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Check out psychiatrists located nearby or offering teletherapy in Virginia below.

Online Psychiatrists

Photo of Deneice Wickens, MBA, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Deneice Wickens
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MBA, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
23 Endorsed
Petersburg, VA 23803  (Online Only)
Now Accepting NEW Clients: Plant Your Roots with Us at Eden Total Care! Hello, I'm Deneice, a PsychNP offering virtual sessions in VA, NY, FL, CO, WA, OR, CA, AZ, & TX. I specialize in guiding teens and young-feeling adults through complex mental health issues, including symptoms of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, insomnia, PTSD, ADHD. My holistic approach offers personalized care, blending evidence-based therapies with medication management. Together, we'll create a treatment plan that suits your unique preferences, supporting your well-being and building a foundation for long-term stability and resilience.
Now Accepting NEW Clients: Plant Your Roots with Us at Eden Total Care! Hello, I'm Deneice, a PsychNP offering virtual sessions in VA, NY, FL, CO, WA, OR, CA, AZ, & TX. I specialize in guiding teens and young-feeling adults through complex mental health issues, including symptoms of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, insomnia, PTSD, ADHD. My holistic approach offers personalized care, blending evidence-based therapies with medication management. Together, we'll create a treatment plan that suits your unique preferences, supporting your well-being and building a foundation for long-term stability and resilience.
(347) 679-6614 View (347) 679-6614
Photo of Ruby Anumah, PMHNP , FNP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Ruby Anumah
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP , FNP-BC
Verified Verified
Stafford, VA 22554
I specialize in providing mental health care and can help individuals with depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and other mental health conditions.
As a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), my focus is on providing comprehensive and holistic care to individuals and families. My unique skill set allows me to address both physical and mental health concerns, providing a well-rounded approach to treatment. I am trained to perform physical exams, make diagnoses, and develop treatment plans for a wide range of conditions, including mental health disorders. I also have expertise in medication management, and can prescribe and monitor psychiatric medications as part of a treatment plan.
I specialize in providing mental health care and can help individuals with depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and other mental health conditions.
As a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), my focus is on providing comprehensive and holistic care to individuals and families. My unique skill set allows me to address both physical and mental health concerns, providing a well-rounded approach to treatment. I am trained to perform physical exams, make diagnoses, and develop treatment plans for a wide range of conditions, including mental health disorders. I also have expertise in medication management, and can prescribe and monitor psychiatric medications as part of a treatment plan.
(571) 701-2695 View (571) 701-2695
Photo of Amy R Pharr - East Coast Telepsychiatry, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
East Coast Telepsychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN
Verified Verified
Lottsburg, VA 22511  (Online Only)
Hello, I am Amy Pharr, a Family Nurse Practitioner of 29 years and a Family Psychiatric Mental Health NP of 19 years comfortable with seeing clients of all ages with Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, ADHD, Impulse Control Disorders, and PTSD. My ideal client would have some sort of trauma history - whether it be mental, sexual, physical, or emotional -- needing medication management and therapy. I see people in NY, FL, SC and Virginia. My clients want to be able to sleep, go about their day without flashbacks or affect from triggers, and to merely live with some sort of pleasure and "normalcy" in life.
Hello, I am Amy Pharr, a Family Nurse Practitioner of 29 years and a Family Psychiatric Mental Health NP of 19 years comfortable with seeing clients of all ages with Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, ADHD, Impulse Control Disorders, and PTSD. My ideal client would have some sort of trauma history - whether it be mental, sexual, physical, or emotional -- needing medication management and therapy. I see people in NY, FL, SC and Virginia. My clients want to be able to sleep, go about their day without flashbacks or affect from triggers, and to merely live with some sort of pleasure and "normalcy" in life.
(843) 960-3155 View (843) 960-3155
Photo of Arlene Quijano, PA-C, Physician Assistant
Arlene Quijano
Physician Assistant, PA-C
Verified Verified
West Point, VA 23181  (Online Only)
Our expertise covers behavioral health, addiction treatment, weight management, and conditions like depression and bipolar disorder.
