Photo of Brett Stephan, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Seattle, WA
Brett Stephan
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98121
I provide medication management and therapy for many conditions, including anxiety, depression, bipolar, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, and other conditions. When we meet for our first video session, we'll discuss your symptoms and treatment goals and we'll carefully select medications that fit your unique needs. I am based in Chicago, and I see clients in IL, WA, OR, AZ, NM, MT, AK, ND, and DE, all via telehealth. I am accepting new clients, and I treat both adults and adolescents. I'm excited for the opportunity to work with you.
I provide medication management and therapy for many conditions, including anxiety, depression, bipolar, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, and other conditions. When we meet for our first video session, we'll discuss your symptoms and treatment goals and we'll carefully select medications that fit your unique needs. I am based in Chicago, and I see clients in IL, WA, OR, AZ, NM, MT, AK, ND, and DE, all via telehealth. I am accepting new clients, and I treat both adults and adolescents. I'm excited for the opportunity to work with you.
(773) 831-4366 View (773) 831-4366
Photo of Paul Okoronkwo, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Seattle, WA
Paul Okoronkwo
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP -, BC
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98136
Are you feeling down or hopeless about your future? Do you always feeling anxious or have panic attacks that you are scared to go out in public? Are you struggling to concentrate better on tasks either at work or in school? You are not alone. We are here to help you balance your physical and mental health and improve your performance. We treat clients with ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, and many more. We are currently ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS. CHECK OUT WHAT OTHER CLIENTS ARE SAYING ABOUT US AT: https://provider.kareo.com/paul-okoronkwo
Are you feeling down or hopeless about your future? Do you always feeling anxious or have panic attacks that you are scared to go out in public? Are you struggling to concentrate better on tasks either at work or in school? You are not alone. We are here to help you balance your physical and mental health and improve your performance. We treat clients with ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, and many more. We are currently ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS. CHECK OUT WHAT OTHER CLIENTS ARE SAYING ABOUT US AT: https://provider.kareo.com/paul-okoronkwo
(206) 457-1033 View (206) 457-1033
Photo of Dr. Roberto Montenegro, Psychiatrist in Seattle, WA
Dr. Roberto Montenegro
Psychiatrist, MD, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98103  (Online Only)
I specialize in addressing a broad spectrum of psychiatric conditions, offering support for concerns such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, behavioral challenges, attention deficit disorders, low self-esteem, "impostor syndrome," and the unique stress of physician burnout.
Accepting new patients in WA, CA, and AK! I'm a board-certified psychiatrist who treats children, adolescents, and adults. I use various treatment approaches, such as therapy, medication management, or a combination of both, to help my patients achieve their mental health goals. I specialize in treating high-stakes professionals and was trained at Yale University and the University of Washington (UW). In addition to my clinical work, I teach and conduct research at the UW School of Medicine and Seattle Children's Hospital. I'm dedicated to providing you with the highest quality care.
I specialize in addressing a broad spectrum of psychiatric conditions, offering support for concerns such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, behavioral challenges, attention deficit disorders, low self-esteem, "impostor syndrome," and the unique stress of physician burnout.
Accepting new patients in WA, CA, and AK! I'm a board-certified psychiatrist who treats children, adolescents, and adults. I use various treatment approaches, such as therapy, medication management, or a combination of both, to help my patients achieve their mental health goals. I specialize in treating high-stakes professionals and was trained at Yale University and the University of Washington (UW). In addition to my clinical work, I teach and conduct research at the UW School of Medicine and Seattle Children's Hospital. I'm dedicated to providing you with the highest quality care.
(206) 202-3435 View (206) 202-3435
Photo of Keenan Smith, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Seattle, WA
Keenan Smith
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98177
Working together, we can work to overcome depression, anxiety, eating disorders, insomnia, obsessive/compulsive disorders, bipolar and more.
SAME-WEEK Telehealth appointments. I help individuals overcome a range of mental health challenges using a balanced perspective. My approach includes thoughtful medication management, holistic care, and brief psychotherapy. As part of a holistic view, we examine nutrition, exercise, and sleep in helping clients maximize mental wellness.
Working together, we can work to overcome depression, anxiety, eating disorders, insomnia, obsessive/compulsive disorders, bipolar and more.
