Bipolar Disorder Psychiatrists in Berwyn, PA

Photo of Terri Geiger Leone, MSN, CRNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Terri Geiger Leone
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, CRNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Berwyn, PA 19312
Terri Leone, CRNP, is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who is accepting new clients at the office of Jeffrey Naser, MD and Associates (voted one of Philadelphia Magazine's Top Doctors in 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021), a group practice in Berwyn, PA. Ms. Leone is trained in all areas of psychiatry, including Attention Deficit Disorders, Major Depressive Disorders, Bipolar Disorders, Anxiety Disorders and Trauma-Related Disorders.
Terri Leone, CRNP, is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who is accepting new clients at the office of Jeffrey Naser, MD and Associates (voted one of Philadelphia Magazine's Top Doctors in 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021), a group practice in Berwyn, PA. Ms. Leone is trained in all areas of psychiatry, including Attention Deficit Disorders, Major Depressive Disorders, Bipolar Disorders, Anxiety Disorders and Trauma-Related Disorders.
(484) 285-4473 View (484) 285-4473
Photo of David Danish, MD, Psychiatrist
David Danish
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Berwyn, PA 19312
I treat Mood Disorders (Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Affective Disorder, Dysthymia), symptoms related to Autism Spectrum Disorders, Anxiety Disorders (OCD, Social Anxiety Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, among others), Intermittent Explosive Disorder, ADHD, Oppositional Defiance, DMDD, Substance Abuse, and PTSD.
I enjoy working with clients of all ages and from all walks of life. Clients typically seek me out when they are looking for help with various psychiatric conditions. My training at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, work in area crisis centers and emergency rooms, years of inpatient work at the University of Pennsylvania followed by The Horsham Clinic, and starting ketamine infusion for treatment resistant depression, have all shaped me into the psychiatrist I am today.
I treat Mood Disorders (Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Affective Disorder, Dysthymia), symptoms related to Autism Spectrum Disorders, Anxiety Disorders (OCD, Social Anxiety Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, among others), Intermittent Explosive Disorder, ADHD, Oppositional Defiance, DMDD, Substance Abuse, and PTSD.
I enjoy working with clients of all ages and from all walks of life. Clients typically seek me out when they are looking for help with various psychiatric conditions. My training at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, work in area crisis centers and emergency rooms, years of inpatient work at the University of Pennsylvania followed by The Horsham Clinic, and starting ketamine infusion for treatment resistant depression, have all shaped me into the psychiatrist I am today.
(610) 999-6414 View (610) 999-6414
Photo of Brian Rogers - North Star Psychiatry, MD, Psychiatrist
North Star Psychiatry
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Berwyn, PA 19312
WE ARE ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS! North Star Psychiatry offers medication management and psychotherapy to children, adolescents, and young adults. We accept new patients between ages 4 and 25 years. Patients outside of this age range may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. We offer a hybrid treatment model with in-person visits at our physical location in Malvern, PA and telepsychiatry visits anywhere in the state of Pennsylvania. We have extensive experience working with young people who are living with mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, ODD, PTSD, OCD, and eating disorders.
WE ARE ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS! North Star Psychiatry offers medication management and psychotherapy to children, adolescents, and young adults. We accept new patients between ages 4 and 25 years. Patients outside of this age range may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. We offer a hybrid treatment model with in-person visits at our physical location in Malvern, PA and telepsychiatry visits anywhere in the state of Pennsylvania. We have extensive experience working with young people who are living with mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, ODD, PTSD, OCD, and eating disorders.
(484) 214-2971 View (484) 214-2971
Photo of Jeffrey Allen Naser - Jeffrey Naser MD, LLC, MD, Psychiatrist
Jeffrey Naser MD, LLC
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Berwyn, PA 19312
Jeffrey Naser MD, LLC is a private, fee-for service psychiatric practice in Berwyn PA. Dr. Naser's team includes Ms. Maria Capriotti and Ms. Terri Leone, both Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners. We provide psychiatric assessment, second opinions and medication management for children, teens and adults. We have significant experience working with a range of psychiatric challenges including Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Autism, OCD, PTSD, and others. Our initial evalations are done in-person. We offer a choice for follow up visits, either remote or in-person. We work hard to provide a trusting and collaborative relationship.
