Bipolar Disorder Therapists in Houston, TX

Photo of Kayla Meyertons, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kayla Meyertons
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Houston, TX 77056
Do you feel stuck? Do mood swings, anxiety, or depression dominate your days? I am here to help. Welcome. I am Kayla, a licensed master social worker practicing at the Ellie Mental Health Tanglewood location. I specialize in treating addiction, depression, anxiety, self-harm, suicidal ideation, bipolar and borderline personality disorder. Together, we will generate a safe, nonjudgmental space to break free from limiting patterns and ideas that may rule your present-day life.
Do you feel stuck? Do mood swings, anxiety, or depression dominate your days? I am here to help. Welcome. I am Kayla, a licensed master social worker practicing at the Ellie Mental Health Tanglewood location. I specialize in treating addiction, depression, anxiety, self-harm, suicidal ideation, bipolar and borderline personality disorder. Together, we will generate a safe, nonjudgmental space to break free from limiting patterns and ideas that may rule your present-day life.
(832) 400-6108 View (832) 400-6108
Photo of Ashley-Lauren Smith, BS, MS
Ashley-Lauren Smith
LPC-Associate, BS, MS
Verified Verified
Houston, TX 77055
Smith has a special interest in treating Bipolar Disorder, stress management, and coping skills.
Ashley-Lauren E. Smith is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate under the supervision of Henry M. Pittman, MA, LMFT, LPC-S, LCDC She assists individuals, couples, or families with general problem areas of distress such as self-esteem, stress management, toxic relationships, communication skills, codependency, problem-solving, depression, anxiety, anger, and other impulsive behaviors.
Smith has a special interest in treating Bipolar Disorder, stress management, and coping skills.
Ashley-Lauren E. Smith is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate under the supervision of Henry M. Pittman, MA, LMFT, LPC-S, LCDC She assists individuals, couples, or families with general problem areas of distress such as self-esteem, stress management, toxic relationships, communication skills, codependency, problem-solving, depression, anxiety, anger, and other impulsive behaviors.
(832) 219-1409 View (832) 219-1409
Photo of Jessica Zachary, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jessica Zachary
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Houston, TX 77006
Jessica specializes in helping adults with psychiatric issues including depression, bipolar illness, anxiety disorders, addiction, and relationship issues. Jessica helps each clients to feel seen and heard in therapy, co-creating a transformational experience that undoes feelings of aloneness and suffering in their lives. She enjoys working with varied clients to first identify their goals and then work together to overcome emotional roadblocks to achieving their personal and professional happiness. Jessica can offer referals and collaborate with psychiatrists and other specialists to create a team invested in her client's growth.
Jessica specializes in helping adults with psychiatric issues including depression, bipolar illness, anxiety disorders, addiction, and relationship issues. Jessica helps each clients to feel seen and heard in therapy, co-creating a transformational experience that undoes feelings of aloneness and suffering in their lives. She enjoys working with varied clients to first identify their goals and then work together to overcome emotional roadblocks to achieving their personal and professional happiness. Jessica can offer referals and collaborate with psychiatrists and other specialists to create a team invested in her client's growth.
(832) 479-1772 View (832) 479-1772
Photo of Sophia Creede, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sophia Creede
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Houston, TX 77002  (Online Only)
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I bring a wealth of expertise to the therapeutic space. I earned my Bachelor's in Psychology from the esteemed University of Texas at Austin and furthered my education with a Master's in Social Work from the University of Houston. My professional journey has encompassed working with diverse populations facing a spectrum of challenges, including individuals navigating trauma, chronic health conditions, LGBTIQA+, PTSD, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, and the complexities of reintegration after extended prison sentences.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I bring a wealth of expertise to the therapeutic space. I earned my Bachelor's in Psychology from the esteemed University of Texas at Austin and furthered my education with a Master's in Social Work from the University of Houston. My professional journey has encompassed working with diverse populations facing a spectrum of challenges, including individuals navigating trauma, chronic health conditions, LGBTIQA+, PTSD, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, and the complexities of reintegration after extended prison sentences.
(832) 346-7386 View (832) 346-7386
Photo of Danilo Novoa, MSSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Danilo Novoa
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Houston, TX 77006
I particularly specialize in the treatment of depression, bipolar disorders, anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, sexual compulsion, childhood trauma and self-esteem issues.
