Psychiatrists in Seattle, WA
Dani McLaughlin
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, ARNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98126
I have clinical experience with a broad spectrum of disorders including depression, anxiety, OCD, ADHD, PTSD, insomnia, and bipolar spectrum disorders.
Appointments can be booked on my website www.northwestintegrativepsychiatry.com under the Services tab. About me: My name is Dani McLaughlin and I’m a doctorally-prepared Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I approach treatment from a holistic perspective considering how physical, emotional, spiritual, and social well-being impacts mental illness. I recognize that each individual is unique with different concerns and goals for treatment. I value collaboration and will work alongside you on your journey toward better mental health.
I have clinical experience with a broad spectrum of disorders including depression, anxiety, OCD, ADHD, PTSD, insomnia, and bipolar spectrum disorders.
Appointments can be booked on my website www.northwestintegrativepsychiatry.com under the Services tab. About me: My name is Dani McLaughlin and I’m a doctorally-prepared Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I approach treatment from a holistic perspective considering how physical, emotional, spiritual, and social well-being impacts mental illness. I recognize that each individual is unique with different concerns and goals for treatment. I value collaboration and will work alongside you on your journey toward better mental health.
Glory Nwankwo
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98107 (Online Only)
She strives to empower her clients with knowledge about their illnesses like depression, anxiety, bipolar, etc.
Dr. Nwankwo is a doctoral prepared and licensed dual board certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatry-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She received her Doctor of Nursing Practice and Post Masters Certification in Psychiatric Mental Healthcare from Brandman University, Irvine California, and Master of Science as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Walden University, Minnesota. Dr. Nwankwo provides her clients with empathetic, evidence-based, patient-centered care with the goal of restoring health and balance. She assesses, diagnoses, and treats mental health disorders using pharmacologic and psychotherapeutic interventions.
She strives to empower her clients with knowledge about their illnesses like depression, anxiety, bipolar, etc.
Dr. Nwankwo is a doctoral prepared and licensed dual board certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatry-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She received her Doctor of Nursing Practice and Post Masters Certification in Psychiatric Mental Healthcare from Brandman University, Irvine California, and Master of Science as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Walden University, Minnesota. Dr. Nwankwo provides her clients with empathetic, evidence-based, patient-centered care with the goal of restoring health and balance. She assesses, diagnoses, and treats mental health disorders using pharmacologic and psychotherapeutic interventions.
Dr. Brandi Morgan
Psychiatric Nurse, DNP, FPMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98115 (Online Only)
We specialize in a variety of psychiatric conditions including but not limited to: Bipolar and other mood disorders, Anxiety-Panic disorder, OCD, Schizophrenia, ADHD, and other behavioral disorders.
***NOW ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS***Our goal is to meet all of your medication needs. Through a web-based platform (telepsychiatry), we hope to maintain a relaxing environment for you as we allow for care to be given to you in your home, from the comfort of your couch to a quiet space in your providers' office. We provide exceptional, personalized, and timely access to psychiatric care with little to no wait time.
We specialize in a variety of psychiatric conditions including but not limited to: Bipolar and other mood disorders, Anxiety-Panic disorder, OCD, Schizophrenia, ADHD, and other behavioral disorders.
***NOW ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS***Our goal is to meet all of your medication needs. Through a web-based platform (telepsychiatry), we hope to maintain a relaxing environment for you as we allow for care to be given to you in your home, from the comfort of your couch to a quiet space in your providers' office. We provide exceptional, personalized, and timely access to psychiatric care with little to no wait time.
Dr. Jade Goodloe
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98103 (Online Only)
We are currently welcoming new patients for Telehealth appointments. As a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, I specialize in the diagnostic assessment, medication management, & therapeutic treatment of Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, OCD, & PTSD. Given my background as an active-duty service member & psychiatry provider, I additionally specialize in military & veteran mental health. I treat adults of all backgrounds, 18 years & older located throughout the state.
