Bipolar Disorder Psychiatrists in Comal County, TX

Photo of Daniel Hacker, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-C, FNP-C
Daniel Hacker
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-C, FNP-C
Verified Verified
Garden Ridge, TX 78266
As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I can prescribe medications and provide therapy to address various psychiatric conditions, including depression, anxiety, panic attacks, mood disorders, bipolar disorders, personality disorders, PTSD, sleep disorders, and psychotic disorders.
With 25 years of experience in healthcare, I deeply value human connection. Each person has their own story and unique experiences that shape who they are. Recognizing these differences is essential for creating a personalized care plan. By fostering a therapeutic relationship with my clients, I aim to understand their stories and help them overcome challenges. My goal is to assist clients in finding meaning and purpose, enhancing their quality of life, and achieving contentment.
As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I can prescribe medications and provide therapy to address various psychiatric conditions, including depression, anxiety, panic attacks, mood disorders, bipolar disorders, personality disorders, PTSD, sleep disorders, and psychotic disorders.
With 25 years of experience in healthcare, I deeply value human connection. Each person has their own story and unique experiences that shape who they are. Recognizing these differences is essential for creating a personalized care plan. By fostering a therapeutic relationship with my clients, I aim to understand their stories and help them overcome challenges. My goal is to assist clients in finding meaning and purpose, enhancing their quality of life, and achieving contentment.
(830) 293-3370 View (830) 293-3370
Photo of Bernadette Andrea Horton, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Bernadette Andrea Horton
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Verified Verified
Serves Area
We are proficient in treating those with Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, personality disorders, schizophrenia, PTSD, OCD, Panic Disorder, schizoaffective disorder and Autism.
As a Psychiatric Mental health Nurse Practitioner, we are working hard and dedicating our lives to making the lives of others a priority. We work closely with clients to achieve mental wellness and a new beginning. No two people are the same and we treat patients according to their needs. We will provide treatment specifically for you with the utmost respect and trust. We will work as a team to get you the best outcome and treatment modality.
We are proficient in treating those with Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, personality disorders, schizophrenia, PTSD, OCD, Panic Disorder, schizoaffective disorder and Autism.
As a Psychiatric Mental health Nurse Practitioner, we are working hard and dedicating our lives to making the lives of others a priority. We work closely with clients to achieve mental wellness and a new beginning. No two people are the same and we treat patients according to their needs. We will provide treatment specifically for you with the utmost respect and trust. We will work as a team to get you the best outcome and treatment modality.
(210) 361-5015 View (210) 361-5015
Photo of Laura Craig, Psychiatrist, MD
Laura Craig
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Online Only
I work with clients who are experiencing a wide range of mental health challenges from OCD, anxiety and depression to bipolar disorder.
Seeking mental health support can be intimidating, especially when it comes to mental health medicines. My focus is on a holistic approach including complementary and alternative approaches in combination with mental health medicine. I take a collaborative approach and we design a treatment plan together. I love working with all ages and genders. I specialize in trauma, anxiety and depression and am comfortable with high acuity. I also enjoy working with those who identify as neurodivergent. I offer: - Gender Affirming Surgery Evaluations - Evaluations for Those Seeking Asylum - Medication Management
I work with clients who are experiencing a wide range of mental health challenges from OCD, anxiety and depression to bipolar disorder.
Seeking mental health support can be intimidating, especially when it comes to mental health medicines. My focus is on a holistic approach including complementary and alternative approaches in combination with mental health medicine. I take a collaborative approach and we design a treatment plan together. I love working with all ages and genders. I specialize in trauma, anxiety and depression and am comfortable with high acuity. I also enjoy working with those who identify as neurodivergent. I offer: - Gender Affirming Surgery Evaluations - Evaluations for Those Seeking Asylum - Medication Management
(830) 580-3964 View (830) 580-3964
Photo of Sara L Koenig Langston - Affective Mental Wellness, LLC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-B
Affective Mental Wellness, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
New Braunfels, TX 78130
We are skilled at diagnosing and treating patients with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, insomnia, and more.
