Bipolar Disorder Psychiatrists in Tarzana, CA

Photo of Mary Chavarria, MD, Psychiatrist
Mary Chavarria
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Tarzana, CA 91356
My primary interests are medication management of ADHD, anxiety, autism-spectrum comorbidities, depression, gender dysphoria/diversity, OCD, other mood disorders (DMDD, bipolar, etc), trauma/PTSD, as well as peri/postpartum depression and anxiety. I work closely with psychotherapists, neuropsychologists, speech/language therapists, and other members of the care team for a comprehensive, collaborative approach to a patient's treatment.
My primary interests are medication management of ADHD, anxiety, autism-spectrum comorbidities, depression, gender dysphoria/diversity, OCD, other mood disorders (DMDD, bipolar, etc), trauma/PTSD, as well as peri/postpartum depression and anxiety. I work closely with psychotherapists, neuropsychologists, speech/language therapists, and other members of the care team for a comprehensive, collaborative approach to a patient's treatment.
(818) 776-8705 View (818) 776-8705
Photo of Sahar Douek, MD, Psychiatrist
Sahar Douek
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Tarzana, CA 91356
I have experience in treating: anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, mood disorders ( bipolar disorder), psychotic disorders, trauma related conditions such as PTSD, personality disorders, substance use disorders, irritability and anger problems as well as neurodevelopment disorders including but not limited to intellectual disabilities, autism, learning disorders, and ADHD.
I am a board certified psychiatrist, with sub-speciality in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. I treat children, adolescents and adults. I have an empathetic and non-judgment approach and am committed to providing the highest quality of care for my patients. I use psychotropic medications as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. In my practice, I empower my patients to improve their coping skills and interpersonal skills in order to achieve their optimal mental health.
I have experience in treating: anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, mood disorders ( bipolar disorder), psychotic disorders, trauma related conditions such as PTSD, personality disorders, substance use disorders, irritability and anger problems as well as neurodevelopment disorders including but not limited to intellectual disabilities, autism, learning disorders, and ADHD.
I am a board certified psychiatrist, with sub-speciality in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. I treat children, adolescents and adults. I have an empathetic and non-judgment approach and am committed to providing the highest quality of care for my patients. I use psychotropic medications as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. In my practice, I empower my patients to improve their coping skills and interpersonal skills in order to achieve their optimal mental health.
(818) 654-4989 View (818) 654-4989
Photo of Elham Hamzeh, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Elham Hamzeh
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Tarzana, CA 91356  (Online Only)
Hello, I am Elham Hamzeh, a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner in CA with prescriptive authorities and knowledge in both medication management and therapy, specializes in treating broad variety of mental disorders. Depression, anxiety, mood disorder, panic attacks, ADHD, stress, insomnia, and PTSD are just some examples of compact emotional disturbances that can significantly influence one's quality of life. So, if you feel depressed, anxious, or not on top of your game, struggling with daily life and its challenges, I am here to help.
Hello, I am Elham Hamzeh, a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner in CA with prescriptive authorities and knowledge in both medication management and therapy, specializes in treating broad variety of mental disorders. Depression, anxiety, mood disorder, panic attacks, ADHD, stress, insomnia, and PTSD are just some examples of compact emotional disturbances that can significantly influence one's quality of life. So, if you feel depressed, anxious, or not on top of your game, struggling with daily life and its challenges, I am here to help.
(818) 949-1791 View (818) 949-1791
Photo of Dave Khatri - Clear Mind Treatment, MD, Psychiatrist
Clear Mind Treatment
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Tarzana, CA 91356
Psychiatry only with the depression/anxiety/trauma program along with ketamine, trauma therapy, TMS, Neurofeedback. We have at home and in person options for ketamine and trauma-EMDR, treatment. We treat anxiety, depression, mood disorders, personality disorders and more. Clear Mind Treatment is the perfect option for those looking for insurance based psychiatry, Also, Clear Mind is ideal for those seeking a flexible therapy program where they can talk over video conference or in office.
Psychiatry only with the depression/anxiety/trauma program along with ketamine, trauma therapy, TMS, Neurofeedback. We have at home and in person options for ketamine and trauma-EMDR, treatment. We treat anxiety, depression, mood disorders, personality disorders and more. Clear Mind Treatment is the perfect option for those looking for insurance based psychiatry, Also, Clear Mind is ideal for those seeking a flexible therapy program where they can talk over video conference or in office.
