Photo of Janette Pellus, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Janette Pellus
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Delray Beach, FL 33445
Life has shown me we do not have control over all situations in our lives, but finding meaning and purpose in these experiences can provide a framework for personal growth and development. I attempt to empower others to safely explore their thoughts and feelings, to understand the root of their problems, and to experience a higher self-awareness and self-acceptance. I treat Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar DO, OCD, PTSD, and Panic DO. I accept Aetna, Cigna, Oscar, United Healthcare and Medicare. I am currently credentialing with BCBS and Humana and can provide visits virtually for ease, safety and comfort.
Life has shown me we do not have control over all situations in our lives, but finding meaning and purpose in these experiences can provide a framework for personal growth and development. I attempt to empower others to safely explore their thoughts and feelings, to understand the root of their problems, and to experience a higher self-awareness and self-acceptance. I treat Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar DO, OCD, PTSD, and Panic DO. I accept Aetna, Cigna, Oscar, United Healthcare and Medicare. I am currently credentialing with BCBS and Humana and can provide visits virtually for ease, safety and comfort.
(561) 556-3013 View (561) 556-3013
Photo of Jason Cohen, DO, MS, PA
Jason Cohen
DO, MS, PA
Verified Verified
Delray Beach, FL 33445  (Online Only)
I am a board certified psychiatrist specializing with over 15 years of experience in the treatment of emotional health specializing in various forms of depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety conditions. I also offer transmagnetic stimulation (TMS) in office in addition to medication management and psychotherapy. My treatment plans are designed with the patient, specifically for each individual based on their needs. I offer an empathetic, compassionate, and professional modality for my patients in an eclectic manner. I am originally from New York and love living in the Sunshine State!
I am a board certified psychiatrist specializing with over 15 years of experience in the treatment of emotional health specializing in various forms of depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety conditions. I also offer transmagnetic stimulation (TMS) in office in addition to medication management and psychotherapy. My treatment plans are designed with the patient, specifically for each individual based on their needs. I offer an empathetic, compassionate, and professional modality for my patients in an eclectic manner. I am originally from New York and love living in the Sunshine State!
(561) 944-9871 View (561) 944-9871
Photo of Betsy Pearl, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Betsy Pearl
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Delray Beach, FL 33445
We help alleviate Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, OCD, PTSD and ADHD.
My name is Betsy Pearl and I have been a practicing therapist in Florida for the last 25 years. I am originally from Baltimore Maryland where I received my master’s degree and started my career at Johns Hopkins. I have worked with a multitude of different people from teenagers, adults and geriatrics in a myriad of settings that include inpatient care in hospitals to currently outpatient private practice at Delray Beach Psychiatry. My goal is to help people live a better, happier and more fulfilling life.
We help alleviate Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, OCD, PTSD and ADHD.
My name is Betsy Pearl and I have been a practicing therapist in Florida for the last 25 years. I am originally from Baltimore Maryland where I received my master’s degree and started my career at Johns Hopkins. I have worked with a multitude of different people from teenagers, adults and geriatrics in a myriad of settings that include inpatient care in hospitals to currently outpatient private practice at Delray Beach Psychiatry. My goal is to help people live a better, happier and more fulfilling life.
(561) 475-4514 View (561) 475-4514
Photo of Kristen Conn, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kristen Conn
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Delray Beach, FL 33445  (Online Only)
Hi! My name is Kristen Conn. I have been a licensed clinical social worker 15 years. I have worked in many different settings to include private practice, correctional facilities, hospitals, outpatient community mental health and substance use centers, and residential facilities. I have worked with clients of all ages and a wide range of concerns, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma, and substance use.
Hi! My name is Kristen Conn. I have been a licensed clinical social worker 15 years. I have worked in many different settings to include private practice, correctional facilities, hospitals, outpatient community mental health and substance use centers, and residential facilities. I have worked with clients of all ages and a wide range of concerns, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma, and substance use.
(561) 529-9207 View (561) 529-9207
Photo of Merri Schiff, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Merri Schiff
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Delray Beach, FL 33445
My passion for helping others began at a young age, volunteering in middle school. This was the start of my life long career of over 35 years working as a Social Worker with people in various scenarios; the past 19 years, primarily with elders and their adult children. I treat Depression, Anxiety and Panic Disorder, Bipolar DO, OCD and PTSD. I have joined the amazing group at Boca Raton Psychiatry and work in conjunction with the psychiatrists as part of your team. Please visit Bocaratonpsychiatry.com for more info or our second location in Delray at Delraybeachpsychiatry.com.