SAME-WEEK Telehealth appointments. I help individuals overcome a range of mental health challenges using a balanced perspective. My approach includes thoughtful medication management, holistic care, and brief psychotherapy. As part of a holistic view, we examine nutrition, exercise, and sleep in helping clients maximize mental wellness.
(509) 285-0748 View (509) 285-0748
Photo of Jesse P McClelland, Psychiatrist in Seattle, WA
Jesse P McClelland
Psychiatrist, MD, MPH
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98133
I want to personally invite new clients to my psychiatry practice. I am a board-certified psychiatrist dedicated to providing innovative, insightful care to my clients. I enjoy collaborating with adult clients with mental health issues who are serious about taking control of their life's journey. I relate personally to you. I understand your struggles, having been diagnosed and treated for ADHD myself. Not surprisingly, my special emphasis in my practice is treating ADHD/ADD, as I believe I have a unique insight into the treatment and therapy that might work best.
I want to personally invite new clients to my psychiatry practice. I am a board-certified psychiatrist dedicated to providing innovative, insightful care to my clients. I enjoy collaborating with adult clients with mental health issues who are serious about taking control of their life's journey. I relate personally to you. I understand your struggles, having been diagnosed and treated for ADHD myself. Not surprisingly, my special emphasis in my practice is treating ADHD/ADD, as I believe I have a unique insight into the treatment and therapy that might work best.
(206) 966-4774 View (206) 966-4774
Photo of Rafael Achacoso, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Seattle, WA
Rafael Achacoso
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, ARNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
13 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98121  (Online Only)
As a dedicated Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, my mission is to offer a safe, warm, and inviting space. I provide comprehensive medication management, ensuring that any medications prescribed are effectively addressing your symptoms while minimizing side effects. As an immigrant from the Philippines & a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I offer a distinct viewpoint on mental health. My experience as an inpatient psychiatric provider, treating clients with complex symptoms and those in active crisis, significantly deepens my understanding and knowledge base.
As a dedicated Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, my mission is to offer a safe, warm, and inviting space. I provide comprehensive medication management, ensuring that any medications prescribed are effectively addressing your symptoms while minimizing side effects. As an immigrant from the Philippines & a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I offer a distinct viewpoint on mental health. My experience as an inpatient psychiatric provider, treating clients with complex symptoms and those in active crisis, significantly deepens my understanding and knowledge base.
(425) 333-2766 View (425) 333-2766
Photo of Aaron Newman, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Seattle, WA
Aaron Newman
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, ARNP-BC, PMHNP
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98107  (Online Only)
As a board certified Psychiatric Mental health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), I specialize in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health conditions for children, adolescents and adults in my practice. My specialties include Anxiety, Stress, Depression, OCD, PTSD, Binge/Emotional Eating, Insomnia, and holistic, non-stimulant ADHD treatment, although I'm proficient in general psychiatry and many other conditions as well. My job is to guide you on the journey of wellness by maintaining a positive mindset, a collaborative partnership, and always striving for significant, holistic growth.
As a board certified Psychiatric Mental health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), I specialize in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health conditions for children, adolescents and adults in my practice. My specialties include Anxiety, Stress, Depression, OCD, PTSD, Binge/Emotional Eating, Insomnia, and holistic, non-stimulant ADHD treatment, although I'm proficient in general psychiatry and many other conditions as well. My job is to guide you on the journey of wellness by maintaining a positive mindset, a collaborative partnership, and always striving for significant, holistic growth.
(503) 751-8662 View (503) 751-8662
Photo of Mindful Health Solutions, Psychiatrist in Seattle, WA
Mindful Health Solutions
Psychiatrist, DO, DABPN
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98125
Come see us at Mindful Health Solutions. Each treatment plan is customized to the individual, not just the diagnosis. Our treatment goal is the least medications needed to target specific goals, and optimize personal functionality and well-being. We promise to listen, treat you like an integral part of the treatment team and collaborate towards a plan that is best suited for your needs. All care is secured and private. Accepting multiple insurance carriers. Mindful Health now features Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Wenatchee, WA.
Come see us at Mindful Health Solutions. Each treatment plan is customized to the individual, not just the diagnosis. Our treatment goal is the least medications needed to target specific goals, and optimize personal functionality and well-being. We promise to listen, treat you like an integral part of the treatment team and collaborate towards a plan that is best suited for your needs. All care is secured and private. Accepting multiple insurance carriers. Mindful Health now features Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Wenatchee, WA.