Jeffrey Naser MD, LLC is a private, fee-for service psychiatric practice in Berwyn PA. Dr. Naser's team includes Ms. Maria Capriotti and Ms. Terri Leone, both Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners. We provide psychiatric assessment, second opinions and medication management for children, teens and adults. We have significant experience working with a range of psychiatric challenges including Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Autism, OCD, PTSD, and others. Our initial evalations are done in-person. We offer a choice for follow up visits, either remote or in-person. We work hard to provide a trusting and collaborative relationship.
(484) 623-5966 View (484) 623-5966

More Psychiatrists Nearby

Photo of Charles Chip Altman, MD, Psychiatrist
Charles Chip Altman
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Wayne, PA 19087
Casual, relaxed setting to address symptoms of anxiety, depression, post traumatic stress, unstable mood ( bipolar), insomnia, and issues with focus/concentration. I specialize in working with older adolescents, college/graduate students, and young adults launching careers and building relationships. Of course I work with adults of all ages.
Casual, relaxed setting to address symptoms of anxiety, depression, post traumatic stress, unstable mood ( bipolar), insomnia, and issues with focus/concentration. I specialize in working with older adolescents, college/graduate students, and young adults launching careers and building relationships. Of course I work with adults of all ages.
(484) 372-3820 View (484) 372-3820
Photo of Dr. Michael Rosen, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Michael Rosen
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Radnor, PA 19087
I have extensive experience in treating those with complex disorders, especially individuals with bipolar disorder, OCD, and psychotic disorders, as well as eating disorders, gender and sexual issues, autism spectrum disorder, and other developmental disorders, and perhaps my favorite condition to treat, ADHD.
The ideal client is quite simply someone who truly wants help. Someone who is willing to work where the goal is to live the best life, reach the goals one seeks, and to enjoy the journey. The details of how that is done of course depends on the individual's station at the time one seeks help.
I have extensive experience in treating those with complex disorders, especially individuals with bipolar disorder, OCD, and psychotic disorders, as well as eating disorders, gender and sexual issues, autism spectrum disorder, and other developmental disorders, and perhaps my favorite condition to treat, ADHD.
The ideal client is quite simply someone who truly wants help. Someone who is willing to work where the goal is to live the best life, reach the goals one seeks, and to enjoy the journey. The details of how that is done of course depends on the individual's station at the time one seeks help.
(484) 878-4551 View (484) 878-4551
Photo of Kimberly Joffe, CRNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Kimberly Joffe
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP
Verified Verified
Paoli, PA 19301
Kimberly Joffe, CRNP is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and part of Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates, which treats children, adolescents and adults for in-office and Virtual Telehealth Psychiatry. Ms. Joffe is trained in all areas of psychiatry including Attention Deficit Disorders, Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorders, and Anxiety Disorders. Ms. Joffe is available for Psychiatric evaluations and medication management for adults 18 years of age and up. She is board certified to prescribe psychiatric medications. She is also a Clinical Instructor for The University of Pennsylvania’s School of Nursing.
Kimberly Joffe, CRNP is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and part of Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates, which treats children, adolescents and adults for in-office and Virtual Telehealth Psychiatry. Ms. Joffe is trained in all areas of psychiatry including Attention Deficit Disorders, Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorders, and Anxiety Disorders. Ms. Joffe is available for Psychiatric evaluations and medication management for adults 18 years of age and up. She is board certified to prescribe psychiatric medications. She is also a Clinical Instructor for The University of Pennsylvania’s School of Nursing.