I'm Arlene, a board-certified Physician Assistant and Clinical Temperament Counselor. My expertise includes Behavioral Health Counseling and Primary/Acute Care. I hold a national Surgical Assistant Certification with specialized training in Neurosurgery, Plastics/Reconstruction, General Surgery, and Orthopedics. Additionally, I offer services in Medical Nutrition Therapy, Blood-Type Specific Nutrition Counseling, Diabetes Nutrition Counseling, Temperament Career Counseling, as well as addressing anxiety and depression. I'm passionate about my healthcare profession and have had the privilege serving patients for nearly two decades.
Our expertise covers behavioral health, addiction treatment, weight management, and conditions like depression and bipolar disorder.
I'm Arlene, a board-certified Physician Assistant and Clinical Temperament Counselor. My expertise includes Behavioral Health Counseling and Primary/Acute Care. I hold a national Surgical Assistant Certification with specialized training in Neurosurgery, Plastics/Reconstruction, General Surgery, and Orthopedics. Additionally, I offer services in Medical Nutrition Therapy, Blood-Type Specific Nutrition Counseling, Diabetes Nutrition Counseling, Temperament Career Counseling, as well as addressing anxiety and depression. I'm passionate about my healthcare profession and have had the privilege serving patients for nearly two decades.
(804) 206-5986 View (804) 206-5986
Photo of Arlene Quijano, PA, Physician Assistant
Arlene Quijano
Physician Assistant, PA
Verified Verified
West Point, VA 23181  (Online Only)
Our expertise covers behavioral health, addiction treatment, weight management, and conditions like depression and bipolar disorder.
I'm Arlene, a board-certified Physician Assistant and Clinical Temperament Counselor. My expertise includes Behavioral Health Counseling and Primary/Acute Care. I hold a national Surgical Assistant Certification with specialized training in Neurosurgery, Plastics/Reconstruction, General Surgery, and Orthopedics. Additionally, I offer services in Medical Nutrition Therapy, Blood-Type Specific Nutrition Counseling, Diabetes Nutrition Counseling, Temperament Career Counseling, as well as addressing anxiety and depression. I'm passionate about my healthcare profession and have had the privilege serving patients for nearly two decades.
Our expertise covers behavioral health, addiction treatment, weight management, and conditions like depression and bipolar disorder.
I'm Arlene, a board-certified Physician Assistant and Clinical Temperament Counselor. My expertise includes Behavioral Health Counseling and Primary/Acute Care. I hold a national Surgical Assistant Certification with specialized training in Neurosurgery, Plastics/Reconstruction, General Surgery, and Orthopedics. Additionally, I offer services in Medical Nutrition Therapy, Blood-Type Specific Nutrition Counseling, Diabetes Nutrition Counseling, Temperament Career Counseling, as well as addressing anxiety and depression. I'm passionate about my healthcare profession and have had the privilege serving patients for nearly two decades.
(804) 578-7542 View (804) 578-7542
Photo of Elizabeth Onyejekwe, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Elizabeth Onyejekwe
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Woodbridge, VA 22192
I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I provide medication management for psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, Bipolar, Schizophrenia, OCD and others. I also treat mood disorders during pregnancy and post-natal.
I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I provide medication management for psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, Bipolar, Schizophrenia, OCD and others. I also treat mood disorders during pregnancy and post-natal.
(571) 701-1362 View (571) 701-1362
Photo of Ashraf Sefain, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Ashraf Sefain
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fairfax, VA 22030
Whether you are navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, trauma, or other concerns, I will collaborate with you toward healing, growth, and a more meaningful life.
I'm a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Fluent in English and Arabic, I offer culturally sensitive care for a wide range of mental health issues in children, adolescents, and adults. With experience in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatry, I provide diagnostic, therapy, and medication management services. I'm also an adjunct professor at George Washington School of Nursing. Let's work together towards healing, growth, and a more meaningful life.
Whether you are navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, trauma, or other concerns, I will collaborate with you toward healing, growth, and a more meaningful life.
I'm a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Fluent in English and Arabic, I offer culturally sensitive care for a wide range of mental health issues in children, adolescents, and adults. With experience in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatry, I provide diagnostic, therapy, and medication management services. I'm also an adjunct professor at George Washington School of Nursing. Let's work together towards healing, growth, and a more meaningful life.
(571) 470-8354 View (571) 470-8354
Photo of Mimi Khine, MD, Psychiatrist
Mimi Khine
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Alexandria, VA 22311
I am a psychiatrist with a background in family practice medicine. I treat Major Depression, PMDD, Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive disorders, Bipolar Disorders, Schizophrenia, Schizo affective Disorders, Menopausal Depression, ADD, ADHD, PTSD, TBI and Dementia. I treat my patients with understanding and empathy. I have experience in multicultural psychiatry. I have been a psychiatrist since 1989 to present and I have been in Family practice medicine sine 1974.
