Bipolar Disorder Therapists in El Segundo, CA
![Photo of Teri Arana, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/70e49ddd-19cc-4491-a0a9-7194cbc5ca9c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Teri Arana
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
El Segundo, CA 90245 (Online Only)
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, OCD, and gender dysphoria.
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, OCD, and gender dysphoria.
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!
![Photo of Sarah Raike, PA-C](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d460f858-61bf-4b48-972a-e3a33295a0a9/2/320x400.jpeg)
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and panic attacks.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS FOR MEDICATION MANAGEMENT ONLY-Bonmente knows asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. You enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and panic attacks.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS FOR MEDICATION MANAGEMENT ONLY-Bonmente knows asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. You enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
![Photo of Ruby V Paparello, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e55cf39-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ruby V Paparello
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
El Segundo, CA 90245 (Online Only)
Individuals with autism often develop behavioral issues, stress/ anxiety and depression triggered by their struggle with daily life and socializing. I have created a curriculum to support this population to build self confidence and find their place in the world. I provide community resources for teens and young adults with autism. As a parent and clinician My program provides a safe creative setting for group members and monthly meetings to keep parents informed.I have also provided individual therapy for autistic teens and young adults.
Individuals with autism often develop behavioral issues, stress/ anxiety and depression triggered by their struggle with daily life and socializing. I have created a curriculum to support this population to build self confidence and find their place in the world. I provide community resources for teens and young adults with autism. As a parent and clinician My program provides a safe creative setting for group members and monthly meetings to keep parents informed.I have also provided individual therapy for autistic teens and young adults.
![Photo of Charlotte Gibbons, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3864e34b-6c07-4bb6-b77f-fa55d62404b2/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hi there, I'm Charlotte! I'm a licensed clinical social worker with over 20 years of experience. I work with populations that include: adults struggling with depression, anxiety, or adjustment disorders. I have expertise working with LGBTQ and transgender populations. I utilize cognitive/behavioral techniques and mindfulness practices. I have also worked with shamans, medicine men/women, and energy healers over the years, and I incorporate what I have learned into my practice. I enjoy working with individuals ready for something different in their lives.
Hi there, I'm Charlotte! I'm a licensed clinical social worker with over 20 years of experience. I work with populations that include: adults struggling with depression, anxiety, or adjustment disorders. I have expertise working with LGBTQ and transgender populations. I utilize cognitive/behavioral techniques and mindfulness practices. I have also worked with shamans, medicine men/women, and energy healers over the years, and I incorporate what I have learned into my practice. I enjoy working with individuals ready for something different in their lives.
![Photo of Margena Carter - Carter Care Therapeutic Services, Margena Carter, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/70419f8b-3860-45a5-97ea-b11b09e9acc0/3/320x400.jpeg)
Carter Care Therapeutic Services, Margena Carter
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
El Segundo, CA 90245
Are you interested in living life to the fullest but struggle to achieve it? You've taken the first steps towards healing. Carter Care Therapeutic Services is dedicated to you! Regardless of what you're going through, our team of Licensed Therapist will strive to bring out the best in you. You're not alone. We can assist you in resolving your past pain! We will affirm your strengths and challenge you to use them. While promoting insight, healing and change in an environment full of warmth and genuineness. Carter Care Therapist are here to provide a safe, unbiased and non-judgmental environment.
Are you interested in living life to the fullest but struggle to achieve it? You've taken the first steps towards healing. Carter Care Therapeutic Services is dedicated to you! Regardless of what you're going through, our team of Licensed Therapist will strive to bring out the best in you. You're not alone. We can assist you in resolving your past pain! We will affirm your strengths and challenge you to use them. While promoting insight, healing and change in an environment full of warmth and genuineness. Carter Care Therapist are here to provide a safe, unbiased and non-judgmental environment.
![Photo of Christina Matso, PhD, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ccf7f44-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
I enjoyed very much my post licensure work at a family institute. Whether working with a child, an adolescent, an adult, a dyad or the whole family, I will initially focus on the person suffering the most. Based on the presenting symptom, I may do brief crisis intervention to stabilize a situation until an individual's underlying issue has been crystallized. The life issue causing depression, anxiety, and fears will then be addressed in more depth. My approach is to assist people in their own healing, maximizing on their own strengths and resources.
I enjoyed very much my post licensure work at a family institute. Whether working with a child, an adolescent, an adult, a dyad or the whole family, I will initially focus on the person suffering the most. Based on the presenting symptom, I may do brief crisis intervention to stabilize a situation until an individual's underlying issue has been crystallized. The life issue causing depression, anxiety, and fears will then be addressed in more depth. My approach is to assist people in their own healing, maximizing on their own strengths and resources.
