Bipolar Disorder Therapists in Baltimore, MD

Photo of John D Gartner, PhD, Psychologist
John D Gartner
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21211
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS REMOTELY AND IN PERSON: I've practiced psychotherapy for over 40 years, and during that time also taught psychiatric residents at Johns Hopkins Medical School. My areas of specialization are bipolar type 2 and borderline personality disorder. I've also worked with many entrepreneurs since the publication of my book, The Hypomanic Edge: The Link Between (a Little) Craziness and (a Lot of ) Success in America.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS REMOTELY AND IN PERSON: I've practiced psychotherapy for over 40 years, and during that time also taught psychiatric residents at Johns Hopkins Medical School. My areas of specialization are bipolar type 2 and borderline personality disorder. I've also worked with many entrepreneurs since the publication of my book, The Hypomanic Edge: The Link Between (a Little) Craziness and (a Lot of ) Success in America.
(410) 305-9221 View (410) 305-9221
Photo of Lisa Redd, LCPC, NCC, MBA, MSPC
Lisa Redd
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, NCC, MBA, MSPC
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21229  (Online Only)
I have experience working with clients from diverse backgrounds who have suffered chronic trauma, substance abuse, anxiety, depression, adjustment disorder and bipolar disorder.
I work with all individuals and in particular those who are members of marginalized communities such as but not limited to, BIPOC, global majority, women, single moms, and those reentering society from incarceration who seek a safe, compassionate, environment to address their mental health needs.
I have experience working with clients from diverse backgrounds who have suffered chronic trauma, substance abuse, anxiety, depression, adjustment disorder and bipolar disorder.
I work with all individuals and in particular those who are members of marginalized communities such as but not limited to, BIPOC, global majority, women, single moms, and those reentering society from incarceration who seek a safe, compassionate, environment to address their mental health needs.
(443) 233-1784 View (443) 233-1784
Photo of Jessica Flowers, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jessica Flowers
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Baltimore, MD 21217
Are you suffering from symptoms of depression, anxiety, adjustment disorder, ADHD, bipolar, autism, OCD, poor self-esteem, and/or PTSD? Are you having trouble building and maintaining relationships? I'm here to help you along your healing journey. My goal is to help improve the quality of life of clients served.
Are you suffering from symptoms of depression, anxiety, adjustment disorder, ADHD, bipolar, autism, OCD, poor self-esteem, and/or PTSD? Are you having trouble building and maintaining relationships? I'm here to help you along your healing journey. My goal is to help improve the quality of life of clients served.
(410) 449-7553 View (410) 449-7553
Photo of Leslie Allen, MS, LCPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Leslie Allen
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LCPC
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21209  (Online Only)
I believe that each of us has the innate capacity of resiliency which can allow us to overcome obstacles, past and present. Many of us just need assistance with how to access this inner strength and use it in our daily lives. I possess over 13 years experience providing mental health services to a diverse clientele to include adolescents, adults, and couples from various ethnic backgrounds. I provide a warm, empathic and compassionate atmosphere where people can feel comfortable to discuss their feelings. I specialize in issues related to anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorders.
I believe that each of us has the innate capacity of resiliency which can allow us to overcome obstacles, past and present. Many of us just need assistance with how to access this inner strength and use it in our daily lives. I possess over 13 years experience providing mental health services to a diverse clientele to include adolescents, adults, and couples from various ethnic backgrounds. I provide a warm, empathic and compassionate atmosphere where people can feel comfortable to discuss their feelings. I specialize in issues related to anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorders.
(443) 665-0439 View (443) 665-0439
Photo of Marcia' Trejo, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Marcia' Trejo
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Baltimore, MD 21201  (Online Only)
I work with individuals who are seeking mental health care for anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, individuals who may have a lack of motivation, needing guidance towards self-care, and ways to become a better person in general.
Accepting New Clients! I’m delighted to see that you have taken a step towards investing in You! I will challenge you to think outside of the box. My priorities in therapy are helping clients build awareness around negative thoughts and finding the drive to build skills needed to support change. I pride myself on being empathetic, authentic, and open. I will consider your life experiences, cultural background, and values to meet you where you are. My goal is to create the most positive therapeutic relationship and open atmosphere. I help individuals who are struggling with different aspects of their lives.
I work with individuals who are seeking mental health care for anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, individuals who may have a lack of motivation, needing guidance towards self-care, and ways to become a better person in general.