We are currently welcoming new patients for Telehealth appointments. As a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, I specialize in the diagnostic assessment, medication management, & therapeutic treatment of Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, OCD, & PTSD. Given my background as an active-duty service member & psychiatry provider, I additionally specialize in military & veteran mental health. I treat adults of all backgrounds, 18 years & older located throughout the state.
Sonia Nikolova
Psychiatric Nurse, MN, ARNP, ACT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98102
Due to my integrated approach, I generally combine prescribing with psychotherapy for Bipolar, ADHD, Depression, Anxiety and Panic, PTSD, OCD.
Accepting New Patients for Medication Management within 1-2 weeks. I offer an integrated approach of expert medication management and psychotherapy to adults. I will work with you towards clear goals to achieve mental wellness. I recommend medications if they are helpful for your healing, but I see them as only one part towards mental wellness. I aspire to create a sense of safety through empathy and non-judgment that will help us explore your challenges and facilitate healing.
Due to my integrated approach, I generally combine prescribing with psychotherapy for Bipolar, ADHD, Depression, Anxiety and Panic, PTSD, OCD.
Accepting New Patients for Medication Management within 1-2 weeks. I offer an integrated approach of expert medication management and psychotherapy to adults. I will work with you towards clear goals to achieve mental wellness. I recommend medications if they are helpful for your healing, but I see them as only one part towards mental wellness. I aspire to create a sense of safety through empathy and non-judgment that will help us explore your challenges and facilitate healing.
Akosua Ankomah
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98107 (Online Only)
Welcome to my practice!. I have over 8years of experience working in the field of psychiatry and I'm passionate about helping individuals with behavioral health disorders improve their quality of life. My specialties include Anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, psychotic disorders, post-traumatic stress disorders and Bipolar and related disorders.I obtained my post-graduate education from Mt Saint Joseph and Northern Kentucky university.
Welcome to my practice!. I have over 8years of experience working in the field of psychiatry and I'm passionate about helping individuals with behavioral health disorders improve their quality of life. My specialties include Anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, psychotic disorders, post-traumatic stress disorders and Bipolar and related disorders.I obtained my post-graduate education from Mt Saint Joseph and Northern Kentucky university.
Julie Nugent-Carney
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, ARNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98116
I am a doctorally prepared psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and have been a registered nurse for over 20 years, helping families cope with change, from childbirth to end-of-life. I provide life coaching for managing life transitions and relationship challenges. I've treated patients with a wide variety of mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, personality disorder, insomnia and other common psychiatric diagnoses. In addition to prescribing medications when necessary, my focus with psychotherapy is to assist people with achieving their goals.
I am a doctorally prepared psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and have been a registered nurse for over 20 years, helping families cope with change, from childbirth to end-of-life. I provide life coaching for managing life transitions and relationship challenges. I've treated patients with a wide variety of mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, personality disorder, insomnia and other common psychiatric diagnoses. In addition to prescribing medications when necessary, my focus with psychotherapy is to assist people with achieving their goals.
Pw Psych NP Services Pllc
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MA, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98121 (Online Only)
I offer Psychiatrc Evaluation and Medication Management via telehealth in the confort of your home,Treating depression, bipolar, anxiety, and ADHD and more; we can analyze the issue together.
About the Provider: I am a Board Certified, Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, (PMHNP-BC). I obtained my prfessional degree from Walden University. Over the years, I had professional affiliations with reputable mental health facilities including Bakersfield behavior, John George psych and more. I treat children and adults affected by various mental illness with care and compassion. I utilize Evidence Based Practice model to make treatment choices. I am specialized in treating ADHD, depression, anxiety and mood instability. Stimulant and non stimulant treatment are available. I do conduct ADHD screening and testing before treatment.
I offer Psychiatrc Evaluation and Medication Management via telehealth in the confort of your home,Treating depression, bipolar, anxiety, and ADHD and more; we can analyze the issue together.
About the Provider: I am a Board Certified, Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, (PMHNP-BC). I obtained my prfessional degree from Walden University. Over the years, I had professional affiliations with reputable mental health facilities including Bakersfield behavior, John George psych and more. I treat children and adults affected by various mental illness with care and compassion. I utilize Evidence Based Practice model to make treatment choices. I am specialized in treating ADHD, depression, anxiety and mood instability. Stimulant and non stimulant treatment are available. I do conduct ADHD screening and testing before treatment.
