Photo of Dr. Terri Thomas, Counselor in San Bernardino County, CA
Dr. Terri Thomas
Counselor, PsyD, MA
Verified Verified
Hesperia, CA 92345
I provide care to individuals, couples, and families who have found themselves in need of making adjustments in their lives or wanting to learn more about a mental health diagnosis such as depression, anxiety, bipolar, trauma, obsessive behaviors, substance/alcohol issues, schizophrenia, personality issues, marital problems, or parent/child issues.
Life throws many challenges our way and we choose which action to take in responding to those challenges. I've worked with people from various social, political, and ethnic backgrounds and the one thing that everyone has in common is that we all face challenges in life. There are numerous reasons that people seek mental health professionals, and those reasons are very personal and unique to each person. Finding the right professional to guide you in learning more about your mental health diagnosis, getting you through an immediate crisis, or feelings of uncertainty are important in getting you through tough times.
I provide care to individuals, couples, and families who have found themselves in need of making adjustments in their lives or wanting to learn more about a mental health diagnosis such as depression, anxiety, bipolar, trauma, obsessive behaviors, substance/alcohol issues, schizophrenia, personality issues, marital problems, or parent/child issues.
Life throws many challenges our way and we choose which action to take in responding to those challenges. I've worked with people from various social, political, and ethnic backgrounds and the one thing that everyone has in common is that we all face challenges in life. There are numerous reasons that people seek mental health professionals, and those reasons are very personal and unique to each person. Finding the right professional to guide you in learning more about your mental health diagnosis, getting you through an immediate crisis, or feelings of uncertainty are important in getting you through tough times.
(760) 853-5086 View (760) 853-5086
Photo of Janice Ciccarelli, Psychologist in San Bernardino County, CA
Janice Ciccarelli
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Upland, CA 91786  (Online Only)
I work with individuals who are dealing with various life issues that may include anxiety, depression, stress, relationship problems, self harm, trauma, insomnia, women's issues, men's issues, physical illness, academic problems, attention deficits and parenting skills. I also treat individuals who have serious mental illness such as psychotic and bipolar disorders. I work with individuals, couples and families.
I work with individuals who are dealing with various life issues that may include anxiety, depression, stress, relationship problems, self harm, trauma, insomnia, women's issues, men's issues, physical illness, academic problems, attention deficits and parenting skills. I also treat individuals who have serious mental illness such as psychotic and bipolar disorders. I work with individuals, couples and families.
(909) 295-7811 View (909) 295-7811
Photo of Fran's Family Counseling, Prof Inc., Marriage & Family Therapist in San Bernardino County, CA
Fran's Family Counseling, Prof Inc.
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, PPS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Victorville, CA 92392
Mental Health Matters. Telephone/Online Video. I may assist with providing the tools you need to manage life at home, school, work and have healthy relationships with those in your life. I only accept individuals as I help each person learn to communicate with your spouse and family members. I only accept Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) insurance and TriCare West. For non members I have a current $175 cash pay special for a 60 minute counseling session. Ask about the $ 125 sliding scale fee for those that qualify. Cash app: $mhmatters2 Don't have cash app and need pay a different way? Contact me.
Mental Health Matters. Telephone/Online Video. I may assist with providing the tools you need to manage life at home, school, work and have healthy relationships with those in your life. I only accept individuals as I help each person learn to communicate with your spouse and family members. I only accept Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) insurance and TriCare West. For non members I have a current $175 cash pay special for a 60 minute counseling session. Ask about the $ 125 sliding scale fee for those that qualify. Cash app: $mhmatters2 Don't have cash app and need pay a different way? Contact me.
(442) 244-9054 View (442) 244-9054
Photo of Julie Estrella, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Bernardino County, CA
Julie Estrella
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Redlands, CA 92373
You’ve overcome a lot, and yet are having a tough time containing the feelings, thoughts, and physical sensations this time. It’s spilling out into your personal and professional relationships and moving you further away from the life you imagined for yourself. You've reached your maximum bandwidth and before you know it, old patterns creep back in. The confidence that you'll be okay slips away with each day. You're realizing you need support to not only heal and accept what is, but also to transform and be able to grow through this!
You’ve overcome a lot, and yet are having a tough time containing the feelings, thoughts, and physical sensations this time. It’s spilling out into your personal and professional relationships and moving you further away from the life you imagined for yourself. You've reached your maximum bandwidth and before you know it, old patterns creep back in. The confidence that you'll be okay slips away with each day. You're realizing you need support to not only heal and accept what is, but also to transform and be able to grow through this!