I am a psychiatrist with a background in family practice medicine. I treat Major Depression, PMDD, Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive disorders, Bipolar Disorders, Schizophrenia, Schizo affective Disorders, Menopausal Depression, ADD, ADHD, PTSD, TBI and Dementia. I treat my patients with understanding and empathy. I have experience in multicultural psychiatry. I have been a psychiatrist since 1989 to present and I have been in Family practice medicine sine 1974.
(703) 372-9622 View (703) 372-9622
Photo of Markus Ploesser - Open Mind Health, MD, Psychiatrist
Open Mind Health
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Virginia Beach, VA 23462  (Online Only)
Emotional challenges and mental illness do not discriminate. No matter your race, orientation, gender, or religion, you matter. We at Open Mind Health offer a diverse group of providers who specialize in helping others find relief from a full spectrum of challenges. We offer 21 customized Wellness Tracks that address core symptoms, core life domains, & diverse populations to get the roots of emotional challenges – no one-size fits all or band aid approaches. We assess and advance your Personal Evolution so that you can become your best self. 96% of our clients rate their experience with Open Mind Health as Excellent or Very Good.
Emotional challenges and mental illness do not discriminate. No matter your race, orientation, gender, or religion, you matter. We at Open Mind Health offer a diverse group of providers who specialize in helping others find relief from a full spectrum of challenges. We offer 21 customized Wellness Tracks that address core symptoms, core life domains, & diverse populations to get the roots of emotional challenges – no one-size fits all or band aid approaches. We assess and advance your Personal Evolution so that you can become your best self. 96% of our clients rate their experience with Open Mind Health as Excellent or Very Good.
(619) 949-0858 View (619) 949-0858
Photo of Ibrahim Iftoni, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Ibrahim Iftoni
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Alexandria, VA 22304
Ibrahim Iftoni is a board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner that started his career 15 years ago in the healthcare field. He got his Nursing degree at the University of Texas at Arlington and worked in several hospitals and long term care facilities as a geriatric/psychiatric/ICU and occupational health nurse. Iftoni felt a special connection with the psychiatric population and decided to pursue a career in psychiatry. He got his master's degree at Walden University and is embracing the opportunity to make life better for the people in his community.
Ibrahim Iftoni is a board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner that started his career 15 years ago in the healthcare field. He got his Nursing degree at the University of Texas at Arlington and worked in several hospitals and long term care facilities as a geriatric/psychiatric/ICU and occupational health nurse. Iftoni felt a special connection with the psychiatric population and decided to pursue a career in psychiatry. He got his master's degree at Walden University and is embracing the opportunity to make life better for the people in his community.
(540) 340-9647 x1003 View (540) 340-9647 x1003
Photo of Dr. Ifeanyi Olele - Genesis Psychiatric Solutions, DO, MBA, MS, Psychiatrist
Dr. Ifeanyi Olele - Genesis Psychiatric Solutions
Psychiatrist, DO, MBA, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fairfax, VA 22030
Thank you so much for considering Genesis Psychiatric Solutions. It is really a big step. Here are some reasons why people contact us: We work with busy professionals, healthcare workers, entrepreneurs, influencers, and creatives that are dealing with depression, anxiety, sleep issues, workplace stress/burnout, grief or trauma, OCD, and ADHD. We do not see you as a disorder, but a person who wants to improve their quality of life. We factor your total wellness and address it in your treatment.
Thank you so much for considering Genesis Psychiatric Solutions. It is really a big step. Here are some reasons why people contact us: We work with busy professionals, healthcare workers, entrepreneurs, influencers, and creatives that are dealing with depression, anxiety, sleep issues, workplace stress/burnout, grief or trauma, OCD, and ADHD. We do not see you as a disorder, but a person who wants to improve their quality of life. We factor your total wellness and address it in your treatment.