At Affective Mental Wellness, three fully licensed Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners are able to meet your mental health needs in the state of Texas. We are experienced in working with a diverse population of patients. We are able to provide high-quality, comprehensive, compassionate, and patient-focused care for patients between ages 2 to 999 years old. Focusing on the whole person, we, with the patient develop individualized treatment plans.
We are skilled at diagnosing and treating patients with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, insomnia, and more.
At Affective Mental Wellness, three fully licensed Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners are able to meet your mental health needs in the state of Texas. We are experienced in working with a diverse population of patients. We are able to provide high-quality, comprehensive, compassionate, and patient-focused care for patients between ages 2 to 999 years old. Focusing on the whole person, we, with the patient develop individualized treatment plans.
(830) 483-8064 View (830) 483-8064
Photo of Krista N Pasquale, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Krista N Pasquale
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Online Only
My ideal client is someone struggling with mental health challenges such as anxiety, ADHD, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, addiction, or other mental illnesses.
I provide compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric care to individuals facing mental health challenges such as Anxiety, ADHD, Depression, PTSD, Bipolar disorder, addiction, and other conditions. With over 10 years of experience as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, I specialize in medication management and psychotherapy.
My ideal client is someone struggling with mental health challenges such as anxiety, ADHD, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, addiction, or other mental illnesses.
I provide compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric care to individuals facing mental health challenges such as Anxiety, ADHD, Depression, PTSD, Bipolar disorder, addiction, and other conditions. With over 10 years of experience as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, I specialize in medication management and psychotherapy.
(830) 264-1029 View (830) 264-1029
Photo of Kimberly Giberga, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN , PMHNP, FNP
Kimberly Giberga
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN , PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
If you need a hand to help you start back on the path to your best self, I understand that life can present challenges with mood disorders such as Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, Insomnia, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Irritability, Eating disorders and generally feeling 'off' or unlike yourself.
I specialize in helping patients recover from Mood Disorders including resistant depression, PTSD, anxiety and bipolar disorder. I successfully treat all psychiatric disorders including ADHD, OCD. I am a dual-credentialed nurse practitioner, both a Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. Put my 15 year’s experience to work for you.
If you need a hand to help you start back on the path to your best self, I understand that life can present challenges with mood disorders such as Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, Insomnia, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Irritability, Eating disorders and generally feeling 'off' or unlike yourself.
I specialize in helping patients recover from Mood Disorders including resistant depression, PTSD, anxiety and bipolar disorder. I successfully treat all psychiatric disorders including ADHD, OCD. I am a dual-credentialed nurse practitioner, both a Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. Put my 15 year’s experience to work for you.
(210) 981-4063 View (210) 981-4063
Photo of Karen Mitchell - Advanced Child & Adult Psychiatric Services, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PhD, APN, MSN, PMHNPBC
Advanced Child & Adult Psychiatric Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PhD, APN, MSN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Online Only
Advanced Child & Adult Psychiatric Services provides expert psychiatric evaluations, medication management, & psychosocial counseling for children, adults, & their families. Our ability to provide high-quality, compassionate, affordable psychiatric care in a timely manner is one of our greatest strengths. Most appointments can be scheduled within one week of contacting us. Given today's concerns related to COVID-19, telepsychiatry visits are offered.
Advanced Child & Adult Psychiatric Services provides expert psychiatric evaluations, medication management, & psychosocial counseling for children, adults, & their families. Our ability to provide high-quality, compassionate, affordable psychiatric care in a timely manner is one of our greatest strengths. Most appointments can be scheduled within one week of contacting us. Given today's concerns related to COVID-19, telepsychiatry visits are offered.
(833) 761-0510 View (833) 761-0510
Photo of Dr. Joshua James, Psychiatrist, MD
Dr. Joshua James
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Online Only
Accepting new patients! Initial consultation is free and intake (first full appointment) is $200. He serves the people of Colorado, Texas, Indiana, Alabama, Pennsylvania, and Utah. He specializes in helping people who struggle with depression, anxiety, ADHD, and PTSD, but can treat other mental health afflictions as well (see list for the most commonly treated conditions). Dr. James works via telehealth to the above listed states, as well as in person at his clinic, Rivendell Health, in Colorado Springs, CO. He completed medical school at Texas A&M School of Medicine and psychiatric residency at UT Health in San Antonio.
