Bipolar Disorder Therapists in Playa Del Rey, CA
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 MEDICATONS MANAGEMENT ONLY -- 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. 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 MEDICATONS MANAGEMENT ONLY -- 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. 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.
No Limit Trauma Specialty Group
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Playa Del Rey, CA 90293 (Online Only)
Greetings, my name is Christine, owner/trauma specialist at No Limit Trauma Specialty Group exclusively focused on trauma treatment (EMDR, Seeking Safety, and Individual Psychotherapy services in California). Our main goal in therapy is to help client's find their true identity by identifying and processing the root cause of all present-day challenges. We may have a wealth of knowledge, we may have a diverse amount of professional experiences, but at the end of day each person is the true expert of their own lives.
Greetings, my name is Christine, owner/trauma specialist at No Limit Trauma Specialty Group exclusively focused on trauma treatment (EMDR, Seeking Safety, and Individual Psychotherapy services in California). Our main goal in therapy is to help client's find their true identity by identifying and processing the root cause of all present-day challenges. We may have a wealth of knowledge, we may have a diverse amount of professional experiences, but at the end of day each person is the true expert of their own lives.
Shannon M. Kalberg
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Playa Del Rey, CA 90293
Everyone experiences challenges from time to time, but when the tough times are starting to outweigh the good times or you keep seeing the same patterns repeat over and over in your life, you may want to consider seeking help. I am here not to give you advice, but to help you learn to listen to and trust yourself deeply and fully so that you can live the kind of life you've always wanted.
Everyone experiences challenges from time to time, but when the tough times are starting to outweigh the good times or you keep seeing the same patterns repeat over and over in your life, you may want to consider seeking help. I am here not to give you advice, but to help you learn to listen to and trust yourself deeply and fully so that you can live the kind of life you've always wanted.
Courtney L Pender
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PPSC
Verified Verified
Playa Del Rey, CA 90293
It helps to have a safe place to process feelings, work on relationships, and better understand patterns of behavior when feeling overwhelmed or stuck. Together through exploring your thoughts, feelings, and experiences we can work through obstacles and develop new coping skills that allow you to move forward in a healthy happy manner.
It helps to have a safe place to process feelings, work on relationships, and better understand patterns of behavior when feeling overwhelmed or stuck. Together through exploring your thoughts, feelings, and experiences we can work through obstacles and develop new coping skills that allow you to move forward in a healthy happy manner.
Happy Heart Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Playa Del Rey, CA 90291 (Online Only)
Hello all, I am an African-American marriage and family therapist who provides services in the Bay Area & So. Cal. I specialize in somatic therapy modalities that work well with individuals or couples who have experienced any trauma whether acute or developmental. I also work with client's experiencing grief, depression, and relational issues. My clients' find me easy to talk to and non-judgmental, this coupled with my life experience, creates a safe environment for healing to happen.
Hello all, I am an African-American marriage and family therapist who provides services in the Bay Area & So. Cal. I specialize in somatic therapy modalities that work well with individuals or couples who have experienced any trauma whether acute or developmental. I also work with client's experiencing grief, depression, and relational issues. My clients' find me easy to talk to and non-judgmental, this coupled with my life experience, creates a safe environment for healing to happen.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with nearly a decade of experience in the treatment of trauma, anxiety, and depression. My approach to therapy is to provide a safe, non-judgmental space for you to explore and understand your struggles and to help you obtain the tools to be more effective in achieving the life you want. In addition to private practice, I have worked as the Team Lead on the women’s unit of a mental health residential rehabilitation treatment program and currently work in a medical center’s outpatient mental health clinic, where I provide psychotherapy and supervise trainees.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with nearly a decade of experience in the treatment of trauma, anxiety, and depression. My approach to therapy is to provide a safe, non-judgmental space for you to explore and understand your struggles and to help you obtain the tools to be more effective in achieving the life you want. In addition to private practice, I have worked as the Team Lead on the women’s unit of a mental health residential rehabilitation treatment program and currently work in a medical center’s outpatient mental health clinic, where I provide psychotherapy and supervise trainees.