(424) 395-3433 x310896 View (424) 395-3433 x310896
Photo of Venita Ninemire, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Venita Ninemire
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Tarzana, CA 91356  (Online Only)
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with dual certification as a family nurse practitioner. I am trained and experienced in helping you manage your mental health medication needs. I enjoy cooking, baking, laughing, and working with people. Like many of you, my house is messy, but my guests feel welcome, and my kids all know where to find the ice cream and snacks. Let me get to know and help you.
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with dual certification as a family nurse practitioner. I am trained and experienced in helping you manage your mental health medication needs. I enjoy cooking, baking, laughing, and working with people. Like many of you, my house is messy, but my guests feel welcome, and my kids all know where to find the ice cream and snacks. Let me get to know and help you.
(424) 424-8911 View (424) 424-8911
Photo of Maria Levine - Maria Levine MD, private practice psychiatry, MD, Psychiatrist
Maria Levine MD, private practice psychiatry
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Tarzana, CA 91356
Waitlist for new clients
I recognize the importance of the unique needs of every person. My goal is to understand each patient’s struggle by taking time with my patients and their families to explore current issues with no outside time pressures.
I recognize the importance of the unique needs of every person. My goal is to understand each patient’s struggle by taking time with my patients and their families to explore current issues with no outside time pressures.
(909) 403-1642 View (909) 403-1642
Photo of Shaoqing Cindy Tang, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Shaoqing Cindy Tang
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Tarzana, CA 91357
Welcome to Mindspace NP, a nurturing practice dedicated to fostering mental health and well-being under the compassionate care of Shaoqing (Cindy) Tang. At the heart of our practice lies Cindy's unwavering commitment to the mental health field, coupled with her broad spectrum of expertise that spans across medication management services and supportive psychotherapy. Cindy Tang's diverse background, from her start as a registered nurse to her impactful work as a mental health clinician, uniquely qualifies her to meet the varied mental health needs of individuals at Mindspace NP.
Welcome to Mindspace NP, a nurturing practice dedicated to fostering mental health and well-being under the compassionate care of Shaoqing (Cindy) Tang. At the heart of our practice lies Cindy's unwavering commitment to the mental health field, coupled with her broad spectrum of expertise that spans across medication management services and supportive psychotherapy. Cindy Tang's diverse background, from her start as a registered nurse to her impactful work as a mental health clinician, uniquely qualifies her to meet the varied mental health needs of individuals at Mindspace NP.
(747) 239-5558 View (747) 239-5558

More Psychiatrists Nearby

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 91335  (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 Samir Hamed, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Samir Hamed
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Encino, CA 91416
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Allied Healers treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, OCD, and gender dysphoria.
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Allied Healers, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Allied Healers treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, OCD, and gender dysphoria.
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Allied Healers, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
(805) 600-5670 View (805) 600-5670
Photo of Phebee William - Pw Psych NP Services Pllc, MA, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Pw Psych NP Services Pllc
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MA, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 91335  (Online Only)
I offer Psychiatrc Evaluation and Medication Management via telehealth in the confort of your home,Treating depression, bipolar, anxiety, and ADHD and more; we can analyze the issue together.
About the Provider: I am a Board Certified, Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, (PMHNP-BC). I obtained my prfessional degree from Walden University. Over the years, I had professional affiliations with reputable mental health facilities including Bakersfield behavior, John George psych and more. I treat children and adults affected by various mental illness with care and compassion. I utilize Evidence Based Practice model to make treatment choices. I am specialized in treating ADHD, depression, anxiety and mood instability. Stimulant and non stimulant treatment are available. I do conduct ADHD screening and testing before treatment.
I offer Psychiatrc Evaluation and Medication Management via telehealth in the confort of your home,Treating depression, bipolar, anxiety, and ADHD and more; we can analyze the issue together.
About the Provider: I am a Board Certified, Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, (PMHNP-BC). I obtained my prfessional degree from Walden University. Over the years, I had professional affiliations with reputable mental health facilities including Bakersfield behavior, John George psych and more. I treat children and adults affected by various mental illness with care and compassion. I utilize Evidence Based Practice model to make treatment choices. I am specialized in treating ADHD, depression, anxiety and mood instability. Stimulant and non stimulant treatment are available. I do conduct ADHD screening and testing before treatment.
