Bipolar Disorder Psychiatrists in Irvine, CA
Hadi Estakhri
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92612 (Online Only)
E was trained at several well-regarded institutions including Mclean Hospital and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston where he received specialized education in psychopharmacology for depression, ADHD, and bipolar disorder, as well as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for treatment-resistant depression.
Hadi Estakhri, MD — or Dr. E as his patients know him — is a double board-certified, Harvard-trained psychiatrist practicing at Allied Psychiatry and Mental Health in Newport Beach, California. He offers customized, patient-focused treatments to address the unique needs and circumstances of each patient. With more than two decades of professional experience, he has vast proficiency in the mental health field. His expertise is in treating a wide range of psychiatric and addictive disorders in both adult and adolescents.
E was trained at several well-regarded institutions including Mclean Hospital and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston where he received specialized education in psychopharmacology for depression, ADHD, and bipolar disorder, as well as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for treatment-resistant depression.
Hadi Estakhri, MD — or Dr. E as his patients know him — is a double board-certified, Harvard-trained psychiatrist practicing at Allied Psychiatry and Mental Health in Newport Beach, California. He offers customized, patient-focused treatments to address the unique needs and circumstances of each patient. With more than two decades of professional experience, he has vast proficiency in the mental health field. His expertise is in treating a wide range of psychiatric and addictive disorders in both adult and adolescents.
Desiree Bonomo
Physician Assistant, PA-C
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92618 (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 a challenging 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 a challenging 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!
Ok Michael Ji
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92606
Dr. Michael Ji helps people with anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, schizophrenia, personality disorders, and alcohol and substance use disorders. Dr. Ji also treats active-duty military and veterans and provides gender-affirming mental health care to members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Dr. Michael Ji helps people with anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, schizophrenia, personality disorders, and alcohol and substance use disorders. Dr. Ji also treats active-duty military and veterans and provides gender-affirming mental health care to members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Katie Han
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92612
Katie Han is a compassionate Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, holding a dual specialty certification in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing degree from California State University of Long Beach. With numerous years of clinical experience, Katie has developed a wealth of expertise in managing a wide range of mental health conditions. These include anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and many others.
Katie Han is a compassionate Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, holding a dual specialty certification in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing degree from California State University of Long Beach. With numerous years of clinical experience, Katie has developed a wealth of expertise in managing a wide range of mental health conditions. These include anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and many others.
Hadi Estakhri
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92603
E was trained at several well-regarded institutions including Mclean Hospital and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston where he received specialized education in psychopharmacology for depression, ADHD, and bipolar disorder, as well as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for treatment-resistant depression.
Hadi Estakhri, MD — or Dr. E as his patients know him — is a double board-certified, Harvard-trained psychiatrist practicing at Allied Psychiatry and Mental Health in Newport Beach, California. He offers customized, patient-focused treatments to address the unique needs and circumstances of each patient. With more than two decades of professional experience, he has vast proficiency in the mental health field. His expertise is in treating a wide range of psychiatric and addictive disorders in both adult and adolescents.
E was trained at several well-regarded institutions including Mclean Hospital and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston where he received specialized education in psychopharmacology for depression, ADHD, and bipolar disorder, as well as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for treatment-resistant depression.
Hadi Estakhri, MD — or Dr. E as his patients know him — is a double board-certified, Harvard-trained psychiatrist practicing at Allied Psychiatry and Mental Health in Newport Beach, California. He offers customized, patient-focused treatments to address the unique needs and circumstances of each patient. With more than two decades of professional experience, he has vast proficiency in the mental health field. His expertise is in treating a wide range of psychiatric and addictive disorders in both adult and adolescents.
Allison J Munn
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92612 (Online Only)
I am a board-certified Psychiatrist providing medication management and therapy services via telepsychiatry to adult patients throughout California (and when warranted, in-person visits in Orange County). In addition to depression, anxiety, psychosis, PTSD, bipolar disorder, OCD, ADHD, I have additional training with focus in Reproductive Psychiatry (women’s mental health through different stages of life) and Sports Psychiatry (the treatment of mental illness in athletes, with specific attention given to the unique challenges athletes face and the way medications can affect their physical health and performance.)