Mei-Ling J Martin
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Playa Del Rey, CA 90291 (Online Only)
Struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, or addiction? Life's challenges can be overwhelming, but you don't have to face them alone. Whether you're grappling with intense emotions or just need a supportive ear, I'm here to offer the help you need. With extensive experience in guiding individuals, couples, and families, I provide compassionate, personalized support tailored to your unique journey. Together, we’ll uncover new perspectives and strategies to help you thrive
Struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, or addiction? Life's challenges can be overwhelming, but you don't have to face them alone. Whether you're grappling with intense emotions or just need a supportive ear, I'm here to offer the help you need. With extensive experience in guiding individuals, couples, and families, I provide compassionate, personalized support tailored to your unique journey. Together, we’ll uncover new perspectives and strategies to help you thrive
Amy Rodriguez-Sanders
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Playa Del Rey, CA 90293
Hello and welcome! Seeking a therapist is an important step toward your well-being. You may be anxious, depressed, stressed, or struggling with relationships in your life and looking for a way to feel better. I specialize in working with people who identify as LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, immigrants, and children of immigrants while affirming their identities and lived experiences. As a child of immigrants myself, I understand the unique challenges and perspectives that can come with trying to reconcile one’s individual identity and culture with the dominant culture-at-large.
Hello and welcome! Seeking a therapist is an important step toward your well-being. You may be anxious, depressed, stressed, or struggling with relationships in your life and looking for a way to feel better. I specialize in working with people who identify as LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, immigrants, and children of immigrants while affirming their identities and lived experiences. As a child of immigrants myself, I understand the unique challenges and perspectives that can come with trying to reconcile one’s individual identity and culture with the dominant culture-at-large.
Cz Helps Inc: Carrie Zerling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Playa Del Rey, CA 90293 (Online Only)
Many of us struggle with issues such as stress, depression, anxiety, social isolation, fear, grief, loss, trauma, relationship difficulties, or we just feel generally overwhelmed with life. You don't have to be alone with these struggles. Psychotherapy is an empowering tool that helps you to better understand yourself and the obstacles that are preventing change. I have worked with clients from various backgrounds in race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, socioeconomic status & political affiliations. My mission is to help you to improve your life skills and to progress from the difficult experiences that you've had.
Many of us struggle with issues such as stress, depression, anxiety, social isolation, fear, grief, loss, trauma, relationship difficulties, or we just feel generally overwhelmed with life. You don't have to be alone with these struggles. Psychotherapy is an empowering tool that helps you to better understand yourself and the obstacles that are preventing change. I have worked with clients from various backgrounds in race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, socioeconomic status & political affiliations. My mission is to help you to improve your life skills and to progress from the difficult experiences that you've had.
More Therapists Nearby
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!
Kelly Albrecht
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, ASW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90066
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.
Personally, I have a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder.
Choosing a therapist is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. It is truly a leap of faith. So in our first consultation phone call I will spend as much time as you need to share you story, answer any questions you may have of the process, of me, and the nature of the journey we will take together.
Personally, I have a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder.
Choosing a therapist is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. It is truly a leap of faith. So in our first consultation phone call I will spend as much time as you need to share you story, answer any questions you may have of the process, of me, and the nature of the journey we will take together.
Antonia Hickey
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292 (Online Only)
I work with adults with depression, anxiety, bipolar dx, trauma hx, relational issues, and adjustment issues.
I believe that therapy is an individual, unique, and empowered process for each client that allows them to recognize their inner strengths and workings. Each client has their own answers that they are searching for and struggles they are trying to overcome in their daily life. During the process of therapy, I strive to help clients develop an increased sense of autonomy and purpose in order to create movement toward these answers. In succession, I help clients develop healthy ways of coping with stressors, as life is inevitably filled with difficulties and obstacles.
I work with adults with depression, anxiety, bipolar dx, trauma hx, relational issues, and adjustment issues.
I believe that therapy is an individual, unique, and empowered process for each client that allows them to recognize their inner strengths and workings. Each client has their own answers that they are searching for and struggles they are trying to overcome in their daily life. During the process of therapy, I strive to help clients develop an increased sense of autonomy and purpose in order to create movement toward these answers. In succession, I help clients develop healthy ways of coping with stressors, as life is inevitably filled with difficulties and obstacles.
Nicole Pascavis
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Culver City, CA 90230
Waitlist for new clients
I support clients through self-discovery, major life transitions, anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, family challenges, and more with insightful care.
