Bipolar Disorder Psychiatrists in Middleburg Heights, OH

Photo of Danny Miller, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Middleburg Heights, OH
Danny Miller
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Middleburg Heights, OH 44130
Hello and welcome! My name is Danny Miller, and I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). My goal is to help people live their best lives through appropriate diagnosis and treatment options. My approach is holistic and patient-centered with a strong emphasis on diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning. I enjoy learning about my patients and helping to shape a plan that improves their quality of life as soon as possible. I work with multiple populations and treat many conditions including ADHD, Depressive Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, and bipolar disorder.
Hello and welcome! My name is Danny Miller, and I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). My goal is to help people live their best lives through appropriate diagnosis and treatment options. My approach is holistic and patient-centered with a strong emphasis on diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning. I enjoy learning about my patients and helping to shape a plan that improves their quality of life as soon as possible. I work with multiple populations and treat many conditions including ADHD, Depressive Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, and bipolar disorder.
(440) 701-5912 View (440) 701-5912
Photo of Tameshia Wiggins, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Middleburg Heights, OH
Tameshia Wiggins
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Middleburg Heights, OH 44130
Hello, my name is Tameshia, and I am a dual certified nurse practitioner specializing in psychiatry and adult geriatric primary care. I am nationally certified by both the American Nurses Credentialing Center and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. My focus is on adults throughout their life span, and I provide medication management and therapy. I work with adults aged 18 and up. I am comfortable treating patients who are dealing with symptoms related to depression, anxiety, insomnia, schizophrenia, addiction, weight issues, ADHD, bipolar disorder and more.
Hello, my name is Tameshia, and I am a dual certified nurse practitioner specializing in psychiatry and adult geriatric primary care. I am nationally certified by both the American Nurses Credentialing Center and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. My focus is on adults throughout their life span, and I provide medication management and therapy. I work with adults aged 18 and up. I am comfortable treating patients who are dealing with symptoms related to depression, anxiety, insomnia, schizophrenia, addiction, weight issues, ADHD, bipolar disorder and more.
(440) 739-3024 View (440) 739-3024
Photo of Lauren Mente, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Middleburg Heights, OH
Lauren Mente
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Middleburg Heights, OH 44130
My name is Lauren Mente, and I was born and raised in Ohio. I am a board-certified nurse practitioner in psychiatry and primary care. I received my first nursing degree as a registered nurse in 2001. I furthered my education at Ohio University in 2010 with a bachelor's in nursing, followed by a master's in nursing in 2013. My focus area as a NP has been in community mental health. I received my psychiatric mental health post-master's certification from Northern Kentucky University in 2021.
My name is Lauren Mente, and I was born and raised in Ohio. I am a board-certified nurse practitioner in psychiatry and primary care. I received my first nursing degree as a registered nurse in 2001. I furthered my education at Ohio University in 2010 with a bachelor's in nursing, followed by a master's in nursing in 2013. My focus area as a NP has been in community mental health. I received my psychiatric mental health post-master's certification from Northern Kentucky University in 2021.
(440) 762-7206 View (440) 762-7206
Photo of Austin Smith, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Middleburg Heights, OH
Austin Smith
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNPBC, APRN
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Middleburg Heights, OH 44130
I am board certified in psychiatric mental health across the lifespan and offer medication management, initial consultations, follow up visit, psychoeducation, supportive therapy, and promoting a holistic approach to mental health treatment.
I am board certified in psychiatric mental health across the lifespan and offer medication management, initial consultations, follow up visit, psychoeducation, supportive therapy, and promoting a holistic approach to mental health treatment.
(440) 298-2358 View (440) 298-2358
Photo of Richelle Jenkins-Garrett, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Middleburg Heights, OH
Richelle Jenkins-Garrett
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Middleburg Heights, OH 44130
Richelle Jenkins-Garrett MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She is passionate about providing evidenced based, quality, compassionate, and comprehensive mental health services across the lifespan. Her focus is on the treatment of mood disorders, trauma, psychotic disorders, substance abuse and chronic mental illness through psychiatric assessment, medication management and brief psychotherapeutic intervention for clients across the lifespan with focus in clients ages 18-65+.