(571) 200-5305 View (571) 200-5305
Photo of Sherin Moideen, MD, Psychiatrist
Sherin Moideen
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Richmond, VA 23233
Hi, My name is Dr. Sherin Moideen and I started Virginia Psychiatry LLC to provide specialized psychiatric care to women. Women face unique challenges during periods of life and reproductive transitions, career, and parenthood. I strive to take into consideration the biological, psychological, social, and cultural experiences that are unique to women. Certain diagnosis are often overlooked in women. I have been practicing in the Richmond area for over 10 years and I am licensed to practice in both Virginia and Washington D.C. I offer telemedicine appointments throughout the state.
Hi, My name is Dr. Sherin Moideen and I started Virginia Psychiatry LLC to provide specialized psychiatric care to women. Women face unique challenges during periods of life and reproductive transitions, career, and parenthood. I strive to take into consideration the biological, psychological, social, and cultural experiences that are unique to women. Certain diagnosis are often overlooked in women. I have been practicing in the Richmond area for over 10 years and I am licensed to practice in both Virginia and Washington D.C. I offer telemedicine appointments throughout the state.
(804) 369-8236 View (804) 369-8236
Photo of Daniel D Kim, MD, Psychiatrist
Daniel D Kim
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Richmond, VA 23228  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Welcome to my practice! I am a Board Certified psychiatrist, who trained at Georgetown University Hospital where I served as chief educational fellow and at a Jefferson Medical College teaching hospital in Philadelphia, and in 2020, I opened my practice here to provide my expertise and psychiatric services to adults, including emerging adults residing in the DMV area. I currently serve as a psychiatric consultant at Northwestern Medicine in Illinois and other hospitals in Virginia and Pennsylvania. I specialize in treatment, provide consultation for patients struggling with various sleep, mood, anxiety disorders, and ADHD.
Welcome to my practice! I am a Board Certified psychiatrist, who trained at Georgetown University Hospital where I served as chief educational fellow and at a Jefferson Medical College teaching hospital in Philadelphia, and in 2020, I opened my practice here to provide my expertise and psychiatric services to adults, including emerging adults residing in the DMV area. I currently serve as a psychiatric consultant at Northwestern Medicine in Illinois and other hospitals in Virginia and Pennsylvania. I specialize in treatment, provide consultation for patients struggling with various sleep, mood, anxiety disorders, and ADHD.
(703) 991-7067 View (703) 991-7067
Photo of Michele Davidson, PhD, PMHNP, CNM, PMH-C, CFN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Michele Davidson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PhD, PMHNP, CNM, PMH-C, CFN
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chesapeake, VA 23320
Accepting New Patients: I am passionate about partnering with patients and their families to work together to address mental health conditions along with life transition issues. I work with women and men of all ages with various mental health issues, including pregnant and postpartum women. I use a combination of coaching, therapy, medication management, and goal setting to help patients develop a plan of care based on their goals. As a nurse midwife, I have expertise in women's mental health issues. I also have expertise in treating adults transitioning to college or the workforce and adults in role transition.
Accepting New Patients: I am passionate about partnering with patients and their families to work together to address mental health conditions along with life transition issues. I work with women and men of all ages with various mental health issues, including pregnant and postpartum women. I use a combination of coaching, therapy, medication management, and goal setting to help patients develop a plan of care based on their goals. As a nurse midwife, I have expertise in women's mental health issues. I also have expertise in treating adults transitioning to college or the workforce and adults in role transition.
(757) 986-6513 View (757) 986-6513
Photo of Ramia Gupta - Ramia Gupta, MD PC, MD, FAPA, Psychiatrist
Ramia Gupta, MD PC
Psychiatrist, MD, FAPA
Verified Verified
Alexandria, VA 22314
An increasing number of people suffer from depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Having a mental health disorder can be frightening and overwhelming especially when one doesn’t know where to go to for help. My practice offers that place where I attempt to answer your questions and allay your fears. My work with my patients emphasizes compassion, empathy and support. During the initial assessment, I conduct a detailed Diagnostic evaluation in order to devise an Individualized and Comprehensive Treatment plan unique to the needs of each patient. I am Board Certified in both General and Forensic Psychiatry.
An increasing number of people suffer from depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Having a mental health disorder can be frightening and overwhelming especially when one doesn’t know where to go to for help. My practice offers that place where I attempt to answer your questions and allay your fears. My work with my patients emphasizes compassion, empathy and support. During the initial assessment, I conduct a detailed Diagnostic evaluation in order to devise an Individualized and Comprehensive Treatment plan unique to the needs of each patient. I am Board Certified in both General and Forensic Psychiatry.