My passion for helping others began at a young age, volunteering in middle school. This was the start of my life long career of over 35 years working as a Social Worker with people in various scenarios; the past 19 years, primarily with elders and their adult children. I treat Depression, Anxiety and Panic Disorder, Bipolar DO, OCD and PTSD. I have joined the amazing group at Boca Raton Psychiatry and work in conjunction with the psychiatrists as part of your team. Please visit Bocaratonpsychiatry.com for more info or our second location in Delray at Delraybeachpsychiatry.com.
(561) 266-4450 View (561) 266-4450
Photo of Lauren Berner, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lauren Berner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Delray Beach, FL 33445
We currently treat those with Anxiety and Panic Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, ADHD, PTSD, OCD and Depression.
Are you ready to achieve your best life by creating stability and a healthy routine? I want to help you clear the obstacles that are blocking you from achieving your best self! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who utilizes EMDR training, Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy strategies to assist my clients in meeting their goals. I have been serving the Boca Raton area for over 10 years. I am associated with Dr. Richard Phelps at Boca Raton Psychiatry and Delray Beach Psychiatry where we work as a collaborative team alongside several psychiatrists, psychologists and therapists for you.
We currently treat those with Anxiety and Panic Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, ADHD, PTSD, OCD and Depression.
Are you ready to achieve your best life by creating stability and a healthy routine? I want to help you clear the obstacles that are blocking you from achieving your best self! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who utilizes EMDR training, Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy strategies to assist my clients in meeting their goals. I have been serving the Boca Raton area for over 10 years. I am associated with Dr. Richard Phelps at Boca Raton Psychiatry and Delray Beach Psychiatry where we work as a collaborative team alongside several psychiatrists, psychologists and therapists for you.
(561) 266-4450 View (561) 266-4450
Photo of Lori Kramer-Feingold, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lori Kramer-Feingold
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Delray Beach, FL 33445  (Online Only)
I specialize in Mental Health issues such as Anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, phobias, Depression, bipolar disorder, other mood disorders, as well as personality disorders.
Maybe you can identify with some of the things I have been through which played a part in my decision to become a Clinical Therapist. Middle class & Brooklyn born, I had experienced many adverse situations in my life, which began growing up in a dysfunctional home. A dysfunctional home life is much like an Alcoholic home life, however, without the alcohol. If you experienced dysfunction growing up, it is the main ingredient that qualifies the entire family to seek therapy at some point in their life. When dysfunction causes the brain to rewire, we now have Mental Illness at play.
I specialize in Mental Health issues such as Anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, phobias, Depression, bipolar disorder, other mood disorders, as well as personality disorders.
Maybe you can identify with some of the things I have been through which played a part in my decision to become a Clinical Therapist. Middle class & Brooklyn born, I had experienced many adverse situations in my life, which began growing up in a dysfunctional home. A dysfunctional home life is much like an Alcoholic home life, however, without the alcohol. If you experienced dysfunction growing up, it is the main ingredient that qualifies the entire family to seek therapy at some point in their life. When dysfunction causes the brain to rewire, we now have Mental Illness at play.
(561) 430-2698 View (561) 430-2698
Photo of Catherine Stormont, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Catherine Stormont
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Delray Beach, FL 33445
I am a native Floridian and have been working in the mental health field in Palm Beach county since 1995. I specialize in creating a safe and comfortable space to share your thoughts and feelings and support you through whatever challenges you may be facing in your particular time of life and circumstances. I believe that when a safe, non-judgmental therapeutic relationship is established between patient and clinician, the impossible can become possible. I am happy to be part of Delray Beach Psychiatry and work alongside many talented psychiatrists and therapists. I accept Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, and Medicare.
I am a native Floridian and have been working in the mental health field in Palm Beach county since 1995. I specialize in creating a safe and comfortable space to share your thoughts and feelings and support you through whatever challenges you may be facing in your particular time of life and circumstances. I believe that when a safe, non-judgmental therapeutic relationship is established between patient and clinician, the impossible can become possible. I am happy to be part of Delray Beach Psychiatry and work alongside many talented psychiatrists and therapists. I accept Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, and Medicare.
