Bipolar Disorder Psychiatrists in Richmond, CA

Photo of Teresa Lee, MD, FAPA, CGP, Psychiatrist
Teresa Lee
Psychiatrist, MD, FAPA, CGP
Verified Verified
Richmond, CA 94804
Waitlist for new clients
Feeling "stuck" or even "paralyzed" in your career, daily life, or relationships (in areas even beyond romantic) are often why people seek me. My culturally open approach means we will understand how your past and present relationships, ideas, and feelings shape who you are today. I primarily offer psychodynamic and relational therapy and add in CBT, DBT, and mindfulness as needed. Talk therapy can lead to deep and lasting changes, and medications, when thoughtfully prescribed, can lessen the intensity of pain and suffering. With my medical and therapy resources, we will create an approach that lends itself to personal growth.
Feeling "stuck" or even "paralyzed" in your career, daily life, or relationships (in areas even beyond romantic) are often why people seek me. My culturally open approach means we will understand how your past and present relationships, ideas, and feelings shape who you are today. I primarily offer psychodynamic and relational therapy and add in CBT, DBT, and mindfulness as needed. Talk therapy can lead to deep and lasting changes, and medications, when thoughtfully prescribed, can lessen the intensity of pain and suffering. With my medical and therapy resources, we will create an approach that lends itself to personal growth.
(925) 690-1891 View (925) 690-1891
Photo of Halee Fullerton, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Halee Fullerton
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Richmond, CA 94804  (Online Only)
My name is Halee Fullerton. I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner that has worked in various settings. I specialize in medication management. I offer a personalized, holistic, evidence-based approach to the treatment of mental health and addiction disorders. My specific interests are treating depression, trauma/PTSD, anxiety, and addiction disorders in children/adolescents and young adults.
My name is Halee Fullerton. I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner that has worked in various settings. I specialize in medication management. I offer a personalized, holistic, evidence-based approach to the treatment of mental health and addiction disorders. My specific interests are treating depression, trauma/PTSD, anxiety, and addiction disorders in children/adolescents and young adults.
(424) 424-8911 View (424) 424-8911
Photo of Jhaurel Johnson White, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Jhaurel Johnson White
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Richmond, CA 94803  (Online Only)
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and I have an extensive background in caring for the adult, geriatric, and veteran populations in outpatient, acute, and emergency mental health care settings. I also have experience treating patients in crisis residential treatment, residential rehabilitation, and telehealth settings. I am excited to provide care for adult patients in need here at Rula. I utilize mental health medication and therapy when providing care for my patients.
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and I have an extensive background in caring for the adult, geriatric, and veteran populations in outpatient, acute, and emergency mental health care settings. I also have experience treating patients in crisis residential treatment, residential rehabilitation, and telehealth settings. I am excited to provide care for adult patients in need here at Rula. I utilize mental health medication and therapy when providing care for my patients.
(424) 424-8911 View (424) 424-8911
Photo of Gene Vasconez, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Gene Vasconez
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Richmond, CA 94801  (Online Only)
Hi, I'm Genesis (Gene) Vasconez and I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 6 years of clinical experience in the field. I specialize in psychotic disorders, dual diagnosis, and substance use. My approach follows a trauma-informed model; placing safety, communication, and healing at every step of the way. At the core of my care is cultural humility, acceptance, safety, and compassion. I approach each session with an aim to foster trust by listening to clients and ensuring they have a choice and voice.
Hi, I'm Genesis (Gene) Vasconez and I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 6 years of clinical experience in the field. I specialize in psychotic disorders, dual diagnosis, and substance use. My approach follows a trauma-informed model; placing safety, communication, and healing at every step of the way. At the core of my care is cultural humility, acceptance, safety, and compassion. I approach each session with an aim to foster trust by listening to clients and ensuring they have a choice and voice.
(424) 424-8911 View (424) 424-8911

More Psychiatrists Nearby

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 Sarah J Polfliet, MD, Psychiatrist
Sarah J Polfliet
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Rafael, CA 94901
Polfliet's areas of specialization include the treatment of mood disorders (including major depression and bipolar disorder), anxiety disorders, substance use (treatment of opiate dependence with buprenorphine), emotional difficulties associated with medical illnesses and eating disorders.