![Photo of Cynara Allison, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cab8318-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Are you looking for a Professional Christian Therapist? If you are looking for a Professional Christian Therapist, I'd be glad to help you with your concerns about anxiety, depression, relationships, or your Faith. I am a Licensed Marriage, Family and Individual Therapist and have been practicing in my same office in Manhattan Beach for over 20 years. For more information please feel free to call me. I'd be happy to talk with you!
Are you looking for a Professional Christian Therapist? If you are looking for a Professional Christian Therapist, I'd be glad to help you with your concerns about anxiety, depression, relationships, or your Faith. I am a Licensed Marriage, Family and Individual Therapist and have been practicing in my same office in Manhattan Beach for over 20 years. For more information please feel free to call me. I'd be happy to talk with you!
![Photo of Natalie Pujo, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/452b969a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Beginning therapy can feel daunting. I provide a safe and secure place for you to feel comfortable and begin to gently explore what's keeping you stuck or feeling hopeless. I believe that empathy, acceptance and authenticity are the the keys to building a trusting therapist-client relationship. Together we will explore patterns that are no longer working for you, or preventing you from personal growth and healing. I am passionate about embarking on your personal journey of self awareness. I draw on a variety of orientations including Emotion Focused, CBT, and psychodynamic theories and practice in order to meet each client's needs.
Beginning therapy can feel daunting. I provide a safe and secure place for you to feel comfortable and begin to gently explore what's keeping you stuck or feeling hopeless. I believe that empathy, acceptance and authenticity are the the keys to building a trusting therapist-client relationship. Together we will explore patterns that are no longer working for you, or preventing you from personal growth and healing. I am passionate about embarking on your personal journey of self awareness. I draw on a variety of orientations including Emotion Focused, CBT, and psychodynamic theories and practice in order to meet each client's needs.
![Photo of Cynthia M Braden - Cynthia M. Braden Marriage and Family Therapy, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a4a886d5-8da0-4a3e-a015-34988019faf7/1/320x400.jpeg)
Cynthia M. Braden Marriage and Family Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
El Segundo, CA 90245
I specialize in helping couples, families, teens and children solve concerns that are important to them. Often, people come in because of excessive conflicts with a partner or family member, affairs and big decisions. New clients are frequently looking for skills and/or knowledge to deal with challenging or traumatic situations. Nowadays especially, people are seeking help to manage powerful and confusing feelings, at last visiting a therapist when other potential solutions aren't working. They just want to feel better. If the issues you are facing are straining your normal coping mechanisms, it's time to reach out for assistance.
I specialize in helping couples, families, teens and children solve concerns that are important to them. Often, people come in because of excessive conflicts with a partner or family member, affairs and big decisions. New clients are frequently looking for skills and/or knowledge to deal with challenging or traumatic situations. Nowadays especially, people are seeking help to manage powerful and confusing feelings, at last visiting a therapist when other potential solutions aren't working. They just want to feel better. If the issues you are facing are straining your normal coping mechanisms, it's time to reach out for assistance.
![Photo of Lorraine Watkins, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c8ff39a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lorraine Watkins
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
El Segundo, CA 90245
Stuck? In pain? Contemplating a life change, or just had one thrust upon you? Let's explore your options and make things better. Call for a free consult. Day, evening, and weekend appointments available.
Stuck? In pain? Contemplating a life change, or just had one thrust upon you? Let's explore your options and make things better. Call for a free consult. Day, evening, and weekend appointments available.
CBT Treatment Center, A Psychological Corporation
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
El Segundo, CA 90245
Seeing your child struggle is such a helpless feeling. You wish you could find the right words that would fix it all, but nothing that you say, and no amount of logic that you use seems to help. Perhaps you have even tried therapy before, with little progress or success, and you're not sure if this is even a fixable problem. Your child's struggles have become the focus of the entire family. You just want your happy little boy or girl back and to have normalcy restored at home.
Seeing your child struggle is such a helpless feeling. You wish you could find the right words that would fix it all, but nothing that you say, and no amount of logic that you use seems to help. Perhaps you have even tried therapy before, with little progress or success, and you're not sure if this is even a fixable problem. Your child's struggles have become the focus of the entire family. You just want your happy little boy or girl back and to have normalcy restored at home.