(561) 556-9855 View (561) 556-9855
Photo of Lorraine Blum, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lorraine Blum
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Delray Beach, FL 33445
I have joined the wonderful practice of Delray Beach and Boca Raton Psychiatry in 2023. I specialize in the treatment of trauma, depression, anxiety, pain, weight, and self-esteem issues. I use an individualized treatment approach and incorporate both traditional and nontraditional techniques into my therapeutic modalities. I work to not only treat symptoms but to address the underlying root causes of what is driving ones struggles and pain. I look forward to meeting you.
I have joined the wonderful practice of Delray Beach and Boca Raton Psychiatry in 2023. I specialize in the treatment of trauma, depression, anxiety, pain, weight, and self-esteem issues. I use an individualized treatment approach and incorporate both traditional and nontraditional techniques into my therapeutic modalities. I work to not only treat symptoms but to address the underlying root causes of what is driving ones struggles and pain. I look forward to meeting you.
(561) 944-9094 View (561) 944-9094
Photo of Derrick Prichard - Derrick Prichard Lake Worth Psychiatry, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Derrick Prichard Lake Worth Psychiatry
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Delray Beach, FL 33445
After finishing my Bachelor's degree from Wichita State University, I decided to take a year off before getting my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Friends University in 2002. After spending several years in the social service world, I knew eventually I would end up in private practice and began on that path. I opened my private practice and eventually grew the practice to three different locations and managed a group of over 20 different providers. I also opened up and ran a group home for youth in foster care. At this time I accept Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, United Healthcare, Humana and Medicare
After finishing my Bachelor's degree from Wichita State University, I decided to take a year off before getting my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Friends University in 2002. After spending several years in the social service world, I knew eventually I would end up in private practice and began on that path. I opened my private practice and eventually grew the practice to three different locations and managed a group of over 20 different providers. I also opened up and ran a group home for youth in foster care. At this time I accept Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, United Healthcare, Humana and Medicare
(561) 269-4828 View (561) 269-4828
Photo of Jodie Lynn Brazelton -  Jodie Brazelton Lake Worth Psychiatry, LCSW, Counselor
Jodie Brazelton Lake Worth Psychiatry
Counselor, LCSW
Verified Verified
Delray Beach, FL 33445
Overwhelmed? Exhausted? Stressed? Hello, I am Jodie. I am a licensed psychotherapist (LMHC), an avid mental health advocate. I specialize in working with individuals struggling with addiction, depression, anxiety, stress, codependency issues, self-esteem issues, anger management issues and other emotional struggles. At this time I accept Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, United Healthcare, Humana and Medicare and would be honored to meet you. I work alongside the wonderful therapists and Psychiatrists as part of your treatment team at Lake Worth Psychiatry.
Overwhelmed? Exhausted? Stressed? Hello, I am Jodie. I am a licensed psychotherapist (LMHC), an avid mental health advocate. I specialize in working with individuals struggling with addiction, depression, anxiety, stress, codependency issues, self-esteem issues, anger management issues and other emotional struggles. At this time I accept Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, United Healthcare, Humana and Medicare and would be honored to meet you. I work alongside the wonderful therapists and Psychiatrists as part of your treatment team at Lake Worth Psychiatry.
(561) 220-0628 View (561) 220-0628
Photo of Beth Greenstein, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Beth Greenstein
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Delray Beach, FL 33445
I am originally from Long Island and Queens but now reside in Florida after my father, like most of us, decided he couldn’t go through one more snowstorm. My areas of special interest are anxiety, medical concerns, life transitions, grief and depression. I feel compassion, knowledge, coping skills and new actions often result in successful outcomes. My belief is that we are all in the same boat, as evident by an encounter with Dr. Anna Freud, granddaughter of the famous Dr. Sigmund Freud. She was set to be part of a panel at a conference. I was in the bathroom when she came in and advised me, a complete stranger of her nervousness!
I am originally from Long Island and Queens but now reside in Florida after my father, like most of us, decided he couldn’t go through one more snowstorm. My areas of special interest are anxiety, medical concerns, life transitions, grief and depression. I feel compassion, knowledge, coping skills and new actions often result in successful outcomes. My belief is that we are all in the same boat, as evident by an encounter with Dr. Anna Freud, granddaughter of the famous Dr. Sigmund Freud. She was set to be part of a panel at a conference. I was in the bathroom when she came in and advised me, a complete stranger of her nervousness!