(909) 546-4236 View (909) 546-4236
Photo of Carolyn R Edwards, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Bernardino County, CA
Carolyn R Edwards
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
"We as human beings never transcend the need for human connection" Irvin D. Yalom..... Welcome, and Hello.. If current life circumstances have brought on more than you currently can manage on your own. You don't have to try to figure it all out alone. I have worked in the profession of mental health for over 20 years, in different capacities. I am currently licensed with the State of California as a Marriage and Family Therapist. Having a readiness, willingness, and ability to confront our issues can be scary, and hard. Having a roadmap and support allows us the confidence to face anything life throws our way.
"We as human beings never transcend the need for human connection" Irvin D. Yalom..... Welcome, and Hello.. If current life circumstances have brought on more than you currently can manage on your own. You don't have to try to figure it all out alone. I have worked in the profession of mental health for over 20 years, in different capacities. I am currently licensed with the State of California as a Marriage and Family Therapist. Having a readiness, willingness, and ability to confront our issues can be scary, and hard. Having a roadmap and support allows us the confidence to face anything life throws our way.
(909) 303-1738 View (909) 303-1738
Photo of Spring To Autumn Family Counseling, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Bernardino County, CA
Spring To Autumn Family Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Redlands, CA 92374
Need support to tackle some of life's difficulties? It is ok to ask for help sometimes. Many of the individuals and families who contact us are all looking for the same tools: learning to cope and reduce stress, overcoming trauma, and finding peace of mind. We help tackle everyday issues with an evidenced based behavioral approach. We help with marital/premarital counseling, individuals with depression, anxiety, or mood issues, children and teenage struggles and much more. We are ready to help with providing support and making positive changes. We are a group practice with many therapist options to choose from.
Need support to tackle some of life's difficulties? It is ok to ask for help sometimes. Many of the individuals and families who contact us are all looking for the same tools: learning to cope and reduce stress, overcoming trauma, and finding peace of mind. We help tackle everyday issues with an evidenced based behavioral approach. We help with marital/premarital counseling, individuals with depression, anxiety, or mood issues, children and teenage struggles and much more. We are ready to help with providing support and making positive changes. We are a group practice with many therapist options to choose from.
(909) 557-6574 View (909) 557-6574
Photo of Niecole M Bragdon, Pre-Licensed Professional in San Bernardino County, CA
Niecole M Bragdon
Pre-Licensed Professional, APCC
Verified Verified
Welcome! With my warm gentle nature and holistic approach, I support my clients in uncovering their true resilient selves. I love working with young adults and women who are looking to find relief from trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and grief, as well as those seeking support with perfectionism, relationships, dating, identity, spirituality, sexuality, and creativity. I see therapy as a journey of discovering the parts of you that have been in hiding – maybe those parts that you thought were unlovable or shameful.
Welcome! With my warm gentle nature and holistic approach, I support my clients in uncovering their true resilient selves. I love working with young adults and women who are looking to find relief from trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and grief, as well as those seeking support with perfectionism, relationships, dating, identity, spirituality, sexuality, and creativity. I see therapy as a journey of discovering the parts of you that have been in hiding – maybe those parts that you thought were unlovable or shameful.
(909) 655-4997 View (909) 655-4997
Photo of The Mindful Lemon, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Bernardino County, CA
The Mindful Lemon
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Upland, CA 91786  (Online Only)
Our mission is to provide quality online mental health and substance abuse services while breaking down the barriers of traditional, office-based therapy. Traditional mental health and substance abuse treatment tends to focus on what makes you sick, and what you are lacking but at The Mindful Lemon, our clinicians let you sit in the driver’s seat, focusing on your strengths and assets to help you become the best version of you! This can be via traditional talk therapy, medication management, mindfulness techniques, an emphasis on health, wellness, and fitness, or any combination of the above. T
Our mission is to provide quality online mental health and substance abuse services while breaking down the barriers of traditional, office-based therapy. Traditional mental health and substance abuse treatment tends to focus on what makes you sick, and what you are lacking but at The Mindful Lemon, our clinicians let you sit in the driver’s seat, focusing on your strengths and assets to help you become the best version of you! This can be via traditional talk therapy, medication management, mindfulness techniques, an emphasis on health, wellness, and fitness, or any combination of the above. T
(661) 215-8670 View (661) 215-8670
Photo of Jennifer Vermillion, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Bernardino County, CA
Jennifer Vermillion
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
IMMEDIATE APPOINTMENT AVAILABILITY! Weekend and evening openings! Something that sets me apart from other therapists is that I bring valuable life experience that greatly compliments my therapeutic style. I know first hand personally and professionally, the value in having a safe, warm place to process our daily struggles and I strive to provide that to every one of my clients. My clients find comfort in learning they have my unconditional support as we work as a team. Clients describe me as compassionate, knowledgeable, humorous, and honest. Children and I get along wonderfully!
