Bipolar Disorder Therapists in Philadelphia, PA

Photo of Kyonghui Janice Shin - Philip Jaisohn Counseling Center, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Philip Jaisohn Counseling Center
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19126
We have experience treating clients with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, educational issues, and eating disorders.
We want to welcome clients who might be new to therapy but have struggled for a long time with depression, anxiety, family conflict or other mental health issues. You might have avoided therapy because of stigma or misconceptions. You feel overwhelmed at times and feel that now is the time to seek help. We can speak to anyone living in New Jersey and Pennsylvania through the convenience of tele-therapy. We have English and Korean speaking therapists who are compassionate and want to make therapy a comfortable experience for you.
We have experience treating clients with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, educational issues, and eating disorders.
We want to welcome clients who might be new to therapy but have struggled for a long time with depression, anxiety, family conflict or other mental health issues. You might have avoided therapy because of stigma or misconceptions. You feel overwhelmed at times and feel that now is the time to seek help. We can speak to anyone living in New Jersey and Pennsylvania through the convenience of tele-therapy. We have English and Korean speaking therapists who are compassionate and want to make therapy a comfortable experience for you.
(844) 982-2464 View (844) 982-2464
Photo of Amanda Large, CAADC, CCTP, Psychologist
Amanda Large
Psychologist, CAADC, CCTP
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19122  (Online Only)
I specialize in working with clients who struggle with co-occurring disorders, Bipolar Disorders, and substance use disorders.
I work alongside my clients to help them feel seen and heard, achieve their goals, and live their best possible lives. It is very important to me that I provide a place that feels safe, nonjudgmental, and supportive, which is the foundation of therapy and helps facilitate change. The goals that people work on in therapy can involve anything that is important to them- learning healthier ways to express anger, finding new ways to cope with the effects of past traumas, stabilizing mood episodes (e.g., mania, depression), maintaining and establishing sobriety, improving their relationship with themself and others, and more.
I specialize in working with clients who struggle with co-occurring disorders, Bipolar Disorders, and substance use disorders.
I work alongside my clients to help them feel seen and heard, achieve their goals, and live their best possible lives. It is very important to me that I provide a place that feels safe, nonjudgmental, and supportive, which is the foundation of therapy and helps facilitate change. The goals that people work on in therapy can involve anything that is important to them- learning healthier ways to express anger, finding new ways to cope with the effects of past traumas, stabilizing mood episodes (e.g., mania, depression), maintaining and establishing sobriety, improving their relationship with themself and others, and more.
(215) 607-2950 View (215) 607-2950
Photo of Courtney Pursell, LPC, NCC, C-DBT, CCTP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Courtney Pursell
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, C-DBT, CCTP
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Struggling with overwhelming emotions or constant anxiety? Are you finding it hard to break free from negative thinking patterns & triggers? I’m here to help. As a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, I specialize in treating Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, and Borderline Personality Disorder. My goal is to support you in managing your thoughts & feelings, reducing distress, and achieving a sense of inner calm and happiness. I understand that navigating life’s challenges can feel daunting, especially if you’re unsure where to start.
Struggling with overwhelming emotions or constant anxiety? Are you finding it hard to break free from negative thinking patterns & triggers? I’m here to help. As a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, I specialize in treating Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, and Borderline Personality Disorder. My goal is to support you in managing your thoughts & feelings, reducing distress, and achieving a sense of inner calm and happiness. I understand that navigating life’s challenges can feel daunting, especially if you’re unsure where to start.
(267) 214-8562 View (267) 214-8562
Photo of Ben Goldstein, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ben Goldstein
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19143  (Online Only)
I have supported people who struggle with many different forms of mental distress, including bipolar disorder, psychosis, depression and anxiety, as well as difficulties navigating life transitions and relationship issues.
Therapy is a place to get curious about areas in your life where you might feel stuck, depressed, or isolated. In our work together, I strive to create a space that builds capacity for you to change by exploring your relationships, both past and present. I hope to support you in arriving at a deeper sense of connection to the world around you and the people in it.
I have supported people who struggle with many different forms of mental distress, including bipolar disorder, psychosis, depression and anxiety, as well as difficulties navigating life transitions and relationship issues.
