Photo of Noreen Taggart - Haven Behavioral Health, LCSW, LPC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Haven Behavioral Health
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LPC
Verified Verified
Barnegat, NJ 08005
Haven Behavioral Health is a private practice with over 30+ years experience and services children, adolescents, and adults. Telehealth services are available by phone or video.
Haven Behavioral Health is a private practice with over 30+ years experience and services children, adolescents, and adults. Telehealth services are available by phone or video.
(609) 372-5985 View (609) 372-5985

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Kim Marie Class - Meaningful Interventions, LLC, LPC, LCADC , ACS, BC-TMH, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Meaningful Interventions, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LCADC , ACS, BC-TMH, NCC
Verified Verified
Long Beach Township, NJ 08008
I have 30 years experience working within the field of mental health and developmental disorders. I recognize that by the time someone seeks out a therapist, they are already in the amidst of their struggle. They are looking for the right person to assist them in developing skills and processing their thoughts/behaviors so that they can begin to resume their lives again. I am a Board Certified Telemental Health provider, a Director within a CMHC and recognize the need to often introduce a vast array of resources to my clients. "There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn't" - John Green.
I have 30 years experience working within the field of mental health and developmental disorders. I recognize that by the time someone seeks out a therapist, they are already in the amidst of their struggle. They are looking for the right person to assist them in developing skills and processing their thoughts/behaviors so that they can begin to resume their lives again. I am a Board Certified Telemental Health provider, a Director within a CMHC and recognize the need to often introduce a vast array of resources to my clients. "There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn't" - John Green.
(732) 561-4415 View (732) 561-4415
Photo of Jourdan Travers, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jourdan Travers
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Surf City, NJ 08008  (Online Only)
Jourdan Travers is a well-respected psychotherapist who has experience working at premier treatment facilities, including Promises Treatment Center and Malibu Vista. Her therapy style is a blend of various techniques with a holistic and coaching twist. She assists clients in moving through distressing thoughts, managing overwhelming emotions and urges, and focusing on their strengths to achieve long-term results. Additionally, she assists professionals struggling with work/life balance, and individuals struggling with appropriate self-care.
Jourdan Travers is a well-respected psychotherapist who has experience working at premier treatment facilities, including Promises Treatment Center and Malibu Vista. Her therapy style is a blend of various techniques with a holistic and coaching twist. She assists clients in moving through distressing thoughts, managing overwhelming emotions and urges, and focusing on their strengths to achieve long-term results. Additionally, she assists professionals struggling with work/life balance, and individuals struggling with appropriate self-care.
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Online Therapists

Photo of Amanda Crowley, LAC, Counselor
Amanda Crowley
Counselor, LAC
Verified Verified
Hazlet, NJ 07730
I have experience working with clients who have anxiety, depression, OCD, substance abuse, schizoaffective, bipolar, and BPD.
I enjoy working with clients who are open to learning how to manage, cope and regain motivation to return to everyday living. Together we will develop healthy coping mechanisms and start a routine to help with reducing symptoms to allow you to live a better life.
I have experience working with clients who have anxiety, depression, OCD, substance abuse, schizoaffective, bipolar, and BPD.
I enjoy working with clients who are open to learning how to manage, cope and regain motivation to return to everyday living. Together we will develop healthy coping mechanisms and start a routine to help with reducing symptoms to allow you to live a better life.
(732) 582-5178 View (732) 582-5178
Photo of Lynn Karplarczuk - Lynn Kaplarczuk - Mind & Body CCS , LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lynn Kaplarczuk - Mind & Body CCS
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Freehold, NJ 07728
Other common areas I work in include, marital conflict, divorce, and infidelity, self esteem, sleep and insomnia, bipolar disorder, and dual diagnosis.
I work primarily with adult populations, and have experience with a variety of clientele coming from over 15 years of work as a mental health professional in community healthcare. My personality and approach can be described as empathic, positive, and encouraging. I like to create a comfortable space that is client centered and maintains an open mind for whatever you would like to bring to your session together. I take an affirming and supportive approach to assessing your individualized needs. It's my hope that my clients see themselves on a fulfilling journey together as I guide you to discover a path to meeting your goals.
Other common areas I work in include, marital conflict, divorce, and infidelity, self esteem, sleep and insomnia, bipolar disorder, and dual diagnosis.
