Bipolar Disorder Psychiatrists in Santa Clara County, CA

Photo of Uchenna Okoye, Psychiatrist, MD
Uchenna Okoye
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
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 Kirsten Thompson - Remedy Psychiatry - San Jose, Psychiatrist
Remedy Psychiatry - San Jose
Psychiatrist
Verified Verified
Online Only
We treat a wide range of mental health symptoms – anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, bipolar, insomnia and more.
Are you struggling in your daily life and wondering if prescription medication might help you? But, you don't want to wait weeks to get an appointment or pay alot to get personalized medication management? You are not alone, and that is why we started Remedy. See one of our mental health specialists for an in-depth mental health evaluation, diagnosis and ongoing medication management care. We treat adults, teens and children from the comfort of home over video - days, nights and weekends. We take care of you with or without insurance, and our care remains the same for all.
We treat a wide range of mental health symptoms – anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, bipolar, insomnia and more.
Are you struggling in your daily life and wondering if prescription medication might help you? But, you don't want to wait weeks to get an appointment or pay alot to get personalized medication management? You are not alone, and that is why we started Remedy. See one of our mental health specialists for an in-depth mental health evaluation, diagnosis and ongoing medication management care. We treat adults, teens and children from the comfort of home over video - days, nights and weekends. We take care of you with or without insurance, and our care remains the same for all.
(408) 692-2178 View (408) 692-2178
Photo of Catalina Villa, Psychiatrist, MD
Catalina Villa
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
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) 617-8952 View (408) 617-8952
Photo of Catalina Villa, Psychiatrist, MD
Catalina Villa
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
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
Photo of Catalina Villa, Psychiatrist, MD
Catalina Villa
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
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 Riz Ahmad, Psychiatrist, MD
Riz Ahmad
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
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) 628-8367 View (650) 628-8367
Photo of Uchenna Okoye, Psychiatrist, MD
Uchenna Okoye
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
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) 649-6899 View (650) 649-6899
Photo of Peter Forster, Psychiatrist, MD
Peter Forster
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94024
I am on the faculty at UCSF, where I teach in the bipolar disorders clinic.
I believe that caring and respectful relationships are the basis for any kind of healing. In my work with patients I view what we do together as a collaboration. You are the expert in yourself and your feelings. I bring to that collaboration the expertise from my academic experience and training as well as from the care of thousands of patients with similar problems. Together we create a treatment plan that will lead to a sustained recovery from a mood or anxiety disorder.
I am on the faculty at UCSF, where I teach in the bipolar disorders clinic.
I believe that caring and respectful relationships are the basis for any kind of healing. In my work with patients I view what we do together as a collaboration. You are the expert in yourself and your feelings. I bring to that collaboration the expertise from my academic experience and training as well as from the care of thousands of patients with similar problems. Together we create a treatment plan that will lead to a sustained recovery from a mood or anxiety disorder.
(925) 968-4250 View (925) 968-4250
Photo of Philip B Cawkwell, Psychiatrist, MD
Philip B Cawkwell
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Online Only
I have specialized training and research experience in first episode psychosis, bipolar disorder, and ADHD.
Hi there - I'm Dr. Philip Cawkwell, board certified in Adult Psychiatry as well as Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. I trained at the top institutions - NYU for medical school, MGH/McLean Harvard for Adult Residency, and Stanford for Child/Adolescent Fellowship. I have the ability to connect with teenagers and young adults, while staying up-to-date knowledge on the latest in psychiatric treatments. I am a good fit if you are looking for a provider who is easy to communicate with (both in and out of session), takes your concerns seriously, and is results-driven.
I have specialized training and research experience in first episode psychosis, bipolar disorder, and ADHD.
Hi there - I'm Dr. Philip Cawkwell, board certified in Adult Psychiatry as well as Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. I trained at the top institutions - NYU for medical school, MGH/McLean Harvard for Adult Residency, and Stanford for Child/Adolescent Fellowship. I have the ability to connect with teenagers and young adults, while staying up-to-date knowledge on the latest in psychiatric treatments. I am a good fit if you are looking for a provider who is easy to communicate with (both in and out of session), takes your concerns seriously, and is results-driven.