Therapy is a place to get curious about areas in your life where you might feel stuck, depressed, or isolated. In our work together, I strive to create a space that builds capacity for you to change by exploring your relationships, both past and present. I hope to support you in arriving at a deeper sense of connection to the world around you and the people in it.
(267) 263-7336 View (267) 263-7336
Photo of Melissa E. Garrett-Moultrie, EdD, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Melissa E. Garrett-Moultrie
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdD, LPC
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19144  (Online Only)
I have worked with adult clients with a range of concerns: bipolar disorder, impulse control disorders, marital discord, infidelity, fertility issues, substance abuse, anxiety, depression, postpartum depression, and grief.
I specialize in child, adolescent, and adult mental health services and have practiced in a variety of clinical settings throughout my career. These settings include inpatient acute care, outpatient community-based counseling centers, and schools. My experience also includes working with multicultural and diverse populations across all age groups. I have had the opportunity to work with families who have children on the Autism Spectrum as well as children/adolescents struggling with behavioral concerns and anger management issues. I have a passion for providing psychoeducation to individuals with mental health concerns.
I have worked with adult clients with a range of concerns: bipolar disorder, impulse control disorders, marital discord, infidelity, fertility issues, substance abuse, anxiety, depression, postpartum depression, and grief.
I specialize in child, adolescent, and adult mental health services and have practiced in a variety of clinical settings throughout my career. These settings include inpatient acute care, outpatient community-based counseling centers, and schools. My experience also includes working with multicultural and diverse populations across all age groups. I have had the opportunity to work with families who have children on the Autism Spectrum as well as children/adolescents struggling with behavioral concerns and anger management issues. I have a passion for providing psychoeducation to individuals with mental health concerns.
(832) 210-2619 View (832) 210-2619
Photo of Patricia Pierzga, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Patricia Pierzga
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Patricia "Trish" Pierzga is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 3 years of experience. She is passionate about partnering with adults and adolescents to assist them in understanding life's challenges in a safe space. Trish specializes in anxiety, depression, grief, chronic illness, bipolar disorders, life transitions, and trauma. She uses an integrated treatment approach, which includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), reality therapy (RT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), person-centered therapy (PCT), and solutions-focused therapy (SFT).
Patricia "Trish" Pierzga is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 3 years of experience. She is passionate about partnering with adults and adolescents to assist them in understanding life's challenges in a safe space. Trish specializes in anxiety, depression, grief, chronic illness, bipolar disorders, life transitions, and trauma. She uses an integrated treatment approach, which includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), reality therapy (RT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), person-centered therapy (PCT), and solutions-focused therapy (SFT).
(484) 759-9342 View (484) 759-9342
Photo of Carolyn Weimer, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Carolyn Weimer
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19154  (Online Only)
If you are experiencing challenges with trauma, PTSD, or bipolar disorder, I understand it can be tough to seek help.
Struggling with trauma, PTSD, or bipolar disorder? Your mental health is my priority. You're seeking support to manage these conditions, improve your mental health, and find stability. I'm here to help you achieve your goals and lead a fulfilling life.
If you are experiencing challenges with trauma, PTSD, or bipolar disorder, I understand it can be tough to seek help.
Struggling with trauma, PTSD, or bipolar disorder? Your mental health is my priority. You're seeking support to manage these conditions, improve your mental health, and find stability. I'm here to help you achieve your goals and lead a fulfilling life.
(412) 923-0121 View (412) 923-0121
Photo of Elle Schwan Avery, MEd, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Elle Schwan Avery
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19103  (Online Only)
I have worked with clients on a variety of issues such as anxiety, depression, ADD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, etc.
After over 20 years of experience working with clients, I have come to view myself as my clients' guide through the emotional landscape of their lives. I am dedicated to providing my clients with a comfortable, safe, non-judgmental, therapeutic environment in which they can explore their thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Together we form a partnership to determine the direction required for a client's healing, healthy emotional growth, and successful life functioning. Client's value my down to earth and easy to talk to style, free of intimidation and judgment.
I have worked with clients on a variety of issues such as anxiety, depression, ADD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, etc.
After over 20 years of experience working with clients, I have come to view myself as my clients' guide through the emotional landscape of their lives. I am dedicated to providing my clients with a comfortable, safe, non-judgmental, therapeutic environment in which they can explore their thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Together we form a partnership to determine the direction required for a client's healing, healthy emotional growth, and successful life functioning. Client's value my down to earth and easy to talk to style, free of intimidation and judgment.
