Psychiatrists in Bellingham, WA
Dr. Robert Kopec A.R.N.P
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bellingham, WA 98229
My practice is open to clients with a variety of psychiatric and mental health problems including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, insomnia, autism, post-traumatic stress disorder, AHDH, substance abuse, and schizophrenia.
I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. My practice consists of medication management and psychotherapy. I provide integrative mental health and psychiatric care by utilizing a collaborative and holistic approach. In my practice I incorporate natural remedies (nutrition, supplements, etc.) to compliment traditional treatments. I have great respect for the individual’s innate healing power through mind and body connections. I work in a scientific and holistic way to alleviate the intertwined connection between mind and body like chronic fatigue, pain or other mystery illness affecting one’s mental health.
My practice is open to clients with a variety of psychiatric and mental health problems including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, insomnia, autism, post-traumatic stress disorder, AHDH, substance abuse, and schizophrenia.
I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. My practice consists of medication management and psychotherapy. I provide integrative mental health and psychiatric care by utilizing a collaborative and holistic approach. In my practice I incorporate natural remedies (nutrition, supplements, etc.) to compliment traditional treatments. I have great respect for the individual’s innate healing power through mind and body connections. I work in a scientific and holistic way to alleviate the intertwined connection between mind and body like chronic fatigue, pain or other mystery illness affecting one’s mental health.
Cal Cogburn
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bellingham, WA 98225 (Online Only)
Mood disorders, including those with psychotic features (Bipolar I and II, Schizoaffective Disorder) are challenging for people and I have the experience in this area to help you too.
It can be difficult to take that step to seek care, especially in the midst of not feeling well overall or about one's self. Experience has shown that making that first step actually breaks a cycle in our thinking and behavior, allowing us to to be open (typically small steps at first) to thinking and believing that we are worth getting better! I urge you to seek care. Reach out and make a 15 minute "Match" appointment with me. A mentor once told me "You can feel better or be better"; let's work together to help you be better... I look forward to hearing from you.
Mood disorders, including those with psychotic features (Bipolar I and II, Schizoaffective Disorder) are challenging for people and I have the experience in this area to help you too.
It can be difficult to take that step to seek care, especially in the midst of not feeling well overall or about one's self. Experience has shown that making that first step actually breaks a cycle in our thinking and behavior, allowing us to to be open (typically small steps at first) to thinking and believing that we are worth getting better! I urge you to seek care. Reach out and make a 15 minute "Match" appointment with me. A mentor once told me "You can feel better or be better"; let's work together to help you be better... I look forward to hearing from you.
Neupathway (Gabriel Taylor-Parsons)
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bellingham, WA 98225
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS! SAME WEEK AVAILABILITY! ..................UPDATED WEEKLY! SELF-SCHEDULING .................... My name is Gabriel Parsons, I am a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who focuses on the combination of medication management and psychotherapy in treating patients who are suffering from ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Major Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Schizophrenia, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Panic Attacks, and other mental health disorders.
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS! SAME WEEK AVAILABILITY! ..................UPDATED WEEKLY! SELF-SCHEDULING .................... My name is Gabriel Parsons, I am a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who focuses on the combination of medication management and psychotherapy in treating patients who are suffering from ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Major Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Schizophrenia, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Panic Attacks, and other mental health disorders.
Ike Uzowulu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FPMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bellingham, WA 98229 (Online Only)
I am a board-certified family psychiatric nurse practitioner. I have a master's degree in psychiatric nursing specializing in mental and behavioral health medicine. I have verifiable experience in treating variety of psychiatric disorders such as; mood disorders including resistant depression, eating disorders, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, schizophrenia, stress and sleep related disorders
I am a board-certified family psychiatric nurse practitioner. I have a master's degree in psychiatric nursing specializing in mental and behavioral health medicine. I have verifiable experience in treating variety of psychiatric disorders such as; mood disorders including resistant depression, eating disorders, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, schizophrenia, stress and sleep related disorders
Rafael Achacoso
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, ARNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Bellingham, WA 98229 (Online Only)
Accepting clients w/ immediate openings .As a dedicated Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, my mission is to offer a safe, warm, and inviting space where your mental health is the priority. I provide comprehensive medication management, ensuring that any medications prescribed are effectively addressing your symptoms while minimizing side effects. My current role as a provider in a hospital, supporting individuals in acute crisis, enriches my clinical knowledge.