Dr. Sarah Polfliet is a psychiatrist practicing in San Francisco. Educated at the University of Virginia, trained at UCSF, and certified by the Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, she provides adult psychotherapy and psychopharamology. Dr. Polfliet has experience treating a wide variety of psychological and emotional difficulties with psychotherapy and/or medication. She also has a special interest and additional training in natural medicines and supplements. She practices a collaborative approach with her clients to guide treatment decisions and is able to discern what approach to treatment is most likely to be effective.
Polfliet's areas of specialization include the treatment of mood disorders (including major depression and bipolar disorder), anxiety disorders, substance use (treatment of opiate dependence with buprenorphine), emotional difficulties associated with medical illnesses and eating disorders.
Dr. Sarah Polfliet is a psychiatrist practicing in San Francisco. Educated at the University of Virginia, trained at UCSF, and certified by the Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, she provides adult psychotherapy and psychopharamology. Dr. Polfliet has experience treating a wide variety of psychological and emotional difficulties with psychotherapy and/or medication. She also has a special interest and additional training in natural medicines and supplements. She practices a collaborative approach with her clients to guide treatment decisions and is able to discern what approach to treatment is most likely to be effective.
(415) 685-4127 View (415) 685-4127
Photo of David Hirchak, DO, Psychiatrist
David Hirchak
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94704  (Online Only)
Dr. Hirchak is an experienced, Board Certified Adult Psychiatrist, who emphasizes psychopharmacology and neurobiology in his treatment. Dr. Hirchak specializes in treating Anxiety, OCD, Depression, and Bipolar Disorder. Dr. Hirchak collaborates closely with our therapists so he can provide treatment with both medication management and psychotherapy when indicated.
Dr. Hirchak is an experienced, Board Certified Adult Psychiatrist, who emphasizes psychopharmacology and neurobiology in his treatment. Dr. Hirchak specializes in treating Anxiety, OCD, Depression, and Bipolar Disorder. Dr. Hirchak collaborates closely with our therapists so he can provide treatment with both medication management and psychotherapy when indicated.
(628) 333-3149 View (628) 333-3149
Photo of Kumar Vedantham, MD, Psychiatrist
Kumar Vedantham
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94709
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 Emily Toch, MD, Psychiatrist
Emily Toch
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94704  (Online Only)
Anxiety, Depression, Relationship Issues, Life Transitions, Grief and Loss, Mindfulness, PTSD and Post Traumatic Growth Bipolar Disorder.
Dr. Toch is deeply committed to the care of her patients. She believes in a collaborative, thoughtful, and humanistic approach to treatment, offering more than just a neurobiological perspective on the wide range of mental health, relationship, and unique life circumstances that bring patients to her door. She specializes in the treatment of depression, anxiety, panic, bipolar illness, grief and loss, and difficulties with relationships and life transitions. She has experience with women's mental health issues and also offers the possibility of combining medication with psychotherapy when clinically indicated.
Anxiety, Depression, Relationship Issues, Life Transitions, Grief and Loss, Mindfulness, PTSD and Post Traumatic Growth Bipolar Disorder.
Dr. Toch is deeply committed to the care of her patients. She believes in a collaborative, thoughtful, and humanistic approach to treatment, offering more than just a neurobiological perspective on the wide range of mental health, relationship, and unique life circumstances that bring patients to her door. She specializes in the treatment of depression, anxiety, panic, bipolar illness, grief and loss, and difficulties with relationships and life transitions. She has experience with women's mental health issues and also offers the possibility of combining medication with psychotherapy when clinically indicated.
(628) 212-6828 View (628) 212-6828
Katharine Ballinger
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Corte Madera, CA 94925
I am a board-certified psychiatrist and I do both medication management and pyschotherapy. I treat adults and adolescents with multiple mental health concerns including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, attention deficit disorder (ADHD/ADD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), insomnia, panic attacks, eating disorders, and relationship issues. I also have a special interest in women's health and treating women during pregnancy, post-partum, and pregnancy planning.