Welcome to my office building and my practice. I intend to convey a non-judgmental and non-pejorative attitude that is evident in the therapy process, regardless of the issues at hand. I use an integrative and individualized approach forming a therapeutic and productive partnership that best meets your needs.
I particularly specialize in the treatment of depression, bipolar disorders, anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, sexual compulsion, childhood trauma and self-esteem issues.
Welcome to my office building and my practice. I intend to convey a non-judgmental and non-pejorative attitude that is evident in the therapy process, regardless of the issues at hand. I use an integrative and individualized approach forming a therapeutic and productive partnership that best meets your needs.
(713) 992-5010 View (713) 992-5010
Photo of Kerry Adamek, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kerry Adamek
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Houston, TX 77084
Professional experience 10yrs in practice Stress, Anxiety Addictions Family conflicts Bipolar disorder Depression Additional areas of focus: Antisocial Personality, Autism and Asperger Syndrome, Blended Family Issues, Codependency, Dependent Personality, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD), Divorce and Separation, Domestic Violence, Drug and Alco.
I am licensed in Texas with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, family conflicts, & bipolar disorder. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Professional experience 10yrs in practice Stress, Anxiety Addictions Family conflicts Bipolar disorder Depression Additional areas of focus: Antisocial Personality, Autism and Asperger Syndrome, Blended Family Issues, Codependency, Dependent Personality, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD), Divorce and Separation, Domestic Violence, Drug and Alco.
I am licensed in Texas with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, family conflicts, & bipolar disorder. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
(903) 342-8307 View (903) 342-8307
Photo of Melissa E. Garrett-Moultrie, EdD, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Melissa E. Garrett-Moultrie
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdD, LPC
Verified Verified
Houston, TX 77095  (Online Only)
I have worked with adult clients with a range of concerns: bipolar disorder, impulse control disorders, marital discord, infidelity, fertility issues, substance abuse, anxiety, depression, postpartum depression, and grief.
I specialize in child, adolescent, and adult mental health services and have practiced in a variety of clinical settings throughout my career. These settings include inpatient acute care, outpatient community-based counseling centers, and schools. My experience also includes working with multicultural and diverse populations across all age groups. I have had the opportunity to work with families who have children on the Autism Spectrum as well as children/adolescents struggling with behavioral concerns and anger management issues. I have a passion for providing psychoeducation to individuals with mental health concerns.
I have worked with adult clients with a range of concerns: bipolar disorder, impulse control disorders, marital discord, infidelity, fertility issues, substance abuse, anxiety, depression, postpartum depression, and grief.
I specialize in child, adolescent, and adult mental health services and have practiced in a variety of clinical settings throughout my career. These settings include inpatient acute care, outpatient community-based counseling centers, and schools. My experience also includes working with multicultural and diverse populations across all age groups. I have had the opportunity to work with families who have children on the Autism Spectrum as well as children/adolescents struggling with behavioral concerns and anger management issues. I have a passion for providing psychoeducation to individuals with mental health concerns.
(832) 210-2619 View (832) 210-2619
Photo of Rebecca Furini, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Rebecca Furini
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Houston, TX 77072  (Online Only)
Hello. I’m Rebecca a licensed mental-health therapist with 18 years + experience. Overtime I developed skills working with clients in the areas of depression, anxiety, trauma, anger management, Bipolar Disorder and ADHD to name several. My 11 years spent working in a behavioral health clinic in the past included working clients age 4 to 65+ years with many different kinds of problems and situations and now I am very proud to be doing teletherapy on the Sondermind platform with adults and adolescent clients of various backgrounds and life situations. My educational background includes obtaining my MS from Texas Woman’s University.
Hello. I’m Rebecca a licensed mental-health therapist with 18 years + experience. Overtime I developed skills working with clients in the areas of depression, anxiety, trauma, anger management, Bipolar Disorder and ADHD to name several. My 11 years spent working in a behavioral health clinic in the past included working clients age 4 to 65+ years with many different kinds of problems and situations and now I am very proud to be doing teletherapy on the Sondermind platform with adults and adolescent clients of various backgrounds and life situations. My educational background includes obtaining my MS from Texas Woman’s University.