Accepting New Clients! I’m delighted to see that you have taken a step towards investing in You! I will challenge you to think outside of the box. My priorities in therapy are helping clients build awareness around negative thoughts and finding the drive to build skills needed to support change. I pride myself on being empathetic, authentic, and open. I will consider your life experiences, cultural background, and values to meet you where you are. My goal is to create the most positive therapeutic relationship and open atmosphere. I help individuals who are struggling with different aspects of their lives.
(843) 212-2596 View (843) 212-2596
Photo of Margaret Oliver, NP
Margaret Oliver
NP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Baltimore, MD 21224  (Online Only)
Maggie is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). She has a Master of Science in Nursing from Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and minor in Neuroscience from Miami University. Since 2013 she has worked in various settings, such as: community mental health, private practice, corrections, and skilled/assisted nursing facilities. Maggie specializes in geriatric psychiatry, anxiety disorders (including posttraumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder), mood disorders (including major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder/ADHD)
Maggie is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). She has a Master of Science in Nursing from Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and minor in Neuroscience from Miami University. Since 2013 she has worked in various settings, such as: community mental health, private practice, corrections, and skilled/assisted nursing facilities. Maggie specializes in geriatric psychiatry, anxiety disorders (including posttraumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder), mood disorders (including major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder/ADHD)
(301) 750-1968 View (301) 750-1968
Photo of Margaret Oliver, NP
Margaret Oliver
NP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Baltimore, MD 21215  (Online Only)
Maggie is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). She has a Master of Science in Nursing from Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and minor in Neuroscience from Miami University. Since 2013 she has worked in various settings, such as: community mental health, private practice, corrections, and skilled/assisted nursing facilities. Maggie specializes in geriatric psychiatry, anxiety disorders (including post traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder), mood disorders (including major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder/ADHD)
Maggie is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). She has a Master of Science in Nursing from Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and minor in Neuroscience from Miami University. Since 2013 she has worked in various settings, such as: community mental health, private practice, corrections, and skilled/assisted nursing facilities. Maggie specializes in geriatric psychiatry, anxiety disorders (including post traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder), mood disorders (including major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder/ADHD)
(240) 713-5299 View (240) 713-5299
Photo of Kim Maher, LCPC, Counselor
Kim Maher
Counselor, LCPC
Not Verified Not Verified
Baltimore, MD 21202  (Online Only)
Congratulations on reaching out to get yourself some help. Feelings Redefined, LLC is my private practice is which we explore ways to allow yourself to get in empoweredand to refocus your attention back onto yourself. Therapy is a journey where you get to recreate your own path for yourself, and redefined your feelings about self, others, experiences, etc. We will work together, as I view therapy is a team appraoch as you are the expert of you. I have experience working with ages 4 and up. Preferred population is 12 and up. I enjoy working with first responders, medical professionals, anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder
Congratulations on reaching out to get yourself some help. Feelings Redefined, LLC is my private practice is which we explore ways to allow yourself to get in empoweredand to refocus your attention back onto yourself. Therapy is a journey where you get to recreate your own path for yourself, and redefined your feelings about self, others, experiences, etc. We will work together, as I view therapy is a team appraoch as you are the expert of you. I have experience working with ages 4 and up. Preferred population is 12 and up. I enjoy working with first responders, medical professionals, anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder
(410) 834-0698 View (410) 834-0698
Photo of Thinh Nguyen - Living Deliberately LLC, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Living Deliberately LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Baltimore, MD 21211
Living Deliberately, LLC is dedicated to client-focused and client-forward treatment. We have medication management in addition to multiple skilled practitioners well-versed in the treatment of ADHD, Bipolar disorder, Mood disorders, Anxiety disorders, and associated traumatic events for children / teens / adults. We look forward to working with you on your difficulties to process and break down the barriers that are stopping you from achieving contentment in living. Now offering Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) treatment for medicationaly resistant depression, anxiety and OCD.
Living Deliberately, LLC is dedicated to client-focused and client-forward treatment. We have medication management in addition to multiple skilled practitioners well-versed in the treatment of ADHD, Bipolar disorder, Mood disorders, Anxiety disorders, and associated traumatic events for children / teens / adults. We look forward to working with you on your difficulties to process and break down the barriers that are stopping you from achieving contentment in living. Now offering Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) treatment for medicationaly resistant depression, anxiety and OCD.
