Photo of Catalina Villa, MD , Psychiatrist
Catalina Villa
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Pleasanton, CA 94588  (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!
(925) 940-7004 View (925) 940-7004
Photo of Uchenna Okoye, MD, Psychiatrist
Uchenna Okoye
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Pleasanton, CA 94588  (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!
(925) 293-9636 View (925) 293-9636
Photo of Sarah Raike, PA-C , Physician Assistant
Sarah Raike
Physician Assistant, PA-C
Verified Verified
Pleasanton, CA 94588  (Online Only)
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, OCD, and gender dysphoria.
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, OCD, and gender dysphoria.
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!
(650) 649-6285 View (650) 649-6285
Photo of Joan Fraino, DNP, PMHNP, FNP, NP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Joan Fraino
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP, NP-C
Verified Verified
Pleasanton, CA 94566  (Online Only)
Dr. Joan Fraino, DNP, PMHNP has extensive experience working with clients suffering from mild to severe mental health disorders including: depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, insomnia, psychosis, and other mood disorders.
Dr. Joan Fraino, DNP, PMHNP has extensive experience working with clients suffering from mild to severe mental health disorders including: depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, insomnia, psychosis, and other mood disorders.
(925) 271-9179 View (925) 271-9179
Photo of Elizabeth Mole, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Elizabeth Mole
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Pleasanton, CA 94588  (Online Only)
Dr. Mole, DNP, PMHNP-BC, has an extensive background in treating a wide range of mental health issues, from depression to schizophrenia, ensuring that each patient receives care tailored to their specific needs. Her approach is not just about addressing symptoms but nurturing overall wellness, leveraging cutting-edge treatments and a compassionate, understanding demeanor to foster healing and growth. With a Doctorate of Nursing from Johns Hopkins University and a Masters in Nursing from UCSF, Dr. Mole, DNP, PMHNP-BC, brings over a decade of experience. She is board certified with the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
Dr. Mole, DNP, PMHNP-BC, has an extensive background in treating a wide range of mental health issues, from depression to schizophrenia, ensuring that each patient receives care tailored to their specific needs. Her approach is not just about addressing symptoms but nurturing overall wellness, leveraging cutting-edge treatments and a compassionate, understanding demeanor to foster healing and growth. With a Doctorate of Nursing from Johns Hopkins University and a Masters in Nursing from UCSF, Dr. Mole, DNP, PMHNP-BC, brings over a decade of experience. She is board certified with the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
(925) 489-0912 View (925) 489-0912
Photo of Dominique Sanders - Raelin Bright Wellness, PhD, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Raelin Bright Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PhD, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Pleasanton, CA 94588  (Online Only)
Tired of ER visits due to panic attacks? Do you feel anxious, sad, out of control, or overwhelmed? Do you have racing thoughts, have nightmares or trouble sleeping, or trouble relaxing? Are you feeling sad, like a dark cloud is over you or experiencing trauma responses? Do you feel treated as a number, not a person, when seeking help? I provide mental health treatment that is tailored to fit your needs. My approach is person-centered; I have mastered listening and recognizing people’s needs. I treat with evidence-based practices and believe in medication reduction as much as possible to avoid people being on too many medications.
Tired of ER visits due to panic attacks? Do you feel anxious, sad, out of control, or overwhelmed? Do you have racing thoughts, have nightmares or trouble sleeping, or trouble relaxing? Are you feeling sad, like a dark cloud is over you or experiencing trauma responses? Do you feel treated as a number, not a person, when seeking help? I provide mental health treatment that is tailored to fit your needs. My approach is person-centered; I have mastered listening and recognizing people’s needs. I treat with evidence-based practices and believe in medication reduction as much as possible to avoid people being on too many medications.
(415) 599-8715 View (415) 599-8715