IMMEDIATE APPOINTMENT AVAILABILITY! Weekend and evening openings! Something that sets me apart from other therapists is that I bring valuable life experience that greatly compliments my therapeutic style. I know first hand personally and professionally, the value in having a safe, warm place to process our daily struggles and I strive to provide that to every one of my clients. My clients find comfort in learning they have my unconditional support as we work as a team. Clients describe me as compassionate, knowledgeable, humorous, and honest. Children and I get along wonderfully!
(626) 623-7585 View (626) 623-7585
Photo of The Mindful Lemon, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Bernardino County, CA
The Mindful Lemon
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Victorville, CA 92393  (Online Only)
Our mission is to provide quality online mental health and substance abuse services while breaking down the barriers of traditional, office based therapy. Traditional mental health and substance abuse treatment tends to focus on what makes you sick, what you are lacking but at The Mindful Lemon, our clinicians let you sit in the driver’s seat, focusing on your strengths and assets to help you become the best version of you! This can be via traditional talk therapy, medication management, mindfulness techniques, an emphasis on health, wellness and fitness or any combination of the above.
Our mission is to provide quality online mental health and substance abuse services while breaking down the barriers of traditional, office based therapy. Traditional mental health and substance abuse treatment tends to focus on what makes you sick, what you are lacking but at The Mindful Lemon, our clinicians let you sit in the driver’s seat, focusing on your strengths and assets to help you become the best version of you! This can be via traditional talk therapy, medication management, mindfulness techniques, an emphasis on health, wellness and fitness or any combination of the above.
(949) 468-3964 View (949) 468-3964
Photo of Guiding Hope Marriage and Family Counseling, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Bernardino County, CA
Guiding Hope Marriage and Family Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Yucaipa, CA 92399
Have you noticed an an increase in anxiety, chronic stress, loss of sleep or experiencing difficulty due to depression, difficulty within relationships, isolation or create behaviors that are harmful? Has life begun to feel like it is rocking you to our core and beginning to feel like life is unmanageable? If you are experiencing effects of trauma, mental health feeling unstable, addiction, individual, martial, family issues, teens, adjustment concerns, we are here to walk with you as we learn to understand the inner truth with healthy coping skills and restoration of strength to embrace life with all it has to offer.
Have you noticed an an increase in anxiety, chronic stress, loss of sleep or experiencing difficulty due to depression, difficulty within relationships, isolation or create behaviors that are harmful? Has life begun to feel like it is rocking you to our core and beginning to feel like life is unmanageable? If you are experiencing effects of trauma, mental health feeling unstable, addiction, individual, martial, family issues, teens, adjustment concerns, we are here to walk with you as we learn to understand the inner truth with healthy coping skills and restoration of strength to embrace life with all it has to offer.
(909) 316-1866 View (909) 316-1866
Photo of Mercedes Canizalez, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Bernardino County, CA
Mercedes Canizalez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Victorville, CA 92395
My name is Mercedes Canizalez, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and work with a multitude of therapy modalities. I provide therapy in English and Spanish and enjoy working with multicultural populations. I possess a wide range of skills and interpersonal qualities to be able to work effectively with a variety of clients. I am empathetic, genuine and I value empowering others. I gather concepts from different therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness, and DBT which are tailored to your therapeutic goals.
My name is Mercedes Canizalez, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and work with a multitude of therapy modalities. I provide therapy in English and Spanish and enjoy working with multicultural populations. I possess a wide range of skills and interpersonal qualities to be able to work effectively with a variety of clients. I am empathetic, genuine and I value empowering others. I gather concepts from different therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness, and DBT which are tailored to your therapeutic goals.
(424) 301-8245 View (424) 301-8245

Online Therapists

Photo of Kris Winslow, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Bernardino County, CA
Kris Winslow
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MBA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Inglewood, CA 90302  (Online Only)
I see a lot of people who have been diagnosed with anxiety, depression, PTSD and bipolar disorder.