(410) 401-1098 View (410) 401-1098
Photo of Lilian Odera, PhD, Psychologist
Lilian Odera
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21209  (Online Only)
Odera works therapeutically to address psychological disorders such as depression, anxiety disorders, self-harm/suicidal behaviors, personality disorders, conduct and mood disorders, and bipolar disorder.
Dr. Odera is a licensed clinical psychologist who earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland. She went on to earn her Master of Science degree and doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Dr. Odera's interests include working with adolescents and adult populations, with a special interest in racial and ethnic minorities, immigrants, and marginalized groups.
Odera works therapeutically to address psychological disorders such as depression, anxiety disorders, self-harm/suicidal behaviors, personality disorders, conduct and mood disorders, and bipolar disorder.
Dr. Odera is a licensed clinical psychologist who earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland. She went on to earn her Master of Science degree and doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Dr. Odera's interests include working with adolescents and adult populations, with a special interest in racial and ethnic minorities, immigrants, and marginalized groups.
(443) 672-5639 View (443) 672-5639
Photo of Kim Witkowski, PhD, MA, MEd, LCPC, LPC
Kim Witkowski
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, PhD, MA, MEd, LCPC, LPC
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21201  (Online Only)
Dr. Kim Witkowski, Ph.D. is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor providing services for clients in Maryland ,South Carolina and New Jersey. With 30 years of clinical experience. Dr. Witkowski is working with clients to resolve; Trauma, Anxiety and Depression. Additionally specialties include Bipolar Disorders, PTSD, Perfectionism ,OCD and Work-Life Balance. Relationship counseling is offered to include: Effective Communication for Marriage and long- term partnerships, ending codependency and ACOA issues, trauma bonding , learning the characteristics of healthy relationships and attachment styles.
Dr. Kim Witkowski, Ph.D. is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor providing services for clients in Maryland ,South Carolina and New Jersey. With 30 years of clinical experience. Dr. Witkowski is working with clients to resolve; Trauma, Anxiety and Depression. Additionally specialties include Bipolar Disorders, PTSD, Perfectionism ,OCD and Work-Life Balance. Relationship counseling is offered to include: Effective Communication for Marriage and long- term partnerships, ending codependency and ACOA issues, trauma bonding , learning the characteristics of healthy relationships and attachment styles.
(410) 346-5978 x161 View (410) 346-5978 x161
Photo of Sharon Calvano - Stone Soup Counseling, LLC, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Stone Soup Counseling, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21210
** WE ARE ACCEPTING NEW APPOINTMENTS** Therapy is great way to begin looking at your patterns, past behaviors, and current situation in order to make that change. We can help you look into what you are experiencing, understand why it is happening, and figure out how to make changes for a deeper and more satisfying life. ​Many clients we see deal with depression, anxiety, bipolar illness, relationship issues, trauma, life transitions, lack of meaning, or other life issues. Whether you are experiencing any of these issues or just feel a general need for a change, call us and see if therapy is right for you.
** WE ARE ACCEPTING NEW APPOINTMENTS** Therapy is great way to begin looking at your patterns, past behaviors, and current situation in order to make that change. We can help you look into what you are experiencing, understand why it is happening, and figure out how to make changes for a deeper and more satisfying life. ​Many clients we see deal with depression, anxiety, bipolar illness, relationship issues, trauma, life transitions, lack of meaning, or other life issues. Whether you are experiencing any of these issues or just feel a general need for a change, call us and see if therapy is right for you.
(443) 376-7878 View (443) 376-7878
Photo of Richard A Koch, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Richard A Koch
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21210  (Online Only)
I serve persons with issues such as: Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar, Grief, Trauma, Family problems, Employment issues, Adjustment to situations, and conflict resolution among others.
Stress is at all time highs. Anxiety, depression and adjusting to stress are on the rise in a difficult world. It is important to know how to cope in this complex world. With the support of therapy, one can find relief, answers and solutions to difficult life situations. In practice since 1991 working with diverse populations with experience in Private Practice, Clinic Practice, Crisis Intervention, Consultation and Liaison in Hospital settings and Private Nonprofits has given me experiences with a variety of circumstances people encounter. Please contact me via email.
I serve persons with issues such as: Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar, Grief, Trauma, Family problems, Employment issues, Adjustment to situations, and conflict resolution among others.
