Photo of Amy Leung, Psychiatrist in Emeryville, CA
Amy Leung
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Emeryville, CA 94608
I am a board certified psychiatrist offering diagnostic evaluation and treatment in psychotherapy, medication-assisted psychotherapy, and medication management. After completing training at Duke University Medical Center, I engaged in further studies at San Francisco Center for Psychoanalysis and at California Institute for Integral Studies. I have facility in multiple modalities and am engaged in discovering which one is most effective for you. I am especially interested in the experiences of first and second generation Americans, intergenerational trauma, and integration of non-ordinary states of consciousness.
I am a board certified psychiatrist offering diagnostic evaluation and treatment in psychotherapy, medication-assisted psychotherapy, and medication management. After completing training at Duke University Medical Center, I engaged in further studies at San Francisco Center for Psychoanalysis and at California Institute for Integral Studies. I have facility in multiple modalities and am engaged in discovering which one is most effective for you. I am especially interested in the experiences of first and second generation Americans, intergenerational trauma, and integration of non-ordinary states of consciousness.
(510) 254-3237 View (510) 254-3237

More Psychiatrists Nearby

Photo of Uchenna Okoye, Psychiatrist in Emeryville, CA
Uchenna Okoye
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94109  (Online Only)
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, OCD, and gender dysphoria.
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, OCD, and gender dysphoria.
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
(650) 649-6899 View (650) 649-6899
Photo of Rachel Jumonville, Physician Assistant in Emeryville, CA
Rachel Jumonville
Physician Assistant, PA-C
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94103  (Online Only)
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, OCD, and gender dysphoria.
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, OCD, and gender dysphoria.
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!
(650) 547-7919 View (650) 547-7919
Photo of Estelita Marquez-Floyd, Psychiatrist in Emeryville, CA
Estelita Marquez-Floyd
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123  (Online Only)
) and Mood Disorders(Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, Depression, Bipolar, etc.
I am a Child Psychiatrist, General Psychiatrist and psychopharmacologist who has been in practice for 28 years. I am Board Certified. The clients I treat are from 4 to 55 years of age. I work with clients who have tried but not found satisfactory resolution for their issues as well as with clients who are just beginning the process. Please visit my website psychiatrydoc.org to see what my patients say their experience has been. I hope you'll call and make an appointment too.
) and Mood Disorders(Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, Depression, Bipolar, etc.
I am a Child Psychiatrist, General Psychiatrist and psychopharmacologist who has been in practice for 28 years. I am Board Certified. The clients I treat are from 4 to 55 years of age. I work with clients who have tried but not found satisfactory resolution for their issues as well as with clients who are just beginning the process. Please visit my website psychiatrydoc.org to see what my patients say their experience has been. I hope you'll call and make an appointment too.
(925) 308-5510 View (925) 308-5510
Photo of Claudette Banda, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Emeryville, CA
Claudette Banda
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94105  (Online Only)
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, OCD, and gender dysphoria.
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, OCD, and gender dysphoria.
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!
(650) 789-7742 View (650) 789-7742
Photo of Raghu Kiran Appasani, Psychiatrist in Emeryville, CA
Raghu Kiran Appasani
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94123
Clinical interests lie in psychedelic therapy, mood disorders (depression, bipolar), addiction, chronic/autoimmune medical illness, anxiety disorders, OCD spectrum, eating disorders, trauma, and personality spectrum conditions.
Dr. Raghu Kiran Appasani is an Integrative Psychiatrist, Neuroscientist, and Social Entrepreneur focused on bridging the gap between western and eastern practices to create a wholesome society by taking a proactive approach to health. His current interests lie at the intersection of psychodynamic psychotherapy, integrative/nutritional psychiatry, mental health literacy, advocacy, wellness, entrepreneurship, and psychedelics.
Clinical interests lie in psychedelic therapy, mood disorders (depression, bipolar), addiction, chronic/autoimmune medical illness, anxiety disorders, OCD spectrum, eating disorders, trauma, and personality spectrum conditions.
Dr. Raghu Kiran Appasani is an Integrative Psychiatrist, Neuroscientist, and Social Entrepreneur focused on bridging the gap between western and eastern practices to create a wholesome society by taking a proactive approach to health. His current interests lie at the intersection of psychodynamic psychotherapy, integrative/nutritional psychiatry, mental health literacy, advocacy, wellness, entrepreneurship, and psychedelics.