(509) 584-4476 View (509) 584-4476
Photo of Dr. Sean Ziegler, Psychiatrist in Seattle, WA
Dr. Sean Ziegler
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98103
Immediate availability for medication management (virtual or in Spokane), or TMS services (Spokane only). Hello, I am Dr. Sean Ziegler. I am a board certified psychiatrist, seeing adults in Washington. I strive to provide professional, compassionate, high quality individualized care. Disruptions to your well being often involve a combination of social, biologic, and psychological factors. We will identify and address what can be changed. It might be difficult to fit an appointment in your busy day; I offer early morning, evening, and weekend hours. I do have an office available if an in person visit is needed.
Immediate availability for medication management (virtual or in Spokane), or TMS services (Spokane only). Hello, I am Dr. Sean Ziegler. I am a board certified psychiatrist, seeing adults in Washington. I strive to provide professional, compassionate, high quality individualized care. Disruptions to your well being often involve a combination of social, biologic, and psychological factors. We will identify and address what can be changed. It might be difficult to fit an appointment in your busy day; I offer early morning, evening, and weekend hours. I do have an office available if an in person visit is needed.
(509) 816-4000 View (509) 816-4000
Photo of Genuine Healthcare, PLLC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Seattle, WA
Genuine Healthcare, PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98105
Now accepting new patients! Genuine Healthcare is proud to serve a diverse population of mental health clients. We see patients from all walks of life and in all age groups, providing support for children as young as six years old. By offering our appointments both in person or via telemedicine, we are able to serve a wider community across the state of Washington. We value the importance of building a strong patient-provider relationship, which is why we have four providers from various backgrounds so that you may find one who fits your specific needs. To explore our providers' bios, visit the About Us section of our website.
Now accepting new patients! Genuine Healthcare is proud to serve a diverse population of mental health clients. We see patients from all walks of life and in all age groups, providing support for children as young as six years old. By offering our appointments both in person or via telemedicine, we are able to serve a wider community across the state of Washington. We value the importance of building a strong patient-provider relationship, which is why we have four providers from various backgrounds so that you may find one who fits your specific needs. To explore our providers' bios, visit the About Us section of our website.
(360) 515-4388 View (360) 515-4388
Photo of Dr. Anthony DelosReyes, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Seattle, WA
Dr. Anthony DelosReyes
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, ARNP, PMHNP, CARN
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98116
Offering individualized and compassionate care in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of various mental health disorders. I am double-board certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and in Addictions (CARN). Services that are available include Medication Management and supportive therapy. When indicated, our clinic offers genetic testing to optimize ideal medication(s) for you. We also offer home detox treatment for Opiate and Alcohol addictions. This includes: SUBOXONE (Buprenorphine), Non-Suboxone Protocol, Naltrexone, and Vivitrol therapy.
Offering individualized and compassionate care in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of various mental health disorders. I am double-board certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and in Addictions (CARN). Services that are available include Medication Management and supportive therapy. When indicated, our clinic offers genetic testing to optimize ideal medication(s) for you. We also offer home detox treatment for Opiate and Alcohol addictions. This includes: SUBOXONE (Buprenorphine), Non-Suboxone Protocol, Naltrexone, and Vivitrol therapy.
(425) 529-5272 View (425) 529-5272
Photo of Al Jerome Cruz, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Seattle, WA
Al Jerome Cruz
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, FNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98195
Al Jerome (AJ) is a dual board-certified Family & Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specializing in adult psychiatric medication management. He also offers Intravenous Ketamine therapy and Nutritional Psychiatry services. He received his Doctoral degree and post-graduate psychiatric mental health certificate at Duke University. He utilizes a holistic, collaborative, and integrative approach to provide personalized, evidence-based, and non-judgmental psychiatric care. AJ highly values a therapeutic provider-client relationship built in trust, respect, and empathy.
Al Jerome (AJ) is a dual board-certified Family & Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specializing in adult psychiatric medication management. He also offers Intravenous Ketamine therapy and Nutritional Psychiatry services. He received his Doctoral degree and post-graduate psychiatric mental health certificate at Duke University. He utilizes a holistic, collaborative, and integrative approach to provide personalized, evidence-based, and non-judgmental psychiatric care. AJ highly values a therapeutic provider-client relationship built in trust, respect, and empathy.