Accepting new patients! Initial consultation is free and intake (first full appointment) is $200. He serves the people of Colorado, Texas, Indiana, Alabama, Pennsylvania, and Utah. He specializes in helping people who struggle with depression, anxiety, ADHD, and PTSD, but can treat other mental health afflictions as well (see list for the most commonly treated conditions). Dr. James works via telehealth to the above listed states, as well as in person at his clinic, Rivendell Health, in Colorado Springs, CO. He completed medical school at Texas A&M School of Medicine and psychiatric residency at UT Health in San Antonio.
(210) 985-7604 View (210) 985-7604
Photo of Whitney H Mitchell, Psychiatrist, MD
Whitney H Mitchell
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New Braunfels, TX 78130
Dr. Whitney H. Mitchell is psychiatrist and psychotherapist based in New Braunfels, Texas with 20 years of experience in psychiatric medicine. She is a Diplomat of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and has a strong foundation in evidence-based care as well as psychodynamic psychotherapy. She is passionate about lifelong learning and continually expands her knowledge in the fields of happiness science, psychology, religion, anthropology, gender, and sexuality. She specializes in the treatment of anxiety, mood disorders, trauma recovery, and issues related to sexual, personality, and relational problems.
Dr. Whitney H. Mitchell is psychiatrist and psychotherapist based in New Braunfels, Texas with 20 years of experience in psychiatric medicine. She is a Diplomat of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and has a strong foundation in evidence-based care as well as psychodynamic psychotherapy. She is passionate about lifelong learning and continually expands her knowledge in the fields of happiness science, psychology, religion, anthropology, gender, and sexuality. She specializes in the treatment of anxiety, mood disorders, trauma recovery, and issues related to sexual, personality, and relational problems.
(830) 542-9931 View (830) 542-9931
Photo of Femi Popoola - GraceLand Psychiatric and Neuromodulation Center, Psychiatrist, MD
GraceLand Psychiatric and Neuromodulation Center
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Femi Popoola, MD is ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS! I am double board-certified in General Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. I love to listen actively while carefully conducting psychiatric evaluations and formulating treatment plans. The least that I can do to help you is to be a positive force in your life as it relates to empathy and the educational value of mental health treatment that you get from me. I offer medication management for all ranges of mental health challenges. My therapy add on are typically short, directed and supportive. My goal is to give you 100% satisfaction in caring for your mental health needs.
Femi Popoola, MD is ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS! I am double board-certified in General Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. I love to listen actively while carefully conducting psychiatric evaluations and formulating treatment plans. The least that I can do to help you is to be a positive force in your life as it relates to empathy and the educational value of mental health treatment that you get from me. I offer medication management for all ranges of mental health challenges. My therapy add on are typically short, directed and supportive. My goal is to give you 100% satisfaction in caring for your mental health needs.
(210) 934-8107 View (210) 934-8107
Photo of Lydia Kimeli-Pope, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNPBC
Lydia Kimeli-Pope
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New Braunfels, TX 78130
Lydia is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She believes that every patient is unique in their needs and circumstances, and each one requires great care in harmonizing treatment plans, provider-patient interactions, and medications to achieve positive and therapeutic outcomes. Lydia values listening and understanding her patients more than issuing directives to them. She has extensive experience in the medical field, including 10 years as a Registered Nurse (BSN) and then as a Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) since 2019. She found her passion for working in psychiatric care in 2014 and has remained ever since.
Lydia is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She believes that every patient is unique in their needs and circumstances, and each one requires great care in harmonizing treatment plans, provider-patient interactions, and medications to achieve positive and therapeutic outcomes. Lydia values listening and understanding her patients more than issuing directives to them. She has extensive experience in the medical field, including 10 years as a Registered Nurse (BSN) and then as a Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) since 2019. She found her passion for working in psychiatric care in 2014 and has remained ever since.
(830) 283-4754 View (830) 283-4754
Photo of Kelly Golliher Richardson - Your Convenience Care, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, GNP, FNP
Your Convenience Care
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, GNP, FNP
Verified Verified
Online Only
My goal as a board certified mental, family, geriatric healthcare provider and founder of Your Convenience Care is to bring patient centered, highly effective mental health services to my community. YCC is currently accepting new patients in Texas and will be expanding to accept new patients in Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico. Initial visits are booked within 5-7 days. I base my practice in functional health and wellness.