(415) 426-2654 View (415) 426-2654
Photo of Thomas Mottsin, Psychiatrist in Emeryville, CA
Thomas Mottsin
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94101  (Online Only)
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, OCD, and gender dysphoria.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS-Bonmente knows asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, OCD, and gender dysphoria.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS-Bonmente knows asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
(844) 993-0717 View (844) 993-0717
Photo of Dr. Robert Loman, Psychiatrist in Emeryville, CA
Dr. Robert Loman
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123  (Online Only)
How you feel matters. The approach used by Dr. Loman utilizes the biological, psychological, and social influences in treatment approach. Dr. Loman has over 10 years of experience in treating various mental health conditions. Conditions treated include: Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, OCD, Bipolar disorder, Schizoaffective Disorder, Personality Disorders, Somatic disorders, Substance Disorders, and Sleep Disorders.
How you feel matters. The approach used by Dr. Loman utilizes the biological, psychological, and social influences in treatment approach. Dr. Loman has over 10 years of experience in treating various mental health conditions. Conditions treated include: Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, OCD, Bipolar disorder, Schizoaffective Disorder, Personality Disorders, Somatic disorders, Substance Disorders, and Sleep Disorders.
(707) 306-8596 View (707) 306-8596
Photo of Greg Roussett, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Emeryville, CA
Greg Roussett
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618
Are you looking to improve your mood while boosting your levels of productivity at work and/or home? I work with high achieving individuals and offer a full range of psychiatry services. I will help you gain control over your mood, focus, and stress levels.
Are you looking to improve your mood while boosting your levels of productivity at work and/or home? I work with high achieving individuals and offer a full range of psychiatry services. I will help you gain control over your mood, focus, and stress levels.
(510) 694-7905 View (510) 694-7905
Photo of Salvage Psychiatry , Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Emeryville, CA
Salvage Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-C
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94607
Dr. Taiye Osawe is a Doctor of Nursing Practice and board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She has devoted over 30 years of her career to clinical practice providing comprehensive and holistic care. Taiye is the founder and CEO of Salvage Psychiatry, a telehealth technology company that link people with mental health conditions to healthcare professionals. Sometimes, life can be challenging and struggling with mental health conditions should not be solo. With Salvage, you are not alone. Join the community of mental health experts, access affordable and quality mental health services, and live productive life.
Dr. Taiye Osawe is a Doctor of Nursing Practice and board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She has devoted over 30 years of her career to clinical practice providing comprehensive and holistic care. Taiye is the founder and CEO of Salvage Psychiatry, a telehealth technology company that link people with mental health conditions to healthcare professionals. Sometimes, life can be challenging and struggling with mental health conditions should not be solo. With Salvage, you are not alone. Join the community of mental health experts, access affordable and quality mental health services, and live productive life.
(747) 298-5333 View (747) 298-5333
Photo of Lance Middleton, Psychiatrist in Emeryville, CA
Lance Middleton
Psychiatrist, MD, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94109
A universe stranger than we can suppose gave us personhood. We are thrown into this life where we remain a mystery unto ourselves. For many, the mystery of self becomes foregrounded only when life proves more complex, tragic, or disappointing than expected. During these times, people stumble backwards into a crisis of premise causing them to wonder: How did I become so alone and can anything be done about it? How did I come to lead a life that has so little to do with me? Why is it so hard to know how I feel and what I want? These questions bring people to psychotherapy seeking a way forward.
A universe stranger than we can suppose gave us personhood. We are thrown into this life where we remain a mystery unto ourselves. For many, the mystery of self becomes foregrounded only when life proves more complex, tragic, or disappointing than expected. During these times, people stumble backwards into a crisis of premise causing them to wonder: How did I become so alone and can anything be done about it? How did I come to lead a life that has so little to do with me? Why is it so hard to know how I feel and what I want? These questions bring people to psychotherapy seeking a way forward.
