Bipolar Disorder Psychiatrists in New York, NY

Photo of Adrienne Williams, MSN, PMHNP, -BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Adrienne Williams
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10016
Hello, I look forward to meeting you! My name is Adrienne and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner In the state of New York. I specialize in Anxiety, Bipolar, Depression, Insomnia & Sleep Issues, Stress Management. I work with an amazing group of colleagues at Lavender, an online psychiatry and therapy office, where we believe psychiatric care shouldn't be expensive nor impossible to access.
Hello, I look forward to meeting you! My name is Adrienne and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner In the state of New York. I specialize in Anxiety, Bipolar, Depression, Insomnia & Sleep Issues, Stress Management. I work with an amazing group of colleagues at Lavender, an online psychiatry and therapy office, where we believe psychiatric care shouldn't be expensive nor impossible to access.
(929) 577-3509 View (929) 577-3509
Photo of Grace Taylor, PMHNP-, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Grace Taylor
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New York, NY 10017  (Online Only)
If you are seeking a caring and experienced partner in managing ADHD, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, PTSD, low self-esteem, relationship issues or other mental health concerns, I invite you to contact me for a consultation.
I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 2 decades of experience working in diverse psychiatric settings with diverse populations. I specialize in ADHD, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, PTSD, low self-esteem and relationship issues. I believe in assessing the whole person. My journey as a psychiatric practitioner has equipped me with a deep understanding of how, in many cases, mental health conditions are related to environmental, physical or spiritual issues. I focus on effective, evidence-based treatments for a wide spectrum of conditions.
If you are seeking a caring and experienced partner in managing ADHD, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, PTSD, low self-esteem, relationship issues or other mental health concerns, I invite you to contact me for a consultation.
I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 2 decades of experience working in diverse psychiatric settings with diverse populations. I specialize in ADHD, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, PTSD, low self-esteem and relationship issues. I believe in assessing the whole person. My journey as a psychiatric practitioner has equipped me with a deep understanding of how, in many cases, mental health conditions are related to environmental, physical or spiritual issues. I focus on effective, evidence-based treatments for a wide spectrum of conditions.
(646) 437-8671 View (646) 437-8671
Photo of Miok Im, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Miok Im
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10003  (Online Only)
I am a dual board-certified professional in both psychiatry and family practice, with an extensive career that spans both inpatient and outpatient care settings. With nearly two decades of experience in healthcare, I initially embarked on my journey as a registered nurse, and a decade ago, I successfully completed my family nurse practitioner program and I have been dedicated to serving in skilled nursing homes, where I collaborate with a team of professionals to conduct thorough psychiatric assessments, addressing conditions such as depression, anxiety, insomnia, PTSD, and bipolar I and II.
I am a dual board-certified professional in both psychiatry and family practice, with an extensive career that spans both inpatient and outpatient care settings. With nearly two decades of experience in healthcare, I initially embarked on my journey as a registered nurse, and a decade ago, I successfully completed my family nurse practitioner program and I have been dedicated to serving in skilled nursing homes, where I collaborate with a team of professionals to conduct thorough psychiatric assessments, addressing conditions such as depression, anxiety, insomnia, PTSD, and bipolar I and II.
(646) 759-9860 View (646) 759-9860
Photo of Dr. Ariel Brown, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Ariel Brown
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10016  (Online Only)
You may be feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, or the challenges of managing bipolar disorder or OCD. Perhaps you’re struggling with substance use and searching for a way out but unsure where to start. You want to regain control of your life, find relief from your symptoms, and discover a path that feels both sustainable and right for you. You deserve personalized, compassionate care that focuses on you as a whole person, not just your diagnosis. I specialize in providing comprehensive psychiatric care, combining evidence-based medication management with psychotherapy approaches such as CBT, DBT, and psychodynamic therapy.
You may be feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, or the challenges of managing bipolar disorder or OCD. Perhaps you’re struggling with substance use and searching for a way out but unsure where to start. You want to regain control of your life, find relief from your symptoms, and discover a path that feels both sustainable and right for you. You deserve personalized, compassionate care that focuses on you as a whole person, not just your diagnosis. I specialize in providing comprehensive psychiatric care, combining evidence-based medication management with psychotherapy approaches such as CBT, DBT, and psychodynamic therapy.