Karen Ni
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98121 (Online Only)
I treat depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, OCD, panic attacks, social phobia, mood swings, and more.
Currently, I see patients via telemedicine in my private practice. I am a board certified psychiatrist and completed my psychiatry residency at the University of Washington after finishing medical school at the University of California, San Diego. My experience ranges from a private practice in Seattle to overseeing community mental health centers as a behavioral health and medical director. I have worked in inpatient units in WA, AK, and USVI, and as a psychiatrist for the US Foreign Service. I am a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
I treat depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, OCD, panic attacks, social phobia, mood swings, and more.
Currently, I see patients via telemedicine in my private practice. I am a board certified psychiatrist and completed my psychiatry residency at the University of Washington after finishing medical school at the University of California, San Diego. My experience ranges from a private practice in Seattle to overseeing community mental health centers as a behavioral health and medical director. I have worked in inpatient units in WA, AK, and USVI, and as a psychiatrist for the US Foreign Service. I am a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
Great hope psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98102
I understand your pain and I know how hard it can get sometimes, My goal is to keep every patient healthy, stable, functional, and productive. Great hope Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Services is a private, outpatient psychiatric and behavioral health practice based in Garland, Texas. We are committed to helping you navigate challenging situations and achieve your mental health goals. We treat patients with depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, bipolar, moods, sleep disorders and other psychiatric conditions. We also help children with psychiatric disorders, including ADHD, depression, anxiety, and Autism.
I understand your pain and I know how hard it can get sometimes, My goal is to keep every patient healthy, stable, functional, and productive. Great hope Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Services is a private, outpatient psychiatric and behavioral health practice based in Garland, Texas. We are committed to helping you navigate challenging situations and achieve your mental health goals. We treat patients with depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, bipolar, moods, sleep disorders and other psychiatric conditions. We also help children with psychiatric disorders, including ADHD, depression, anxiety, and Autism.
Carmen Samson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
11 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98101
Suppose you are feeling sad and anxious, with mood swings, insomnia, and poor motivation, or diagnosed with PTSD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or schizoaffective disorder.
Mental health should not be a taboo subject or a rushed intervention. Each person responds differently to life events. There should be no shame or stigma in sharing feelings and looking for help. I am here to help you find your balance and the correct treatment to regain yourself and succeed in life. I strive to offer excellent and individualized treatment (including medications and therapy), because each client is a unique individual who deserves understanding and is treated with dignity and respect.
Suppose you are feeling sad and anxious, with mood swings, insomnia, and poor motivation, or diagnosed with PTSD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or schizoaffective disorder.
Mental health should not be a taboo subject or a rushed intervention. Each person responds differently to life events. There should be no shame or stigma in sharing feelings and looking for help. I am here to help you find your balance and the correct treatment to regain yourself and succeed in life. I strive to offer excellent and individualized treatment (including medications and therapy), because each client is a unique individual who deserves understanding and is treated with dignity and respect.
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Stephanie Lamigo Brooks
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, ARNP, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98101
In addition to providing medication management, I treat depression, mood disorders, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and various personality disorders.
There is no one who does not struggle with different mental health issues that are driven by different pressures, problems, or expectations, such as depression, anxiety, trauma, substance abuse, grief, or a combination of different mental health issues. Please schedule your visit today, copy and paste this to your browser www.live-well-psychiatry.com and you will be directed to my website or simply click the website tab below my photo. I have partnered with Mindful Therapy Group for scheduling and billing. To schedule an appointment, please call WA: (425) 640-7009 x1
In addition to providing medication management, I treat depression, mood disorders, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and various personality disorders.