Stress is at all time highs. Anxiety, depression and adjusting to stress are on the rise in a difficult world. It is important to know how to cope in this complex world. With the support of therapy, one can find relief, answers and solutions to difficult life situations. In practice since 1991 working with diverse populations with experience in Private Practice, Clinic Practice, Crisis Intervention, Consultation and Liaison in Hospital settings and Private Nonprofits has given me experiences with a variety of circumstances people encounter. Please contact me via email.
(443) 378-3513 View (443) 378-3513
Photo of Kris T Gebhard, PhD, Psychologist
Kris T Gebhard
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Baltimore, MD 21211
Waitlist for new clients
My specialties include gender-affirming care, supporting individuals dealing with traumatic stress (including cultural trauma), PTSD, personality disorders, bipolar disorder, gender dysphoria, depression, and anxiety.
I aim to garden healing so that my clients can more vibrantly and intentionally shape change as their truest selves. I'm genderqueer, transmasculine, queer, and enjoy working with clients across the gender and sexuality spectrum, including trans, genderqueer, non-binary, intersex, LGB and pansexual-identified individuals, and individuals in diverse relationship structures including polyamory and ethical non-monogamy. I'm kink/BDSM-affirming, sex and body-positive. I've worked w/artists, professionals, organizers/activists, students, and disabled individuals and couples. I am trained in Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples.
My specialties include gender-affirming care, supporting individuals dealing with traumatic stress (including cultural trauma), PTSD, personality disorders, bipolar disorder, gender dysphoria, depression, and anxiety.
I aim to garden healing so that my clients can more vibrantly and intentionally shape change as their truest selves. I'm genderqueer, transmasculine, queer, and enjoy working with clients across the gender and sexuality spectrum, including trans, genderqueer, non-binary, intersex, LGB and pansexual-identified individuals, and individuals in diverse relationship structures including polyamory and ethical non-monogamy. I'm kink/BDSM-affirming, sex and body-positive. I've worked w/artists, professionals, organizers/activists, students, and disabled individuals and couples. I am trained in Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples.
(240) 443-3726 View (240) 443-3726
Photo of Judith Sharon Geller - Judith Geller LCSW-C Psychotherapy Services, LCSW-C, MA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Judith Geller LCSW-C Psychotherapy Services
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, MA
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21218  (Online Only)
I am here to help you connect with your inner strengths and to know your own deepest wisdom. We all have an incredible capacity to heal and to meet whatever challenges show up in our lives. I bring deep compassion and skills from two and a half decades of helping clients with everything from depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, acute trauma/PTSD, past abuse, dissociation, and OCD to marital/relationship problems, family issues, failure-to-launch, and intimacy issues. Together, we will partner to help you move forward into the life you are meant to be living.
I am here to help you connect with your inner strengths and to know your own deepest wisdom. We all have an incredible capacity to heal and to meet whatever challenges show up in our lives. I bring deep compassion and skills from two and a half decades of helping clients with everything from depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, acute trauma/PTSD, past abuse, dissociation, and OCD to marital/relationship problems, family issues, failure-to-launch, and intimacy issues. Together, we will partner to help you move forward into the life you are meant to be living.
(443) 341-0244 View (443) 341-0244
Photo of Breighone Brown, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Breighone Brown
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21202
Are you suffering from symptoms of depression, ADHD, anxiety, bipolar, autism spectrum, OCD, and/or PTSD? I'm here to help facilitate your healing process and provide a safe space to voice your deepest concerns freely. Our goal is to significantly improve your self-concept, increase a positive outlook on life, and, most importantly, feel like your best self.
Are you suffering from symptoms of depression, ADHD, anxiety, bipolar, autism spectrum, OCD, and/or PTSD? I'm here to help facilitate your healing process and provide a safe space to voice your deepest concerns freely. Our goal is to significantly improve your self-concept, increase a positive outlook on life, and, most importantly, feel like your best self.
(443) 457-9498 View (443) 457-9498
Photo of Thomas D Prude, LCPC, LPC, Counselor
Thomas D Prude
Counselor, LCPC, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Baltimore, MD 21224
I believe in inalienable human rights to happiness, to love, and to freedom. I approach therapy with an inquisitive outlook and seek to make my practice welcoming. I'm trained in CBT, DBT, mindfulness, crisis response, and trauma-focused care. I specialize in anxiety, depression, mood disorders, severe and persistent disorders, assessment, lifestyle & adjustment disorders, borderline personality disorder and bipolar depression disorders. I have significant experience providing therapy for individuals, families, psychoeducational groups, and couples.