(610) 810-1870 View (610) 810-1870
Photo of Shereema Molette - Trinity Creations Counseling, MA, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Trinity Creations Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19121  (Online Only)
Hello, My name is Shereema Molette and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. I have been a therapist for 15 years working in numerous settings in the human service field. I have worked with children and adults addressing various issues and concerns. I currently work at non-profit supervising therapists that work in the Philadelphia School District. My passion has always been to help others and I feel fulfilled working in the field of psychology. My expertise spans many different areas but my true passion is working with children and adults as they navigate Bipolar Disorder and other clas
Hello, My name is Shereema Molette and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. I have been a therapist for 15 years working in numerous settings in the human service field. I have worked with children and adults addressing various issues and concerns. I currently work at non-profit supervising therapists that work in the Philadelphia School District. My passion has always been to help others and I feel fulfilled working in the field of psychology. My expertise spans many different areas but my true passion is working with children and adults as they navigate Bipolar Disorder and other clas
(856) 245-2316 View (856) 245-2316
Photo of Liz DiNardo, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Liz DiNardo
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19104  (Online Only)
Welcome! If you are here, I can imagine you are struggling with something in your life. It can be really anxiety provoking to reach out and start therapy. I’m glad you are here and I’m happy to help you walk through any struggle or issue you are going through. I’ve worked with a variety of clients that have experienced anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, substance abuse/addiction, anger management, psychosis, trauma & abuse, stress management and relationship concerns. All of my sessions are currently virtual.
Welcome! If you are here, I can imagine you are struggling with something in your life. It can be really anxiety provoking to reach out and start therapy. I’m glad you are here and I’m happy to help you walk through any struggle or issue you are going through. I’ve worked with a variety of clients that have experienced anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, substance abuse/addiction, anger management, psychosis, trauma & abuse, stress management and relationship concerns. All of my sessions are currently virtual.
(570) 512-5984 View (570) 512-5984
Photo of Jessica Fleeger, MSCC, LPC, Counselor
Jessica Fleeger
Counselor, MSCC, LPC
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19148  (Online Only)
I am here to help you take the first steps toward changing your life for the better. Even though change can be difficult, we will do this together. I have a Master's Degree in Counseling as well as a degree in Psychology and Sociology. I have over 20 years experience in working with adults, couples, teenagers, and families. My clinical interests include working with individuals who are experiencing anxiety, depressed mood, obsessive compulsive disorder, anger issues, bipolar disorder, stress management concerns, self-esteem issues, grief and loss, relationship problems, and trauma-related concerns.
I am here to help you take the first steps toward changing your life for the better. Even though change can be difficult, we will do this together. I have a Master's Degree in Counseling as well as a degree in Psychology and Sociology. I have over 20 years experience in working with adults, couples, teenagers, and families. My clinical interests include working with individuals who are experiencing anxiety, depressed mood, obsessive compulsive disorder, anger issues, bipolar disorder, stress management concerns, self-esteem issues, grief and loss, relationship problems, and trauma-related concerns.
(215) 515-5713 View (215) 515-5713
Photo of Sarah Valdivieso, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sarah Valdivieso
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Valdivieso has experience working with children and families utilizing trauma focused therapy and adults coping with anxiety, depression, bipolar, addiction, trauma, and life transitions.
Sarah Valdivieso is an empathetic Marriage and Family Therapist who respects each client’s unique and individual journey and capacity for resiliency. From a systemic and strength-based lens, Ms. Valdivieso works with her clients to help them to be better able to balance acceptance with change as they create more manageable and meaningful lives. Ms. Valdivieso supports clients in removing the obstacles that block them emotionally and in relationships by helping them to heal family or other wounds from the past.
Valdivieso has experience working with children and families utilizing trauma focused therapy and adults coping with anxiety, depression, bipolar, addiction, trauma, and life transitions.
Sarah Valdivieso is an empathetic Marriage and Family Therapist who respects each client’s unique and individual journey and capacity for resiliency. From a systemic and strength-based lens, Ms. Valdivieso works with her clients to help them to be better able to balance acceptance with change as they create more manageable and meaningful lives. Ms. Valdivieso supports clients in removing the obstacles that block them emotionally and in relationships by helping them to heal family or other wounds from the past.