There is no one who does not struggle with different mental health issues that are driven by different pressures, problems, or expectations, such as depression, anxiety, trauma, substance abuse, grief, or a combination of different mental health issues. Please schedule your visit today, copy and paste this to your browser www.live-well-psychiatry.com and you will be directed to my website or simply click the website tab below my photo. I have partnered with Mindful Therapy Group for scheduling and billing. To schedule an appointment, please call WA: (425) 640-7009 x1
Divine Behavioral health Services LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, ARNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98122
Evaluation and medication treatment for ADHD, depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD/Trauma, OCD, psychosis, Bipolar, and much more.
We are accepting new clients of all ages for psychiatry evaluation and medication management options. We offer a holistic approach to care, and the treatment plan is tailored toward the client's goal. Divine Behavioral Health Services LLC provides clients with the opportunity to feel safe to talk about mental health challenges without fear or shame. We discuss treatment plans and provide education that allows you to make an informed decision about the care that is right for you.
Evaluation and medication treatment for ADHD, depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD/Trauma, OCD, psychosis, Bipolar, and much more.
We are accepting new clients of all ages for psychiatry evaluation and medication management options. We offer a holistic approach to care, and the treatment plan is tailored toward the client's goal. Divine Behavioral Health Services LLC provides clients with the opportunity to feel safe to talk about mental health challenges without fear or shame. We discuss treatment plans and provide education that allows you to make an informed decision about the care that is right for you.
Always Better Together LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-C, FNP-C
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98102
CURRENTLY ACCEPTING CLIENTS. I believe the best client outcomes are achieved when the client and provider work collaboratively on a viable treatment plan with the client guiding outcome progress. I specialize in treating ADHD, anxiety, depression, DMDD, ODD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, schizophrenia, and many other diagnoses.
CURRENTLY ACCEPTING CLIENTS. I believe the best client outcomes are achieved when the client and provider work collaboratively on a viable treatment plan with the client guiding outcome progress. I specialize in treating ADHD, anxiety, depression, DMDD, ODD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, schizophrenia, and many other diagnoses.
Gemy George
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, ARNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98101 (Online Only)
My clinical expertise includes the diagnosis and management of a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and PTSD.
Not currently accepting new patients I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and received a Doctorate in Nursing Practice from the University of Washington. I have been in practice for almost 10 years. As a psychiatric provider, I offer, psychiatric evaluations, medication management and brief therapy support. I have a deep understanding of the complex interplay between mental and physical health and am committed to providing evidence based holistic care to patients. I provide patient-centered care and work closely with patients to develop treatment plans that meet their unique needs and goals.
My clinical expertise includes the diagnosis and management of a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and PTSD.
Not currently accepting new patients I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and received a Doctorate in Nursing Practice from the University of Washington. I have been in practice for almost 10 years. As a psychiatric provider, I offer, psychiatric evaluations, medication management and brief therapy support. I have a deep understanding of the complex interplay between mental and physical health and am committed to providing evidence based holistic care to patients. I provide patient-centered care and work closely with patients to develop treatment plans that meet their unique needs and goals.
Pulcharia Thompson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP, BC, FNP-C
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98115
I treat a wide range of mental health illnesses with focus on depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, addiction, ADHD, and other childhood mental health illnesses.
If you are an individual who is privately suffering from mental health illness or a loved one who is privately suffering with them, there is help for you. At Tandem Psychiatric and Family Practice, the focus is to integrate the most current and accurate treatment along with psychotherapy that centers on aiding the individual to feel whole again. I come from a Christian background and I firmly believe that every human being has the dignity of God, which comes with a purpose in life. This is the premise from which I approach treatment, so that hopefully every client can be given the means to reach their God given potential.
I treat a wide range of mental health illnesses with focus on depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, addiction, ADHD, and other childhood mental health illnesses.
If you are an individual who is privately suffering from mental health illness or a loved one who is privately suffering with them, there is help for you. At Tandem Psychiatric and Family Practice, the focus is to integrate the most current and accurate treatment along with psychotherapy that centers on aiding the individual to feel whole again. I come from a Christian background and I firmly believe that every human being has the dignity of God, which comes with a purpose in life. This is the premise from which I approach treatment, so that hopefully every client can be given the means to reach their God given potential.