(610) 854-9406 View (610) 854-9406
Photo of Chris Pagnani - Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates, Psychiatrist
Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates
Psychiatrist
Verified Verified
Paoli, PA 19301
Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates is a private practice of Psychiatry, comprised of Johns Hopkins, University of Pennsylvania and similarly trained Physicians, Nurse Practitioners and therapists who treat Children, Adolescents & Adults for Depression, Bipolar Affective Disorder, Anxiety Disorders (GAD, OCD and Panic) and psychotherapy. We offer in-office and virtual Telehealth Psychiatric appointments for patients in the Philadelphia and Main Line areas, and Telehealth for patients in New Jersey, New York and Florida. Evidence based medicine from academically oriented providers, many of whom teach or have taught at academic centers
Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates is a private practice of Psychiatry, comprised of Johns Hopkins, University of Pennsylvania and similarly trained Physicians, Nurse Practitioners and therapists who treat Children, Adolescents & Adults for Depression, Bipolar Affective Disorder, Anxiety Disorders (GAD, OCD and Panic) and psychotherapy. We offer in-office and virtual Telehealth Psychiatric appointments for patients in the Philadelphia and Main Line areas, and Telehealth for patients in New Jersey, New York and Florida. Evidence based medicine from academically oriented providers, many of whom teach or have taught at academic centers
(267) 358-6099 View (267) 358-6099
Photo of Richard M D'Amato, MSN, CRNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Richard M D'Amato
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, CRNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Paoli, PA 19301
Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates providers Telehealth Virtual Psychiatric evaluations, medication management and therapy and in-office appointments. In-office appointments are available in our Philadelphia and Mainline of Philadelphia location (Paoli, PA) and virtual appointments to patients in New Jersey, New York and Florida. Specifically, I treat adults with various psychiatric struggles, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and ADHD. A large subset of my patients are college and graduate students, in additional to young professionals.
Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates providers Telehealth Virtual Psychiatric evaluations, medication management and therapy and in-office appointments. In-office appointments are available in our Philadelphia and Mainline of Philadelphia location (Paoli, PA) and virtual appointments to patients in New Jersey, New York and Florida. Specifically, I treat adults with various psychiatric struggles, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and ADHD. A large subset of my patients are college and graduate students, in additional to young professionals.
(267) 358-6099 View (267) 358-6099
Photo of Joseph Gagnon Jr., CRNP, PMHNP, MSN, BS, RN-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Joseph Gagnon Jr.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, PMHNP, MSN, BS, RN-BC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Devon, PA 19333  (Online Only)
Joe specializes in the treatment of ADHD (including adult-onset ADHD), Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Movement Disorders (specifically Tardive Dyskinesia), Psychotic Disorders (including early onset Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder), Bipolar Disorder, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. He has extensive experience in treating both children and adolescents. Additionally, he holds a waiver for utilizing Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT) in assisting individuals struggling with Substance Use Disorders.
Joe specializes in the treatment of ADHD (including adult-onset ADHD), Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Movement Disorders (specifically Tardive Dyskinesia), Psychotic Disorders (including early onset Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder), Bipolar Disorder, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. He has extensive experience in treating both children and adolescents. Additionally, he holds a waiver for utilizing Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT) in assisting individuals struggling with Substance Use Disorders.
(267) 209-6722 View (267) 209-6722
Photo of Chris Pagnani - Chris Pagnani MD PC, MD, Psychiatrist
Chris Pagnani MD PC
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Paoli, PA 19301
Founder and Medical Director of Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates - a network of over 20 psychiatric providers that are academically focused and utilize evidence based practice. In-office (Philadelphia, and The Main Line in Paoli, PA) and virtual Telehealth psychiatric appointments. We treat anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and ADHD. Child and adolescent psychiatric appointments. Fee for service practice, treating moderate levels of psychiatric illness for safety purposes (we do not have admitting privileges or a 24 hour emergency line). Board Certified and licensed in PA, NJ, NY, MD, DE, FL, CA. Visit www.RittenhousePA.com.
Founder and Medical Director of Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates - a network of over 20 psychiatric providers that are academically focused and utilize evidence based practice. In-office (Philadelphia, and The Main Line in Paoli, PA) and virtual Telehealth psychiatric appointments. We treat anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and ADHD. Child and adolescent psychiatric appointments. Fee for service practice, treating moderate levels of psychiatric illness for safety purposes (we do not have admitting privileges or a 24 hour emergency line). Board Certified and licensed in PA, NJ, NY, MD, DE, FL, CA. Visit www.RittenhousePA.com.