More Psychiatrists Nearby

Photo of Catalina Villa, MD , Psychiatrist
Catalina Villa
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
San Ramon, CA 94583  (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!
(408) 852-7953 View (408) 852-7953
Photo of Uchenna Okoye, MD , Psychiatrist
Uchenna Okoye
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
San Ramon, CA 94583  (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!
(408) 692-2379 View (408) 692-2379
Photo of Trenice Johnson, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Trenice Johnson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
San Ramon, CA 94582
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with dual certification as a family practice nurse practitioner and I also obtained my Doctor of Nursing practice degree. I have practiced for several years in family practice and mental health services and strongly believe in the importance of mental healthcare. I am thrilled to be treating each person holistically and individually. I am comfortable diagnosing and treating patients struggling with depression, anxiety/panic, insomnia, PTSD, PMDD, Eating disorders, ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, and schizophrenia.
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with dual certification as a family practice nurse practitioner and I also obtained my Doctor of Nursing practice degree. I have practiced for several years in family practice and mental health services and strongly believe in the importance of mental healthcare. I am thrilled to be treating each person holistically and individually. I am comfortable diagnosing and treating patients struggling with depression, anxiety/panic, insomnia, PTSD, PMDD, Eating disorders, ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, and schizophrenia.
(858) 786-0159 View (858) 786-0159
Photo of Teresa Lee, MD, FAPA, CGP, Psychiatrist
Teresa Lee
Psychiatrist, MD, FAPA, CGP
Verified Verified
Hayward, CA 94552
Waitlist for new clients
Feeling "stuck" or even "paralyzed" in your career, daily life, or relationships (in areas even beyond romantic) are often why people seek me. My culturally open approach means we will understand how your past and present relationships, ideas, and feelings shape who you are today. I primarily offer psychodynamic and relational therapy and add in CBT, DBT, and mindfulness as needed. Talk therapy can lead to deep and lasting changes, and medications, when thoughtfully prescribed, can lessen the intensity of pain and suffering. With my medical and therapy resources, we will create an approach that lends itself to personal growth.
Feeling "stuck" or even "paralyzed" in your career, daily life, or relationships (in areas even beyond romantic) are often why people seek me. My culturally open approach means we will understand how your past and present relationships, ideas, and feelings shape who you are today. I primarily offer psychodynamic and relational therapy and add in CBT, DBT, and mindfulness as needed. Talk therapy can lead to deep and lasting changes, and medications, when thoughtfully prescribed, can lessen the intensity of pain and suffering. With my medical and therapy resources, we will create an approach that lends itself to personal growth.
(925) 690-1891 View (925) 690-1891
Photo of Ranvinder K Rai, MD, Psychiatrist
Ranvinder K Rai
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Fremont, CA 94539
"The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination” (Carl Rogers). Discovering one’s healthy balance can be the pursuit of a lifetime and taking steps to further your health can be challenging initially but rewarding simultaneously. I will be privileged to facilitate your path toward achieving healthy emotional well-being. I am a board-certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist and my consultation visit starts with a thorough understanding of your treatment needs and symptoms.
"The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination” (Carl Rogers). Discovering one’s healthy balance can be the pursuit of a lifetime and taking steps to further your health can be challenging initially but rewarding simultaneously. I will be privileged to facilitate your path toward achieving healthy emotional well-being. I am a board-certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist and my consultation visit starts with a thorough understanding of your treatment needs and symptoms.
(510) 560-7479 View (510) 560-7479
Photo of Dr. Anne Phan-Huy, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Anne Phan-Huy
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Hayward, CA 94544  (Online Only)
Dr. Phan-Huy's philosophy of care is all about you. Your beliefs, your experiences, your goals. By partnering with Dr. Phan-Huy, you will be empowered with the tools necessary to achieve fulfilment. That’s because – with Board certification in psychiatry and specialty training from the University of Michigan – Dr. Phan-Huy is a beacon of clarity in the complex world of mental health.
Dr. Phan-Huy's philosophy of care is all about you. Your beliefs, your experiences, your goals. By partnering with Dr. Phan-Huy, you will be empowered with the tools necessary to achieve fulfilment. That’s because – with Board certification in psychiatry and specialty training from the University of Michigan – Dr. Phan-Huy is a beacon of clarity in the complex world of mental health.
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Photo of Abibat Ajiboye - Premium Psychiatric Care Nursing -PC, PMHNP-, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Premium Psychiatric Care Nursing -PC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-, BC
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Castro Valley, CA 94546  (Online Only)
At Premium Psychiatric Care, we offer personalized, holistic mental health solutions tailored to your unique needs. Our discreet and empathetic approach addresses a range of concerns, empowering you to navigate challenges and achieve your goals. With expertise in therapy, medication management, and lifestyle interventions, we prioritize your well-being, ensuring you feel heard, understood, and supported every step of the way. Thrive with us at Premium Psychiatric Care.
At Premium Psychiatric Care, we offer personalized, holistic mental health solutions tailored to your unique needs. Our discreet and empathetic approach addresses a range of concerns, empowering you to navigate challenges and achieve your goals. With expertise in therapy, medication management, and lifestyle interventions, we prioritize your well-being, ensuring you feel heard, understood, and supported every step of the way. Thrive with us at Premium Psychiatric Care.
(510) 900-0885 View (510) 900-0885
Photo of Sridevi Banka, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Sridevi Banka
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Hayward, CA 94544  (Online Only)
Sridevi Banka is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with a diverse educational and clinical background. She holds a Master's Degree from UCSF. Sridevi has extensive experience in diagnosing, prescribing and treating a variety of psychiatric disorders, including mood and anxiety disorders, psychosis, trauma, sleep disorders, ADHD, and other psychiatric disorders. Over the years, she worked with diverse patient population in several hospital settings(in-patient, out-patient, Crisis Stabilization and Psychiatric Emergency Room) and treated mild-severe mental disorders.
Sridevi Banka is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with a diverse educational and clinical background. She holds a Master's Degree from UCSF. Sridevi has extensive experience in diagnosing, prescribing and treating a variety of psychiatric disorders, including mood and anxiety disorders, psychosis, trauma, sleep disorders, ADHD, and other psychiatric disorders. Over the years, she worked with diverse patient population in several hospital settings(in-patient, out-patient, Crisis Stabilization and Psychiatric Emergency Room) and treated mild-severe mental disorders.
(341) 895-7305 View (341) 895-7305
Photo of Simret Nanda, MD, Psychiatrist
Simret Nanda
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Danville, CA 94506
My ideal client could be a child, adolescent or an adult that wants and needs to get psychiatric care. I am an open-minded and holistic psychiatrist who takes the whole person into account when I am treating him/her. I practice the biopsychosocial model and I also understand that not all treatment modalities work for all people. I tailor treatment goals and strategies for each individual person. I am also a big believer in combining diet, exercise, acupuncture, reiki, massage, physical therapy, psychotherapy, hypnotherapy, psychoeducation, groups into the treatment plan and focusing on wellness as well.
My ideal client could be a child, adolescent or an adult that wants and needs to get psychiatric care. I am an open-minded and holistic psychiatrist who takes the whole person into account when I am treating him/her. I practice the biopsychosocial model and I also understand that not all treatment modalities work for all people. I tailor treatment goals and strategies for each individual person. I am also a big believer in combining diet, exercise, acupuncture, reiki, massage, physical therapy, psychotherapy, hypnotherapy, psychoeducation, groups into the treatment plan and focusing on wellness as well.
(925) 744-8449 View (925) 744-8449
Photo of Farah Khan, MD, FAPA, Psychiatrist
Farah Khan
Psychiatrist, MD, FAPA
Verified Verified
San Ramon, CA 94583
Welcome! I am pleased to have you consider my practice for your psychiatric health care needs. I am licensed to practice medicine by the California State Medical Board, and am board-certified in Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. After receiving my medical degree from Sindh Medical College, I completed my Psychiatry Residency from Bergen Regional Medical Center in Paramus, NJ. I have been practicing psychiatry in California since 2003.
Welcome! I am pleased to have you consider my practice for your psychiatric health care needs. I am licensed to practice medicine by the California State Medical Board, and am board-certified in Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. After receiving my medical degree from Sindh Medical College, I completed my Psychiatry Residency from Bergen Regional Medical Center in Paramus, NJ. I have been practicing psychiatry in California since 2003.
(925) 393-0274 View (925) 393-0274