I believe in inalienable human rights to happiness, to love, and to freedom. I approach therapy with an inquisitive outlook and seek to make my practice welcoming. I'm trained in CBT, DBT, mindfulness, crisis response, and trauma-focused care. I specialize in anxiety, depression, mood disorders, severe and persistent disorders, assessment, lifestyle & adjustment disorders, borderline personality disorder and bipolar depression disorders. I have significant experience providing therapy for individuals, families, psychoeducational groups, and couples.
(410) 657-6231 View (410) 657-6231
Photo of Dr. Julia Heavner, PsyD, Psychologist
Dr. Julia Heavner
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Baltimore, MD 21224
My specialization is to help clients discover how to create deeper bonds & improve communication in relationships. Couples who begin therapy with me are often feeling distant, unfulfilled, or trying to heal from a breach of trust in the relationship. In relationship therapy, I use Sue Johnson’s Attachment-Based Couples Therapy (EFT) as a guide, as well as The Gottman Method (Level 2 trained) as needed. In my work with individuals, I believe I can be most helpful to those who suffer from relationship concerns, anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and life adjustment issues.
My specialization is to help clients discover how to create deeper bonds & improve communication in relationships. Couples who begin therapy with me are often feeling distant, unfulfilled, or trying to heal from a breach of trust in the relationship. In relationship therapy, I use Sue Johnson’s Attachment-Based Couples Therapy (EFT) as a guide, as well as The Gottman Method (Level 2 trained) as needed. In my work with individuals, I believe I can be most helpful to those who suffer from relationship concerns, anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and life adjustment issues.
(410) 936-6717 View (410) 936-6717
Photo of Patricia Brown, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Patricia Brown
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Baltimore, MD 21213  (Online Only)
Holistic Approach to Mental Health Challenges: Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder, I bring a comprehensive toolkit to support you in your journey.
With an enriching journey spanning 26 years, I have dedicated my professional life to the art and science of psychotherapy. My expertise is not just deep but also varied, enabling me to provide tailored therapeutic interventions that resonate with each individual's unique experiences and challenges. Every therapy session with me is grounded in a strength-based approach. I believe in harnessing your inherent strengths and resilience, ensuring that every step forward is built on a foundation of empowerment and self-belief. Your well-being is my mission. Let's embark on this transformative journey together.
Holistic Approach to Mental Health Challenges: Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder, I bring a comprehensive toolkit to support you in your journey.
With an enriching journey spanning 26 years, I have dedicated my professional life to the art and science of psychotherapy. My expertise is not just deep but also varied, enabling me to provide tailored therapeutic interventions that resonate with each individual's unique experiences and challenges. Every therapy session with me is grounded in a strength-based approach. I believe in harnessing your inherent strengths and resilience, ensuring that every step forward is built on a foundation of empowerment and self-belief. Your well-being is my mission. Let's embark on this transformative journey together.
(240) 405-0835 View (240) 405-0835
Photo of Family Intervention Partners - Family Intervention Partners, MD, LCPC, PMHNP, LCSW-C, PsyD
Family Intervention Partners
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MD, LCPC, PMHNP, LCSW-C, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Baltimore, MD 21213
Our practice consists of a team of licensed Drs, therapists, and social workers working together to provide the best mental healthcare services to our patients. We provide comprehensive Child, Adolescent and Adult psychiatric treatment, and psychotherapy in a non-judgmental, patient-centered environment. Our practitioners provide Assessments, Psychiatric Evaluation, Medication Management, and Psychotherapy for all ages. We treat Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorders, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Childhood Trauma, Emotional Disorders, and Behavior Problems. WE ARE ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS.
Our practice consists of a team of licensed Drs, therapists, and social workers working together to provide the best mental healthcare services to our patients. We provide comprehensive Child, Adolescent and Adult psychiatric treatment, and psychotherapy in a non-judgmental, patient-centered environment. Our practitioners provide Assessments, Psychiatric Evaluation, Medication Management, and Psychotherapy for all ages. We treat Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorders, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Childhood Trauma, Emotional Disorders, and Behavior Problems. WE ARE ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS.
(410) 291-1753 View (410) 291-1753
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.