(360) 531-6869 View (360) 531-6869

More Psychiatrists Nearby

Photo of Zhendong Jeff Ma, Psychiatrist in Seattle, WA
Zhendong Jeff Ma
Psychiatrist, MD, PhD
Verified Verified
Bellevue, WA 98005
Waitlist for new clients
His clinical interests are depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, substance abuse with a combination of medications and psychotherapy.
Dr. Ma is board-certified by American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Ma graduated from Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and obtained Ph.D. in Neuroscience from University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, he finished residency training in Psychiatry at University of Alabama at Birmingham Medical Center, and completed research and fellowship training at Howard Hughes Medical Institute and University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.
His clinical interests are depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, substance abuse with a combination of medications and psychotherapy.
Dr. Ma is board-certified by American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Ma graduated from Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and obtained Ph.D. in Neuroscience from University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, he finished residency training in Psychiatry at University of Alabama at Birmingham Medical Center, and completed research and fellowship training at Howard Hughes Medical Institute and University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.
(425) 657-3552 View (425) 657-3552
Photo of Sid Siahpush, Psychiatrist in Seattle, WA
Sid Siahpush
Psychiatrist, MD, PhD, MPH, CGP
Verified Verified
Bellevue, WA 98004  (Online Only)
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS, EVENING HOURS/WEEKENDS AVAILABLE. Do you seek a compassionate Psychiatrist who believes in a collaborative approach to improve your emotional and physical health? One who values your trust and forges a caring connection with you, to support your growth through the evidence-based conventional psychiatry and broader holistic approach? ** Hi, I am Dr. Sid. I work with my patients to find a well-rounded approach to emotional wellness that includes medication management, therapy, collaborating with your therapist, and strategies for engaging in balanced exercise, nutrition, and relationships.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS, EVENING HOURS/WEEKENDS AVAILABLE. Do you seek a compassionate Psychiatrist who believes in a collaborative approach to improve your emotional and physical health? One who values your trust and forges a caring connection with you, to support your growth through the evidence-based conventional psychiatry and broader holistic approach? ** Hi, I am Dr. Sid. I work with my patients to find a well-rounded approach to emotional wellness that includes medication management, therapy, collaborating with your therapist, and strategies for engaging in balanced exercise, nutrition, and relationships.
(425) 620-2926 View (425) 620-2926
Photo of Angels Psychiatry, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Seattle, WA
Angels Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, MA
Verified Verified
Mercer Island, WA 98040
As a board certified mental health provider I guide clients in their mental health journeys with empathy and expertise. Through a patient-centric approach, I create a safe, non-judgmental environment where people feel comfortable expressing themselves. By combining evidence-based therapies like psychotherapy and medication management, I empower patients to overcome challenges and achieve well-being. I am dedicated to ongoing learning, keeping up with psychiatry advancements, and collaborating with fellow healthcare professionals for comprehensive care. Ultimately, I strive to make a positive impact on the lives of those I serve.
As a board certified mental health provider I guide clients in their mental health journeys with empathy and expertise. Through a patient-centric approach, I create a safe, non-judgmental environment where people feel comfortable expressing themselves. By combining evidence-based therapies like psychotherapy and medication management, I empower patients to overcome challenges and achieve well-being. I am dedicated to ongoing learning, keeping up with psychiatry advancements, and collaborating with fellow healthcare professionals for comprehensive care. Ultimately, I strive to make a positive impact on the lives of those I serve.
(425) 537-6287 View (425) 537-6287
Photo of Scott L. Wiener M.D. @Prisma Wellness, Psychiatrist in Seattle, WA
Scott L. Wiener M.D. @Prisma Wellness
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bellevue, WA 98004
Psychiatrists are the only doctors who don't look inside the body to assess a problem. Think about it; all other doctors use imaging and labs to look inside a person’s body when making a diagnosis. That coupled with your symptoms is how they determine what the problem is. Unfortunately, mental health providers have learned that how a person feels is their only tool in assessing somebody. Because of this, psychiatrists often have no idea what’s causing the problem. This limits the treatment options to a prescribed “band-aid" that is used to reduce symptoms, instead of addressing the underlying cause of a problem.