Accepting clients w/ immediate openings .As a dedicated Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, my mission is to offer a safe, warm, and inviting space where your mental health is the priority. I provide comprehensive medication management, ensuring that any medications prescribed are effectively addressing your symptoms while minimizing side effects. My current role as a provider in a hospital, supporting individuals in acute crisis, enriches my clinical knowledge.
SeattleNTC - Tacoma Bellevue Bellingham Seattle
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Bellingham, WA 98225 (Online Only)
We are not currently accepting new patients for medication management. When depression has you ready to give up, you need doctors who won't. SeattleNTC - www.seattlentc.com - is a specialty clinic offering compassionate, expert care for severe depression and other hard-to-treat psychiatric conditions throughout the Puget Sound region. We specialize in transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), esketamine (Spravato), electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and other interventions for debilitating depression that has not improved with medications and psychotherapy.
We are not currently accepting new patients for medication management. When depression has you ready to give up, you need doctors who won't. SeattleNTC - www.seattlentc.com - is a specialty clinic offering compassionate, expert care for severe depression and other hard-to-treat psychiatric conditions throughout the Puget Sound region. We specialize in transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), esketamine (Spravato), electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and other interventions for debilitating depression that has not improved with medications and psychotherapy.
David G Zacharias
Psychiatrist, MD, MPH
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Bellingham, WA 98229 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I am a Mayo Clinic and Harvard-trained psychiatrist with over 20 years of experience working in healthcare. I discovered a love for the humanities—notably literature and philosophy—early in life due to the profound way in which they helped me to understand and appreciate the human condition. This eventually merged with an interest in medicine and a desire to help improve people's lives. My interactions with patients tend to be relational and existentially-oriented, focusing heavily on personal growth and empowerment within a larger context of meaning and values.
I am a Mayo Clinic and Harvard-trained psychiatrist with over 20 years of experience working in healthcare. I discovered a love for the humanities—notably literature and philosophy—early in life due to the profound way in which they helped me to understand and appreciate the human condition. This eventually merged with an interest in medicine and a desire to help improve people's lives. My interactions with patients tend to be relational and existentially-oriented, focusing heavily on personal growth and empowerment within a larger context of meaning and values.
Online Psychiatrists
Steven Carroll
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, FNP-C, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98119
Steve Carroll is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner. He serves clients across the lifespan and treats a wide range of mental health concerns including Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Eating Disorders, ADHD, Addiction, and other mood disorders. Steve specializes in the care of clients within the LGBTQ community, as well as survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Steve was a 2020 recipient of the Ken Dunning Trauma Informed Care Commissioner’s Award, a distinguished honor bestowed by the New York Department of Health for practitioners who provide medical services to trauma survivors.
Steve Carroll is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner. He serves clients across the lifespan and treats a wide range of mental health concerns including Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Eating Disorders, ADHD, Addiction, and other mood disorders. Steve specializes in the care of clients within the LGBTQ community, as well as survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Steve was a 2020 recipient of the Ken Dunning Trauma Informed Care Commissioner’s Award, a distinguished honor bestowed by the New York Department of Health for practitioners who provide medical services to trauma survivors.
Conquer
Physician Assistant, MBA, PA-C, CCHP
Verified Verified
Monroe, WA 98272
Im here to assist anyone with a desire to change their life. This could be someone in the throes of addiction, someone being inadequately treated for their depression, or someone ashamed of a lingering severe mental illness. Many clients come to me when they have no where else to turn. Maybe they have been given up on by others or maybe they feel their current treatment provider isn't hearing or understanding their concerns. I am here to help those who feel hopeless. I treat the full spectrum of psychiatric illness to include, addiction, ADHD, Schizophrenia, bipolar, depression, anxiety, etc.