(646) 687-2505 View (646) 687-2505
Photo of Jennifer Mesrie, MD, Psychiatrist
Jennifer Mesrie
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
New York, NY 10001
I treat a broad range of conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, and trauma.
Seeking help takes courage, and I’m here to support you on your journey. As a board-certified psychiatrist and psychotherapist, I focus on treating the whole person, not just a diagnosis. Whether you’re feeling stuck due to burnout, anxiety, or life transitions, my goal is to help you thrive. I use psychodynamic and relational therapy, mindfulness, and creative strategies alongside medication management when needed. Together, we’ll create lasting change, unlocking your potential for growth and helping you flourish personally and professionally. I’ll be an essential member of your team, empowering you every step of the way.
I treat a broad range of conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, and trauma.
Seeking help takes courage, and I’m here to support you on your journey. As a board-certified psychiatrist and psychotherapist, I focus on treating the whole person, not just a diagnosis. Whether you’re feeling stuck due to burnout, anxiety, or life transitions, my goal is to help you thrive. I use psychodynamic and relational therapy, mindfulness, and creative strategies alongside medication management when needed. Together, we’ll create lasting change, unlocking your potential for growth and helping you flourish personally and professionally. I’ll be an essential member of your team, empowering you every step of the way.
(917) 905-9583 View (917) 905-9583
Photo of Perpetual Gyimah, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Perpetual Gyimah
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10011
Gyimah provides virtual mental health consultations and psychiatric follow-ups for various reasons, such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders.
Serving the residents of New York State, Ms. Perpetual Gyimah is a diligent adult psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner at Orenda Psychiatry. As a part of her higher education, Ms. Gyimah acquired her master's degree in nursing from the City University of New York, Hunter College.
Gyimah provides virtual mental health consultations and psychiatric follow-ups for various reasons, such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders.
Serving the residents of New York State, Ms. Perpetual Gyimah is a diligent adult psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner at Orenda Psychiatry. As a part of her higher education, Ms. Gyimah acquired her master's degree in nursing from the City University of New York, Hunter College.
(646) 917-8455 View (646) 917-8455
Photo of David L Ginsberg - David L Ginsberg MD, MD, Psychiatrist
David L Ginsberg MD
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10016
I strive to provide thoughtful, evidence based care that relieves your suffering and fully restores your optimism and quality of life. After a thorough and comprehensive diagnostic evaluation, I will collaborate with you in devising an individualized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs that addresses your goals and carefully considers any care you may be receiving from other health professionals. My recommendations may involve talk therapy, medication, or the combination. Where appropriate, I may consult with or refer you to highly skilled colleagues who provide specific types of talk therapy or other subspecialized care.
I strive to provide thoughtful, evidence based care that relieves your suffering and fully restores your optimism and quality of life. After a thorough and comprehensive diagnostic evaluation, I will collaborate with you in devising an individualized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs that addresses your goals and carefully considers any care you may be receiving from other health professionals. My recommendations may involve talk therapy, medication, or the combination. Where appropriate, I may consult with or refer you to highly skilled colleagues who provide specific types of talk therapy or other subspecialized care.
(646) 846-7261 View (646) 846-7261
Photo of Dr. Shawn Faust, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Dr. Shawn Faust
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
New York, NY 10065  (Online Only)
Faust specializes in the treatment of Anxiety, Depression, and Bipolar disorders.
Dr. Shawn Faust, DNP, PMHNP-BC is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who brings a unique and patient-centric approach to the field of mental health. His philosophy centers around the belief that individuals are experts in their own experiences, and collaboration between the patient and their mental health provider is essential for effective and personalized treatment. He believes that informed patients are better equipped to navigate their unique mental health challenges. Thus, treatment with Dr. Faust often involves teaching patients about their diagnosis and discussing the pros and cons of various treatment options.
Faust specializes in the treatment of Anxiety, Depression, and Bipolar disorders.