I am a board-certified psychiatrist and I do both medication management and pyschotherapy. I treat adults and adolescents with multiple mental health concerns including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, attention deficit disorder (ADHD/ADD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), insomnia, panic attacks, eating disorders, and relationship issues. I also have a special interest in women's health and treating women during pregnancy, post-partum, and pregnancy planning.
(415) 969-2211 View (415) 969-2211
Photo of Kimberley Durr, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Kimberley Durr
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Albany, CA 94706  (Online Only)
Hello, my name is Kimberley Durr. I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 8 years of experience. I specialize in treating mood disorders (i.e. depression and bipolar), anxiety, ADHD, and schizophrenia but have experience evaluating and providing medication management in other neurodevelopmental, eating, and substance use disorders. I offer a supportive, compassionate, and gentle approach to patient care and provide evidence-based guidance. I treat each person individually and holistically and will incorporate your life narratives and preferences when developing your treatment plan.
Hello, my name is Kimberley Durr. I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 8 years of experience. I specialize in treating mood disorders (i.e. depression and bipolar), anxiety, ADHD, and schizophrenia but have experience evaluating and providing medication management in other neurodevelopmental, eating, and substance use disorders. I offer a supportive, compassionate, and gentle approach to patient care and provide evidence-based guidance. I treat each person individually and holistically and will incorporate your life narratives and preferences when developing your treatment plan.
(650) 686-2383 View (650) 686-2383
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 Keleigh Jefferson, DNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Keleigh Jefferson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP
Verified Verified
Crockett, CA 94525  (Online Only)
Keleigh Jefferson is a Doctorate Prepared Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who is passionate about providing evidence-based and individualized care to teens and adults who are seeking assistance in coping with depression, anxiety, behavioral issues, stress management, bipolar disorder, postpartum depression, PTSD, and self-esteem management. She believes it is crucial to evaluate the interconnectedness of a patient's environment, emotions, culture, physical health, spiritual beliefs, and relationships in order to gain a deeper understanding of their goals for improving health and wellness.
Keleigh Jefferson is a Doctorate Prepared Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who is passionate about providing evidence-based and individualized care to teens and adults who are seeking assistance in coping with depression, anxiety, behavioral issues, stress management, bipolar disorder, postpartum depression, PTSD, and self-esteem management. She believes it is crucial to evaluate the interconnectedness of a patient's environment, emotions, culture, physical health, spiritual beliefs, and relationships in order to gain a deeper understanding of their goals for improving health and wellness.
(707) 513-4952 View (707) 513-4952
Photo of Thomas Letourneau, MD, Psychiatrist
Thomas Letourneau
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94704  (Online Only)
Dr. Thomas G Letourneau, MD, brings kindness and clinical expertise to the treatment of a wide variety of conditions, including depression, anxiety, panic, bipolar disorders, relationship problems, and life transitions. He believes truly caring about his patients and showing them kindness and compassion is the first step in healing. He is an experienced psychopharmacologist who specializes in medication management. He stays on the cutting edge of the most current research and treatment methodologies in order to manage various psychiatric conditions in the most effective way possible.
Dr. Thomas G Letourneau, MD, brings kindness and clinical expertise to the treatment of a wide variety of conditions, including depression, anxiety, panic, bipolar disorders, relationship problems, and life transitions. He believes truly caring about his patients and showing them kindness and compassion is the first step in healing. He is an experienced psychopharmacologist who specializes in medication management. He stays on the cutting edge of the most current research and treatment methodologies in order to manage various psychiatric conditions in the most effective way possible.
(628) 212-6840 View (628) 212-6840
Photo of Navmoon Singh Mann, MD, Psychiatrist
Navmoon Singh Mann
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
El Sobrante, CA 94803  (Online Only)
I provide medication management for conditions like Depression, ADHD, Bipolar disorder, Anxiety, Post-traumatic stress disorder and Schizophrenia.
Mental health challenges can be overwhelming. You do not have to face your struggles alone — call us today for a consultation and start down the path towards better health.
I provide medication management for conditions like Depression, ADHD, Bipolar disorder, Anxiety, Post-traumatic stress disorder and Schizophrenia.