(484) 376-5173 x7040 View (484) 376-5173 x7040
Photo of Teresa Edmunds, MSW, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Teresa Edmunds
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19141  (Online Only)
anxiety, depression, bipolar), drug/alcohol, & court commitments (i.
Hi, how are you? No really, how are you? If you are tired of saying, "I'm fine, I'm well, and/or I'm okay", when you really aren't then it may be time to seek assistance. My name is Teresa Edmunds and I'm a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in the state of Pennsylvania, and I'm here to help. My therapeutic approach is integrated with short term behavioral approaches like CBT & psychodynamic approaches as needed. I utilize a realistic, straight-forward, & strength-based approach to work with you without making you feel judged.
anxiety, depression, bipolar), drug/alcohol, & court commitments (i.
Hi, how are you? No really, how are you? If you are tired of saying, "I'm fine, I'm well, and/or I'm okay", when you really aren't then it may be time to seek assistance. My name is Teresa Edmunds and I'm a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in the state of Pennsylvania, and I'm here to help. My therapeutic approach is integrated with short term behavioral approaches like CBT & psychodynamic approaches as needed. I utilize a realistic, straight-forward, & strength-based approach to work with you without making you feel judged.
(888) 895-1033 x1 View (888) 895-1033 x1
Photo of Kendra McKee, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kendra McKee
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19103  (Online Only)
I have primarily worked with individuals diagnosed with depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, sleep behavior problems, grief/loss, adjustment disorders, as well as seasonal affective disorder.
My name is Kendra and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Pennsylvania with experience providing individual and group therapy. Since graduating with my Masters of Social Work in 2010, I have worked in a variety of settings. These settings have included traditional outpatient clinics, schools, inpatient psychiatric hospital, and in a primary care clinic.
I have primarily worked with individuals diagnosed with depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, sleep behavior problems, grief/loss, adjustment disorders, as well as seasonal affective disorder.
My name is Kendra and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Pennsylvania with experience providing individual and group therapy. Since graduating with my Masters of Social Work in 2010, I have worked in a variety of settings. These settings have included traditional outpatient clinics, schools, inpatient psychiatric hospital, and in a primary care clinic.
(484) 897-6317 View (484) 897-6317
Photo of Michael Clemente, BCBA, LPC, NCC, LBS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Michael Clemente
Licensed Professional Counselor, BCBA, LPC, NCC, LBS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19128
I specialize in treating mood disorders such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, suicidal ideation as well as trauma informed care and PTSD.
My name is Michael and I am the owner of the Behavior & Counseling Center, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, and Licensed Behavior Specialist. I have extensive experience working within the field of ABA/behavior modification as well as within the field of clinical counseling. I work within the framework of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) while incorporating a person-centered approach for my psychotherapy clients, and intertwine Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and (CBT) for my children and adolescent clients.
I specialize in treating mood disorders such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, suicidal ideation as well as trauma informed care and PTSD.
My name is Michael and I am the owner of the Behavior & Counseling Center, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, and Licensed Behavior Specialist. I have extensive experience working within the field of ABA/behavior modification as well as within the field of clinical counseling. I work within the framework of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) while incorporating a person-centered approach for my psychotherapy clients, and intertwine Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and (CBT) for my children and adolescent clients.
(215) 544-2706 View (215) 544-2706
Photo of Andreea Crauciuc, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Andreea Crauciuc
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19103
I look forward to exploring your concerns, fears and needs in a supportive therapeutic environment. I enjoy working with individuals, couples, and families addressing substance abuse, relationship, mood issues ( depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, etc). I often work with family members who have trouble motivating a loved one to consider treatment, or who want to learn about their loved one's condition and how to best support them. I value maintaining relationships with other providers, including psychiatrists, other therapists such as group therapists, couple therapists, inpatient treatment facilities, etc. as part of maintaining good coordination of your care as necessary.
I look forward to exploring your concerns, fears and needs in a supportive therapeutic environment. I enjoy working with individuals, couples, and families addressing substance abuse, relationship, mood issues ( depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, etc). I often work with family members who have trouble motivating a loved one to consider treatment, or who want to learn about their loved one's condition and how to best support them. I value maintaining relationships with other providers, including psychiatrists, other therapists such as group therapists, couple therapists, inpatient treatment facilities, etc. as part of maintaining good coordination of your care as necessary.