I work primarily with adult populations, and have experience with a variety of clientele coming from over 15 years of work as a mental health professional in community healthcare. My personality and approach can be described as empathic, positive, and encouraging. I like to create a comfortable space that is client centered and maintains an open mind for whatever you would like to bring to your session together. I take an affirming and supportive approach to assessing your individualized needs. It's my hope that my clients see themselves on a fulfilling journey together as I guide you to discover a path to meeting your goals.
(732) 475-0043 View (732) 475-0043
Photo of Jennifer Dunzelman, MA, LPC, LCADC, ACS, CCS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jennifer Dunzelman
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LCADC, ACS, CCS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Audubon, NJ 08106
I believe everyone can benefit from the help of a Therapist. I hope to support you get through life’s struggles. I have 20+ years experience helping adults with Bipolar, Depression, Anxiety, Grief, Life transitions, Divorce, Relationships, PTSD, Trauma, Adult ADHD/ADD, LGBTQ community, clients & family, Stress, Decluttering, Hoarding, Self esteem, Co-dependency, Addiction: Food, Gambling, Shopping, Internet. I have a passion for working with individuals that want to reduce clutter in their home as it is highly correlated with depression, anxiety and grief. I also enjoy working with other Therapists or helping professions.
I believe everyone can benefit from the help of a Therapist. I hope to support you get through life’s struggles. I have 20+ years experience helping adults with Bipolar, Depression, Anxiety, Grief, Life transitions, Divorce, Relationships, PTSD, Trauma, Adult ADHD/ADD, LGBTQ community, clients & family, Stress, Decluttering, Hoarding, Self esteem, Co-dependency, Addiction: Food, Gambling, Shopping, Internet. I have a passion for working with individuals that want to reduce clutter in their home as it is highly correlated with depression, anxiety and grief. I also enjoy working with other Therapists or helping professions.
(609) 201-1308 View (609) 201-1308
Photo of Ansimon Rezk, MA, LPC
Ansimon Rezk
MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Cliffside Park, NJ 07010  (Online Only)
If you are a person experiencing interpersonal conflicts and/or mental health diagnoses, such as, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, personality disorders and a variety of other diagnoses. I can be of great assistance to you. I believe that everyone deserves the best quality of life. I will work with individuals, couples, and families to develop a tailored treatment plan designed to provide a healthy lifestyle through effective healthy coping skills that we will work on together. Our sessions will be focused on achieving client's objectives, improving quality of life, easing day to day interactions and healthy lifestyle.
If you are a person experiencing interpersonal conflicts and/or mental health diagnoses, such as, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, personality disorders and a variety of other diagnoses. I can be of great assistance to you. I believe that everyone deserves the best quality of life. I will work with individuals, couples, and families to develop a tailored treatment plan designed to provide a healthy lifestyle through effective healthy coping skills that we will work on together. Our sessions will be focused on achieving client's objectives, improving quality of life, easing day to day interactions and healthy lifestyle.
(973) 798-1904 View (973) 798-1904
Photo of DeAnn Mishler Couples Individuals Yoga Group, LCSW, MSW, C-IAYT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
DeAnn Mishler Couples Individuals Yoga Group
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW, C-IAYT
Verified Verified
Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
Hello, I am glad your here! Welcome to your One Life. I would be honored to be a part. I am a Licensed Master level Clinical Social Worker and Certified Yoga Therapist. I specialize in DBT, CBT, anxiety/depression, bipolar disorder, trauma, C-PTSD, addiction recovery, and fear. I have additional certification in domestic violence and sexual assault. I also work with grief and loss, divorce and couples seeking to mend and/or reconnect. I am experienced with the 12 Step philosophy that aligns with my mindfulness-based approach to recovery. I am a Certified Yoga therapist and bring the body into somatic treatment using Yoga as therapy.
Hello, I am glad your here! Welcome to your One Life. I would be honored to be a part. I am a Licensed Master level Clinical Social Worker and Certified Yoga Therapist. I specialize in DBT, CBT, anxiety/depression, bipolar disorder, trauma, C-PTSD, addiction recovery, and fear. I have additional certification in domestic violence and sexual assault. I also work with grief and loss, divorce and couples seeking to mend and/or reconnect. I am experienced with the 12 Step philosophy that aligns with my mindfulness-based approach to recovery. I am a Certified Yoga therapist and bring the body into somatic treatment using Yoga as therapy.
(609) 354-5632 View (609) 354-5632
Photo of Eveliz Ivette Robles, MS, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Eveliz Ivette Robles
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
Specialty areas include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, general mood disorders post-traumatic stress disorder, borderline personality disorder, paranoid personality disorder, and attention deficit hyperactive disorder.