My goal as a board certified mental, family, geriatric healthcare provider and founder of Your Convenience Care is to bring patient centered, highly effective mental health services to my community. YCC is currently accepting new patients in Texas and will be expanding to accept new patients in Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico. Initial visits are booked within 5-7 days. I base my practice in functional health and wellness.
(830) 202-6309 View (830) 202-6309
Photo of Mercedes Rodriguez, Physician Assistant
Mercedes Rodriguez
Physician Assistant
Verified Verified
New Braunfels, TX 78130
As a Physician Assistant (PA), I work together with my supervising physician in providing medical care to children, teens, and adults. I focus on psychiatry and mental health care for all ages.
As a Physician Assistant (PA), I work together with my supervising physician in providing medical care to children, teens, and adults. I focus on psychiatry and mental health care for all ages.
(210) 405-9356 View (210) 405-9356
Photo of Anita Padilla, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNPBC
Anita Padilla
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
New Braunfels, TX 78130
I appreciate that it can be hard to find the right fit for your mental health needs. Let's face it, you can't get any more vulnerable than asking for help for your mental health. I take your trust in me very seriously. I know first hand how difficult it can be to overcome dark times. Patients have confided in me that in the past they have often felt unheard-even dismissed. I spend the time to truly listen and understand your concerns. I work with you to identify a treatment plan you are comfortable with. The outcomes are better and remission is achieved faster if you work together with a provider you trust to achieve your goals.
I appreciate that it can be hard to find the right fit for your mental health needs. Let's face it, you can't get any more vulnerable than asking for help for your mental health. I take your trust in me very seriously. I know first hand how difficult it can be to overcome dark times. Patients have confided in me that in the past they have often felt unheard-even dismissed. I spend the time to truly listen and understand your concerns. I work with you to identify a treatment plan you are comfortable with. The outcomes are better and remission is achieved faster if you work together with a provider you trust to achieve your goals.
(830) 282-8403 View (830) 282-8403
Photo of Alejandro Perez - Dr Perez @ Evolve Psychiatry, Psychiatrist, MD
Dr Perez @ Evolve Psychiatry
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
New Braunfels, TX 78130
Do racing thoughts, restless nights, and constant self-doubt drain your energy and peace of mind? Are you overwhelmed by the need for certainty, struggling with poor concentration, or feeling burdened by your own hypersensitivity? Whether your challenges stem from brain chemistry, genetics, or hurtful parenting, you don’t have to face them alone. At Evolve Psychiatry, our compassionate team of medical experts and seasoned psychotherapists partners with you to explore and finally answer these questions. Together, we’ll cultivate the skills you need to feel more confident in yourself and more connected to the world around you.
Do racing thoughts, restless nights, and constant self-doubt drain your energy and peace of mind? Are you overwhelmed by the need for certainty, struggling with poor concentration, or feeling burdened by your own hypersensitivity? Whether your challenges stem from brain chemistry, genetics, or hurtful parenting, you don’t have to face them alone. At Evolve Psychiatry, our compassionate team of medical experts and seasoned psychotherapists partners with you to explore and finally answer these questions. Together, we’ll cultivate the skills you need to feel more confident in yourself and more connected to the world around you.
(830) 320-3153 View (830) 320-3153
Photo of Dr. Riz Ahmad - Dr. Riz @ Evolve Psychiatry, Psychiatrist, MD
Dr. Riz @ Evolve Psychiatry
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
New Braunfels, TX 78130
Do racing thoughts, restless nights, and constant self-doubt drain your energy and peace of mind? Are you overwhelmed by the need for certainty, struggling with poor concentration, or feeling burdened by your own hypersensitivity? Whether your challenges stem from brain chemistry, genetics, or hurtful parenting, you don’t have to face them alone. At Evolve Psychiatry, our compassionate team of medical experts and seasoned psychotherapists partners with you to explore and finally answer these questions. Together, we’ll cultivate the skills you need to feel more confident in yourself and more connected to the world around you.