(909) 245-7678 View (909) 245-7678
Photo of Armine Harutyunyan, DNP, PMHNP, FNP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Armine Harutyunyan
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP-C
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Reseda, CA 91335
I have experience treating various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and ADHD.
Dr. Harutyunyan is a dual board-certified Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatric Mental Health and Family Medicine. I strongly believe that providing excellent, compassionate, and evidence-based care would lead to great results in patients' recovery. I provide brief psychotherapy and medication management. I strongly believe that medications play a key role in the treatment of symptoms, and prevent relapses of psychiatric conditions. I only recommend medications if medically indicated and attempt to keep them as simple as possible.
I have experience treating various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and ADHD.
Dr. Harutyunyan is a dual board-certified Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatric Mental Health and Family Medicine. I strongly believe that providing excellent, compassionate, and evidence-based care would lead to great results in patients' recovery. I provide brief psychotherapy and medication management. I strongly believe that medications play a key role in the treatment of symptoms, and prevent relapses of psychiatric conditions. I only recommend medications if medically indicated and attempt to keep them as simple as possible.
(747) 307-4384 View (747) 307-4384
Photo of Kyle Bechaz, MD, Psychiatrist
Kyle Bechaz
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Encino, CA 91316
We treat a variety of psychiatric conditions, including major depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, ADHD, obsessive compulsive disorder, eating disorders, addiction problems, and schizophrenia. Several of our doctors also specialize in reproductive psychiatry/women's mental health.
We treat a variety of psychiatric conditions, including major depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, ADHD, obsessive compulsive disorder, eating disorders, addiction problems, and schizophrenia. Several of our doctors also specialize in reproductive psychiatry/women's mental health.
(818) 639-8421 View (818) 639-8421
Photo of Mottsin Thomas, MD, Psychiatrist
Mottsin Thomas
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Encino, CA 91316  (Online Only)
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, and OCD.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS-Bonmente knows asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, and OCD.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS-Bonmente knows asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
(760) 214-9822 View (760) 214-9822
Photo of Steve Soldinger, MD, Psychiatrist
Steve Soldinger
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Encino, CA 91316
My practice provides care on the cutting edge of psychiatry, including both psychodynamics and psychopharmacology, and I treat many complex medical and neurological illnesses that interface with psychiatry. I offer the future of psychiatry today. Please visit my other site at sanfernandovalleypsychiatrist.com. Assistant Adjunct Clinical Professor (1981-2013),University of California at Los Angeles. Teaching course on film and Psychiatry to residents at Sepulveda VA . Have given over two hundred educational lectures over the past thirty years to undergraduates, medical students, residents, and colleagues. Received the award for best outside lecture of the year from Cal State Northridge.
My practice provides care on the cutting edge of psychiatry, including both psychodynamics and psychopharmacology, and I treat many complex medical and neurological illnesses that interface with psychiatry. I offer the future of psychiatry today. Please visit my other site at sanfernandovalleypsychiatrist.com. Assistant Adjunct Clinical Professor (1981-2013),University of California at Los Angeles. Teaching course on film and Psychiatry to residents at Sepulveda VA . Have given over two hundred educational lectures over the past thirty years to undergraduates, medical students, residents, and colleagues. Received the award for best outside lecture of the year from Cal State Northridge.
(818) 850-5797 View (818) 850-5797
Photo of Anna Katrina Cruz, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Anna Katrina Cruz
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Van Nuys, CA 91316
Have you been struggling with finding balance in your mental and physical health and are seeking to relieve your mental health struggles so you can navigate life positively, regain control, and start living your life to the fullest? I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I provide a comprehensive holistic approach to mental health by focusing on each individual’s unique psyche and mental health needs. Medication and therapy are great tools however, it is not the solution. My goal is to identify and address conditions, limiting patterns, beliefs and behaviors that affect your ability to function and suppress growth.
Have you been struggling with finding balance in your mental and physical health and are seeking to relieve your mental health struggles so you can navigate life positively, regain control, and start living your life to the fullest? I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I provide a comprehensive holistic approach to mental health by focusing on each individual’s unique psyche and mental health needs. Medication and therapy are great tools however, it is not the solution. My goal is to identify and address conditions, limiting patterns, beliefs and behaviors that affect your ability to function and suppress growth.