Now accepting new clients // Weekdays and evening appointments available. I strive to bring an effective blend of experience, expertise, clarity, concern and action to the counseling process in order to maximize outcomes and provide genuine healing and wholeness to individuals, children and families. **I am fluent in Spanish** Me esfuerzo por aportar una combinación eficaz de experiencia, pericia, claridad, preocupación y acción al proceso de asesoramiento para maximizar los resultados y brindar sanación genuina y plenitud a las personas, los niños y las familias. // I am trained to conduct effective immigration evaluations.
Specialty areas include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, general mood disorders post-traumatic stress disorder, borderline personality disorder, paranoid personality disorder, and attention deficit hyperactive disorder.
Now accepting new clients // Weekdays and evening appointments available. I strive to bring an effective blend of experience, expertise, clarity, concern and action to the counseling process in order to maximize outcomes and provide genuine healing and wholeness to individuals, children and families. **I am fluent in Spanish** Me esfuerzo por aportar una combinación eficaz de experiencia, pericia, claridad, preocupación y acción al proceso de asesoramiento para maximizar los resultados y brindar sanación genuina y plenitud a las personas, los niños y las familias. // I am trained to conduct effective immigration evaluations.
(609) 745-0851 View (609) 745-0851
Photo of Allyce M Baron, MA, LPC, ACS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Allyce M Baron
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, ACS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mount Laurel, NJ 08054
I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, bipolar, PTSD, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, and complex trauma.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had such an enormous impact on how we live our daily lives. In my experience throughout this time, not only are we faced with horrendous grief and loss to the virus, many of the underlying mental health issues that were present prior to the pandemic, have now risen to the surface and been causing all sorts of havoc. If you are experiencing increased anxiety, depression, struggling with financial hardship, substance abuse or coping with past trauma, therapy is a place to start on the road to learning to cope with this life we are given and this situation we have been forced to persevere through.
I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, bipolar, PTSD, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, and complex trauma.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had such an enormous impact on how we live our daily lives. In my experience throughout this time, not only are we faced with horrendous grief and loss to the virus, many of the underlying mental health issues that were present prior to the pandemic, have now risen to the surface and been causing all sorts of havoc. If you are experiencing increased anxiety, depression, struggling with financial hardship, substance abuse or coping with past trauma, therapy is a place to start on the road to learning to cope with this life we are given and this situation we have been forced to persevere through.
(856) 258-7350 View (856) 258-7350
Photo of Tyisha Gaskin - Footprints to Feel Better, Pre-Licensed Professional
Footprints to Feel Better
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
Orange, NJ 07051
We work with depression, anxiety, bipolar, PTSD, eating disorders, bereavement, BPD, autism, ADHD, addiction, sexual abuse, DV, medical illnesses, relationship problems, LGTBQ+, adjustment disorders and forensic cases.
Footprints was started by a therapist who realized that often times the services provided to low socio-economic communities is lacking quality care. We noticed these communities were confronted with long wait times, disrespectful admins, and subpar treatment. The one and only purpose was to exploit the community for profit without providing the level of care deserved. Feel Better Therapy began from the inspiration to provide quality mental health care to the poorest of communities and treating the clients of this community the same way a rich patient would be treated in a clinic treating affluent clients.
We work with depression, anxiety, bipolar, PTSD, eating disorders, bereavement, BPD, autism, ADHD, addiction, sexual abuse, DV, medical illnesses, relationship problems, LGTBQ+, adjustment disorders and forensic cases.
Footprints was started by a therapist who realized that often times the services provided to low socio-economic communities is lacking quality care. We noticed these communities were confronted with long wait times, disrespectful admins, and subpar treatment. The one and only purpose was to exploit the community for profit without providing the level of care deserved. Feel Better Therapy began from the inspiration to provide quality mental health care to the poorest of communities and treating the clients of this community the same way a rich patient would be treated in a clinic treating affluent clients.
(646) 204-2295 View (646) 204-2295
Photo of Sabrina Bounader - Cognitive Change, MS, NCC, LAC, Counselor
Cognitive Change
Counselor, MS, NCC, LAC
Verified Verified
Florham Park, NJ 07932  (Online Only)
Hey there! I am Sabrina, a passionate and experienced counselor dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges. With a background in Psychology and Sociology and a master’s degree in Community and Trauma Counseling, I bring a compassionate and non-judgemental approach to my work. I have experience assisting young adult, adult, and geriatric age groups who have struggled with symptoms of depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, anger, addictions, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. I take pride in advocating and working with the LGBTQIA+ community.