Mental health challenges can be overwhelming. You do not have to face your struggles alone — call us today for a consultation and start down the path towards better health.
(415) 687-3904 View (415) 687-3904
Photo of Leslie Sweere, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Leslie Sweere
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Albany, CA 94706  (Online Only)
Hello, I'm Dr Leslie Sweere and I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner. I focus mainly on ensuring that you are well informed about your possible condition and the available treatments for that. In my practice, you are in charge and as long as you are safe I will support any decision that you make. My main focus is doing whatever possible to have a positive impact on your day-to-day life. We are here to make you feel better and ensure you are well-informed. While I treat many conditions effectively my primary specialty is in mood disorders including depression and bipolar disorder with and without the complication of dual diagnosis.
Hello, I'm Dr Leslie Sweere and I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner. I focus mainly on ensuring that you are well informed about your possible condition and the available treatments for that. In my practice, you are in charge and as long as you are safe I will support any decision that you make. My main focus is doing whatever possible to have a positive impact on your day-to-day life. We are here to make you feel better and ensure you are well-informed. While I treat many conditions effectively my primary specialty is in mood disorders including depression and bipolar disorder with and without the complication of dual diagnosis.
(424) 424-8911 View (424) 424-8911
Photo of Neha Nayyar, MD, Psychiatrist
Neha Nayyar
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94901
My specific areas of focus within my practice are depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), as well as co-occurring substance use.
My main focus is connecting with people in order to best support them. My working style is compassionate, empathetic, easy-going, supportive, and communicative. I am always working in the best interest of the patient. My philosophy brought me to Mindful Health Solutions since we both insist on patient-first care. I am determined to help each patient find what works best for them. I will be doing in-person and telehealth appointments for those in the San Francisco area, and working with Medication Management, Psychotherapy, and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy (TMS).
My specific areas of focus within my practice are depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), as well as co-occurring substance use.
My main focus is connecting with people in order to best support them. My working style is compassionate, empathetic, easy-going, supportive, and communicative. I am always working in the best interest of the patient. My philosophy brought me to Mindful Health Solutions since we both insist on patient-first care. I am determined to help each patient find what works best for them. I will be doing in-person and telehealth appointments for those in the San Francisco area, and working with Medication Management, Psychotherapy, and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy (TMS).
(628) 313-5919 View (628) 313-5919
Photo of Sahab Yaqubi, MD, Psychiatrist
Sahab Yaqubi
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94705
I am a Board-Certified Psychiatrist specialized in treatment of Depression, Bipolar Disorder, and Anxiety Disorders. I employ a collaborative and holistic approach to develop personalized treatment plan for each patient. I value my patients’ questions as they open the door to dialogue and a deeper understanding, allowing us to determine the best treatment for each individual. I have found that understanding and empathizing with my patients' emotional pain is crucial for developing a strong therapeutic rapport.
I am a Board-Certified Psychiatrist specialized in treatment of Depression, Bipolar Disorder, and Anxiety Disorders. I employ a collaborative and holistic approach to develop personalized treatment plan for each patient. I value my patients’ questions as they open the door to dialogue and a deeper understanding, allowing us to determine the best treatment for each individual. I have found that understanding and empathizing with my patients' emotional pain is crucial for developing a strong therapeutic rapport.
(341) 217-3885 View (341) 217-3885
Photo of David Lindley, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
David Lindley
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94703  (Online Only)
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and I approach psychiatric care with a holistic perspective and a focus on your overall well-being. My practice is grounded in psychotropic medication management, bolstered by a commitment to your lifestyle, diet, exercise, and daily habits. I specialize in caring for individuals aged 18 to 65, with a focus on psychotropic medication management. I am most comfortable treating a range of psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, and Panic Disorder.
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and I approach psychiatric care with a holistic perspective and a focus on your overall well-being. My practice is grounded in psychotropic medication management, bolstered by a commitment to your lifestyle, diet, exercise, and daily habits. I specialize in caring for individuals aged 18 to 65, with a focus on psychotropic medication management. I am most comfortable treating a range of psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, and Panic Disorder.
(424) 424-8911 View (424) 424-8911
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
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.