(737) 367-2556 View (737) 367-2556
Photo of Miguel de la Fuente, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Miguel de la Fuente
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Houston, TX 77073
Hello, my name is Miguel A. De La Fuente and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas. I have experience working with clients struggling with most mental health obstacles. These topics include Bipolar, borderline, depression, anxiety, and PTSD. As well as relationships, career guidance, and life struggles/changes. I have worked closely with adults 18 to 40 years old of all ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds. I am also a veteran and have been a fitness/life coach for over 20 years.
Hello, my name is Miguel A. De La Fuente and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas. I have experience working with clients struggling with most mental health obstacles. These topics include Bipolar, borderline, depression, anxiety, and PTSD. As well as relationships, career guidance, and life struggles/changes. I have worked closely with adults 18 to 40 years old of all ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds. I am also a veteran and have been a fitness/life coach for over 20 years.
(346) 517-8984 View (346) 517-8984
Photo of Yara Castillo, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Yara Castillo
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Houston, TX 77070  (Online Only)
I specialize in treating anxiety, life transitions, and Bipolar disorder.
I graduated from the University of Houston with an MEd in Counseling. I am passionate about helping others feel heard and validated. I have extensive experience working with populations with chronic mental illness. I have worked in inpatient hospital settings, partial hospitalization programs, intensive outpatient programs, and group and private practices. My style is Eclectic as I use a variety of therapeutic styles and interventions during sessions, such as Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Solution-Focused therapy, Mindfulness, Attachment-Based therapy and Strengths-Based therapy.
I specialize in treating anxiety, life transitions, and Bipolar disorder.
I graduated from the University of Houston with an MEd in Counseling. I am passionate about helping others feel heard and validated. I have extensive experience working with populations with chronic mental illness. I have worked in inpatient hospital settings, partial hospitalization programs, intensive outpatient programs, and group and private practices. My style is Eclectic as I use a variety of therapeutic styles and interventions during sessions, such as Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Solution-Focused therapy, Mindfulness, Attachment-Based therapy and Strengths-Based therapy.
(832) 219-8631 View (832) 219-8631
Photo of Ashlie Brown, MEd, LPC, SEP, CH, Licensed Professional Counselor
Ashlie Brown
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, SEP, CH
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Houston, TX 77056
I also have extensive experience in successfully treating anxiety, severe depression, bipolar disorder, and psychosis.
Are you trying your hardest to pull your life together, but the more you try, the more you feel lost, hopeless, and overwhelmed? It can seem like this merry-go-round of misery and frustration is never-ending, but a life of fulfillment and balance IS possible. You may not believe that right now, but I've seen it first-hand. And if you find a therapist you truly connect with and trust, you can actually begin to break apart what's been dragging you down so you can focus on what's most important to you in your life. Using CBT, EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, & hypnotherapy, I can help you clear the way so the REAL you can shine through.
I also have extensive experience in successfully treating anxiety, severe depression, bipolar disorder, and psychosis.
Are you trying your hardest to pull your life together, but the more you try, the more you feel lost, hopeless, and overwhelmed? It can seem like this merry-go-round of misery and frustration is never-ending, but a life of fulfillment and balance IS possible. You may not believe that right now, but I've seen it first-hand. And if you find a therapist you truly connect with and trust, you can actually begin to break apart what's been dragging you down so you can focus on what's most important to you in your life. Using CBT, EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, & hypnotherapy, I can help you clear the way so the REAL you can shine through.
(713) 766-5617 View (713) 766-5617
Photo of undefined - Austin City Family Practice and Mental Health , MD
Austin City Family Practice and Mental Health
MD
Not Verified Not Verified
Houston, TX 77010
Hello, I am a Board Certified Family Physician with an interest in Mental Health and Addiction Medicine. I have extensive experience managing Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, and certain Thought Disorders. I also enjoy treating Opioid Addiction with Suboxone. Many of my skills were developed at the Eastern Pennsylvania Institute and the Drexel Medical School. I will be prescribing antidepressants, anxiety medications, and medications for PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, Personality Disorders, and other. I will also share some of the principles I learned at the Institute for Rational Emotive Therapy in NYC.