(954) 466-0178 View (954) 466-0178
Photo of Brent Berman, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Brent Berman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Delray Beach, FL 33445
I began my career at the Trauma Resolution Center while attending the MSW program at Barry University. At TRC I helped individuals reprocess their traumas using Traumatic Incident Reduction. I transitioned to a Carrfour residential program that was under the TRC umbrella. In this position, I created the curriculum, facilitated groups daily, and treated dual-diagnosis clients with individual therapy and EMDR. When I relocated to Palm Beach Gardens, I gained employment at Ambrosia Treatment Center. I helped grow the trauma track, facilitated process groups, provided individual counseling and conducted EMDR sessions.
I began my career at the Trauma Resolution Center while attending the MSW program at Barry University. At TRC I helped individuals reprocess their traumas using Traumatic Incident Reduction. I transitioned to a Carrfour residential program that was under the TRC umbrella. In this position, I created the curriculum, facilitated groups daily, and treated dual-diagnosis clients with individual therapy and EMDR. When I relocated to Palm Beach Gardens, I gained employment at Ambrosia Treatment Center. I helped grow the trauma track, facilitated process groups, provided individual counseling and conducted EMDR sessions.
(561) 821-3418 View (561) 821-3418
Photo of Leandra Campbell, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Leandra Campbell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Delray Beach, FL 33445  (Online Only)
Do you keep repeating the same behavior even though you truly desire and know what it takes to change? Are you struggling to figure out or work towards your purpose? Do you feel like it's challenging to make decisions? Is it difficult to support yourself the way you would your friends and family? I can help you gain insight into your behavior and identify your strengths and values to better guide you through the next steps in life. Together, we can figure out how your past and current experiences are influencing your current behavior and what's keeping you stuck.
Do you keep repeating the same behavior even though you truly desire and know what it takes to change? Are you struggling to figure out or work towards your purpose? Do you feel like it's challenging to make decisions? Is it difficult to support yourself the way you would your friends and family? I can help you gain insight into your behavior and identify your strengths and values to better guide you through the next steps in life. Together, we can figure out how your past and current experiences are influencing your current behavior and what's keeping you stuck.
(561) 944-2500 View (561) 944-2500
Photo of Elleen Messing - Memory Testing Ctr/Eileen Messing and Associates, PsyD, PA, Psychologist
Memory Testing Ctr/Eileen Messing and Associates
Psychologist, PsyD, PA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Delray Beach, FL 33445
With offices in both Delray Beach and Palm Beach Gardens, we offer both therapy and neuropsychological testing services. Our team works with children through adults, and offers services in English, Spanish and French. Our Educational testing services specialize in academic assessment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and other Learning Disabilities. Memory testing services are offered in both English and Spanish, and are designed to evaluate people for potential diagnoses of dementia, brain injury, or other cognitive disorders. We evaluate individuals who have concern regarding the possibility of Alzheimer's disease.
With offices in both Delray Beach and Palm Beach Gardens, we offer both therapy and neuropsychological testing services. Our team works with children through adults, and offers services in English, Spanish and French. Our Educational testing services specialize in academic assessment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and other Learning Disabilities. Memory testing services are offered in both English and Spanish, and are designed to evaluate people for potential diagnoses of dementia, brain injury, or other cognitive disorders. We evaluate individuals who have concern regarding the possibility of Alzheimer's disease.
(561) 536-3337 x1 View (561) 536-3337 x1
Photo of Susan Antico - Susan Antico,LMHC,PA, MS, LMHC, NCC, CEDS, Counselor
Susan Antico,LMHC,PA
Counselor, MS, LMHC, NCC, CEDS
Verified Verified
Delray Beach, FL 33445  (Online Only)
The initial call to a practitioner can be an anxiety provoking event and is rarely done impulsively.The caller has spent days, weeks or months going back and forth considering the idea of treatment...the decision to enter treatment is an act that expresses courage and hope. With this understanding I attend to providing a safe, confidential, empathic and respectful environment which will serve to facilitate your exploration, understanding and resolution of emotional issues and opportunities.
The initial call to a practitioner can be an anxiety provoking event and is rarely done impulsively.The caller has spent days, weeks or months going back and forth considering the idea of treatment...the decision to enter treatment is an act that expresses courage and hope. With this understanding I attend to providing a safe, confidential, empathic and respectful environment which will serve to facilitate your exploration, understanding and resolution of emotional issues and opportunities.