Im here to assist anyone with a desire to change their life. This could be someone in the throes of addiction, someone being inadequately treated for their depression, or someone ashamed of a lingering severe mental illness. Many clients come to me when they have no where else to turn. Maybe they have been given up on by others or maybe they feel their current treatment provider isn't hearing or understanding their concerns. I am here to help those who feel hopeless. I treat the full spectrum of psychiatric illness to include, addiction, ADHD, Schizophrenia, bipolar, depression, anxiety, etc.
Paul Okoronkwo
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP -, BC
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98136
Are you feeling down or hopeless about your future? Do you always feeling anxious or have panic attacks that you are scared to go out in public? Are you struggling to concentrate better on tasks either at work or in school? You are not alone. We are here to help you balance your physical and mental health and improve your performance. We treat clients with ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, and many more. We are currently ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS. CHECK OUT WHAT OTHER CLIENTS ARE SAYING ABOUT US AT: https://provider.kareo.com/paul-okoronkwo
Are you feeling down or hopeless about your future? Do you always feeling anxious or have panic attacks that you are scared to go out in public? Are you struggling to concentrate better on tasks either at work or in school? You are not alone. We are here to help you balance your physical and mental health and improve your performance. We treat clients with ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, and many more. We are currently ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS. CHECK OUT WHAT OTHER CLIENTS ARE SAYING ABOUT US AT: https://provider.kareo.com/paul-okoronkwo
Jabari Dobson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Redmond, WA 98052
Hi, I’m Jabari Dobson. I am a board-certified psychiatric mental nurse practitioner for all ages. I provide medication management, psychotherapy, and other great care. My specialties include ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, and more. My therapeutic approach is to use a combination of medication management, therapy, and holistic methods to achieve healing and understanding within all of my patients. My patient focus is not limited to any specific group as I wish to serve anyone within need of care.
Hi, I’m Jabari Dobson. I am a board-certified psychiatric mental nurse practitioner for all ages. I provide medication management, psychotherapy, and other great care. My specialties include ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, and more. My therapeutic approach is to use a combination of medication management, therapy, and holistic methods to achieve healing and understanding within all of my patients. My patient focus is not limited to any specific group as I wish to serve anyone within need of care.
Keenan Smith
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Bellevue, WA 98004
Working together, we can work to overcome depression, anxiety, eating disorders, insomnia, obsessive/compulsive disorders, bipolar and more.
SAME-WEEK Telehealth appointments. I help individuals overcome a range of mental health challenges using a balanced perspective. My approach includes thoughtful medication management, holistic care, and brief psychotherapy. As part of a holistic view, we examine nutrition, exercise, and sleep in helping clients maximize mental wellness.
Working together, we can work to overcome depression, anxiety, eating disorders, insomnia, obsessive/compulsive disorders, bipolar and more.
SAME-WEEK Telehealth appointments. I help individuals overcome a range of mental health challenges using a balanced perspective. My approach includes thoughtful medication management, holistic care, and brief psychotherapy. As part of a holistic view, we examine nutrition, exercise, and sleep in helping clients maximize mental wellness.
Bernard Chessum
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Verified Verified
Tukwila, WA 98188
My practice focuses on medication management for ADD/ADHD, Depressive diosrders, Anxiety disorders, Panic disorders, Sleep disorders, OCD, PTSD, Thought disorder, Bipolar disorder, and much more.
I am accepting NEW clients with same day appointments available. Also after-hours and weekends appointments available as well. In network with most major insurances in Washington State. Private pay rates made affordable. I value meeting my clients at any level they are without making them feel judged. During the initial session, i focus on patient-centered strategies and come up with a treatment plan that best suits your needs. The goal is to develop the best therapeutic relationship possible to ease any stress related to having appointments. Most treatment plan involves medication, therapy, or a combination of both.
My practice focuses on medication management for ADD/ADHD, Depressive diosrders, Anxiety disorders, Panic disorders, Sleep disorders, OCD, PTSD, Thought disorder, Bipolar disorder, and much more.