Hello, I am a Board Certified Family Physician with an interest in Mental Health and Addiction Medicine. I have extensive experience managing Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, and certain Thought Disorders. I also enjoy treating Opioid Addiction with Suboxone. Many of my skills were developed at the Eastern Pennsylvania Institute and the Drexel Medical School. I will be prescribing antidepressants, anxiety medications, and medications for PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, Personality Disorders, and other. I will also share some of the principles I learned at the Institute for Rational Emotive Therapy in NYC.
(631) 540-1307 View (631) 540-1307
Photo of Yassmin Eldouh, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Yassmin Eldouh
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Houston, TX 77025  (Online Only)
Hello and welcome! My area of focus is providing culturally competent counseling to individuals of varying mental health difficulties. I work with clients with various presenting issues, including anxiety and depression, OCD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and addictions. In addition to being a licensed therapist, I am completing my PhD in counseling. My intersectional identities as an Arab-Asian woman from a Muslim background allows me to experience understanding and empathy for those from varying backgrounds and identities.
Hello and welcome! My area of focus is providing culturally competent counseling to individuals of varying mental health difficulties. I work with clients with various presenting issues, including anxiety and depression, OCD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and addictions. In addition to being a licensed therapist, I am completing my PhD in counseling. My intersectional identities as an Arab-Asian woman from a Muslim background allows me to experience understanding and empathy for those from varying backgrounds and identities.
(940) 329-2591 View (940) 329-2591
Photo of Taofeeq Awesu, LPC, Counselor
Taofeeq Awesu
Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Houston, TX 77002  (Online Only)
I counsel and develop treatment plan for individuals, couples and group for the treatment of various mental health disorders like Major Depressive Disorder, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Stress and Anger management, PTSD, Grief counseling and host of others.
I'm an empathic licensed professional mental health counselor with proven ability to work independently and collaboratively to at risk diverse population. My unique and diverse backgrounds couples with my multicultural experience helping in crisis intervention, suicide risk evaluation, diagnostic evaluation, psychometric testing, case documentation and biopsychosocial assessment. I work with my population using proven and evidenced based approaches. I am trauma-informed cognitive behavioral therapist with an advanced integrated therapies tailored to meet each client strengths and abilities.
I counsel and develop treatment plan for individuals, couples and group for the treatment of various mental health disorders like Major Depressive Disorder, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Stress and Anger management, PTSD, Grief counseling and host of others.
I'm an empathic licensed professional mental health counselor with proven ability to work independently and collaboratively to at risk diverse population. My unique and diverse backgrounds couples with my multicultural experience helping in crisis intervention, suicide risk evaluation, diagnostic evaluation, psychometric testing, case documentation and biopsychosocial assessment. I work with my population using proven and evidenced based approaches. I am trauma-informed cognitive behavioral therapist with an advanced integrated therapies tailored to meet each client strengths and abilities.
(210) 981-4273 View (210) 981-4273
Photo of Tiffany Juarez, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Tiffany Juarez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Houston, TX 77002
Tiffany treats conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, addiction, bipolar, and many other conditions.
Tiffany Juarez is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Texas with 13 years of experience. She meets people with grace, and empathy and her interpersonal skills allow her to connect and see people where they are. She creates a collaborative space of growth and self-development.
Tiffany treats conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, addiction, bipolar, and many other conditions.
Tiffany Juarez is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Texas with 13 years of experience. She meets people with grace, and empathy and her interpersonal skills allow her to connect and see people where they are. She creates a collaborative space of growth and self-development.
(210) 796-6887 View (210) 796-6887
Photo of Carmen Dennistoun, MA, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Carmen Dennistoun
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Houston, TX 77095
Specific interests and training: trauma, sex trafficking, crime victims, substance abuse, depression, bipolar and anxiety.
Sometimes we feel like there is just too much to deal with alone, or misunderstood and unsupported. My job is to help you work through those struggles by helping you identify areas that you would like or need to change, setting appropriate goals for improvements and supporting you on a path for a fulfilling life.
Specific interests and training: trauma, sex trafficking, crime victims, substance abuse, depression, bipolar and anxiety.
Sometimes we feel like there is just too much to deal with alone, or misunderstood and unsupported. My job is to help you work through those struggles by helping you identify areas that you would like or need to change, setting appropriate goals for improvements and supporting you on a path for a fulfilling life.