(267) 358-6099 View (267) 358-6099
Photo of Elizabeth Wray, CRNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Elizabeth Wray
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Paoli, PA 19301
Provider within Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates, a network of over 20 Psychiatrists, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners and Psychotherapists offering in-office psychiatric evaluations, medication management and psychotherapy in Philadelphia and on The Main Line, and Virtual Telehealth Psychiatric Appointments to patients in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Florida. Treatment for Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder and ADHD. Call to see which providers are licensed in your location.
Provider within Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates, a network of over 20 Psychiatrists, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners and Psychotherapists offering in-office psychiatric evaluations, medication management and psychotherapy in Philadelphia and on The Main Line, and Virtual Telehealth Psychiatric Appointments to patients in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Florida. Treatment for Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder and ADHD. Call to see which providers are licensed in your location.
(267) 358-6099 View (267) 358-6099
Photo of Karen (Yang) Chen, CRNP, PMHNP, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Karen (Yang) Chen
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, PMHNP, MSN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Paoli, PA 19301
Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates is a network of over 20 psychiatric providers including Psychiatrists, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, and Psychotherapists. We offer in-office and Virtual Telehealth appointments in Philadelphia, The Main Line of Philadelphia and Virtually to NJ, NY and FL. I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specializing in medication management for a variety of mental health conditions in adults ages 18+, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, PMDD, bipolar disorder, and more.
Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates is a network of over 20 psychiatric providers including Psychiatrists, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, and Psychotherapists. We offer in-office and Virtual Telehealth appointments in Philadelphia, The Main Line of Philadelphia and Virtually to NJ, NY and FL. I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specializing in medication management for a variety of mental health conditions in adults ages 18+, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, PMDD, bipolar disorder, and more.
(267) 358-6099 View (267) 358-6099
Photo of Tina DeMure, CRNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Tina DeMure
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP
Verified Verified
Paoli, PA 19301
Tina DeMure is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of combined nursing experience. She specializes in the management of Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and Trauma. Her experience as a Family Nurse Practitioner allows her to better understand the interplay between mental health struggles and chronic medical conditions.Ms. DeMure treats patients ages 18 years and up in her private practice in Paoli, PA. She also provides virtual visits to individuals living throughout the state.
Tina DeMure is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of combined nursing experience. She specializes in the management of Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and Trauma. Her experience as a Family Nurse Practitioner allows her to better understand the interplay between mental health struggles and chronic medical conditions.Ms. DeMure treats patients ages 18 years and up in her private practice in Paoli, PA. She also provides virtual visits to individuals living throughout the state.
(484) 435-8980 View (484) 435-8980
Photo of Allen Masry - Harmony Bay, MD, Psychiatrist
Harmony Bay
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Radnor, PA 19087
Harmony Bay Wellness is a psychiatry and therapy office that provides primary mental health treatment programs for psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and ADHD. We offer a clean, bright environment with a calming and positive tone. We offer programs and services for both therapy and psychiatry including individual therapy, group therapy, couples therapy, and medication management.
Harmony Bay Wellness is a psychiatry and therapy office that provides primary mental health treatment programs for psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and ADHD. We offer a clean, bright environment with a calming and positive tone. We offer programs and services for both therapy and psychiatry including individual therapy, group therapy, couples therapy, and medication management.
(484) 348-4405 View (484) 348-4405
Photo of Thomas Scary, MD, Psychiatrist
Thomas Scary
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Paoli, PA 19301
I am currently scheduling patients for both in-person telehealth appointments. I welcome patients who are looking for medication management, therapy, a second opinion, or any combination of the above. As a psychiatrist, I firmly believe that good treatment cannot be based in medication alone, and that therapy is an integral part of the healing process. While many doctors and NPs may only prescribe medications, I offer both medication management and therapy, together, all at once. I especially welcome patients who feel that their care has been disjointed, inadequate, or those who have been labeled as "treatment resistant."