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Photo of Caleb Davis, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Caleb Davis
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Online Only
I treat a full list of issues with specializations in anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and PTSD.
I believe mental health care should be patient-centered and be individualized for each person.
I treat a full list of issues with specializations in anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and PTSD.
I believe mental health care should be patient-centered and be individualized for each person.
(213) 698-8615 View (213) 698-8615
Photo of Gurtej Mann, Psychiatrist, MD
Gurtej Mann
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I treat an array of conditions, however, my specializations include adult psychiatry, addiction psychiatry, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders.
My name is Dr. Gurtej Mann and I am a board-certified psychiatrist offering online services to adolescents and adults.
I treat an array of conditions, however, my specializations include adult psychiatry, addiction psychiatry, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders.
My name is Dr. Gurtej Mann and I am a board-certified psychiatrist offering online services to adolescents and adults.
(213) 698-3577 View (213) 698-3577
Photo of Peter Forster, Psychiatrist, MD, DFAPA
Peter Forster
Psychiatrist, MD, DFAPA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Altos, CA 94024
I am on the faculty at UCSF, where I teach in the bipolar disorders clinic.
I believe that caring and respectful relationships are the basis for any kind of healing. In my work with patients I view what we do together as a collaboration. You are the expert in yourself and your feelings. I bring to that collaboration the expertise from my academic experience and training as well as from the care of thousands of patients with similar problems. Together we create a treatment plan that will lead to a sustained recovery from a mood or anxiety disorder.
I am on the faculty at UCSF, where I teach in the bipolar disorders clinic.
I believe that caring and respectful relationships are the basis for any kind of healing. In my work with patients I view what we do together as a collaboration. You are the expert in yourself and your feelings. I bring to that collaboration the expertise from my academic experience and training as well as from the care of thousands of patients with similar problems. Together we create a treatment plan that will lead to a sustained recovery from a mood or anxiety disorder.
(650) 350-2100 View (650) 350-2100
Photo of Kenneth Saldua, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP
Kenneth Saldua
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
Online Only
I specialize in treating ADHD, depression, and bipolar disorders using a humanistic, goal-oriented approach.
Hello, my name is Kenneth and I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. I have extensive experience treating ADHD, depression, anxiety, trauma, and psychosis as well as personal experience with mental health challenges. I believe that building a strong foundation of trust between clinician and client is crucial and that combining a humanitarian approach with evidence-based practice leads to better outcomes. My goal is to provide safe, comprehensive, and goal-oriented clinical care.
I specialize in treating ADHD, depression, and bipolar disorders using a humanistic, goal-oriented approach.
Hello, my name is Kenneth and I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. I have extensive experience treating ADHD, depression, anxiety, trauma, and psychosis as well as personal experience with mental health challenges. I believe that building a strong foundation of trust between clinician and client is crucial and that combining a humanitarian approach with evidence-based practice leads to better outcomes. My goal is to provide safe, comprehensive, and goal-oriented clinical care.
(951) 467-4146 View (951) 467-4146
Photo of Miguel Castellanos, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Miguel Castellanos
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Many people feel overwhelmed, misunderstood, or stuck—whether from ADHD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, or anxiety.
As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I specialize in ADHD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression. I combine medication management with therapeutic techniques to create personalized, effective treatment plans. Fluent in Spanish, I provide compassionate, accessible care to help clients regain balance and confidence.
Many people feel overwhelmed, misunderstood, or stuck—whether from ADHD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, or anxiety.
As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I specialize in ADHD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression. I combine medication management with therapeutic techniques to create personalized, effective treatment plans. Fluent in Spanish, I provide compassionate, accessible care to help clients regain balance and confidence.