(415) 226-4572 View (415) 226-4572
Photo of Neha Chaudhary, Psychiatrist in Emeryville, CA
Neha Chaudhary
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94133
On faculty at Harvard / Mass General, I'm a double-boarded child, adolescent, & adult psychiatrist who offers telemedicine-based evaluation and treatment of kids, adolescents, and adults. I take a comprehensive approach, considering all aspects of you or your child’s lifestyle in order to create an individualized treatment program that meets you where you are. I believe that for treatment to be successful, you or your child will need to be evaluated and treated within the broader context of who you are, considering genetics, family dynamics, social supports, romantic relationships, careers, hobbies, habits, and unique stressors.
On faculty at Harvard / Mass General, I'm a double-boarded child, adolescent, & adult psychiatrist who offers telemedicine-based evaluation and treatment of kids, adolescents, and adults. I take a comprehensive approach, considering all aspects of you or your child’s lifestyle in order to create an individualized treatment program that meets you where you are. I believe that for treatment to be successful, you or your child will need to be evaluated and treated within the broader context of who you are, considering genetics, family dynamics, social supports, romantic relationships, careers, hobbies, habits, and unique stressors.
(628) 265-8883 View (628) 265-8883
Photo of Doctor Xia Psychiatry, Psychiatrist in Emeryville, CA
Doctor Xia Psychiatry
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115  (Online Only)
Mental health is influenced by numerous factors including genetics, upbringing, emotions, medical conditions, circumstance, and more. My name is Dr. Tom Xia, and I believe the best treatment starts with understanding the factors that make up the person, not just the symptoms. Together, we will aim to understand the core of your difficulties and collectively decide on the best treatment whether it is talk therapy, medication, or both.
Mental health is influenced by numerous factors including genetics, upbringing, emotions, medical conditions, circumstance, and more. My name is Dr. Tom Xia, and I believe the best treatment starts with understanding the factors that make up the person, not just the symptoms. Together, we will aim to understand the core of your difficulties and collectively decide on the best treatment whether it is talk therapy, medication, or both.
(415) 943-2762 View (415) 943-2762
Photo of Chau Le, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Emeryville, CA
Chau Le
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94105  (Online Only)
Hi! My name is Chau and I’m a psychiatric nurse practitioner. I have a special interest in helping women become the best version of themselves through mental and physical wellness. As a psych NP, I bring a unique perspective to my practice, shaped by both my professional & personal experiences. As a mother of an infant and toddler, I understand the joys and challenges that come with raising a family. Having experienced postpartum depression myself, I recognize the complexities of balancing multiple roles and the impact it can have on your mental health.
Hi! My name is Chau and I’m a psychiatric nurse practitioner. I have a special interest in helping women become the best version of themselves through mental and physical wellness. As a psych NP, I bring a unique perspective to my practice, shaped by both my professional & personal experiences. As a mother of an infant and toddler, I understand the joys and challenges that come with raising a family. Having experienced postpartum depression myself, I recognize the complexities of balancing multiple roles and the impact it can have on your mental health.
(415) 689-4882 View (415) 689-4882
Photo of Edmee Danan, Psychiatrist in Emeryville, CA
Edmee Danan
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94103
I am a Board Certified psychiatrist-psychotherapist with over 30 years of experience. I know it is hard to ask for help. I offer individual consultations where personal and professional issues are discussed in a confidential, compassionate way. The goal is to help you be prepared to confront any difficult life/work stressors taking into consideration your personal preferences, cultural background and spiritual beliefs. I also provide experienced support for health care practitioners. As a clinician like you, I understand the responsibilities and stresses of medical and mental health practitioners. I will help you heal the healer.
I am a Board Certified psychiatrist-psychotherapist with over 30 years of experience. I know it is hard to ask for help. I offer individual consultations where personal and professional issues are discussed in a confidential, compassionate way. The goal is to help you be prepared to confront any difficult life/work stressors taking into consideration your personal preferences, cultural background and spiritual beliefs. I also provide experienced support for health care practitioners. As a clinician like you, I understand the responsibilities and stresses of medical and mental health practitioners. I will help you heal the healer.
(707) 709-1084 View (707) 709-1084
Photo of Mark Schiller, Psychiatrist in Emeryville, CA
Mark Schiller
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115
As the founder of Mind Therapy Clinic, a psychiatric center focused on innovative, integrated, and personalized care, I believe in utilizing innovative approaches to treating the most common to the most complicated problems with the latest, scientifically supported psychotherapeutic and medication approaches. The Mind Therapy clinicians supplement traditional approaches with rapidly developing diagnostic technologies to more objectively identify, target, and treat psychiatric problems. An integrated approach to treating the whole person involves integrating mainstream methods with alternative disciplines and fostering collaboration between clinicians with differing backgrounds and training.