(561) 461-3654 View (561) 461-3654
Photo of Amira Doucette, MA, LPC, LLC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Amira Doucette
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LLC
Verified Verified
Delray Beach, FL 33445  (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with more than 20 years experience. I received my undergraduate and graduate degrees from University of Michigan and Oakland University, respectively. I furthered my formal education with a post-Master's specialization in mental health. In my work as a psychotherapist, I encounter many people of various nationalities and socioeconomic standing. As I help them with their concerns, I repeatedly find the single most important conduit to change is the relationship we forge in therapy. In this relationship I am without judgment. I am respectful, understanding, and completely accepting.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with more than 20 years experience. I received my undergraduate and graduate degrees from University of Michigan and Oakland University, respectively. I furthered my formal education with a post-Master's specialization in mental health. In my work as a psychotherapist, I encounter many people of various nationalities and socioeconomic standing. As I help them with their concerns, I repeatedly find the single most important conduit to change is the relationship we forge in therapy. In this relationship I am without judgment. I am respectful, understanding, and completely accepting.
(561) 816-2694 View (561) 816-2694
Photo of Rosa M Fernandez, MS, LMHC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Rosa M Fernandez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MS, LMHC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Delray Beach, FL 33445  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Rosa Fernandez is a licensed therapist with experience working with children, adolescents, families and couples. I received my Masters of Science degree from Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach, FL. I am committed to providing culturally competent services in a compassionate and caring manner to children, adolescents, families and couples. Helping people meet their academic, professional, and/or personal/emotional goals while maintaining dignity and self-determination is my mission. I use a variety of treatment modalities to help alleviate and resolve symptoms of Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Trauma, and Family issues.
Rosa Fernandez is a licensed therapist with experience working with children, adolescents, families and couples. I received my Masters of Science degree from Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach, FL. I am committed to providing culturally competent services in a compassionate and caring manner to children, adolescents, families and couples. Helping people meet their academic, professional, and/or personal/emotional goals while maintaining dignity and self-determination is my mission. I use a variety of treatment modalities to help alleviate and resolve symptoms of Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Trauma, and Family issues.
(561) 701-8344 View (561) 701-8344
Photo of Monica Solorzano, MS, LMHC
Monica Solorzano
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, MS, LMHC
Verified Verified
Delray Beach, FL 33445
"We either make ourselves miserable or we make ourselves strong. The amount of work is the same." -Carlos Castenada. Our pain has an important message to give us if we just tune in to find out what it is and what we need to do in order to heal and grow from it. Do you have the same issues or circumstances come into your life over and over again? Our patterns are repeated until we learn to choose to react differently. Albert Einstein said the definition of insanity is when we keep doing the same things over and over again expecting a different result.
"We either make ourselves miserable or we make ourselves strong. The amount of work is the same." -Carlos Castenada. Our pain has an important message to give us if we just tune in to find out what it is and what we need to do in order to heal and grow from it. Do you have the same issues or circumstances come into your life over and over again? Our patterns are repeated until we learn to choose to react differently. Albert Einstein said the definition of insanity is when we keep doing the same things over and over again expecting a different result.
(561) 349-4814 View (561) 349-4814
Photo of Howard Groveman - Groveman Counseling: Howard Groveman, LMHC, LMHC, Counselor
Groveman Counseling: Howard Groveman, LMHC
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Delray Beach, FL 33445
It is time to free yourself of anxiety, depression, and fear. You can learn the skills to live more freely in the moment and achieve your goals. I am certified in EMDR Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) and am well versed in CBT( Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress reduction. I have had success working with individuals and couples on overcoming a variety of challenges, such as trauma, addictions, anxiety, depression, and many other mental health challenges. Let us work together to achieve your goals.
It is time to free yourself of anxiety, depression, and fear. You can learn the skills to live more freely in the moment and achieve your goals. I am certified in EMDR Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) and am well versed in CBT( Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress reduction. I have had success working with individuals and couples on overcoming a variety of challenges, such as trauma, addictions, anxiety, depression, and many other mental health challenges. Let us work together to achieve your goals.
(754) 212-8460 View (754) 212-8460
1
Bipolar Disorder Therapists

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.