Richelle Jenkins-Garrett MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She is passionate about providing evidenced based, quality, compassionate, and comprehensive mental health services across the lifespan. Her focus is on the treatment of mood disorders, trauma, psychotic disorders, substance abuse and chronic mental illness through psychiatric assessment, medication management and brief psychotherapeutic intervention for clients across the lifespan with focus in clients ages 18-65+.
(440) 635-3447 View (440) 635-3447
Photo of Mark Tuvelle, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Middleburg Heights, OH
Mark Tuvelle
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Middleburg Heights, OH 44130
Mark Tuvelle strives to provide a safe and welcoming environment and always wants to ensure that his clients feel they are “being listened to.” Mark believes a provider must truly listen to understand his client’s concerns, thus ensuring that their priorities are being addressed. He believes that communication lays the foundation for any effective partnership and that successful psychiatric care begins with open, honest, and genuine communication between provider and client, with an overall goal of helping the individual enhance all aspects of health and overall well-being using a holistic approach.
Mark Tuvelle strives to provide a safe and welcoming environment and always wants to ensure that his clients feel they are “being listened to.” Mark believes a provider must truly listen to understand his client’s concerns, thus ensuring that their priorities are being addressed. He believes that communication lays the foundation for any effective partnership and that successful psychiatric care begins with open, honest, and genuine communication between provider and client, with an overall goal of helping the individual enhance all aspects of health and overall well-being using a holistic approach.
(440) 553-8704 View (440) 553-8704
Photo of Kerri Pearch, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Middleburg Heights, OH
Kerri Pearch
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP, ENP, CNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Middleburg Heights, OH 44130  (Online Only)
Kerri Pearch is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMH-BC) with over 25 years nursing experience, including with Cleveland Clinic. She also holds certifications as a nurse practitioner in both family and emergency medicine. She has served as an adjunct professor at Aultman College of Nursing and Health Sciences and as a preceptor for Chamberlain University’s nurse practitioner program. Kerri's medical training has equipped her to provide excellent care and support to patients with chronic mental illnesses, cognitive impairment, and functional loss due to mental health issues.
Kerri Pearch is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMH-BC) with over 25 years nursing experience, including with Cleveland Clinic. She also holds certifications as a nurse practitioner in both family and emergency medicine. She has served as an adjunct professor at Aultman College of Nursing and Health Sciences and as a preceptor for Chamberlain University’s nurse practitioner program. Kerri's medical training has equipped her to provide excellent care and support to patients with chronic mental illnesses, cognitive impairment, and functional loss due to mental health issues.
(380) 600-8771 View (380) 600-8771

More Psychiatrists Nearby

Photo of Fatimah Thiam, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Middleburg Heights, OH
Fatimah Thiam
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Cleveland, OH 44105  (Online Only)
Hello, I am Fatimah, a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, who have been in practice over the last 8 years, with experience working in inpatient, outpatient and crisis settings. Do you suffer from ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, schizophrenia, mood swings, eating disorders, insomnia, trauma/PTSD, personality disorders or substance abuse? I'm here because of you and I care about you. To book your appointment go to https:/centralbehavioralclinic.com/.
Hello, I am Fatimah, a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, who have been in practice over the last 8 years, with experience working in inpatient, outpatient and crisis settings. Do you suffer from ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, schizophrenia, mood swings, eating disorders, insomnia, trauma/PTSD, personality disorders or substance abuse? I'm here because of you and I care about you. To book your appointment go to https:/centralbehavioralclinic.com/.
(614) 698-1498 View (614) 698-1498
Photo of Jennifer Seelie, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Middleburg Heights, OH
Jennifer Seelie
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Parma, OH 44130  (Online Only)
I am Psych NP who specializes in depressive disorders, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, OCD, ADHD, mood disorders, and addiction medicine.