Hey there! I am Sabrina, a passionate and experienced counselor dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges. With a background in Psychology and Sociology and a master’s degree in Community and Trauma Counseling, I bring a compassionate and non-judgemental approach to my work. I have experience assisting young adult, adult, and geriatric age groups who have struggled with symptoms of depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, anger, addictions, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. I take pride in advocating and working with the LGBTQIA+ community.
(973) 547-1388 View (973) 547-1388
Photo of Tiffany Scott, LPC, MAC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Tiffany Scott
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MAC
Verified Verified
Millville, NJ 08332  (Online Only)
I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, grief/loss, relationship issues, co-ocurring disorders, and addiction.
Have you been experiencing anxiety and depression related to heartbreak, financial difficulties, or loss of a loved one? Have you been feeling stressed and not like yourself lately? I can help you address these issues. I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) and master addiction counselor (MAC) in Georgia and NJ. I have over a decade of experience providing counseling services. I believe in treating anyone with respect and compassion. I provide an open and honest environment.
I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, grief/loss, relationship issues, co-ocurring disorders, and addiction.
Have you been experiencing anxiety and depression related to heartbreak, financial difficulties, or loss of a loved one? Have you been feeling stressed and not like yourself lately? I can help you address these issues. I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) and master addiction counselor (MAC) in Georgia and NJ. I have over a decade of experience providing counseling services. I believe in treating anyone with respect and compassion. I provide an open and honest environment.
(470) 570-3203 View (470) 570-3203
Photo of Nina Garland - Footprints to Feel Better, Licensed Professional Counselor
Footprints to Feel Better
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
Hewitt, NJ 07421
We work with depression, anxiety, bipolar, PTSD, eating disorders, bereavement, borderline, autism, ADHD, addiction, sexual abuse, DV, medical illnesses, relationship problems, LGTBQ+, adjustment disorders and forensic cases.
Footprints was started by a therapist who realized that often times the services provided to low socio-economic communities is lacking quality care. We noticed these communities were confronted with long wait times, disrespectful admins, and subpar treatment. The one and only purpose was to exploit the community for profit without providing the level of care deserved. Footprints began from the inspiration to provide quality mental health care to the poorest of communities and treating the clients of this community the same way a rich patient would be treated in a clinic treating affluent clients.
We work with depression, anxiety, bipolar, PTSD, eating disorders, bereavement, borderline, autism, ADHD, addiction, sexual abuse, DV, medical illnesses, relationship problems, LGTBQ+, adjustment disorders and forensic cases.
Footprints was started by a therapist who realized that often times the services provided to low socio-economic communities is lacking quality care. We noticed these communities were confronted with long wait times, disrespectful admins, and subpar treatment. The one and only purpose was to exploit the community for profit without providing the level of care deserved. Footprints began from the inspiration to provide quality mental health care to the poorest of communities and treating the clients of this community the same way a rich patient would be treated in a clinic treating affluent clients.
(646) 204-2295 View (646) 204-2295
Photo of Karen Kerr, LPC, LCADC, ACS, SAP, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Karen Kerr
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LCADC, ACS, SAP, NCC
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Northfield, NJ 08225
Accepting new clients! Early evening appointment slots open as well as some availability on Saturdays. During difficult times, if you're feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, grief, substance abuse, anger, relationship issues or just negative thoughts and feelings - don't feel alone. I'm here to offer support and help problem solve your way to a better life! My approach is grounded in practical skills that's direct yet empowering; helping you develop insight and motivation. With a directive/ solution focus type of therapy, most clients experience quick results! Start the journey towards a happier future.
Accepting new clients! Early evening appointment slots open as well as some availability on Saturdays. During difficult times, if you're feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, grief, substance abuse, anger, relationship issues or just negative thoughts and feelings - don't feel alone. I'm here to offer support and help problem solve your way to a better life! My approach is grounded in practical skills that's direct yet empowering; helping you develop insight and motivation. With a directive/ solution focus type of therapy, most clients experience quick results! Start the journey towards a happier future.
(609) 256-6447 View (609) 256-6447
Photo of Earl Lewis - Motivate Your Mental, DBH, EdS, MA, LPC, LMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Motivate Your Mental
Licensed Professional Counselor, DBH, EdS, MA, LPC, LMHC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Lumberton, NJ 08048  (Online Only)
Feeling down? Feeling Anxious? Want to feel Motivated? Need to be better disciplined? Do you wish things could go back to the way they were? I know it takes some courage for you to enter therapy. I admire your courage and can help you identify the solutions to help you feel that motivation to get your life back on track. You want you to feel that excitement, energy and zest for life again. I can help. It's time to get to work and get the life you want. Let's finally accomplish the goals you want for yourself.