Dr. Shawn Faust, DNP, PMHNP-BC is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who brings a unique and patient-centric approach to the field of mental health. His philosophy centers around the belief that individuals are experts in their own experiences, and collaboration between the patient and their mental health provider is essential for effective and personalized treatment. He believes that informed patients are better equipped to navigate their unique mental health challenges. Thus, treatment with Dr. Faust often involves teaching patients about their diagnosis and discussing the pros and cons of various treatment options.
(336) 515-1193 View (336) 515-1193
Photo of Sin Yan Jianne Lo, MSN , PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Sin Yan Jianne Lo
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN , PMHNP
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10016  (Online Only)
Hi! I am a licensed and board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner trained at Yale. I offer psychiatric evaluation, therapy, and medication management services via telehealth for NY residents. I speak fluent English, Cantonese, and Mandarin. I treat a wide range of conditions but the most common include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma, women’s mental health, grief, life transitions, and relationship concerns.
Hi! I am a licensed and board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner trained at Yale. I offer psychiatric evaluation, therapy, and medication management services via telehealth for NY residents. I speak fluent English, Cantonese, and Mandarin. I treat a wide range of conditions but the most common include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma, women’s mental health, grief, life transitions, and relationship concerns.
(646) 956-2260 View (646) 956-2260
Photo of Samoon Ahmad - Samoon Ahmad, MD; Integrative Center for Wellness, MD, Psychiatrist
Samoon Ahmad, MD; Integrative Center for Wellness
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10016
Anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, overeating, stress and many other issues result from a combination of biological and environmental factors.
Hippocrates stated: "it is more important to know what person the disease has than what disease the person has". Each individual presents unique issues that require tailored, collaborative treatment. A practicing physician for over thirty years, I have dedicated my life to helping individuals balance their mental and physical well-being. My practice and Integrative Center for Wellness focus on incorporating psychiatric treatments with nutritional therapies to calibrate balance between mind and body. With expertise in bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, ADHD, stuttering and weight management, among others.
Anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, overeating, stress and many other issues result from a combination of biological and environmental factors.
Hippocrates stated: "it is more important to know what person the disease has than what disease the person has". Each individual presents unique issues that require tailored, collaborative treatment. A practicing physician for over thirty years, I have dedicated my life to helping individuals balance their mental and physical well-being. My practice and Integrative Center for Wellness focus on incorporating psychiatric treatments with nutritional therapies to calibrate balance between mind and body. With expertise in bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, ADHD, stuttering and weight management, among others.
(646) 233-0306 View (646) 233-0306
Photo of Sarah Marrone, MSN, PMHNP, -BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Sarah Marrone
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10016
Hello, I look forward to meeting you! My name is Sarah and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner In the state of New York. I specialize in Anxiety, Bipolar, Depression, Insomnia & Sleep Issues, Life Transitions, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) / Trauma. I work with an amazing group of colleagues at Lavender, an online psychiatry and therapy office, where we believe psychiatric care shouldn't be expensive nor impossible to access.
Hello, I look forward to meeting you! My name is Sarah and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner In the state of New York. I specialize in Anxiety, Bipolar, Depression, Insomnia & Sleep Issues, Life Transitions, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) / Trauma. I work with an amazing group of colleagues at Lavender, an online psychiatry and therapy office, where we believe psychiatric care shouldn't be expensive nor impossible to access.
(929) 430-2904 View (929) 430-2904
Photo of Shirley Duane, FNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Shirley Duane
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10011  (Online Only)
Shirley Duane, FNP, PMHNP is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certified throughout the Lifespan. She received her Post Master degree in Psychiatric Nursing at D'Youville University and her Family Nurse Practitioner Degree through SUNY Buffalo. She is also certified as a Geriatric Specialist. Shirley has practiced in a variety of settings and specialties allowing her to work with adolescents and adults with a wide range of disorders, including addictions, ADHD, anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, OCD and PTSD.
Shirley Duane, FNP, PMHNP is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certified throughout the Lifespan. She received her Post Master degree in Psychiatric Nursing at D'Youville University and her Family Nurse Practitioner Degree through SUNY Buffalo. She is also certified as a Geriatric Specialist. Shirley has practiced in a variety of settings and specialties allowing her to work with adolescents and adults with a wide range of disorders, including addictions, ADHD, anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, OCD and PTSD.