Do racing thoughts, restless nights, and constant self-doubt drain your energy and peace of mind? Are you overwhelmed by the need for certainty, struggling with poor concentration, or feeling burdened by your own hypersensitivity? Whether your challenges stem from brain chemistry, genetics, or hurtful parenting, you don’t have to face them alone. At Evolve Psychiatry, our compassionate team of medical experts and seasoned psychotherapists partners with you to explore and finally answer these questions. Together, we’ll cultivate the skills you need to feel more confident in yourself and more connected to the world around you.
(830) 445-2079 View (830) 445-2079
Photo of Dean Cochran, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Dean Cochran
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Online Only
I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I earned my Masters of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas at Arlington. I work with adolescents and adults, ages 15 to 65. I perform comprehensive mental health evaluations and utilize both medication and a therapeutic approach with a cognitive behavioral underpinning. I have experience in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of psychiatric disorders.
I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I earned my Masters of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas at Arlington. I work with adolescents and adults, ages 15 to 65. I perform comprehensive mental health evaluations and utilize both medication and a therapeutic approach with a cognitive behavioral underpinning. I have experience in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of psychiatric disorders.
(214) 972-1375 View (214) 972-1375
Photo of Dr. Alejandro Perez - Dr. Perez @ Evolve Psychiatry, Psychiatrist, MD
Dr. Perez @ Evolve Psychiatry
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Bulverde, TX 78163
Do racing thoughts, restless nights, and constant self-doubt drain your energy and peace of mind? Are you overwhelmed by the need for certainty, struggling with poor concentration, or feeling burdened by your own hypersensitivity? Whether your challenges stem from brain chemistry, genetics, or hurtful parenting, you don’t have to face them alone. At Evolve Psychiatry, our compassionate team of medical experts and seasoned psychotherapists partners with you to explore and finally answer these questions. Together, we’ll cultivate the skills you need to feel more confident in yourself and more connected to the world around you.
Do racing thoughts, restless nights, and constant self-doubt drain your energy and peace of mind? Are you overwhelmed by the need for certainty, struggling with poor concentration, or feeling burdened by your own hypersensitivity? Whether your challenges stem from brain chemistry, genetics, or hurtful parenting, you don’t have to face them alone. At Evolve Psychiatry, our compassionate team of medical experts and seasoned psychotherapists partners with you to explore and finally answer these questions. Together, we’ll cultivate the skills you need to feel more confident in yourself and more connected to the world around you.
(210) 361-6840 View (210) 361-6840
Photo of Riz Ahmad - Dr. Riz @ Evolve Psychiatry, Psychiatrist, MD
Dr. Riz @ Evolve Psychiatry
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Bulverde, TX 78163
Do racing thoughts, restless nights, and constant self-doubt drain your energy and peace of mind? Are you overwhelmed by the need for certainty, struggling with poor concentration, or feeling burdened by your own hypersensitivity? Whether your challenges stem from brain chemistry, genetics, or hurtful parenting, you don’t have to face them alone. At Evolve Psychiatry, our compassionate team of medical experts and seasoned psychotherapists partners with you to explore and finally answer these questions. Together, we’ll cultivate the skills you need to feel more confident in yourself and more connected to the world around you.
Do racing thoughts, restless nights, and constant self-doubt drain your energy and peace of mind? Are you overwhelmed by the need for certainty, struggling with poor concentration, or feeling burdened by your own hypersensitivity? Whether your challenges stem from brain chemistry, genetics, or hurtful parenting, you don’t have to face them alone. At Evolve Psychiatry, our compassionate team of medical experts and seasoned psychotherapists partners with you to explore and finally answer these questions. Together, we’ll cultivate the skills you need to feel more confident in yourself and more connected to the world around you.
(830) 396-5174 View (830) 396-5174
Photo of Pablo Cueto, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Pablo Cueto
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Evening and weekend appointments available in English or Spanish. From the comfort of your home, we can connect and begin your journey to recovery. I can assist with issues of anxiety, depression, postpartum depression, PTSD, ADHD and mood disorders.
Evening and weekend appointments available in English or Spanish. From the comfort of your home, we can connect and begin your journey to recovery. I can assist with issues of anxiety, depression, postpartum depression, PTSD, ADHD and mood disorders.
(469) 277-9335 View (469) 277-9335
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See more therapy options for Comal 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.