Feeling down? Feeling Anxious? Want to feel Motivated? Need to be better disciplined? Do you wish things could go back to the way they were? I know it takes some courage for you to enter therapy. I admire your courage and can help you identify the solutions to help you feel that motivation to get your life back on track. You want you to feel that excitement, energy and zest for life again. I can help. It's time to get to work and get the life you want. Let's finally accomplish the goals you want for yourself.
(856) 348-5613 View (856) 348-5613
Photo of Jan Rosenstein Lcsw Specialist, MSW, LCSW, CBT, Teen, Trauma, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jan Rosenstein Lcsw Specialist
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CBT, Teen, Trauma
Verified Verified
Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
Hello and welcome to my friendly non judgmental practice. I provide relief from worry and anxiety, obsessive negative thoughts, and moods of depression. I will teach you how to be happy. You will develop timeless skills to eliminate panic attacks, struggles with low self-esteem, resentments, and debilitating anger. My practice offers: DBT/CBT, Concierge 24/7 (fee), behavioral modification, marriage counseling, family counseling, social skills training, life coaching, and medication management together with your prescriber when requested. I am a Child, Adolescent and Teen Crisis Specialist, and Certified Clinical Supervisor.
Hello and welcome to my friendly non judgmental practice. I provide relief from worry and anxiety, obsessive negative thoughts, and moods of depression. I will teach you how to be happy. You will develop timeless skills to eliminate panic attacks, struggles with low self-esteem, resentments, and debilitating anger. My practice offers: DBT/CBT, Concierge 24/7 (fee), behavioral modification, marriage counseling, family counseling, social skills training, life coaching, and medication management together with your prescriber when requested. I am a Child, Adolescent and Teen Crisis Specialist, and Certified Clinical Supervisor.
(856) 619-7016 View (856) 619-7016
Photo of Diana Cofsky, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Diana Cofsky
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Cranford, NJ 07016
I am a licensed professional counselor that has been working in behavioral health for over 20 years. I am a lifelong resident of South Jersey and obtained my Bachelors and Masters degrees from La Salle University in Philadelphia.
I am a licensed professional counselor that has been working in behavioral health for over 20 years. I am a lifelong resident of South Jersey and obtained my Bachelors and Masters degrees from La Salle University in Philadelphia.
(908) 460-8341 View (908) 460-8341
Photo of Shani Muhammad, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Shani Muhammad
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Marlton, NJ 08053  (Online Only)
If you find yourself with challenges that you desire to navigate successfully through, then you are in the right place! I believe, "without a struggle there can be no progress" as stated by the late Fredrick Douglass. My ideal client is someone who is looking to gain better inward insight and improve the skills he/she already has while discovering new ones.
If you find yourself with challenges that you desire to navigate successfully through, then you are in the right place! I believe, "without a struggle there can be no progress" as stated by the late Fredrick Douglass. My ideal client is someone who is looking to gain better inward insight and improve the skills he/she already has while discovering new ones.
(609) 256-4898 View (609) 256-4898
Photo of Sharon L Roberts, MA, LPC, LCADC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Sharon L Roberts
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LCADC
Verified Verified
Voorhees, NJ 08043
Day to day life wearing you down? Stress, anxiety and depression weighing on your every movement? Sometimes things get past us and before we know it our mind, body and spirit are no longer aligned. Similar to physical health, our emotional health benefits from on-going maintenance. I believe we all have the potential to make positive improvements in our lives. I can offer encouragement, support and assistance in a non-judgmental environment. I can guide you in developing feelings of confidence and empowerment in a safe and supportive environment, by assisting to develop a plan to achieve your goals for personal happiness and growth.
Day to day life wearing you down? Stress, anxiety and depression weighing on your every movement? Sometimes things get past us and before we know it our mind, body and spirit are no longer aligned. Similar to physical health, our emotional health benefits from on-going maintenance. I believe we all have the potential to make positive improvements in our lives. I can offer encouragement, support and assistance in a non-judgmental environment. I can guide you in developing feelings of confidence and empowerment in a safe and supportive environment, by assisting to develop a plan to achieve your goals for personal happiness and growth.
(856) 446-3774 View (856) 446-3774

See more therapy options for Barnegat

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.