(347) 941-0775 View (347) 941-0775
Photo of Eduardo Rivera Mirabal, MD, Psychiatrist
Eduardo Rivera Mirabal
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10001  (Online Only)
Dr. Rivera Mirabal has extensive experience and a genuine interest in treating patients with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, adjustment disorders, and trauma-related disorders. He is committed to fostering a collaborative and trusting relationship with each patient, working together to address mental health concerns and promote overall well-being. Dr Rivera Mirabal is a compassionate and skilled psychiatrist committed to providing holistic and humanistic care. He has robust training in psychotherapy, including psychodynamic, supportive, Acceptance and Commitment Psychotherapy (ACT), and CBT.
Dr. Rivera Mirabal has extensive experience and a genuine interest in treating patients with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, adjustment disorders, and trauma-related disorders. He is committed to fostering a collaborative and trusting relationship with each patient, working together to address mental health concerns and promote overall well-being. Dr Rivera Mirabal is a compassionate and skilled psychiatrist committed to providing holistic and humanistic care. He has robust training in psychotherapy, including psychodynamic, supportive, Acceptance and Commitment Psychotherapy (ACT), and CBT.
(646) 759-4188 View (646) 759-4188
Photo of Bradley Ress Miller, MD, PhD, Psychiatrist
Bradley Ress Miller
Psychiatrist, MD, PhD
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10024
I am a Columbia trained and affiliated board-certified psychiatrist and neuroscientist who provides psychotherapy and medications for a range of emotional difficulties including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, and adult ADHD. Working in a comfortable setting in the Upper West Side, I maintain a small private practice that allows me to devote a high level of attention to each individual person. As an expert in both medications and talk therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic therapy, I can tailor the treatment to your individual needs. I also provide consultations for people who would like a second opinion on their current treatment.
I am a Columbia trained and affiliated board-certified psychiatrist and neuroscientist who provides psychotherapy and medications for a range of emotional difficulties including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, and adult ADHD. Working in a comfortable setting in the Upper West Side, I maintain a small private practice that allows me to devote a high level of attention to each individual person. As an expert in both medications and talk therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic therapy, I can tailor the treatment to your individual needs. I also provide consultations for people who would like a second opinion on their current treatment.
(347) 410-8814 View (347) 410-8814
Photo of Luca Gaetano Radomile, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Luca Gaetano Radomile
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New York, NY 10065  (Online Only)
I specialize in medication management for mental health conditions, with a particular focus on ADHD, depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorders.
I enjoy working with clients who are motivated to better understand themselves and work on realizing their goals. Sometimes lifestyle change or even talk therapy alone is not enough to help people overcome their struggles and my objective is to help those individuals bridge that gap to living a more fulfilling life.
I specialize in medication management for mental health conditions, with a particular focus on ADHD, depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorders.
I enjoy working with clients who are motivated to better understand themselves and work on realizing their goals. Sometimes lifestyle change or even talk therapy alone is not enough to help people overcome their struggles and my objective is to help those individuals bridge that gap to living a more fulfilling life.
(929) 209-2825 View (929) 209-2825
Photo of Aaron Padron - Insightful Psychiatry, PLLC, APRN, PMHNP, FNP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Insightful Psychiatry, PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP, FNP-C
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10011
Our Telehealth Psychiatric Mental Health Services specializes in the treatment of children, adolescents, and adults for conditions such as, but not limited to, Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia, Bipolar Disorders, and ADHD.
Appointments Available! We are Insightful Psychiatry, a growing, and innovative Psychiatric office with the goal of providing treatment for mental health problems in the comfort of home. Evening and Weekend appointments available.
Our Telehealth Psychiatric Mental Health Services specializes in the treatment of children, adolescents, and adults for conditions such as, but not limited to, Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia, Bipolar Disorders, and ADHD.