(832) 981-1991 View (832) 981-1991
Photo of Marci'a Blake, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Marci'a Blake
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Houston, TX 77006  (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with nearly 15 years of experience helping people navigate the difficult seasons of life. I place a high value on rapport building and strongly believe that each client is an expert on themselves. I have a wide range of skills helping adolescents and adults with issues such as depression, anxiety, bipolar, grief and loss, borderline personality disorder, trauma, school related issues, adjustment and substance use disorders.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with nearly 15 years of experience helping people navigate the difficult seasons of life. I place a high value on rapport building and strongly believe that each client is an expert on themselves. I have a wide range of skills helping adolescents and adults with issues such as depression, anxiety, bipolar, grief and loss, borderline personality disorder, trauma, school related issues, adjustment and substance use disorders.
(469) 529-6022 View (469) 529-6022
Photo of Mary A Dom, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Mary A Dom
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Houston, TX 77055  (Online Only)
I am very experienced in working with mood disorders, especially Bipolar Disorder.
Talking about your concerns can help clarify what you want and need in your life. Finding choices helps us to grow and change personally and emotionally. I am here to give you the knowledge, perspective and experience gained through working with people in therapy for over 30 years. As a licensed professional counselor with experience in providing preteen, teen, couples, and individual counseling, let me offer you a warm and accepting environment where being non-judgmental is necessary to make you feel comfortable. Please note I work by telehealth only and my hours are Sunday through Friday from 7am to 3pm.
I am very experienced in working with mood disorders, especially Bipolar Disorder.
Talking about your concerns can help clarify what you want and need in your life. Finding choices helps us to grow and change personally and emotionally. I am here to give you the knowledge, perspective and experience gained through working with people in therapy for over 30 years. As a licensed professional counselor with experience in providing preteen, teen, couples, and individual counseling, let me offer you a warm and accepting environment where being non-judgmental is necessary to make you feel comfortable. Please note I work by telehealth only and my hours are Sunday through Friday from 7am to 3pm.
(210) 978-0987 View (210) 978-0987
Photo of Gina Antonia Nepa, LCSW, LICSW, LMSW, CTP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Gina Antonia Nepa
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW, LMSW, CTP
Verified Verified
Houston, TX 77084  (Online Only)
I'm honored to get to hold space with you. I am primarily offering ADHD assessments at this time. I’m passionate about working with clients to confirm or rule out ADHD, and offer subsequent treatment to support in ADHD management and/or the presence of anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, substance misuse, and trauma impact. I'm particularly passionate about working with LGBTQIA+ folks, and believe that liberation of shame is imperative in a strong therapeutic partnership. I fundamentally believe that each of us is doing our best with the tools that we have.
I'm honored to get to hold space with you. I am primarily offering ADHD assessments at this time. I’m passionate about working with clients to confirm or rule out ADHD, and offer subsequent treatment to support in ADHD management and/or the presence of anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, substance misuse, and trauma impact. I'm particularly passionate about working with LGBTQIA+ folks, and believe that liberation of shame is imperative in a strong therapeutic partnership. I fundamentally believe that each of us is doing our best with the tools that we have.
(206) 558-5483 View (206) 558-5483
Photo of Melissa Anderson, MA, LPC, CSAT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Melissa Anderson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CSAT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Houston, TX 77001
I have worked with individuals, couples and groups, and have experience working with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, relationship issues, etc.
There are moments in each of our lives when circumstances may seem too overwhelming for us to handle them on our own. Maybe you find yourself in the midst of relationship troubles, grief over a loss, depression, anxiety, or a tough life transition. Perhaps you deal with a chronic mental illness or have a family member who does. Whether your situation needs short-term or long-term attention, counseling could be the answer for you.
I have worked with individuals, couples and groups, and have experience working with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, relationship issues, etc.
There are moments in each of our lives when circumstances may seem too overwhelming for us to handle them on our own. Maybe you find yourself in the midst of relationship troubles, grief over a loss, depression, anxiety, or a tough life transition. Perhaps you deal with a chronic mental illness or have a family member who does. Whether your situation needs short-term or long-term attention, counseling could be the answer for you.
(281) 619-8458 View (281) 619-8458
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.