Online Psychiatrists

Photo of Wendla Anna Schwartz, MD, Psychiatrist
Wendla Anna Schwartz
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Morgan Hill, CA 95037  (Online Only)
Dr. Schwartz is a seasoned physician and accomplished adult/child psychiatrist, renowned for her holistic approach to treatment that acknowledges the complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors. With over 25 years of clinical expertise, Dr. Schwartz specializes in addressing a diverse range of mental health conditions, including Anxiety, Mood Disorders, ADHD, Depression, OCD, Bipolar disorder, Psychosis, Somatic disorders, Trauma/PTSD, DMDD, Autism, Substance Disorders, and Sleep Disorders. Additionally, she possesses a deep understanding of disorders specific to children and their families.
Dr. Schwartz is a seasoned physician and accomplished adult/child psychiatrist, renowned for her holistic approach to treatment that acknowledges the complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors. With over 25 years of clinical expertise, Dr. Schwartz specializes in addressing a diverse range of mental health conditions, including Anxiety, Mood Disorders, ADHD, Depression, OCD, Bipolar disorder, Psychosis, Somatic disorders, Trauma/PTSD, DMDD, Autism, Substance Disorders, and Sleep Disorders. Additionally, she possesses a deep understanding of disorders specific to children and their families.
(408) 669-4651 View (408) 669-4651
Photo of Divya Tilva, PMHNP, FNP, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Divya Tilva
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP, MSN
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94103
I recognize that seeking help for mental health need can be a courageous step. I provide safe space and personalize treatment for individuals struggling with depression, ADHD, anxiety, stress, bipolar, sleep issues, adjustment challenges and other mental health challenges. I believed in high quality, compassionate and convenient care in supportive and confidential setting with personalize approach.
I recognize that seeking help for mental health need can be a courageous step. I provide safe space and personalize treatment for individuals struggling with depression, ADHD, anxiety, stress, bipolar, sleep issues, adjustment challenges and other mental health challenges. I believed in high quality, compassionate and convenient care in supportive and confidential setting with personalize approach.
(562) 561-2840 View (562) 561-2840
Photo of Rhea Singson-Tapang - Mindful Health Solution - Rhea Singson-Tapang, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Mindful Health Solution - Rhea Singson-Tapang
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95825  (Online Only)
I take care of patients, include help with prescribing and managing medications, who have a variety of psychiatric disorders such as Major Depressive Disorders (MDD), bipolar disorders and anxiety disorders.
I take care of patients, include help with prescribing and managing medications, who have a variety of psychiatric disorders such as Major Depressive Disorders (MDD), bipolar disorders and anxiety disorders.
(916) 318-5729 View (916) 318-5729
Photo of Catalina Villa, MD , Psychiatrist
Catalina Villa
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94306  (Online Only)
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, OCD, and gender dysphoria.
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, OCD, and gender dysphoria.
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
(650) 628-6618 View (650) 628-6618

See more therapy options for Pleasanton

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.