Bipolar Disorder Psychiatrists in Silver Lake, CA

Photo of Melanie Jimenez, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Melanie Jimenez
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Silver Lake, CA 90026
My ideal client is someone who has been struggling with treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, PTSD, or chronic pain. They may have tried multiple treatments without finding the relief they need. This person is looking for innovative and effective solutions to manage their mental health conditions and improve their quality of life. They are seeking hope and a new approach after feeling stuck or frustrated with traditional treatments. Their needs include a comprehensive assessment of their mental health condition, a clear understanding of their treatment options, and a supportive environment.
My ideal client is someone who has been struggling with treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, PTSD, or chronic pain. They may have tried multiple treatments without finding the relief they need. This person is looking for innovative and effective solutions to manage their mental health conditions and improve their quality of life. They are seeking hope and a new approach after feeling stuck or frustrated with traditional treatments. Their needs include a comprehensive assessment of their mental health condition, a clear understanding of their treatment options, and a supportive environment.
(562) 516-0194 View (562) 516-0194
Photo of Kate Marie Bryan, MPH, MSN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Kate Marie Bryan
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MPH, MSN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Silver Lake, CA 90026  (Online Only)
Are you struggling with day-to-day life, experiencing feelings of sadness and/or anxiety? When you look in the mirror do you not feel like yourself? Having difficulty navigating your relationship with food? Hi, I am Kate, a recovery focused, body positive, ANCC board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I specialize in medication management, treating all ages with mental health concerns. Through empathy & expertise, I offer solution focused treatment plans to support patients who aim to reduce symptoms and improve functioning.
Are you struggling with day-to-day life, experiencing feelings of sadness and/or anxiety? When you look in the mirror do you not feel like yourself? Having difficulty navigating your relationship with food? Hi, I am Kate, a recovery focused, body positive, ANCC board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I specialize in medication management, treating all ages with mental health concerns. Through empathy & expertise, I offer solution focused treatment plans to support patients who aim to reduce symptoms and improve functioning.
(626) 914-1980 View (626) 914-1980
Photo of Paul Pawlowski - Paul Pawlowski MD, MD, Psychiatrist
Paul Pawlowski MD
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Silver Lake, CA 90026  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I am a board certified psychiatrist who specializes in psychotherapy and medication management services for adults. As a psychiatrist, I am uniquely poised to combine psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy in a manner that resonates with a client’s goals and personal experiences.  For some people this involves psychotherapy alone, focused on creating a comfortable space to examine and ameliorate the patterns and behaviors which may be inadvertently furthering one’s dissatisfaction.  For other individuals, the complementary use of medications or alternative treatments may be indicated. 
I am a board certified psychiatrist who specializes in psychotherapy and medication management services for adults. As a psychiatrist, I am uniquely poised to combine psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy in a manner that resonates with a client’s goals and personal experiences.  For some people this involves psychotherapy alone, focused on creating a comfortable space to examine and ameliorate the patterns and behaviors which may be inadvertently furthering one’s dissatisfaction.  For other individuals, the complementary use of medications or alternative treatments may be indicated. 
(323) 968-7316 View (323) 968-7316
Photo of Steven Khoubian, MD, Psychiatrist
Steven Khoubian
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Silver Lake, CA 90026
Dr. Khoubian’s goal is to create a safe and respectful environment to share with his patients. He is passionate about working with individuals who are invested in their mental health and are motivated to work with a partner to create a personalized treatment plan that aligns with the patient's preferences. It is a priority for Dr. Khoubian to collaborate with the patient’s therapists for the best care possible.
Dr. Khoubian’s goal is to create a safe and respectful environment to share with his patients. He is passionate about working with individuals who are invested in their mental health and are motivated to work with a partner to create a personalized treatment plan that aligns with the patient's preferences. It is a priority for Dr. Khoubian to collaborate with the patient’s therapists for the best care possible.
(310) 986-3822 View (310) 986-3822
Photo of Dr. Angela Goddard, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Angela Goddard
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Silver Lake, CA 90026
Not accepting new clients
JULY 2024: I am not currently accepting new patients. I help adults of all ages work through their problems, including (but not limited to) depression, anxiety, stress, relationship issues, job loss, bereavement, and coping with illness. I am a psychiatrist that also practices psychotherapy and treatment may consist of talk therapy, medications, or both. I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to determine if I am the right person to help you and to answer your questions.
JULY 2024: I am not currently accepting new patients. I help adults of all ages work through their problems, including (but not limited to) depression, anxiety, stress, relationship issues, job loss, bereavement, and coping with illness. I am a psychiatrist that also practices psychotherapy and treatment may consist of talk therapy, medications, or both. I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to determine if I am the right person to help you and to answer your questions.
(310) 928-9771 View (310) 928-9771

