and resilience motivates me every day. The ability to support individuals through their most challenging times and witness their growth and recovery is advantageous. I hope to impact those I serve by providing compassionate, evidence-based care that addresses their unique needs. I aim to create a safe, supportive environment where patients feel heard and understood.
(510) 256-7725 View (510) 256-7725
Photo of Erica Taylor, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Erica Taylor
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94612  (Online Only)
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over a decade of experience in behavioral health nursing. I firmly believe that mental health is just as important as physical health and deserves the same quality of support. My areas of expertise include mood disorders like anxiety and depression, personality disorders, women's mental health, Geri-psych (geriatric psychiatry), and addiction medicine.
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over a decade of experience in behavioral health nursing. I firmly believe that mental health is just as important as physical health and deserves the same quality of support. My areas of expertise include mood disorders like anxiety and depression, personality disorders, women's mental health, Geri-psych (geriatric psychiatry), and addiction medicine.
(424) 424-8911 View (424) 424-8911
Photo of Lauren (Liz) Toys, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Lauren (Liz) Toys
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610  (Online Only)
I worked in the field as a mental health RN for 13 years before continuing my education to become a PMHNP. I believe that mental health plays a significant role in a person's overall well-being including physical health, emotional health, and ability to navigate life's often challenging hurdles that many silently face. I aspire to continue offering hope and support to anyone seeking to improve their overall well-being using the most up-to-date traditional and holistic practices tailored to meet my client's needs. My core philosophy is based on a humanistic approach.
I worked in the field as a mental health RN for 13 years before continuing my education to become a PMHNP. I believe that mental health plays a significant role in a person's overall well-being including physical health, emotional health, and ability to navigate life's often challenging hurdles that many silently face. I aspire to continue offering hope and support to anyone seeking to improve their overall well-being using the most up-to-date traditional and holistic practices tailored to meet my client's needs. My core philosophy is based on a humanistic approach.
(510) 544-3769 View (510) 544-3769
Photo of Kristine Pine-Donovan, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Kristine Pine-Donovan
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610  (Online Only)
I am deeply driven to continue working in the field of mental health by my belief in helping others achieve a balanced life and reach their fullest potential. My goal is to impact those I serve by offering the best education and experience possible, equipping them with the knowledge to empower their lives. In my practice, I regularly employ motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy to support and guide my clients. I particularly enjoy working with young adults aged 18-25, as I find this stage of life both challenging and rewarding.
I am deeply driven to continue working in the field of mental health by my belief in helping others achieve a balanced life and reach their fullest potential. My goal is to impact those I serve by offering the best education and experience possible, equipping them with the knowledge to empower their lives. In my practice, I regularly employ motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy to support and guide my clients. I particularly enjoy working with young adults aged 18-25, as I find this stage of life both challenging and rewarding.
(510) 949-3613 View (510) 949-3613
1
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.