I am Psych NP who specializes in depressive disorders, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, OCD, ADHD, mood disorders, and addiction medicine.
(513) 450-3752 View (513) 450-3752
Photo of Andrea Balluch-Dean, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Middleburg Heights, OH
Andrea Balluch-Dean
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cleveland, OH 44114  (Online Only)
I specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PSTD, OCD, insomnia, ADHD, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorders, and substance use disorders.
Hi, I’m Andrea. Welcome to my private practice, New Leaf Mental Health & Wellness, LLC. I presume you found my profile because you are seeking to make a positive change in your life? I applaud your efforts. Taking the first step on your path to wellness is the most important, and for some, the most intimidating. Lets face it, it’s not easy to open up to a total stranger about your mental health needs. That’s why it is important to find a mental health clinician with whom you can connect. A clinician who possesses the qualities and skills essential to developing and growing a therapeutic relationship with you.
I specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PSTD, OCD, insomnia, ADHD, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorders, and substance use disorders.
Hi, I’m Andrea. Welcome to my private practice, New Leaf Mental Health & Wellness, LLC. I presume you found my profile because you are seeking to make a positive change in your life? I applaud your efforts. Taking the first step on your path to wellness is the most important, and for some, the most intimidating. Lets face it, it’s not easy to open up to a total stranger about your mental health needs. That’s why it is important to find a mental health clinician with whom you can connect. A clinician who possesses the qualities and skills essential to developing and growing a therapeutic relationship with you.
(513) 643-1325 View (513) 643-1325
Photo of Dr. Arif Noorbaksh, Psychiatrist in Middleburg Heights, OH
Dr. Arif Noorbaksh
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Brunswick, OH 44212
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, and/or bipolar and related disorders? I strongly believe in meeting patients where they are in their individual journeys. The ideal client is the one who attends their initial evaluation to talk through their experience and potential treatment options. I approach patient care holistically and attempt to develop an understanding of the patient’s lived experience and current symptoms.
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, and/or bipolar and related disorders? I strongly believe in meeting patients where they are in their individual journeys. The ideal client is the one who attends their initial evaluation to talk through their experience and potential treatment options. I approach patient care holistically and attempt to develop an understanding of the patient’s lived experience and current symptoms.
(216) 508-8032 View (216) 508-8032
Photo of April DeBiasi, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Middleburg Heights, OH
April DeBiasi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Cleveland, OH 44114  (Online Only)
April DeBiasi is a nurse practitioner dually board certified in psychiatric and mental health as well as Adult-Geriatric primary care nurse practitioner. She is board certified through the American Nursing Credentialing Center and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. She has experience working in acute inpatient hospital and outpatient private practice settings.She sees adults ages 18 to 100 and she specializes in anxiety disorders, bipolar disorders, depressive disorder, dementia, OCD, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, and insomnia.
April DeBiasi is a nurse practitioner dually board certified in psychiatric and mental health as well as Adult-Geriatric primary care nurse practitioner. She is board certified through the American Nursing Credentialing Center and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. She has experience working in acute inpatient hospital and outpatient private practice settings.She sees adults ages 18 to 100 and she specializes in anxiety disorders, bipolar disorders, depressive disorder, dementia, OCD, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, and insomnia.
(440) 530-6141 View (440) 530-6141
Photo of Annamaria Pagani, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Middleburg Heights, OH
Annamaria Pagani
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cleveland, OH 44114  (Online Only)
I have experience with many mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, and bipolar disorder.
Welcome to my page! I am accepting ages 16 and up. My role involves addressing symptoms and challenges that patients face with medication, but also identifying other factors that could contribute to their mental health. This includes medical conditions, lifestyle factors, coping skills, and more. I always encourage my patients to participate in therapy. I offer genetic testing to help narrow down psychotropic medication options and to help patients understand why previous medications may not have worked. I empower my patients to actively participate in making decisions. I feel it is important to be an advocate of your own care.