I am currently scheduling patients for both in-person telehealth appointments. I welcome patients who are looking for medication management, therapy, a second opinion, or any combination of the above. As a psychiatrist, I firmly believe that good treatment cannot be based in medication alone, and that therapy is an integral part of the healing process. While many doctors and NPs may only prescribe medications, I offer both medication management and therapy, together, all at once. I especially welcome patients who feel that their care has been disjointed, inadequate, or those who have been labeled as "treatment resistant."
(856) 672-7720 View (856) 672-7720
Photo of Sheila Jourdain, CRNP, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Sheila Jourdain
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Paoli, PA 19301  (Online Only)
NOW offering TMS Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. Fully Virtual for "All of Pennsylvania" I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who provides a holistic approach in the treatment of mental challenges and conditions. I specialize in the treatment of adults in providing motivational talk psychotherapy, medication management, consulting, and alternative treatments when applicable. I am eager and excited to assist patients in achieving their individual goals for their mental health. I like to work alongside my patients as a guide to help them decide the best treatment options for their diagnosis.
NOW offering TMS Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. Fully Virtual for "All of Pennsylvania" I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who provides a holistic approach in the treatment of mental challenges and conditions. I specialize in the treatment of adults in providing motivational talk psychotherapy, medication management, consulting, and alternative treatments when applicable. I am eager and excited to assist patients in achieving their individual goals for their mental health. I like to work alongside my patients as a guide to help them decide the best treatment options for their diagnosis.
(610) 890-6355 View (610) 890-6355
Photo of Jessica Plocher, CRNP, Psychiatric Nurse
Jessica Plocher
Psychiatric Nurse, CRNP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Paoli, PA 19301
I am currently scheduling new patients for initial psychiatric evaluations and medication management. We additionally have psychotherapists (within our network at Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates) whom we collaborate with if indicated. I have over a decade of experience working in the mental health field, including working as a mental health resource specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital (2003-2008), The Johns Hopkins Hospital in both clinical and supervisor roles (2009-2012) and have instructed at The University of Pennsylvania (where I completed my training including certification to prescribe psychiatric medications).
I am currently scheduling new patients for initial psychiatric evaluations and medication management. We additionally have psychotherapists (within our network at Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates) whom we collaborate with if indicated. I have over a decade of experience working in the mental health field, including working as a mental health resource specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital (2003-2008), The Johns Hopkins Hospital in both clinical and supervisor roles (2009-2012) and have instructed at The University of Pennsylvania (where I completed my training including certification to prescribe psychiatric medications).
(267) 358-6099 View (267) 358-6099
Photo of Nichelle Jones, DNP , PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Nichelle Jones
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP , PMHNP
Verified Verified
Radnor, PA 19087
My ideal client is dealing with a mental concern that is causing them distress that they are seeking relief from. They are looking for someone who will listen to their concerns and work with them to develop an individualized treatment plan that aligns with their unique goals. They seek a safe, nonjudgmental environment with a trustworthy provider to deliver quality care. Hi, my name is Nichelle and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I have over 10 years of clinical experience in treating psychiatric disorders and specialize in treating major depression, anxiety disorder, mood disorders, PTSD & ADHD.
My ideal client is dealing with a mental concern that is causing them distress that they are seeking relief from. They are looking for someone who will listen to their concerns and work with them to develop an individualized treatment plan that aligns with their unique goals. They seek a safe, nonjudgmental environment with a trustworthy provider to deliver quality care. Hi, my name is Nichelle and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I have over 10 years of clinical experience in treating psychiatric disorders and specialize in treating major depression, anxiety disorder, mood disorders, PTSD & ADHD.
(484) 642-9442 View (484) 642-9442
Photo of Nick Speeney, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Nick Speeney
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Wayne, PA 19087
Speeney Psychiatric Services is dedicated to establishing a therapeutic alliance with all individuals who desire a positive change in their life. Achieving your idea of success and wellness is most important to me. We will work together to create a treatment plan that is right for you. I look forward to meeting you.
Speeney Psychiatric Services is dedicated to establishing a therapeutic alliance with all individuals who desire a positive change in their life. Achieving your idea of success and wellness is most important to me. We will work together to create a treatment plan that is right for you. I look forward to meeting you.
(724) 286-4253 View (724) 286-4253
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.