There is really no issue to big or too small to bring to therapy. I have seen people go through so much positive change because of their work in therapy and think it is such an awesome process. Just because we can go through life in survival mode and bouncing off our ups and downs, does not mean we should. I love to talk about everything therapy, so I encourage people to reach out.
I see a lot of people who have been diagnosed with anxiety, depression, PTSD and bipolar disorder.
There is really no issue to big or too small to bring to therapy. I have seen people go through so much positive change because of their work in therapy and think it is such an awesome process. Just because we can go through life in survival mode and bouncing off our ups and downs, does not mean we should. I love to talk about everything therapy, so I encourage people to reach out.
(323) 973-2279 View (323) 973-2279
Photo of Nicole Pascavis, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in San Bernardino County, CA
Nicole Pascavis
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
Culver City, CA 90230
I support clients through self-discovery, major life transitions, anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, family challenges, and more with insightful care.
I work with adults, children, couples, and families confronting a wide range of mental, emotional, spiritual, and relational challenges. These can range from major symptom and conflict management to a desire for greater meaning, balance, self-love, and mental clarity. Some goals we build toward together may include: self-understanding and a sense of wholeness; helping you become your own best ally in health and life; healthy relationships and support systems; improved self-esteem; identifying and communicating needs and feelings effectively; and greater creativity and empowerment in crafting your own life and story.
I support clients through self-discovery, major life transitions, anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, family challenges, and more with insightful care.
I work with adults, children, couples, and families confronting a wide range of mental, emotional, spiritual, and relational challenges. These can range from major symptom and conflict management to a desire for greater meaning, balance, self-love, and mental clarity. Some goals we build toward together may include: self-understanding and a sense of wholeness; helping you become your own best ally in health and life; healthy relationships and support systems; improved self-esteem; identifying and communicating needs and feelings effectively; and greater creativity and empowerment in crafting your own life and story.
(323) 210-3760 View (323) 210-3760
Photo of Dr. Cassidy Blair, Psychologist in San Bernardino County, CA
Dr. Cassidy Blair
Psychologist, MA, PsyD
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92612
I specialize in treatment of Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar D/O, variety of Addictions, Trauma, Intimacy and Relationship Issues, Eating D/O, Life Coaching and Performance Coaching.
WE OFFER EVENING AND WEEKEND APPOINTMENTS. My goal is to help you improve the quality of your life and make positive changes by reducing your Anxiety, Depression, eliminating stress, Addiction, and gaining back control. You will achieve a much higher quality of life in a safe, exclusive and caring environment. I will support you to discover your inner strength, and develop effective coping skills. You will experience freedom from emotional pain and feel empowered to achieve your goals and dreams. I provide CONCEIRGE care to executives and professionals.
I specialize in treatment of Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar D/O, variety of Addictions, Trauma, Intimacy and Relationship Issues, Eating D/O, Life Coaching and Performance Coaching.
WE OFFER EVENING AND WEEKEND APPOINTMENTS. My goal is to help you improve the quality of your life and make positive changes by reducing your Anxiety, Depression, eliminating stress, Addiction, and gaining back control. You will achieve a much higher quality of life in a safe, exclusive and caring environment. I will support you to discover your inner strength, and develop effective coping skills. You will experience freedom from emotional pain and feel empowered to achieve your goals and dreams. I provide CONCEIRGE care to executives and professionals.
(424) 888-6124 View (424) 888-6124
Photo of Linda Fujino, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Bernardino County, CA
Linda Fujino
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90025  (Online Only)
Whether you are looking to end an addiction, process complex trauma and shame, or overcome your self-limiting beliefs I am here to help. My extensive experience in the field, as well as my own personal work has led me to the understanding that there is a way out. I treat those with depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, ADHD, grief/loss, children of addict/alcoholics, borderline personality, betrayal trauma, sex/porn addiction, and other issues. Through the therapeutic process I can help you to better understand what you have been through and how to overcome your current struggles to live your fullest, best life.
Whether you are looking to end an addiction, process complex trauma and shame, or overcome your self-limiting beliefs I am here to help. My extensive experience in the field, as well as my own personal work has led me to the understanding that there is a way out. I treat those with depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, ADHD, grief/loss, children of addict/alcoholics, borderline personality, betrayal trauma, sex/porn addiction, and other issues. Through the therapeutic process I can help you to better understand what you have been through and how to overcome your current struggles to live your fullest, best life.
