Bipolar Disorder Therapists in Cliffside Park, NJ

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 Colleen Makowsky, MA, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Colleen Makowsky
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Cliffside Park, NJ 07010  (Online Only)
Do you feel sad, misunderstood, empty, stressed, unfulfilled, or overwhelmed? Do you wonder if you are on the right path? I help clients cope with challenges, strengthen relationships, recover from trauma, improve life functioning, connect with their values, and reach their potential. Depression, anxiety, uncertainty, substance abuse, self-esteem, eating disorders, and interpersonal turmoil can get in the way. I will listen to your unique situation and help you move through problems to reduce uncomfortable feelings and explore life’s possibilities.
Do you feel sad, misunderstood, empty, stressed, unfulfilled, or overwhelmed? Do you wonder if you are on the right path? I help clients cope with challenges, strengthen relationships, recover from trauma, improve life functioning, connect with their values, and reach their potential. Depression, anxiety, uncertainty, substance abuse, self-esteem, eating disorders, and interpersonal turmoil can get in the way. I will listen to your unique situation and help you move through problems to reduce uncomfortable feelings and explore life’s possibilities.
(551) 305-3742 View (551) 305-3742
Photo of Winifred Odriscoll, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Winifred Odriscoll
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Cliffside Park, NJ 07010
Therapy can be viewed as a Journey to Self -Actualization and can be a very exciting journey. Whether the challenges present as Debilitating Depression, Addictions and/ or Limiting beliefs: that have developed with the worst one being "something is wrong with me"! To paralyzing Anxiety and Panic Attacks that move one to seek out relief in a variety of dysfunctional ways.
Therapy can be viewed as a Journey to Self -Actualization and can be a very exciting journey. Whether the challenges present as Debilitating Depression, Addictions and/ or Limiting beliefs: that have developed with the worst one being "something is wrong with me"! To paralyzing Anxiety and Panic Attacks that move one to seek out relief in a variety of dysfunctional ways.
(201) 482-3661 View (201) 482-3661
Photo of Leyla Mata - True Balance Wellness Group, MA, EdM, LPC, Counselor
True Balance Wellness Group
Counselor, MA, EdM, LPC
Verified Verified
Cliffside Park, NJ 07010  (Online Only)
A famous greek philosopher once said "Nothing endures but change." As your therapist, I provide comfort and professional guidance throughout your everchanging journey. I believe that therapy consists of a collaboration of effort between both the therapist and the client. I work diligently to foster trust in the therapeutic relationship while proactively guiding you on your path to healing and increased understanding.
A famous greek philosopher once said "Nothing endures but change." As your therapist, I provide comfort and professional guidance throughout your everchanging journey. I believe that therapy consists of a collaboration of effort between both the therapist and the client. I work diligently to foster trust in the therapeutic relationship while proactively guiding you on your path to healing and increased understanding.
(201) 987-7164 View (201) 987-7164
Photo of Tracy Sandoval (Mitchell), LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Tracy Sandoval (Mitchell)
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Cliffside Park, NJ 07010  (Online Only)
As humans, we are very social creatures and our social interactions impact every aspect of our lives. When working with clients that struggle with interpersonal relationships, I often notice that these clients have deep attachment wounds that stem from trauma. These attachment wounds affect current functioning and relationships. In session, we will discuss ways you can set boundaries and feel a sense of safety and confidence within your romantic relationships, family structures, communities, and inner world.
As humans, we are very social creatures and our social interactions impact every aspect of our lives. When working with clients that struggle with interpersonal relationships, I often notice that these clients have deep attachment wounds that stem from trauma. These attachment wounds affect current functioning and relationships. In session, we will discuss ways you can set boundaries and feel a sense of safety and confidence within your romantic relationships, family structures, communities, and inner world.
(862) 500-3242 View (862) 500-3242
Photo of Diane D’Agostino, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Diane D’Agostino
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Cliffside Park, NJ 07010  (Online Only)
Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience working with individuals and families. I currently work with adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma and other challenges that are preventing them from living their best life.
Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience working with individuals and families. I currently work with adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma and other challenges that are preventing them from living their best life.
(856) 485-3839 View (856) 485-3839
Photo of Alexa Pantano, LMHC, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Alexa Pantano
Licensed Professional Counselor, LMHC, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cliffside Park, NJ 07010  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
My main focus is to provide a safe environment for my clients to explore their struggles, while simultaneously discovering their strengths and potential. Dependability, commitment, honesty, humor, and compassion are values that define who I am personally and professionally. My hope is that these values are reflected within the work that I do with my clients and the ways in which I maintain my practice. I consider these values to be standards that help to guide and influence the therapeutic relationship.