Psychiatrists are the only doctors who don't look inside the body to assess a problem. Think about it; all other doctors use imaging and labs to look inside a person’s body when making a diagnosis. That coupled with your symptoms is how they determine what the problem is. Unfortunately, mental health providers have learned that how a person feels is their only tool in assessing somebody. Because of this, psychiatrists often have no idea what’s causing the problem. This limits the treatment options to a prescribed “band-aid" that is used to reduce symptoms, instead of addressing the underlying cause of a problem.
(206) 208-2920 View (206) 208-2920

Online Psychiatrists

Photo of Neupathway (Gabriel Taylor-Parsons), Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Seattle, WA
Neupathway (Gabriel Taylor-Parsons)
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Issaquah, WA 98027
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS! SAME WEEK AVAILABILITY! ......... I am Gabriel Taylor-Parsons, a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner specializing in the integrated approach of medication management and psychotherapy for patients with various mental health disorders such as ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Major Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Schizophrenia, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Panic Attacks, and more. Our primary focus is to provide comprehensive tele-psychiatry services that prioritize both quality and excellence in healthcare.
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS! SAME WEEK AVAILABILITY! ......... I am Gabriel Taylor-Parsons, a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner specializing in the integrated approach of medication management and psychotherapy for patients with various mental health disorders such as ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Major Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Schizophrenia, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Panic Attacks, and more. Our primary focus is to provide comprehensive tele-psychiatry services that prioritize both quality and excellence in healthcare.
(971) 206-6292 View (971) 206-6292
Photo of Neupathway (Gabriel Taylor-Parsons), Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Seattle, WA
Neupathway (Gabriel Taylor-Parsons)
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Bothell, WA 98011
Accepting New Clients! Same Week Availability......... My name is Gabriel Taylor-Parsons, I am a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who focuses on the combination of medication management and psychotherapy in treating patients who are suffering from ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Major Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Schizophrenia, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Panic Attacks, and other mental health disorders.
Accepting New Clients! Same Week Availability......... My name is Gabriel Taylor-Parsons, I am a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who focuses on the combination of medication management and psychotherapy in treating patients who are suffering from ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Major Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Schizophrenia, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Panic Attacks, and other mental health disorders.
(407) 413-8342 View (407) 413-8342
Photo of Rafael Achacoso, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Seattle, WA
Rafael Achacoso
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, ARNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Mukilteo, WA 98275  (Online Only)
Hello and welcome! I'm thrilled to announce that I have immediate openings available for new patients. As a dedicated Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, my mission is to offer a safe, warm, and inviting space where your mental health is the priority. I provide comprehensive medication management, ensuring that any medications prescribed are effectively addressing your symptoms while minimizing side effects. My practice places a strong emphasis on treating ADHD, anxiety and depression. With a personalized approach, I help patients manage their symptoms, improve daily functioning, and enhance overall quality of life.
Hello and welcome! I'm thrilled to announce that I have immediate openings available for new patients. As a dedicated Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, my mission is to offer a safe, warm, and inviting space where your mental health is the priority. I provide comprehensive medication management, ensuring that any medications prescribed are effectively addressing your symptoms while minimizing side effects. My practice places a strong emphasis on treating ADHD, anxiety and depression. With a personalized approach, I help patients manage their symptoms, improve daily functioning, and enhance overall quality of life.
(509) 732-9815 View (509) 732-9815
Photo of Rafael Achacoso, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Seattle, WA
Rafael Achacoso
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, ARNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Bellingham, WA 98229  (Online Only)
Accepting clients w/ immediate openings .As a dedicated Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, my mission is to offer a safe, warm, and inviting space where your mental health is the priority. I provide comprehensive medication management, ensuring that any medications prescribed are effectively addressing your symptoms while minimizing side effects. My current role as a provider in a hospital, supporting individuals in acute crisis, enriches my clinical knowledge.
Accepting clients w/ immediate openings .As a dedicated Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, my mission is to offer a safe, warm, and inviting space where your mental health is the priority. I provide comprehensive medication management, ensuring that any medications prescribed are effectively addressing your symptoms while minimizing side effects. My current role as a provider in a hospital, supporting individuals in acute crisis, enriches my clinical knowledge.
(425) 584-6015 View (425) 584-6015
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.