I work with adults, children, couples, and families confronting a wide range of mental, emotional, spiritual, and relational challenges. These can range from major symptom and conflict management to a desire for greater meaning, balance, self-love, and mental clarity. Some goals we build toward together may include: self-understanding and a sense of wholeness; helping you become your own best ally in health and life; healthy relationships and support systems; improved self-esteem; identifying and communicating needs and feelings effectively; and greater creativity and empowerment in crafting your own life and story.
I support clients through self-discovery, major life transitions, anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, family challenges, and more with insightful care.
I work with adults, children, couples, and families confronting a wide range of mental, emotional, spiritual, and relational challenges. These can range from major symptom and conflict management to a desire for greater meaning, balance, self-love, and mental clarity. Some goals we build toward together may include: self-understanding and a sense of wholeness; helping you become your own best ally in health and life; healthy relationships and support systems; improved self-esteem; identifying and communicating needs and feelings effectively; and greater creativity and empowerment in crafting your own life and story.
Linda Marie Quesada-Schlein
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
Along with treating life's issues, I treat anxiety, depression, bipolar, PTSD and relationship/intimacy issues.
Do you regret some of the choices you've made in your relationships and your career? Are you unclear why you made those choices? I offer guidance for making life's important decisions - about a partner, your career, or life in general. I can also incorporate my own perspective and experience to understand you from a cultural or bi-cultural level. Together we will work through the challenges and roadblocks standing between you and your goals.
Along with treating life's issues, I treat anxiety, depression, bipolar, PTSD and relationship/intimacy issues.
Do you regret some of the choices you've made in your relationships and your career? Are you unclear why you made those choices? I offer guidance for making life's important decisions - about a partner, your career, or life in general. I can also incorporate my own perspective and experience to understand you from a cultural or bi-cultural level. Together we will work through the challenges and roadblocks standing between you and your goals.
Kate Balestrieri
Psychologist, PsyD, PACT, CST, CSAT-S, EMDR
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90405
"In any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth or to step back into safety." - Abraham Maslow. Deciding to make changes in one's life takes courage, and you have taken the first step! My goal is to empower you to find relief from distress and to help you grow in concert with your goals. I specialize in treating a variety of concerns, such as posttraumatic stress disorder, addiction (substance and behavioral), eating disorders, body image issues, bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety, as well as difficulties with anger management, relationships, interpersonal communication, recovery and relapse prevention.
"In any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth or to step back into safety." - Abraham Maslow. Deciding to make changes in one's life takes courage, and you have taken the first step! My goal is to empower you to find relief from distress and to help you grow in concert with your goals. I specialize in treating a variety of concerns, such as posttraumatic stress disorder, addiction (substance and behavioral), eating disorders, body image issues, bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety, as well as difficulties with anger management, relationships, interpersonal communication, recovery and relapse prevention.
Teri Arana
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292 (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!
) / Addictions/ ADHD / ADD/ Adolescents/ Adoption Issues/ Adult Children Of Alcoholics/ Adults/ Aging/ Senior issues/ Anger Management/ Anxiety Disorders Art/ Therapy Asperger / Bipolar Disorder/ Career Transition/ Childhood Abuse/ Children/ Christian Counseling/ Chronic Illness/ Chronic Pain/ Co-Dependency Issues/ Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/ Couples/ Crisis Intervention/ Depression/ Domestic Violence/ Eating Disorders/ EMDR/ Family Therapy/ Farsi/ Gay / Lesbian Issues / Gender Identity /Grief / Loss Group Therapy /Homeopathic Medicine/ Hungarian/ Learning Differences/ Life Transitions Marital / Couples Therapy /Memory Loss/ Men's Issues/ Minority / Cultural Issues/Mood Disorders /OCD/Obsessive Compulsive Disorder /Panic Disorders/Parenting Issues Performance Anxiety/ Phobias/ Play Therapy /Polish /Post Traumatic Stress Disorder// PTSD Post-Partum Depression/ Premarital Counseling/ Psychiatry/ Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Relationship Difficulties/ Separation and Divorce /Spanish /Spiritual/Religious Issues/ Stress Management /Substance Abuse/ Terminal Illness/ Transitional Stress /Trauma /Veterans Women's Issues/ Workplace Stress / EAP.