My main focus is to provide a safe environment for my clients to explore their struggles, while simultaneously discovering their strengths and potential. Dependability, commitment, honesty, humor, and compassion are values that define who I am personally and professionally. My hope is that these values are reflected within the work that I do with my clients and the ways in which I maintain my practice. I consider these values to be standards that help to guide and influence the therapeutic relationship.
(201) 720-4259 View (201) 720-4259

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Victoria Garofalo, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Victoria Garofalo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
North Bergen, NJ 07047  (Online Only)
I have helped countless individuals overcome difficulties that have prevented them from enjoying their lives. I am truly fulfilled by this work and am grateful for every opportunity I am given to make an impact. I utilize a mix of humor and empathy in sessions and aim to empower my clients. I take my clients' lead as to whether they prefer a more passive, listening approach or if they want to set goals and complete weekly homework. I have 17 years of experience helping adults with depression, anxiety, phobias, OCD, addiction, and Bipolar Disorder, among other conditions.
I have helped countless individuals overcome difficulties that have prevented them from enjoying their lives. I am truly fulfilled by this work and am grateful for every opportunity I am given to make an impact. I utilize a mix of humor and empathy in sessions and aim to empower my clients. I take my clients' lead as to whether they prefer a more passive, listening approach or if they want to set goals and complete weekly homework. I have 17 years of experience helping adults with depression, anxiety, phobias, OCD, addiction, and Bipolar Disorder, among other conditions.
(201) 597-0945 View (201) 597-0945
Photo of Stephanie Palmer McMahon, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Stephanie Palmer McMahon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
North Bergen, NJ 07047  (Online Only)
I am a licensed clinical social worker practicing for over 25 years in the field of behavioral healthcare. I am a Rutgers University graduate who works in both a private practice and a hospital setting. I am often sought out by EMS, police, firefighters, and healthcare staff for my knowledge in the field of emergencies and PTSD related to work exposures, as well as chronic illness and traumatic injuries. My scope of practice includes helping people with depression, anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, and chronic mental illness, as well as family and relationship issues, work stress, and loss.
I am a licensed clinical social worker practicing for over 25 years in the field of behavioral healthcare. I am a Rutgers University graduate who works in both a private practice and a hospital setting. I am often sought out by EMS, police, firefighters, and healthcare staff for my knowledge in the field of emergencies and PTSD related to work exposures, as well as chronic illness and traumatic injuries. My scope of practice includes helping people with depression, anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, and chronic mental illness, as well as family and relationship issues, work stress, and loss.
(551) 310-3797 View (551) 310-3797
Photo of Edward Dovlatyan, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Edward Dovlatyan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Edgewater, NJ 07020
Hi there! My name is Edward and I specialize in helping individuals and families overcome difficult life transitions and establish fulfilling lifestyles. My clinical experience has been rooted extensively in both school and hospital settings, helping clients suffering with a range of issues from Anxiety and Low Self-Esteem, to Major Depression and Bipolar Disorder. I obtained my Master's in Social Work, graduating from Rutgers at the top of my class, certified in Crisis Intervention and have had the privilege of learning under the tutelage of mentors from Princeton and Columbia University.
Hi there! My name is Edward and I specialize in helping individuals and families overcome difficult life transitions and establish fulfilling lifestyles. My clinical experience has been rooted extensively in both school and hospital settings, helping clients suffering with a range of issues from Anxiety and Low Self-Esteem, to Major Depression and Bipolar Disorder. I obtained my Master's in Social Work, graduating from Rutgers at the top of my class, certified in Crisis Intervention and have had the privilege of learning under the tutelage of mentors from Princeton and Columbia University.
(973) 846-9306 View (973) 846-9306
Photo of Lina Mendez - Footprints to Feel Better, LMHC, Pre-Licensed Professional
Footprints to Feel Better
Pre-Licensed Professional, LMHC
Verified Verified
Leonia, NJ 07605
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.
Rize-Up Together was started by three women of The Bronx who realized that often times the services provided to low socio-economic communities is lacking quality care. We noticed these communities where 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. Rize-Up Together 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.
Rize-Up Together was started by three women of The Bronx who realized that often times the services provided to low socio-economic communities is lacking quality care. We noticed these communities where 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. Rize-Up Together 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.