(571) 536-7421 View (571) 536-7421
Photo of Valmy Fotendong, FNP-BC, PMNHP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Valmy Fotendong
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP-BC, PMNHP
Verified Verified
Virginia Beach, VA 23464  (Online Only)
As a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a strong foundation in nursing, I bring a dynamic approach to mental health care. My experience and interpersonal skills enable me to connect with patients from all walks of life, providing compassionate, confidential, and effective treatment.
As a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a strong foundation in nursing, I bring a dynamic approach to mental health care. My experience and interpersonal skills enable me to connect with patients from all walks of life, providing compassionate, confidential, and effective treatment.
(757) 859-0661 View (757) 859-0661
Photo of Tomi Monroe - New Horizon Psychiatry , PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
New Horizon Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Fredericksburg, VA 22401  (Online Only)
Are you feeling lost, like life is just passing you by without a sense of purpose? Do you struggle to keep up appearances, smiling on the outside while feeling sad or hopeless within? Are constant thoughts of not being good enough or worthy weighing you down? Do stress and past experiences keep you up at night? Are you feeling overwhelmed and finding it hard to enjoy the things you once loved? If any of these feelings sound familiar, we’re here to help you navigate them.
Are you feeling lost, like life is just passing you by without a sense of purpose? Do you struggle to keep up appearances, smiling on the outside while feeling sad or hopeless within? Are constant thoughts of not being good enough or worthy weighing you down? Do stress and past experiences keep you up at night? Are you feeling overwhelmed and finding it hard to enjoy the things you once loved? If any of these feelings sound familiar, we’re here to help you navigate them.
(540) 730-1865 View (540) 730-1865
Photo of Adekunbi Akins, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Adekunbi Akins
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Woodbridge, VA 22191  (Online Only)
Description Hi, I am an experienced psychiatric and mental health provider and a professional talk therapist serving clients from Virginia and DC. I graduated with my Masters degree from George Washington University with Cum laude. I have strong expertise in conducting a thorough assessment and diagnosis of clients across lifespan.
Description Hi, I am an experienced psychiatric and mental health provider and a professional talk therapist serving clients from Virginia and DC. I graduated with my Masters degree from George Washington University with Cum laude. I have strong expertise in conducting a thorough assessment and diagnosis of clients across lifespan.
(571) 556-9648 View (571) 556-9648
Photo of Dr. Sofia Rizwan, MD, PC, Psychiatrist
Dr. Sofia Rizwan
Psychiatrist, MD, PC
Verified Verified
Burke, VA 22015
I am a psychiatrist with more than fifteen years of experience as an adult Psychiatrist. I take most insurances and I am accepting new patients. I treat all psychiatric disorders including addiction and ADHD. My office is located in Burke, Virginia, 22015.
I am a psychiatrist with more than fifteen years of experience as an adult Psychiatrist. I take most insurances and I am accepting new patients. I treat all psychiatric disorders including addiction and ADHD. My office is located in Burke, Virginia, 22015.
(703) 691-5945 View (703) 691-5945
Photo of Lauren Skeffington LaPierre, MS, PA-C, Physician Assistant
Lauren Skeffington LaPierre
Physician Assistant, MS, PA-C
Verified Verified
Alexandria, VA 22314
Psychiatry - - Accepting NEW patients - - In person and virtual - - Board-certified, Psychiatric PA, with 10 years of experience in internal medicine and psychiatry. I am a comprehensive and compassionate medical provider and value evidence-based care of the whole person. I incorporate multiple treatment modalities in addition to medication management such as therapy, nutrition optimization and health coaching. Accepting patients for medication management and therapy. Locations: Alexandria (District Psychiatry and Wellness) and Fairfax (Mantra Mental Health)
Psychiatry - - Accepting NEW patients - - In person and virtual - - Board-certified, Psychiatric PA, with 10 years of experience in internal medicine and psychiatry. I am a comprehensive and compassionate medical provider and value evidence-based care of the whole person. I incorporate multiple treatment modalities in addition to medication management such as therapy, nutrition optimization and health coaching. Accepting patients for medication management and therapy. Locations: Alexandria (District Psychiatry and Wellness) and Fairfax (Mantra Mental Health)
(571) 601-4613 View (571) 601-4613

See more therapy options for Midlothian

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.