More Psychiatrists Nearby

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 Angela A Chijioke - Angela Chijioke DNP, PMHNP, DNP, PMHNP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Angela Chijioke DNP, PMHNP
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP-C
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90071  (Online Only)
I also treat bipolar disorder, personality disorders, adjustment disorder and schizophrenia.
I embrace a holistic approach that recognizes each patient as a unique individual with physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions. Areas of focus include depression, anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic syndrome, psychoses, mood disorders, and medication management. I am committed to providing patient-centered care that addresses immediate health concerns and considers the broader context of the patient's life. I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse practitioner. I obtained a Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree from Brandman University in Irvine, California.
I also treat bipolar disorder, personality disorders, adjustment disorder and schizophrenia.
I embrace a holistic approach that recognizes each patient as a unique individual with physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions. Areas of focus include depression, anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic syndrome, psychoses, mood disorders, and medication management. I am committed to providing patient-centered care that addresses immediate health concerns and considers the broader context of the patient's life. I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse practitioner. I obtained a Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree from Brandman University in Irvine, California.
(909) 377-4157 View (909) 377-4157
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 Catalina Villa, MD, Psychiatrist
Catalina Villa
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90004  (Online Only)
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, OCD, and gender dysphoria.
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, OCD, and gender dysphoria.
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
(747) 298-5989 View (747) 298-5989
Photo of 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 Uchenna Okoye, MD , Psychiatrist
Uchenna Okoye
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90071  (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 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 Gurtej Mann, MD, Psychiatrist
Gurtej Mann
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90015  (Online Only)
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.
My name is Dr. Gurtej Mann and I am a board-certified psychiatrist offering online services to adolescents and adults.
(213) 698-3577 View (213) 698-3577
Photo of Ana Jimenez, PA-C , Physician Assistant
Ana Jimenez
Physician Assistant, PA-C
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90009
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!
(310) 579-2145 View (310) 579-2145
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 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 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 Carmela Zaragoza, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Carmela Zaragoza
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90027  (Online Only)
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, OCD, and gender dysphoria.
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, OCD, and gender dysphoria.
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!
(818) 748-1859 View (818) 748-1859
Photo of Kyle P. Smith, MD, Psychiatrist
Kyle P. Smith
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Dr. Kyle P. Smith is a Harvard-educated, Cornell-educated, UCLA-trained psychiatrist in Los Angeles. He has an office in Los Feliz. He is a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of depression, anxiety, addiction, PTSD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder (BPD). He also offers ketamine therapy for several conditions.
Dr. Kyle P. Smith is a Harvard-educated, Cornell-educated, UCLA-trained psychiatrist in Los Angeles. He has an office in Los Feliz. He is a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of depression, anxiety, addiction, PTSD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder (BPD). He also offers ketamine therapy for several conditions.
(323) 673-3759 View (323) 673-3759
Photo of Dr. Steven Siragusa, DO, Psychiatrist
Dr. Steven Siragusa
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90017
I specialize in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry with a focus on cutting-edge, evidenced-based mental healthcare. I am experienced in the diagnosis and treatment depression, anxiety, ADHD, autism, bipolar, psychosis, substance use, and PTSD. As a child and adolescent psychiatrist, I employ a neurodevelopmental, family-centered treatment approach with shared decision-making and collaboration of care. I employ a variety of psychotherapeutic approaches such as mindfulness, cognitive, and dialectical behavioral therapies which are specifically tailored to each patient's needs and therapeutic goals.
I specialize in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry with a focus on cutting-edge, evidenced-based mental healthcare. I am experienced in the diagnosis and treatment depression, anxiety, ADHD, autism, bipolar, psychosis, substance use, and PTSD. As a child and adolescent psychiatrist, I employ a neurodevelopmental, family-centered treatment approach with shared decision-making and collaboration of care. I employ a variety of psychotherapeutic approaches such as mindfulness, cognitive, and dialectical behavioral therapies which are specifically tailored to each patient's needs and therapeutic goals.
(323) 375-2497 View (323) 375-2497

See more therapy options for Silver Lake

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.