(718) 550-8535 View (718) 550-8535
Photo of Susan S. Turkenkopf - Susan S. Turkenkopf, MSW, LCSW, CGP, MSW, LCSW, CGP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Susan S. Turkenkopf, MSW, LCSW, CGP
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CGP
Verified Verified
Fort Lee, NJ 07024  (Online Only)
I, Susan S. Turkenkopf, MSW, LCSW, CGP, deal with the following issues and symptoms in my Private Practice: ADHD, Asperger's Syndrome, Eating Disorders/Body Image, Internet/Online Problems, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Adolescent-Parent/Authority Difficulties, School Phobia/School Refusal/Separation, Learning Disabilities, Self-Esteem/Confidence,Gay/Lesbian/Gender/SexualityDivorce/Marital Issues, Bipolar Disorder, Anger Management, Social Anxiety, Substance Abuse Depression/Anxiety/Panic Disorder, Separation Anxiety Disdorder, Personality Disorders, Sleep Issues, Smoking/Addictions, Available Weekends COVID low fee available
I, Susan S. Turkenkopf, MSW, LCSW, CGP, deal with the following issues and symptoms in my Private Practice: ADHD, Asperger's Syndrome, Eating Disorders/Body Image, Internet/Online Problems, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Adolescent-Parent/Authority Difficulties, School Phobia/School Refusal/Separation, Learning Disabilities, Self-Esteem/Confidence,Gay/Lesbian/Gender/SexualityDivorce/Marital Issues, Bipolar Disorder, Anger Management, Social Anxiety, Substance Abuse Depression/Anxiety/Panic Disorder, Separation Anxiety Disdorder, Personality Disorders, Sleep Issues, Smoking/Addictions, Available Weekends COVID low fee available
(551) 209-3661 View (551) 209-3661
Photo of Andrey Rusetskiy - Insight.inc, MS, LMSW
Insight.inc
MS, LMSW
Verified Verified
Guttenberg, NJ 07093  (Online Only)
In treatment of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, relationship issues and other problems, I use psychodynamic approach, CBT, Transactional Analysis,Existential and Gestalt therapy approaches.
During my 35 years of professional experience in the field of psychology i worked with the small groups under extreme conditions in the expeditions, performed forensic psychological services in Russian prisons and research in the airport, provided counseling services in family psychology and maladaptation. In America my major focus for the past 15 years is on on individual and couple therapy
In treatment of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, relationship issues and other problems, I use psychodynamic approach, CBT, Transactional Analysis,Existential and Gestalt therapy approaches.
During my 35 years of professional experience in the field of psychology i worked with the small groups under extreme conditions in the expeditions, performed forensic psychological services in Russian prisons and research in the airport, provided counseling services in family psychology and maladaptation. In America my major focus for the past 15 years is on on individual and couple therapy
(732) 333-8630 View (732) 333-8630
Photo of Felipe A. Lau, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Felipe A. Lau
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
West New York, NJ 07093  (Online Only)
I have experience treating several mental health issues including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorders, PTSD, psychotic disorders, substance use disorders, grief and loss, and family and relationship stressors.
Hi, my name is Felipe, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I received my Master of Arts in Counseling from Montclair State University with a concentration in Community Counseling. I am a bilingual therapist and can conduct therapy sessions in English and Spanish. I have 15 years of experience as a mental health professional with the opportunity to work with various ages and backgrounds in different clinical settings. I have experience providing individual therapy and use a person-centered approach. I utilize concepts and tools from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Therapy.
I have experience treating several mental health issues including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorders, PTSD, psychotic disorders, substance use disorders, grief and loss, and family and relationship stressors.
Hi, my name is Felipe, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I received my Master of Arts in Counseling from Montclair State University with a concentration in Community Counseling. I am a bilingual therapist and can conduct therapy sessions in English and Spanish. I have 15 years of experience as a mental health professional with the opportunity to work with various ages and backgrounds in different clinical settings. I have experience providing individual therapy and use a person-centered approach. I utilize concepts and tools from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Therapy.
(973) 490-4787 View (973) 490-4787
Photo of Mark Alan Zilberman, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Mark Alan Zilberman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
North Bergen, NJ 07047  (Online Only)
I work with adults and adolescents facing difficulties and/or wanting to better their lives from the inside out. I am assisting you to find the irrational thoughts that cause problematic moods.. Sessions are collaborative, interesting, challenging.... I have extensive experience working with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, substance abuse, grief and loss, stress management and work/career issues.
I work with adults and adolescents facing difficulties and/or wanting to better their lives from the inside out. I am assisting you to find the irrational thoughts that cause problematic moods.. Sessions are collaborative, interesting, challenging.... I have extensive experience working with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, substance abuse, grief and loss, stress management and work/career issues.
(201) 357-6657 View (201) 357-6657
Photo of Therese Reseska, LPC, Counselor
Therese Reseska
Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
North Bergen, NJ 07047  (Online Only)
My experience includes work with adult clients who have difficulty with substance abuse issues; individuals who have experienced a traumatic event in their lives; young adults who are experiencing a first episode of psychosis; individuals who suffer from persistent mental illness such as Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder; and college students.
Therapy is a multi-faceted process that involves increasing self-awareness and problem-solving. The process is enhanced by active engagement between a client and a therapist, who build a collaborative and trusting relationship. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Clinical and Alcohol Drug Counselor (LCADC) in the state of New Jersey, and I have over 20+ years of experience as a Mental Health Clinician within a local community mental health agency in central NJ. I help individuals resolve problems and transform patterns of feeling, thinking, and behavior, so they can create a life that is more fulfilling.