(657) 722-7373 View (657) 722-7373
Photo of Amber Mitchell, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, MSN, PMHNP
Amber Mitchell
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Online Only
I practice general adult psychiatry and specializes in major depressive disorder (MDD), anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, and PTSD.
Comprehensive Mental Health Evaluations – I assess psychological, emotional, and behavioral health to develop a personalized treatment plan. Medication Management – I prescribe and adjust psychiatric medications while monitoring for effectiveness and side effects. Therapeutic Support – I integrate counseling techniques such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioral
I practice general adult psychiatry and specializes in major depressive disorder (MDD), anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, and PTSD.
Comprehensive Mental Health Evaluations – I assess psychological, emotional, and behavioral health to develop a personalized treatment plan. Medication Management – I prescribe and adjust psychiatric medications while monitoring for effectiveness and side effects. Therapeutic Support – I integrate counseling techniques such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioral
(424) 484-8151 View (424) 484-8151
Photo of Kara Ditto, Psychiatrist, MD
Kara Ditto
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Online Only
I treat an array of conditions, however, my specializations include bipolar, depression, psychotic disorders, PTSD, trauma, mood disorders, and women's issues.
My philosophy of care utilizes all applicable modalities available to address well-being. Specifically patient education, and possible implementation of medications, versus non-medication options.
I treat an array of conditions, however, my specializations include bipolar, depression, psychotic disorders, PTSD, trauma, mood disorders, and women's issues.
My philosophy of care utilizes all applicable modalities available to address well-being. Specifically patient education, and possible implementation of medications, versus non-medication options.
(213) 699-5721 View (213) 699-5721
Photo of Catalina Villa, Psychiatrist, MD
Catalina Villa
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
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 Rania Johnson, Psychiatrist, MD
Rania Johnson
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
My focus is on mood and anxiety disorders, including depression, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, and panic disorder.
In residency, I learned from experts in addiction, sleep disorders, and women's mental health. I also completed intensive postgraduate training in psychodynamic psychotherapy at the Chicago Institute for Psychoanalysis. In addition to private practice in Chicago, I worked in college mental health in the Bay Area.
My focus is on mood and anxiety disorders, including depression, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, and panic disorder.
In residency, I learned from experts in addiction, sleep disorders, and women's mental health. I also completed intensive postgraduate training in psychodynamic psychotherapy at the Chicago Institute for Psychoanalysis. In addition to private practice in Chicago, I worked in college mental health in the Bay Area.
(650) 640-1283 View (650) 640-1283
Photo of Catalina Villa, Psychiatrist, MD
Catalina Villa
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
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!
(661) 536-2065 View (661) 536-2065
Photo of Dr. Jordan Wong, Psychiatrist, MD, MPH
Dr. Jordan Wong
Psychiatrist, MD, MPH
Verified Verified
Online Only
These conditions include (but are not limited to): primary mood disorders (including pediatric bipolar disorder), ADHD, anxiety disorders, primary psychotic disorders, LGBTQ+ related challenges, Gender Dysphoria, Neurodivergence.
I am a board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist that completed medical training at Stanford (child & adolescent psychiatry fellowship), Columbia (general psychiatry residency), and Dartmouth (medical school). I opened a private psychiatric practice to provide evidence-based, collaborative, individualized care, and (most importantly) a strong therapeutic relationship with all of my patients. I specialize working with children, adolescents, and young adults.
These conditions include (but are not limited to): primary mood disorders (including pediatric bipolar disorder), ADHD, anxiety disorders, primary psychotic disorders, LGBTQ+ related challenges, Gender Dysphoria, Neurodivergence.
I am a board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist that completed medical training at Stanford (child & adolescent psychiatry fellowship), Columbia (general psychiatry residency), and Dartmouth (medical school). I opened a private psychiatric practice to provide evidence-based, collaborative, individualized care, and (most importantly) a strong therapeutic relationship with all of my patients. I specialize working with children, adolescents, and young adults.
(415) 417-2091 View (415) 417-2091
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See more therapy options for Santa Clara County

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.