(267) 744-4622 View (267) 744-4622
Photo of Jean Campbell, MSS, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jean Campbell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSS, LCSW
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19103
I have experience working with adults and adolescents diagnosed with Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia.
As a therapist I meet you where you are in life and join with you for a time on your journey to self-improvement. On this journey, it is so important to feel heard. Therapy is about being heard and empowering you to use your voice to be the person you want to be and to lead the life you want to lead. I listen deeply as we work together to identify and meet your therapeutic goals. I believe the environment is a part of the whole person that impacts one’s emotional, mental and physical well-being and needs to be considered in therapy. I invite your feedback regarding what is working and not working for you in our therapy sessions.
I have experience working with adults and adolescents diagnosed with Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia.
As a therapist I meet you where you are in life and join with you for a time on your journey to self-improvement. On this journey, it is so important to feel heard. Therapy is about being heard and empowering you to use your voice to be the person you want to be and to lead the life you want to lead. I listen deeply as we work together to identify and meet your therapeutic goals. I believe the environment is a part of the whole person that impacts one’s emotional, mental and physical well-being and needs to be considered in therapy. I invite your feedback regarding what is working and not working for you in our therapy sessions.
(610) 609-2958 View (610) 609-2958
Photo of Chris Grundy - Lighthouse Therapy Associates, PsyD, Psychologist
Lighthouse Therapy Associates
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19109
We are also skilled at working with people with psychotic and bipolar disorders.
Our therapists strive to create a non-judgmental and compassionate space to offer guidance and help create change. We offer both shorter term solution-focused therapy as well as longer term in-depth psychotherapy depending on your individual needs. Our goal is to help you uncover your true potential and understand yourself better, leading to symptom reduction and lasting change.
We are also skilled at working with people with psychotic and bipolar disorders.
Our therapists strive to create a non-judgmental and compassionate space to offer guidance and help create change. We offer both shorter term solution-focused therapy as well as longer term in-depth psychotherapy depending on your individual needs. Our goal is to help you uncover your true potential and understand yourself better, leading to symptom reduction and lasting change.
(267) 209-6615 View (267) 209-6615
Photo of Theodore Meyer, MA , LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Theodore Meyer
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA , LPC
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19125  (Online Only)
My experience also includes therapy for bipolar disorder, autism spectrum, life transition, grief and loss, self-esteem, trauma, and peer relationships.
I view the mental health recovery process as similar to climbing a mountain: the first steps may feel overwhelming at times, however, therapy is a partnership where I can provide tools that help my clients get where they would like to go, while also building resiliency and strength for the future. Throughout the process, I will provide encouragement and at times, remind you to look back at how far you have come. Furthermore, I provide a non-judgmental and empathic space for this journey to occur.
My experience also includes therapy for bipolar disorder, autism spectrum, life transition, grief and loss, self-esteem, trauma, and peer relationships.
I view the mental health recovery process as similar to climbing a mountain: the first steps may feel overwhelming at times, however, therapy is a partnership where I can provide tools that help my clients get where they would like to go, while also building resiliency and strength for the future. Throughout the process, I will provide encouragement and at times, remind you to look back at how far you have come. Furthermore, I provide a non-judgmental and empathic space for this journey to occur.
(610) 890-7944 View (610) 890-7944
Photo of Gail Serruya - Voyage Healing PC: A Ketamine Clinic , MD
Voyage Healing PC: A Ketamine Clinic
MD
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19129
Voyage Healing offers ketamine therapy for those looking for alternative ways to treat depression, anxiety, PTSD, addiction, bipolar depression, OCD and other forms of suffering. We are ketamine and mental health experts, offering IV infusions, intramuscular ketamine injections, Spravato, ketamine assisted psychotherapy, medication management, and psychotherapy. We now are in network with some insurances for Spravato and medication management.
Voyage Healing offers ketamine therapy for those looking for alternative ways to treat depression, anxiety, PTSD, addiction, bipolar depression, OCD and other forms of suffering. We are ketamine and mental health experts, offering IV infusions, intramuscular ketamine injections, Spravato, ketamine assisted psychotherapy, medication management, and psychotherapy. We now are in network with some insurances for Spravato and medication management.
(215) 770-3096 View (215) 770-3096
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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.