I am a board-certified Psychiatrist providing medication management and therapy services via telepsychiatry to adult patients throughout California (and when warranted, in-person visits in Orange County). In addition to depression, anxiety, psychosis, PTSD, bipolar disorder, OCD, ADHD, I have additional training with focus in Reproductive Psychiatry (women’s mental health through different stages of life) and Sports Psychiatry (the treatment of mental illness in athletes, with specific attention given to the unique challenges athletes face and the way medications can affect their physical health and performance.)
Alex Sanchez
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC, MSN
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92612
Have you been struggling with anxiety, depression, or attention issues? Alex is a board-certified Psychiatry PMHNP helping people improve their mental wellness and productivity. He specializes in Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, PTSD, Bipolar, and more. He provides modern treatment options through lifestyle improvement, medications, natural options, therapy, and more. He received his training from the nation's top ranked university, UCLA.
Have you been struggling with anxiety, depression, or attention issues? Alex is a board-certified Psychiatry PMHNP helping people improve their mental wellness and productivity. He specializes in Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, PTSD, Bipolar, and more. He provides modern treatment options through lifestyle improvement, medications, natural options, therapy, and more. He received his training from the nation's top ranked university, UCLA.
Taylor Alexander
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92618 (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 a challenging 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 a challenging 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!
Samir Hamed
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92614
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Allied Healers 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 Allied Healers, 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, Allied Healers 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 Allied Healers, 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.
Ana Jimenez
Physician Assistant, PA-C
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92618
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!
Richard Liu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Irvine, CA 92606
Are you struggling with challenges related to anxiety, depression, or attention? Meet Richard, a board-certified Psychiatry PMHNP, ensuring you receive care from a qualified professional grounded in psychiatric nursing. Specializing in Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, PTSD, Bipolar, and more, Richard offers extensive experience in addressing various mental health issues. His broad expertise allows for a customized approach to meet your unique needs.
Are you struggling with challenges related to anxiety, depression, or attention? Meet Richard, a board-certified Psychiatry PMHNP, ensuring you receive care from a qualified professional grounded in psychiatric nursing. Specializing in Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, PTSD, Bipolar, and more, Richard offers extensive experience in addressing various mental health issues. His broad expertise allows for a customized approach to meet your unique needs.
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Nathan Holtzman
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Irvine, CA 92618 (Online Only)
My specialty areas include depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar, and insomnia.
I am a California Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). I have over 10 years of experience in the field of Mental Health. I have experience working in outpatient, inpatient, and telehealth. I understand that everyone’s perspective of and desire for well-being is unique to oneself. I have a passion for working with younger and older adults to assist them in obtaining their optimal level of function and well-being, even during difficult and challenging times.
My specialty areas include depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar, and insomnia.
I am a California Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). I have over 10 years of experience in the field of Mental Health. I have experience working in outpatient, inpatient, and telehealth. I understand that everyone’s perspective of and desire for well-being is unique to oneself. I have a passion for working with younger and older adults to assist them in obtaining their optimal level of function and well-being, even during difficult and challenging times.
Family Psychiatry- Counseling -Wellness
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92612 (Online Only)
Psychiatric Treatment & Counseling for the Whole Family. We are a Full Service Psychiatry & Counseling Practice. We Have a Team of Psychiatrists, Nurse Practitioners, Marriage & Family Therapists. We Offer Psychiatric Assessment & Treatment of ADHD in Adults and Children, Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Substance Abuse Disorders. We Combine Conventional Medical Treatment With New Non-Drug, Non-Invasive, FPD Approved, Safe & Effective Treatment Modalities Like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS ).
Psychiatric Treatment & Counseling for the Whole Family. We are a Full Service Psychiatry & Counseling Practice. We Have a Team of Psychiatrists, Nurse Practitioners, Marriage & Family Therapists. We Offer Psychiatric Assessment & Treatment of ADHD in Adults and Children, Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Substance Abuse Disorders. We Combine Conventional Medical Treatment With New Non-Drug, Non-Invasive, FPD Approved, Safe & Effective Treatment Modalities Like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS ).