![Photo of Racheal Marie Ennis, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d6063b3-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/6/320x400.jpeg)
Are you feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, anxiety ridden? I believe a healthy therapeutic experience can foster a genuine, honest and authentic relationship that can help us become aware of ourselves in the world, heal from our past, cope with our present, and foster a healthy future. My process is focused on helping you heal and learn more constructive ways to deal with stress and life challenges. I have an eclectic approach with each individual client based on your needs. Life presents us with many challenges and obstacles often leading to anxiety, depression, panic and loss of self. You do not have to battle this alone.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, anxiety ridden? I believe a healthy therapeutic experience can foster a genuine, honest and authentic relationship that can help us become aware of ourselves in the world, heal from our past, cope with our present, and foster a healthy future. My process is focused on helping you heal and learn more constructive ways to deal with stress and life challenges. I have an eclectic approach with each individual client based on your needs. Life presents us with many challenges and obstacles often leading to anxiety, depression, panic and loss of self. You do not have to battle this alone.
![Photo of Patrick Brian Dickey, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44066dc1-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Patrick Brian Dickey
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
El Segundo, CA 90245 (Online Only)
Life keeps rolling on whether we experience depression, anxiety, grief, loss, or conflicts with your loved ones. Getting yourself unstuck can be quite frustrating. For some, the challenge can create feelings of despair and hopelessness. But you can create a life that’s meaningful. Together we will collaborate on building on your existing strengths and create a new, purposeful, and worthwhile future.
Life keeps rolling on whether we experience depression, anxiety, grief, loss, or conflicts with your loved ones. Getting yourself unstuck can be quite frustrating. For some, the challenge can create feelings of despair and hopelessness. But you can create a life that’s meaningful. Together we will collaborate on building on your existing strengths and create a new, purposeful, and worthwhile future.
![Photo of Gabrielle Wanchek, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/698ac806-0755-43f0-9b57-6820ce823363/2/320x400.jpeg)
Gabrielle Wanchek
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
El Segundo, CA 90245
Not accepting new clients
Do you feel that your life is out of control? Do you feel that things you did easily at one time are now nothing but a hassle at best? Do friends and family ask what's wrong when you're thinking you're perfectly okay? Are there things you've gone through that you can't seem to shake? If this sounds familiar, I'd love to speak with you!
Do you feel that your life is out of control? Do you feel that things you did easily at one time are now nothing but a hassle at best? Do friends and family ask what's wrong when you're thinking you're perfectly okay? Are there things you've gone through that you can't seem to shake? If this sounds familiar, I'd love to speak with you!
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Kenichi Mekaru, ACSW](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2b7ae3cb-300c-4897-90d9-32760fee15c0/2/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in addressing severe mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder (BPD), and PTSD.
My name is Ken Mekaru, and I hail from Okinawa, Japan. I am fluent in both English and Japanese. In 2018, I graduated from Columbia University in New York City. Since then, I have gained extensive experience working in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, intensive outpatient programs (IOP), non-profits, and substance treatment centers. My professional journey has involved supporting individuals facing a wide range of challenges, such as HIV and cancer, as well as members of the LGBTQAI+ community.
I specialize in addressing severe mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder (BPD), and PTSD.
My name is Ken Mekaru, and I hail from Okinawa, Japan. I am fluent in both English and Japanese. In 2018, I graduated from Columbia University in New York City. Since then, I have gained extensive experience working in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, intensive outpatient programs (IOP), non-profits, and substance treatment centers. My professional journey has involved supporting individuals facing a wide range of challenges, such as HIV and cancer, as well as members of the LGBTQAI+ community.
![Photo of Nicole R Sela, MA, LPCC, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a53bea20-9f7a-44a9-b28a-834e73ac70df/2/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in working with individuals who have anger management issues as well as those with a history of childhood trauma and those who wrestle with PTSD, bipolar disorder, depression and anxiety.
Do you have trouble managing your anger? Have you been told by loved ones, coworkers, or friends that you have trouble managing your anger? Are you looking for someone who hears you with an impartial ear? I specialize in helping clients manage anger, adapting to a life of responding rather than reacting. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques to help clients adapt successful coping strategies. I also work with clients who have a history of childhood trauma, and as well provide couples counseling and see many clients who are struggling with depression and anxiety.
I specialize in working with individuals who have anger management issues as well as those with a history of childhood trauma and those who wrestle with PTSD, bipolar disorder, depression and anxiety.
Do you have trouble managing your anger? Have you been told by loved ones, coworkers, or friends that you have trouble managing your anger? Are you looking for someone who hears you with an impartial ear? I specialize in helping clients manage anger, adapting to a life of responding rather than reacting. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques to help clients adapt successful coping strategies. I also work with clients who have a history of childhood trauma, and as well provide couples counseling and see many clients who are struggling with depression and anxiety.