As the founder of Mind Therapy Clinic, a psychiatric center focused on innovative, integrated, and personalized care, I believe in utilizing innovative approaches to treating the most common to the most complicated problems with the latest, scientifically supported psychotherapeutic and medication approaches. The Mind Therapy clinicians supplement traditional approaches with rapidly developing diagnostic technologies to more objectively identify, target, and treat psychiatric problems. An integrated approach to treating the whole person involves integrating mainstream methods with alternative disciplines and fostering collaboration between clinicians with differing backgrounds and training.
(415) 567-4604 View (415) 567-4604
Photo of Paula C Lee, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Emeryville, CA
Paula C Lee
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP, MS, MSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114
Hi there, I am a board certified nurse practitioner specialized in psychiatry. I have experience in treating mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, and attention issues. I work primarily with adult individuals.
Hi there, I am a board certified nurse practitioner specialized in psychiatry. I have experience in treating mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, and attention issues. I work primarily with adult individuals.
(415) 943-6395 View (415) 943-6395
Photo of Natassia Gaznick @ The Moment, Psychiatrist in Emeryville, CA
Natassia Gaznick @ The Moment
Psychiatrist, MD, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94101  (Online Only)
I am currently an outpatient provider with experience in treating a number of psychiatric conditions, including substance abuse and behavioral addictions. In terms of an ideal patient, at our practice we strive to treat the patient as a whole and believe in the biologic, psychologic, social, and spiritual approach. As such, an idea patient would be willing to discuss each aspect. While I do prescribe medications, I try to minimize these through use of the other approaches. Of note, as I do outpatient office-based care, I do not provide 24/7 care.
I am currently an outpatient provider with experience in treating a number of psychiatric conditions, including substance abuse and behavioral addictions. In terms of an ideal patient, at our practice we strive to treat the patient as a whole and believe in the biologic, psychologic, social, and spiritual approach. As such, an idea patient would be willing to discuss each aspect. While I do prescribe medications, I try to minimize these through use of the other approaches. Of note, as I do outpatient office-based care, I do not provide 24/7 care.
(310) 744-6227 View (310) 744-6227
Photo of Open Mind Health, Psychiatrist in Emeryville, CA
Open Mind Health
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94101  (Online Only)
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, loss, trauma, isolation, relationship/family issues? At Open Mind Health, we get to the “root cause” of what’s actually leading to your emotional challenges, while treating the resulting issues and developing lasting solutions to help you feel optimistic and hopeful. We offer customized holistic treatment plans in our wellness tracks developed to provide lasting results, Our therapists and life coaches are compassionate and forward-thinkers. Call us today to get started on your path to mental wellness at 855-550-MIND (6463).
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, loss, trauma, isolation, relationship/family issues? At Open Mind Health, we get to the “root cause” of what’s actually leading to your emotional challenges, while treating the resulting issues and developing lasting solutions to help you feel optimistic and hopeful. We offer customized holistic treatment plans in our wellness tracks developed to provide lasting results, Our therapists and life coaches are compassionate and forward-thinkers. Call us today to get started on your path to mental wellness at 855-550-MIND (6463).
(619) 949-0858 View (619) 949-0858
Photo of Sarah Blue, Psychiatrist in Emeryville, CA
Sarah Blue
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94109  (Online Only)
Are you struggling to balance your physical and mental health? Are things becoming unmanageable? Is your time limited? Then welcome to WellPsyche! WellPsyche Medical Group provides experts in the field of Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry. Our practice offers the latest in psychiatry including Telemedicine! Now you can visit with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of your home or work. Our providers take a Conservative and Effective approach to medication management and can help you balance your life.
Are you struggling to balance your physical and mental health? Are things becoming unmanageable? Is your time limited? Then welcome to WellPsyche! WellPsyche Medical Group provides experts in the field of Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry. Our practice offers the latest in psychiatry including Telemedicine! Now you can visit with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of your home or work. Our providers take a Conservative and Effective approach to medication management and can help you balance your life.
(415) 855-7718 View (415) 855-7718

See more therapy options for Emeryville


Bipolar Disorder Psychiatrists

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.