Dr. Celina Egemasi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, NP-C, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98119 (Online Only)
Dr. Celina Egemasi is a Dual Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner who is qualified to practice in both primary care and psychiatry; diagnose, treat and prescribe medication for children, adolescents, adults and elderly. Some of her practice specialties include (but not limited to) Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar, and Schizophrenia. She graduated from Walden University with her Family Nurse Practitioner degree and Brandman University with her Doctorate of Nursing Practice and Post Masters in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner degree. Dr. Egemasi is part of Sigma Theta Tau nursing honor society and Golden Key International
Dr. Celina Egemasi is a Dual Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner who is qualified to practice in both primary care and psychiatry; diagnose, treat and prescribe medication for children, adolescents, adults and elderly. Some of her practice specialties include (but not limited to) Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar, and Schizophrenia. She graduated from Walden University with her Family Nurse Practitioner degree and Brandman University with her Doctorate of Nursing Practice and Post Masters in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner degree. Dr. Egemasi is part of Sigma Theta Tau nursing honor society and Golden Key International
Dr. Nonye Rosemary Eneje
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, FNP-BC, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98121 (Online Only)
Dr. Eneje is a doctoral prepared, licensed, and dual board-certified family nurse practitioner and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She received her Doctor of Nursing Practice and Post Masters Certification in Psychiatric Mental Healthcare from Brandman University, Irvine California. She received a Masters of Science as a Family Nurse Practitioner and a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Tennessee State University, Nashville TN. Dr. Eneje is part of the Sigma Theta Tau nursing honor society. She provides virtual/telehealth services through a secure and HIPAA compliant video conference platform.
Dr. Eneje is a doctoral prepared, licensed, and dual board-certified family nurse practitioner and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She received her Doctor of Nursing Practice and Post Masters Certification in Psychiatric Mental Healthcare from Brandman University, Irvine California. She received a Masters of Science as a Family Nurse Practitioner and a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Tennessee State University, Nashville TN. Dr. Eneje is part of the Sigma Theta Tau nursing honor society. She provides virtual/telehealth services through a secure and HIPAA compliant video conference platform.
Ginette DiDomenico
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, ARNP
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98107 (Online Only)
Hi. The mind is very similar to our physical bodies; symptoms develop to let us know that something is amiss. Environments, stress, and trauma influence these symptoms. As our physical bodies seek to heal themselves, so does our minds. Difficulties can be looked at as opportunities for growth. I seek to come alongside and work together to help the healing and growth through therapy and if need be medication. Medication is not sufficient alone. Just as the physical body seeks to heal itself when hurt, so the mind/soul with encouragement can heal.
Hi. The mind is very similar to our physical bodies; symptoms develop to let us know that something is amiss. Environments, stress, and trauma influence these symptoms. As our physical bodies seek to heal themselves, so does our minds. Difficulties can be looked at as opportunities for growth. I seek to come alongside and work together to help the healing and growth through therapy and if need be medication. Medication is not sufficient alone. Just as the physical body seeks to heal itself when hurt, so the mind/soul with encouragement can heal.
Maycelin Ramos
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98121 (Online Only)
I am a doctoral-prepared licensed Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I have a strong background in acute, subacute and chronic mental health disorders stemming from at least 10 years of inpatient psychiatric and mental health care experience. Though I am certified to work with all ages, I believe that I especially excel in working with adult individuals who are particularly having difficulty from various mood disorders and anxiety disorders along with schizophrenia spectrum disorders.
I am a doctoral-prepared licensed Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I have a strong background in acute, subacute and chronic mental health disorders stemming from at least 10 years of inpatient psychiatric and mental health care experience. Though I am certified to work with all ages, I believe that I especially excel in working with adult individuals who are particularly having difficulty from various mood disorders and anxiety disorders along with schizophrenia spectrum disorders.
See more therapy options for Seattle
Nearby Bipolar Disorder Psychiatrists Searches for Seattle
- Bainbridge Island
- Bellevue
- Bothell
- Burien
- Kirkland
- Lynnwood
- Medina
- Mercer Island
- Redmond
- Seatac
- Shoreline
- Tukwila
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.