![Photo of Dominique A White, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a2c5f5f0-ce13-4b5e-8eb1-097ccf79141c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dominique A White
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Manhattan Beach, CA 90267 (Online Only)
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who enjoys working with individuals to help cultivate growth, understanding, and healing. I specialize in working with clients experiencing challenges related to anxiety, depression, trauma, mood disorders, bipolar disorder, psychosis, and specific phobias. If you are experiencing challenges such as difficulties in relationships, work stressors, becoming a parent, or transitioning to other new roles in your life, you can benefit greatly from having a safe space to feel heard, understood, and seen. I aim to build on your existing strengths and discover what you find meaningful in life.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who enjoys working with individuals to help cultivate growth, understanding, and healing. I specialize in working with clients experiencing challenges related to anxiety, depression, trauma, mood disorders, bipolar disorder, psychosis, and specific phobias. If you are experiencing challenges such as difficulties in relationships, work stressors, becoming a parent, or transitioning to other new roles in your life, you can benefit greatly from having a safe space to feel heard, understood, and seen. I aim to build on your existing strengths and discover what you find meaningful in life.
![Photo of Julia Marie May, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e26e90a4-b016-4710-a7ac-860d46fb64a5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Julia May, is a licensed marriage and family therapist and clinical art therapist, treating young adults and adults dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships issues, addiction, codependency, bipolar I/II and borderline personality disorder. She utilizes a variety of approaches with specialized training in Art Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). She strives to empower her clients towards personal growth and healing. She has seen client’s lives transform after working together, breaking compulsive cycles, improving relationships and living positive and more fulfilling lives.
Julia May, is a licensed marriage and family therapist and clinical art therapist, treating young adults and adults dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships issues, addiction, codependency, bipolar I/II and borderline personality disorder. She utilizes a variety of approaches with specialized training in Art Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). She strives to empower her clients towards personal growth and healing. She has seen client’s lives transform after working together, breaking compulsive cycles, improving relationships and living positive and more fulfilling lives.
![Photo of Kelly Albrecht, ASW, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/08c2fe98-5eec-4921-b6f2-0aabfa30e299/1/320x400.png)
With expertise in substance use disorder, ADHD, bipolar and personality disorders, my holistic approach to therapy prioritizes safety and healing, with trauma-informed care.
Are you struggling to process depression, anxiety, relationship/family issues, and trauma? These emotional ruptures can cause major disruptions in our lives. The work to process these types of life events is multifaceted, and I can help you identify your feelings and potential relational patterns, build tolerance and acceptance around challenging ones, and set meaningful goals. In order to do so, I utilize various therapeutic approaches consisting of ACT, CBT, and Problem Solving Therapy and somatic interventions.
With expertise in substance use disorder, ADHD, bipolar and personality disorders, my holistic approach to therapy prioritizes safety and healing, with trauma-informed care.
Are you struggling to process depression, anxiety, relationship/family issues, and trauma? These emotional ruptures can cause major disruptions in our lives. The work to process these types of life events is multifaceted, and I can help you identify your feelings and potential relational patterns, build tolerance and acceptance around challenging ones, and set meaningful goals. In order to do so, I utilize various therapeutic approaches consisting of ACT, CBT, and Problem Solving Therapy and somatic interventions.
![Photo of Kris Winslow, MA, MBA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0fc83690-5adc-46bc-8693-612818713bc5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kris Winslow
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MBA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90045 (Online Only)
I see a lot of people who have been diagnosed with anxiety, depression, PTSD and bipolar disorder.
There is really no issue to big or too small to bring to therapy. I have seen people go through so much positive change because of their work in therapy and think it is such an awesome process. Just because we can go through life in survival mode and bouncing off our ups and downs, does not mean we should. I love to talk about everything therapy, so I encourage people to reach out.
I see a lot of people who have been diagnosed with anxiety, depression, PTSD and bipolar disorder.
There is really no issue to big or too small to bring to therapy. I have seen people go through so much positive change because of their work in therapy and think it is such an awesome process. Just because we can go through life in survival mode and bouncing off our ups and downs, does not mean we should. I love to talk about everything therapy, so I encourage people to reach out.
See more therapy options for El Segundo
Nearby Bipolar Disorder Therapists Searches for El Segundo
- Culver City
- Gardena
- Hawthorne
- Hermosa Beach
- Inglewood
- Lawndale
- Manhattan Beach
- Marina Del Rey
- Playa Del Rey
- Redondo Beach
- Torrance
- Venice
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.