Appointments Available! We are Insightful Psychiatry, a growing, and innovative Psychiatric office with the goal of providing treatment for mental health problems in the comfort of home. Evening and Weekend appointments available.
(206) 620-1222 View (206) 620-1222
Photo of Richard Hess, MD, Psychiatrist
Richard Hess
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10014  (Online Only)
Dr. Hess is double board-certified in Adult and Geriatric Psychiatry. He has more than 24 years of experience providing patients with compassionate psychiatric care for depressive and bipolar disorders, psychotic disorders, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and dementia.
Dr. Hess is double board-certified in Adult and Geriatric Psychiatry. He has more than 24 years of experience providing patients with compassionate psychiatric care for depressive and bipolar disorders, psychotic disorders, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and dementia.
(929) 205-3647 View (929) 205-3647
Photo of Anne Rohs, MD, Psychiatrist
Anne Rohs
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10014
Rohs specializes in treating a variety of psychiatric conditions including bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, depression, and dementia.
Dr. Anne Rohs is board certified in both adult and geriatric psychiatry and has been in practice for over ten years. She has an extensive background working in hospital settings treating critically ill patients, which has helped hone her skills in caring for individuals with complex psychiatric illnesses complicated by medical conditions. Dr. Rohs’ approach is to provide a consistent, empathic, nonjudgmental space to develop and attain shared treatment goals.
Rohs specializes in treating a variety of psychiatric conditions including bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, depression, and dementia.
Dr. Anne Rohs is board certified in both adult and geriatric psychiatry and has been in practice for over ten years. She has an extensive background working in hospital settings treating critically ill patients, which has helped hone her skills in caring for individuals with complex psychiatric illnesses complicated by medical conditions. Dr. Rohs’ approach is to provide a consistent, empathic, nonjudgmental space to develop and attain shared treatment goals.
(718) 816-2806 View (718) 816-2806
Photo of Benjamin A Solomon, MD, MBA, Psychiatrist
Benjamin A Solomon
Psychiatrist, MD, MBA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New York, NY 10003
I use a number of psychotherapeutic modalities with a particular focus on psychodynamic psychotherapy. Where appropriate, I prescribe carefully tailored medication in conjunction with psychotherapy to help my clients meet their goals. I am experienced in treating a wide range of mental health problems including anxiety, depression, insomnia, bipolar disorder, ADHD, alcohol and other substance use disorders, PTSD, grief and interpersonal conflict. I prescribe based on the best available scientific evidence and my clinical experience, and have no affiliation with any pharmaceutical company.
I use a number of psychotherapeutic modalities with a particular focus on psychodynamic psychotherapy. Where appropriate, I prescribe carefully tailored medication in conjunction with psychotherapy to help my clients meet their goals. I am experienced in treating a wide range of mental health problems including anxiety, depression, insomnia, bipolar disorder, ADHD, alcohol and other substance use disorders, PTSD, grief and interpersonal conflict. I prescribe based on the best available scientific evidence and my clinical experience, and have no affiliation with any pharmaceutical company.
(646) 970-8264 View (646) 970-8264
Photo of Alexis Sciarrino, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Alexis Sciarrino
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10011
Alexis Sciarrino, PMHNP-BC is a Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner specializing in psychiatry across the lifespan. Ms. Sciarrino received her Masters of Science degree from Hunter College. She has dedicated her life and her career to psychiatry. She strives to provide the most up to date evidence based care. She utilizes psychopharmacology and psychotherapy to ensure positive treatment outcomes and long term success. She has successful experience working with patients diagnosed with anxiety and depressive disorders as well as OCD, PTSD, Bipolar and ADHD diagnoses.
Alexis Sciarrino, PMHNP-BC is a Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner specializing in psychiatry across the lifespan. Ms. Sciarrino received her Masters of Science degree from Hunter College. She has dedicated her life and her career to psychiatry. She strives to provide the most up to date evidence based care. She utilizes psychopharmacology and psychotherapy to ensure positive treatment outcomes and long term success. She has successful experience working with patients diagnosed with anxiety and depressive disorders as well as OCD, PTSD, Bipolar and ADHD diagnoses.
(347) 427-5765 View (347) 427-5765
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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.