(747) 307-4907 View (747) 307-4907
Photo of Mariam Fazil, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Mariam Fazil
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Encino, CA 91316  (Online Only)
Hello, I'm Mariam Fazil, DNP, PMHNP,a board-certified Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Are you or your loved ones struggling to balance mental and physical health? Are you suffering from anxiety? If this somewhat sounds familiar, I would like to help you in your healing journey. I provide in-person as well as telemedicine services so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel. I aim to help you to thrive at your best.
Hello, I'm Mariam Fazil, DNP, PMHNP,a board-certified Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Are you or your loved ones struggling to balance mental and physical health? Are you suffering from anxiety? If this somewhat sounds familiar, I would like to help you in your healing journey. I provide in-person as well as telemedicine services so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel. I aim to help you to thrive at your best.
(661) 732-2561 View (661) 732-2561
Photo of Khadija Hamisi, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Khadija Hamisi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Encino, CA 91416
Khadija Hamisi, DNP, PMHNP-BC, takes a unique and progressive approach to mental health illnesses. Treatment is personalized, based on evidence research, and encompasses on a myriad of treatment modalities. The influence of three factors: one's past and upbringing, current life situations, and one's genetic makeup, affecting mental illness Being trained and current with the best evidence-bas medication treatment strategy, he places a strong emphasis on psychosocial, and psychodynamic factors as the foundation of his treatment. Many psychiatric conditions have an underlying biological and genetic component of treatment.
Khadija Hamisi, DNP, PMHNP-BC, takes a unique and progressive approach to mental health illnesses. Treatment is personalized, based on evidence research, and encompasses on a myriad of treatment modalities. The influence of three factors: one's past and upbringing, current life situations, and one's genetic makeup, affecting mental illness Being trained and current with the best evidence-bas medication treatment strategy, he places a strong emphasis on psychosocial, and psychodynamic factors as the foundation of his treatment. Many psychiatric conditions have an underlying biological and genetic component of treatment.
(657) 300-2401 View (657) 300-2401
Photo of Jhaurel Johnson White, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Jhaurel Johnson White
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Encino, CA 91316  (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 Courtney Carmona, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Courtney Carmona
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Woodland Hills, CA 91364  (Online Only)
My ideal client is someone facing challenges like anxiety, depression, or trauma, seeking guidance and a deeper understanding of their emotions. They may feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck but are motivated to heal and grow. Their needs include a safe, supportive space to explore their feelings and develop healthier coping strategies. Their goals are to find relief from emotional distress, build resilience, and improve their overall well-being. They want to regain control of their lives and move toward a more balanced, fulfilling future.
My ideal client is someone facing challenges like anxiety, depression, or trauma, seeking guidance and a deeper understanding of their emotions. They may feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck but are motivated to heal and grow. Their needs include a safe, supportive space to explore their feelings and develop healthier coping strategies. Their goals are to find relief from emotional distress, build resilience, and improve their overall well-being. They want to regain control of their lives and move toward a more balanced, fulfilling future.
(424) 622-8743 View (424) 622-8743
Photo of Iman Parhami - Chapters Family Treatment Center | Iman Parhami MD, MD, MPH, Psychiatrist
Chapters Family Treatment Center | Iman Parhami MD
Psychiatrist, MD, MPH
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Encino, CA 91316
Dr. Iman Parhami is a triple-board certified psychiatrist (Child Psychiatry, Adult Psychiatry, and Addiction Medicine) who completed his child and adolescent psychiatry training at Johns Hopkins University. He strongly believes that diagnoses do not define individuals. Instead, diagnoses can help classify a set of symptoms and can help identify empirically supported treatments for that class of symptoms. He also believes that psychiatric treatments cannot just include psychopharmacology but must include a multi-disciplinary approach that is family-driven and culturally sensitive.
Dr. Iman Parhami is a triple-board certified psychiatrist (Child Psychiatry, Adult Psychiatry, and Addiction Medicine) who completed his child and adolescent psychiatry training at Johns Hopkins University. He strongly believes that diagnoses do not define individuals. Instead, diagnoses can help classify a set of symptoms and can help identify empirically supported treatments for that class of symptoms. He also believes that psychiatric treatments cannot just include psychopharmacology but must include a multi-disciplinary approach that is family-driven and culturally sensitive.
(818) 962-6338 View (818) 962-6338
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.