My experience includes work with adult clients who have difficulty with substance abuse issues; individuals who have experienced a traumatic event in their lives; young adults who are experiencing a first episode of psychosis; individuals who suffer from persistent mental illness such as Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder; and college students.
Therapy is a multi-faceted process that involves increasing self-awareness and problem-solving. The process is enhanced by active engagement between a client and a therapist, who build a collaborative and trusting relationship. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Clinical and Alcohol Drug Counselor (LCADC) in the state of New Jersey, and I have over 20+ years of experience as a Mental Health Clinician within a local community mental health agency in central NJ. I help individuals resolve problems and transform patterns of feeling, thinking, and behavior, so they can create a life that is more fulfilling.
(201) 350-1621 View (201) 350-1621
Photo of Felipe Lau, LPC, Counselor
Felipe Lau
Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
North Bergen, NJ 07047  (Online Only)
I have experience treating several mental health issues including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorders, PTSD, psychotic disorders, substance use disorders, grief and loss, and family and relationship stressors.
I believe in building a trusting relationship that leads to the empowerment of my clients. In our work together, my priority is for you to feel safe in being yourself and expressing your experiences. I have experience providing bilingual (English and Spanish) individual therapy and use a person-centered approach when working with clients. I am passionate about normalizing mental health treatment and I believe that access to mental health care is a right and not a privilege.
I have experience treating several mental health issues including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorders, PTSD, psychotic disorders, substance use disorders, grief and loss, and family and relationship stressors.
I believe in building a trusting relationship that leads to the empowerment of my clients. In our work together, my priority is for you to feel safe in being yourself and expressing your experiences. I have experience providing bilingual (English and Spanish) individual therapy and use a person-centered approach when working with clients. I am passionate about normalizing mental health treatment and I believe that access to mental health care is a right and not a privilege.
(201) 500-3665 View (201) 500-3665
Photo of Samuel Eli Menahem, PhD, Psychologist
Samuel Eli Menahem
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fort Lee, NJ 07024
I have a Spiritual/psychological approach. See my new book, "The Great Cosmic Lesson Plan."I believe we are all connected to each other via a higher power.thus-there is a constant mind body spirit interplay-through which we create our lives. I integrate cognitive therapy, meditation, hypnosis, prayer and humor into the therapy. all human beings have "issues." We all have some guilt, anger and fear. The essence of therapy is learning how to "let go," enabling us to become happier. we are more attuned to the higher power. My ideal client would be open to letting go.
I have a Spiritual/psychological approach. See my new book, "The Great Cosmic Lesson Plan."I believe we are all connected to each other via a higher power.thus-there is a constant mind body spirit interplay-through which we create our lives. I integrate cognitive therapy, meditation, hypnosis, prayer and humor into the therapy. all human beings have "issues." We all have some guilt, anger and fear. The essence of therapy is learning how to "let go," enabling us to become happier. we are more attuned to the higher power. My ideal client would be open to letting go.
(201) 345-4690 View (201) 345-4690
Photo of Connie Stofko, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Connie Stofko
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
North Bergen, NJ 07047  (Online Only)
I am licensed in New Jersey with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience helping clients with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I work with couples to repair trust, improve communication, and strengthen their emotional intimacy with each other. I utilize Mindfulness Based therapy to help individuals improve your mental wellbeing. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with individuals to help clients identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts and to learn practical self-help strategies.
I am licensed in New Jersey with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience helping clients with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I work with couples to repair trust, improve communication, and strengthen their emotional intimacy with each other. I utilize Mindfulness Based therapy to help individuals improve your mental wellbeing. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with individuals to help clients identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts and to learn practical self-help strategies.
(201) 977-6937 View (201) 977-6937
Photo of Melissa Charfadi, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Melissa Charfadi
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
North Bergen, NJ 07047  (Online Only)
I have worked with a very diverse group of people throughout my career as I have spent most of my career working, developing, and managing community mental health programs. I have extensive experience working with individuals with anxiety, depression, sexual identity issues, life transitions, burnout, stress management, personality disorders, mood disorders, psychosis, and trauma histories. I strive to empower people to see their full potential and worth through a client-centered, strength-based approach.
I have worked with a very diverse group of people throughout my career as I have spent most of my career working, developing, and managing community mental health programs. I have extensive experience working with individuals with anxiety, depression, sexual identity issues, life transitions, burnout, stress management, personality disorders, mood disorders, psychosis, and trauma histories. I strive to empower people to see their full potential and worth through a client-centered, strength-based approach.
(201) 831-7234 View (201) 831-7234

See more therapy options for Cliffside Park

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.