I have experience with many mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, and bipolar disorder.
Welcome to my page! I am accepting ages 16 and up. My role involves addressing symptoms and challenges that patients face with medication, but also identifying other factors that could contribute to their mental health. This includes medical conditions, lifestyle factors, coping skills, and more. I always encourage my patients to participate in therapy. I offer genetic testing to help narrow down psychotropic medication options and to help patients understand why previous medications may not have worked. I empower my patients to actively participate in making decisions. I feel it is important to be an advocate of your own care.
(614) 877-8627 View (614) 877-8627
Photo of Alana Ward, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Middleburg Heights, OH
Alana Ward
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Westlake, OH 44145  (Online Only)
I have been a nurse practitioner since 2018, and I have experience supporting members from 6+ years of age with concerns such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia, personality disorders, and OCD.
As I see it, mental health is the basis and center of everything. When you are struggling silently in your mind, I can help. Having the opportunity to help treat mental health and improve someone's life and outlook on life is, in my opinion, one of the most rewarding professions. I am currently accepting new clients, age 18+, and would be honored to help you become a better version of yourself.
I have been a nurse practitioner since 2018, and I have experience supporting members from 6+ years of age with concerns such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia, personality disorders, and OCD.
As I see it, mental health is the basis and center of everything. When you are struggling silently in your mind, I can help. Having the opportunity to help treat mental health and improve someone's life and outlook on life is, in my opinion, one of the most rewarding professions. I am currently accepting new clients, age 18+, and would be honored to help you become a better version of yourself.
(216) 306-4487 View (216) 306-4487
Photo of Dr. Arif Noorbaksh, Psychiatrist in Middleburg Heights, OH
Dr. Arif Noorbaksh
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Brunswick, OH 44212
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, and/or bipolar and related disorders? I strongly believe in meeting patients where they are in their individual journeys. The ideal client is the one who attends their initial evaluation to talk through their experience and potential treatment options. I approach patient care holistically and attempt to develop an understanding of the patient’s lived experience and current symptoms.
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, and/or bipolar and related disorders? I strongly believe in meeting patients where they are in their individual journeys. The ideal client is the one who attends their initial evaluation to talk through their experience and potential treatment options. I approach patient care holistically and attempt to develop an understanding of the patient’s lived experience and current symptoms.
(740) 675-6863 View (740) 675-6863
Photo of Brandy Hill, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Middleburg Heights, OH
Brandy Hill
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHCNS-
Verified Verified
North Olmsted, OH 44070
Brandy S. Hill is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Ohio who has been practicing since 2022. Living in today's world can be difficult. Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or ADHD? Cognitive behavior therapy and medication management are techniques that can be used to treat your symptoms. Brandy specializes in treating mental health needs and addiction. She is available for after-hour appointments to meet the needs of clients who work and attend school during the day. Brandy became a mental health provider to decrease the negative stigma associated with mental illness.
Brandy S. Hill is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Ohio who has been practicing since 2022. Living in today's world can be difficult. Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or ADHD? Cognitive behavior therapy and medication management are techniques that can be used to treat your symptoms. Brandy specializes in treating mental health needs and addiction. She is available for after-hour appointments to meet the needs of clients who work and attend school during the day. Brandy became a mental health provider to decrease the negative stigma associated with mental illness.
(440) 641-2151 View (440) 641-2151
Photo of Sikira Mukaila, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Middleburg Heights, OH
Sikira Mukaila
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Cleveland, OH 44109  (Online Only)
I manage patients with Substance Use Disorder, ADHD, Anxiety Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Panic Disorder, Depression, OCD, PTSD, Eating disorders and Adjustment Disorder.