I am accepting NEW clients with same day appointments available. Also after-hours and weekends appointments available as well. In network with most major insurances in Washington State. Private pay rates made affordable. I value meeting my clients at any level they are without making them feel judged. During the initial session, i focus on patient-centered strategies and come up with a treatment plan that best suits your needs. The goal is to develop the best therapeutic relationship possible to ease any stress related to having appointments. Most treatment plan involves medication, therapy, or a combination of both.
Lamin K Sanneh
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), Schizophrenia spectrum disorders, Anxiety, Behavioral Issues, Bipolar, CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), Depression, Motivational Interviewing, Substance Addiction, Personality Disorders, Psychosis, PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder), Stress, Substance Use/Abuse,.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse practitioner (PMHNP) licensed in Washington. I graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing from Washington State University and Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Washington Seattle. Before focusing on private practice, I had clinical experiences in both acute inpatient Psychiatric Hospitals and correctional institutions working with inmates with severe mental health problems. I manage and treat a wide range of mental health concerns including but not limited to: Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Major Depressive D
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), Schizophrenia spectrum disorders, Anxiety, Behavioral Issues, Bipolar, CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), Depression, Motivational Interviewing, Substance Addiction, Personality Disorders, Psychosis, PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder), Stress, Substance Use/Abuse,.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse practitioner (PMHNP) licensed in Washington. I graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing from Washington State University and Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Washington Seattle. Before focusing on private practice, I had clinical experiences in both acute inpatient Psychiatric Hospitals and correctional institutions working with inmates with severe mental health problems. I manage and treat a wide range of mental health concerns including but not limited to: Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Major Depressive D
Apex Behavioral Health Services,PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98107 (Online Only)
Please click on the website link to request an appointment. My name is Paul Kariuki, MSN PMHNP-BC. I graduated from the University of Texas Arlington and I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health NP. I am delighted to serve patients from preteen to older adults. I am experienced in treating patients with ADHD, depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, insomnia, substance use disorders among other disorders. I work closely with my patients to finding the best evidence based medication and psychotherapy modalities.
Please click on the website link to request an appointment. My name is Paul Kariuki, MSN PMHNP-BC. I graduated from the University of Texas Arlington and I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health NP. I am delighted to serve patients from preteen to older adults. I am experienced in treating patients with ADHD, depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, insomnia, substance use disorders among other disorders. I work closely with my patients to finding the best evidence based medication and psychotherapy modalities.
Dr. Roberto Montenegro
Psychiatrist, MD, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98103 (Online Only)
I specialize in addressing a broad spectrum of psychiatric conditions, offering support for concerns such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, behavioral challenges, attention deficit disorders, low self-esteem, "impostor syndrome," and the unique stress of physician burnout.
Accepting new patients in WA, CA, and AK! I'm a board-certified psychiatrist who treats children, adolescents, and adults. I use various treatment approaches, such as therapy, medication management, or a combination of both, to help my patients achieve their mental health goals. I specialize in treating high-stakes professionals and was trained at Yale University and the University of Washington (UW). In addition to my clinical work, I teach and conduct research at the UW School of Medicine and Seattle Children's Hospital. I'm dedicated to providing you with the highest quality care.
I specialize in addressing a broad spectrum of psychiatric conditions, offering support for concerns such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, behavioral challenges, attention deficit disorders, low self-esteem, "impostor syndrome," and the unique stress of physician burnout.
Accepting new patients in WA, CA, and AK! I'm a board-certified psychiatrist who treats children, adolescents, and adults. I use various treatment approaches, such as therapy, medication management, or a combination of both, to help my patients achieve their mental health goals. I specialize in treating high-stakes professionals and was trained at Yale University and the University of Washington (UW). In addition to my clinical work, I teach and conduct research at the UW School of Medicine and Seattle Children's Hospital. I'm dedicated to providing you with the highest quality care.
Silas Willoughby
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP-C, FNP-C
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98101 (Online Only)
I am an inpatient adult, child & adolescent psychiatric and urgent care outpatient provider and a hospital attending. I am an Ivy League graduate and retired Army officer. I have both the experience, determination, critical thinking, and teamwork skills to help heal your body and mind and return you to full functionality within my scope of practice. I treat ADHD in Massachusetts (not Washington state) and most all other conditions in WA & MA including serious mental illness from bipolar disorder to schizophrenia. Always feels free to send me a message if you feel I can help you! We will work together to find you a solution!