Lisa Chan
Physician Assistant, PA-C
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92618 (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 a challenging 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 a challenging 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!
Mehdi Bubba Thomas
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92618 (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 a challenging 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 a challenging 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!
Dr. Ronil Shah
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92606
Dr. Shah is welcoming new patients for video appointments. As a Board-certified M.D. psychiatrist, he specializes in assessing and treating anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD and other psychiatric issues. A holistic provider, he combines non-pharmacologic approaches - including psychodynamic psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy - in addition to medication. He utilizes such therapeutic modalities in medication management appointments as well as dedicated therapy sessions. Consequently, patients benefit from well-integrated treatment that is both systematic and thorough.
Dr. Shah is welcoming new patients for video appointments. As a Board-certified M.D. psychiatrist, he specializes in assessing and treating anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD and other psychiatric issues. A holistic provider, he combines non-pharmacologic approaches - including psychodynamic psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy - in addition to medication. He utilizes such therapeutic modalities in medication management appointments as well as dedicated therapy sessions. Consequently, patients benefit from well-integrated treatment that is both systematic and thorough.
Jordan Blaine
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92612 (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, and OCD.
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, 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. Welcome to Bonmente!
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, and OCD.
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, 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. Welcome to Bonmente!
Sonia Villa
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP, MSN
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92614
She treats patients struggling with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, schizophrenia, substance abuse and dementia with behavioral disturbances.
Sonia Villa is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, licensed to assess, diagnose and treat clients with mental illness. Collectively Sonia has 30 years of clinical experience. Sonia knows the importance of developing a trusting relationship and providing compassionate care. She is an active listener and takes time out to educate her clients and explain treatment plans. With the use of current evidence-based practice, Sonia tailors treatment plans to meet her client’s specific needs. She takes pride in working with her clients to help them obtain their goals for happiness and success.
She treats patients struggling with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, schizophrenia, substance abuse and dementia with behavioral disturbances.
Sonia Villa is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, licensed to assess, diagnose and treat clients with mental illness. Collectively Sonia has 30 years of clinical experience. Sonia knows the importance of developing a trusting relationship and providing compassionate care. She is an active listener and takes time out to educate her clients and explain treatment plans. With the use of current evidence-based practice, Sonia tailors treatment plans to meet her client’s specific needs. She takes pride in working with her clients to help them obtain their goals for happiness and success.
Kevin Wesley Lu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92606
Are you facing challenges with anxiety, depression, or attention-related issues? Kevin is a board-certified Psychiatry PMHNP, ensuring you receive care from a qualified professional with a solid foundation in psychiatric nursing. With a focus on Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, PTSD, Bipolar, and more, Kevin brings a wealth of experience in addressing a wide range of mental health issues. His diverse specialization allows for a nuanced and tailored approach to your needs.
Are you facing challenges with anxiety, depression, or attention-related issues? Kevin is a board-certified Psychiatry PMHNP, ensuring you receive care from a qualified professional with a solid foundation in psychiatric nursing. With a focus on Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, PTSD, Bipolar, and more, Kevin brings a wealth of experience in addressing a wide range of mental health issues. His diverse specialization allows for a nuanced and tailored approach to your needs.
Mindpath College Health - Campus Dr, Irvine
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, PsyD, LCSW, LMFT
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92612
Mindpath College Health helps patients 18+ with anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, depression, gender and sexual identity, grief, life changes, OCD, relationships, and trauma and PTSD.
Mindpath College Health provides outpatient mental health care for college and university students, staff, and the surrounding community. We provide a broad spectrum of individual and group therapy, relationship counseling, psychiatric evaluation, and medication management and psychiatry.
Mindpath College Health helps patients 18+ with anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, depression, gender and sexual identity, grief, life changes, OCD, relationships, and trauma and PTSD.
Mindpath College Health provides outpatient mental health care for college and university students, staff, and the surrounding community. We provide a broad spectrum of individual and group therapy, relationship counseling, psychiatric evaluation, and medication management and psychiatry.
See more therapy options for Irvine
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.