I am a dedicated Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who has a strong commitment to providing compassionate healthcare services to those experiencing a wide range of mental health challenges. With over 15 years in healthcare, I possess a profound comprehension of mental healthcare and an unwavering commitment to improving the overall well-being of my clients. I have acquired the requisite proficiencies to cultivate meaningful rapport with clients, tailor individualized treatment methodologies, and employ a diverse array of therapeutic modalities, including non-pharmacological interventions such as motivational interviews and meditation
I manage patients with Substance Use Disorder, ADHD, Anxiety Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Panic Disorder, Depression, OCD, PTSD, Eating disorders and Adjustment Disorder.
I am a dedicated Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who has a strong commitment to providing compassionate healthcare services to those experiencing a wide range of mental health challenges. With over 15 years in healthcare, I possess a profound comprehension of mental healthcare and an unwavering commitment to improving the overall well-being of my clients. I have acquired the requisite proficiencies to cultivate meaningful rapport with clients, tailor individualized treatment methodologies, and employ a diverse array of therapeutic modalities, including non-pharmacological interventions such as motivational interviews and meditation
(440) 553-8939 View (440) 553-8939
Photo of David Kwon, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Middleburg Heights, OH
David Kwon
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
North Olmsted, OH 44070
David Kwon is a board-certified advanced practice psychiatric nurse practitioner. He master's and doctoral degrees in nursing from Case Western Reserve University. His previous experience includes providing psychiatric services to patients in both community and private practice settings. He currently provides medication management to adult patients ages 18 to 64. His treatment areas of specialty include anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
David Kwon is a board-certified advanced practice psychiatric nurse practitioner. He master's and doctoral degrees in nursing from Case Western Reserve University. His previous experience includes providing psychiatric services to patients in both community and private practice settings. He currently provides medication management to adult patients ages 18 to 64. His treatment areas of specialty include anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
(440) 750-1162 View (440) 750-1162
Photo of Esther Gotfryd, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Middleburg Heights, OH
Esther Gotfryd
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Brecksville, OH 44141
Her treatment interests include depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, (PTSD), SUD, anxiety, eating disorders, and bipolar disorders.
Esther B. Gotfryd is certified by the American Academy of Nurse practitioners in Family practice and by the American Nurse Credentialing Center in psychiatric mental health across the lifespan. She received her Master's and Post Master's degrees in nursing from Ursuline College, specializing in family practice and psychiatry. Her previous experience includes work in outpatient, inpatient, and residential settings. She is a Suboxone provider for the treatment of opiate and opioid disorders. She provides medication management and therapy for ages 15-64.
Her treatment interests include depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, (PTSD), SUD, anxiety, eating disorders, and bipolar disorders.
Esther B. Gotfryd is certified by the American Academy of Nurse practitioners in Family practice and by the American Nurse Credentialing Center in psychiatric mental health across the lifespan. She received her Master's and Post Master's degrees in nursing from Ursuline College, specializing in family practice and psychiatry. Her previous experience includes work in outpatient, inpatient, and residential settings. She is a Suboxone provider for the treatment of opiate and opioid disorders. She provides medication management and therapy for ages 15-64.
(440) 664-1320 View (440) 664-1320
Anthony Smartnick
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Brecksville, OH 44141
Smartnick's specialty areas include treatment of bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), postpartum depression and schizophrenia.
Dr. Smartnick holds lifetime certification from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He has more than 25 years of experience in inpatient, outpatient and private practice psychiatry working with adults. He earned his medical degree from Georgetown Medical School and served his residency at University Hospitals of Cleveland, where he was chief resident.
Smartnick's specialty areas include treatment of bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), postpartum depression and schizophrenia.
Dr. Smartnick holds lifetime certification from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He has more than 25 years of experience in inpatient, outpatient and private practice psychiatry working with adults. He earned his medical degree from Georgetown Medical School and served his residency at University Hospitals of Cleveland, where he was chief resident.
(440) 739-6200 View (440) 739-6200

See more therapy options for Middleburg Heights

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.