I am an inpatient adult, child & adolescent psychiatric and urgent care outpatient provider and a hospital attending. I am an Ivy League graduate and retired Army officer. I have both the experience, determination, critical thinking, and teamwork skills to help heal your body and mind and return you to full functionality within my scope of practice. I treat ADHD in Massachusetts (not Washington state) and most all other conditions in WA & MA including serious mental illness from bipolar disorder to schizophrenia. Always feels free to send me a message if you feel I can help you! We will work together to find you a solution!
Uchenna Joseph Ekeabu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DBA, MBA, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98103 (Online Only)
I treat individuals with depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, OCD, ODD, Bipolar disorder, etc.
Central to my professional ethos is the belief in holistic and patient-centered care, recognizing the multifaceted nature of individuals and their unique healthcare needs. By approaching patients with cultural sensitivity and an empathetic demeanor, I aim to foster a therapeutic environment that empowers patients to actively participate in their care decisions. As the cornerstone of my practice, each patient is regarded as a vital partner in their treatment journey. I will invest ample time to comprehend their individual circumstances, listen attentively to their concerns, and collaborate closely to develop tailored treatment plans.
I treat individuals with depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, OCD, ODD, Bipolar disorder, etc.
Central to my professional ethos is the belief in holistic and patient-centered care, recognizing the multifaceted nature of individuals and their unique healthcare needs. By approaching patients with cultural sensitivity and an empathetic demeanor, I aim to foster a therapeutic environment that empowers patients to actively participate in their care decisions. As the cornerstone of my practice, each patient is regarded as a vital partner in their treatment journey. I will invest ample time to comprehend their individual circumstances, listen attentively to their concerns, and collaborate closely to develop tailored treatment plans.
David Kelbaugh
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98119 (Online Only)
Specializing in prescribing and managing psychiatric medications, I work closely with you to find the most effective and appropriate medication options to manage and treat a wide range of mental health concerns including but not limited to: ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar disorder, PTSD, & mood disorders.
Hello! I am David, a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, and the creator and owner of Clear Mind Mental Health. My experience is in private practice and acute behavioral health care. I'm passionate about truly listening to you and developing customized treatment plans to address your whole health - mind, body, and spirit. My holistic, personalized approach considers your unique needs and goals, and provides comprehensive mental health care from the comfort of your own home. Presently seeing patients in Washington state and Iowa.
Specializing in prescribing and managing psychiatric medications, I work closely with you to find the most effective and appropriate medication options to manage and treat a wide range of mental health concerns including but not limited to: ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar disorder, PTSD, & mood disorders.
Hello! I am David, a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, and the creator and owner of Clear Mind Mental Health. My experience is in private practice and acute behavioral health care. I'm passionate about truly listening to you and developing customized treatment plans to address your whole health - mind, body, and spirit. My holistic, personalized approach considers your unique needs and goals, and provides comprehensive mental health care from the comfort of your own home. Presently seeing patients in Washington state and Iowa.
Aaron Padron
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Aaron Padron, APRN, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98104 (Online Only)
Our Telehealth Psychiatric Mental Health Services specializes in the treatment of adults for conditions such as, but not limited to, Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia, Bipolar Disorders, and ADHD.
Hello, we are Insightful Psychiatry, a growing, and innovative Psychiatric office with the goal of providing treatment for mental health problems in the comfort of home. Evening and Weekend appointments are available.
Our Telehealth Psychiatric Mental Health Services specializes in the treatment of adults for conditions such as, but not limited to, Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia, Bipolar Disorders, and ADHD.
Hello, we are Insightful Psychiatry, a growing, and innovative Psychiatric office with the goal of providing treatment for mental health problems in the comfort of home. Evening and Weekend appointments are available.
See more therapy options for Bellingham
Nearby Bipolar Disorder Psychiatrists Searches for Bellingham
See More Bipolar Disorder PsychiatristsBipolar 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.