We are a group practice Network offering video and in person app Our vision is to connect you to a network of some of the most talented, highly qualified and compassionate professionals in the mental health field, each with a broad range of skills and unique personal style. Our therapists and psychiatrists are uniquely equipped to work with individuals, children, adolescents, couples and families. They will help you access the keys to your emotional/psychological healing, wholeness and sense of well being. Once you are connected with a therapist, all communication with them will be handled via their individual voice-mail or email.
) / Addictions/ ADHD / ADD/ Adolescents/ Adoption Issues/ Adult Children Of Alcoholics/ Adults/ Aging/ Senior issues/ Anger Management/ Anxiety Disorders Art/ Therapy Asperger / Bipolar Disorder/ Career Transition/ Childhood Abuse/ Children/ Christian Counseling/ Chronic Illness/ Chronic Pain/ Co-Dependency Issues/ Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/ Couples/ Crisis Intervention/ Depression/ Domestic Violence/ Eating Disorders/ EMDR/ Family Therapy/ Farsi/ Gay / Lesbian Issues / Gender Identity /Grief / Loss Group Therapy /Homeopathic Medicine/ Hungarian/ Learning Differences/ Life Transitions Marital / Couples Therapy /Memory Loss/ Men's Issues/ Minority / Cultural Issues/Mood Disorders /OCD/Obsessive Compulsive Disorder /Panic Disorders/Parenting Issues Performance Anxiety/ Phobias/ Play Therapy /Polish /Post Traumatic Stress Disorder// PTSD Post-Partum Depression/ Premarital Counseling/ Psychiatry/ Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Relationship Difficulties/ Separation and Divorce /Spanish /Spiritual/Religious Issues/ Stress Management /Substance Abuse/ Terminal Illness/ Transitional Stress /Trauma /Veterans Women's Issues/ Workplace Stress / EAP.
We are a group practice Network offering video and in person app Our vision is to connect you to a network of some of the most talented, highly qualified and compassionate professionals in the mental health field, each with a broad range of skills and unique personal style. Our therapists and psychiatrists are uniquely equipped to work with individuals, children, adolescents, couples and families. They will help you access the keys to your emotional/psychological healing, wholeness and sense of well being. Once you are connected with a therapist, all communication with them will be handled via their individual voice-mail or email.
Scott Duncan Gilliam
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90066 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I work with Grief, Depression, Bipolar I and II, as well as Anxiety and Personality Disorders.
I practice psychotherapy from an eclectic perspective integrating Humanistic, Spiritual, Depth, and Cognitive Behavioral psychology. Are you ready for positive change in your life? Are you distressed, depressed? Grieving? Anxious? Clients comes to me for several reasons: depression, self-esteem, self empowerment, overcoming habits and addictions, to find freedom from inner struggle, to discover personal purpose , meaning and happiness. I can help you resolve issues, have more satisfying relationships, and grow towards a greater sense of meaning and purpose. I will be your ally in your personal journey.
I work with Grief, Depression, Bipolar I and II, as well as Anxiety and Personality Disorders.
I practice psychotherapy from an eclectic perspective integrating Humanistic, Spiritual, Depth, and Cognitive Behavioral psychology. Are you ready for positive change in your life? Are you distressed, depressed? Grieving? Anxious? Clients comes to me for several reasons: depression, self-esteem, self empowerment, overcoming habits and addictions, to find freedom from inner struggle, to discover personal purpose , meaning and happiness. I can help you resolve issues, have more satisfying relationships, and grow towards a greater sense of meaning and purpose. I will be your ally in your personal journey.
My clinical practice centers around forming an open and genuine relationship. I like to work with my patients flexibly and collaboratively and take time to clarify how they can benefit from our work. I look for strengths and areas of resilience and am a strong believer in the capacity for life-long growth. I consider it a privilege to be a part of my patients' journeys.
My clinical practice centers around forming an open and genuine relationship. I like to work with my patients flexibly and collaboratively and take time to clarify how they can benefit from our work. I look for strengths and areas of resilience and am a strong believer in the capacity for life-long growth. I consider it a privilege to be a part of my patients' journeys.
See more therapy options for Playa Del Rey
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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.