(310) 928-2382 View (310) 928-2382
Photo of Renee Michelle Ward, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Bernardino County, CA
Renee Michelle Ward
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92604  (Online Only)
Greetings! My name is Renee and I'm a licensed clinical social worker. We spend too much time feeling as though we're not good enough or can't achieve our dreams. How we think about ourselves and our environment directly determines how we feel. As a therapist I have had the opportunity to work with clients looking for guidance and relief in many areas such as: anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, addiction, ADHD symptoms, life transitions, body dysmorphia and gender dysphoria. Please contact me for a 15 min free consultation to see if we are a good fit. I will get back to you within 24 hours.
Greetings! My name is Renee and I'm a licensed clinical social worker. We spend too much time feeling as though we're not good enough or can't achieve our dreams. How we think about ourselves and our environment directly determines how we feel. As a therapist I have had the opportunity to work with clients looking for guidance and relief in many areas such as: anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, addiction, ADHD symptoms, life transitions, body dysmorphia and gender dysphoria. Please contact me for a 15 min free consultation to see if we are a good fit. I will get back to you within 24 hours.
(714) 586-8678 View (714) 586-8678
Photo of The Mindful Lemon , Marriage & Family Therapist in San Bernardino County, CA
The Mindful Lemon
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Temecula, CA 92592  (Online Only)
Our mission is to provide quality online mental health and substance abuse services while breaking down the barriers of traditional, office based therapy. Traditional mental health and substance abuse treatment tends to focus on what makes you sick, what you are lacking but at The Mindful Lemon, our clinicians let you sit in the driver’s seat, focusing on your strengths and assets to help you become the best version of you! This can be via traditional talk therapy, medication management, mindfulness techniques, an emphasis on health, wellness and fitness or any combination of the above.
Our mission is to provide quality online mental health and substance abuse services while breaking down the barriers of traditional, office based therapy. Traditional mental health and substance abuse treatment tends to focus on what makes you sick, what you are lacking but at The Mindful Lemon, our clinicians let you sit in the driver’s seat, focusing on your strengths and assets to help you become the best version of you! This can be via traditional talk therapy, medication management, mindfulness techniques, an emphasis on health, wellness and fitness or any combination of the above.
(530) 288-4066 View (530) 288-4066
Photo of Icinda Siqueira-Darwin, Psychologist in San Bernardino County, CA
Icinda Siqueira-Darwin
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Long Beach, CA 90815
If you are near the Southern area of Los Angeles County, you may want to consider psychotherapy or counseling in Long Beach. I work evening hours, as well as day time, and have experience with most mental health needs. I work in Spanish, English, and Portuguese. I have extensive experience with problems in living using Evidence Based Therapy models and Mindfulness with substance abuse, depression, anxiety, as well as major mental illness including schizophrenia, , and other thought disorders. I work with family problems , including sexual dysfunction. Performing psychological assessments are offered when necessary to set new goals.
If you are near the Southern area of Los Angeles County, you may want to consider psychotherapy or counseling in Long Beach. I work evening hours, as well as day time, and have experience with most mental health needs. I work in Spanish, English, and Portuguese. I have extensive experience with problems in living using Evidence Based Therapy models and Mindfulness with substance abuse, depression, anxiety, as well as major mental illness including schizophrenia, , and other thought disorders. I work with family problems , including sexual dysfunction. Performing psychological assessments are offered when necessary to set new goals.
(562) 526-0592 View (562) 526-0592
Photo of Jacqueline Florian, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Bernardino County, CA
Jacqueline Florian
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90006  (Online Only)
If you are struggling with experiences in life, finding difficulty with recent events, or anything else that life may present you with? Perhaps I can offer some guidance. I have several years of experience working with adults, couples, families, and teens. I use a systemic, inter-generational, and experiential lens to determine how certain factors can contribute to the difficulty you are currently experiencing. In addition to this, I apply an intersectional lens to identify how different components of your identity influence the way you see the world as well as how the world may see you.
If you are struggling with experiences in life, finding difficulty with recent events, or anything else that life may present you with? Perhaps I can offer some guidance. I have several years of experience working with adults, couples, families, and teens. I use a systemic, inter-generational, and experiential lens to determine how certain factors can contribute to the difficulty you are currently experiencing. In addition to this, I apply an intersectional lens to identify how different components of your identity influence the way you see the world as well as how the world may see you.
(323) 673-3475 View (323) 673-3475

See more therapy options for San Bernardino County

Bipolar Disorder Therapists

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.