Therapists in San Diego, CA
Irwin Ford Rosenfarb
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92131
Hello and welcome. I offer psychotherapy for adults, couples, families, and teens dealing with relationship difficulties, depression and anxiety, bipolar disorder, personality issues, schizophrenia, and other mental health problems. I also help family members understand their loved one's difficulties and help couples and families communicate more effectively. I believe that change occurs within the context of a positive therapeutic relationship and my focus is on creating a caring, compassionate, and sensitive space where individuals, couples, and families can make significant change in their lives.
Hello and welcome. I offer psychotherapy for adults, couples, families, and teens dealing with relationship difficulties, depression and anxiety, bipolar disorder, personality issues, schizophrenia, and other mental health problems. I also help family members understand their loved one's difficulties and help couples and families communicate more effectively. I believe that change occurs within the context of a positive therapeutic relationship and my focus is on creating a caring, compassionate, and sensitive space where individuals, couples, and families can make significant change in their lives.
Susie VanDyke
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92123
I also have significant experience working with Bipolar.
Hello, I am Susie VanDyke, and I love working with PTSD, trauma, alcohol use, and substance use issues. I especially enjoy working with veterans, first responders, their families, and anyone going through difficult times. I graduated with a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2008 and have over fifteen years of experience in various mental health and hospital settings, with a concentration in military and first responders. I love helping people improve their lives and want them to feel better as quickly as possible. I enjoy helping people who are feeling hopeless about their situations because of tough circumstances.
I also have significant experience working with Bipolar.
Hello, I am Susie VanDyke, and I love working with PTSD, trauma, alcohol use, and substance use issues. I especially enjoy working with veterans, first responders, their families, and anyone going through difficult times. I graduated with a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2008 and have over fifteen years of experience in various mental health and hospital settings, with a concentration in military and first responders. I love helping people improve their lives and want them to feel better as quickly as possible. I enjoy helping people who are feeling hopeless about their situations because of tough circumstances.
Lynda Paulson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92108
I treat anxiety, depression, bipolar/mood disorders, addictions, PTSD and complex trauma, adjustment disorders, obsessive/compulsive behaviors and grief and loss issues.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 13 years experience in direct practice. I received my Masters in Social Work from Long Beach State University in 2008. Since then I have worked with clients across the lifespan (ages 5 to 85) in a variety of clinical and medical settings. Throughout my practice I have focused on the importance of identifying all aspects of my clients’ lives that impact their well-being (support systems, cultural, work/ school environment, physical health, faith/spirituality) to provide treatment through a wholistic person-in-environment perspective.
I treat anxiety, depression, bipolar/mood disorders, addictions, PTSD and complex trauma, adjustment disorders, obsessive/compulsive behaviors and grief and loss issues.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 13 years experience in direct practice. I received my Masters in Social Work from Long Beach State University in 2008. Since then I have worked with clients across the lifespan (ages 5 to 85) in a variety of clinical and medical settings. Throughout my practice I have focused on the importance of identifying all aspects of my clients’ lives that impact their well-being (support systems, cultural, work/ school environment, physical health, faith/spirituality) to provide treatment through a wholistic person-in-environment perspective.
Lizeth V Ma
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92120
I am a passionate clinical therapist who loves working with children, women, couples and families going through challenging times. Are you and your your child having trouble communicating? Are you and your spouse having trouble communicating? Do you see them going through a hard time, long to help but don't know how? Do you suffer from Bipolar Disorder? I am here for you. Do you feel undone by anxiety or depression and don't know how to "shake it off"? Please call today, My number one goal is to help in the most comfortable and holistic approach possible. It's OK, not to be OK. Together we can get there, one step at a time.
I am a passionate clinical therapist who loves working with children, women, couples and families going through challenging times. Are you and your your child having trouble communicating? Are you and your spouse having trouble communicating? Do you see them going through a hard time, long to help but don't know how? Do you suffer from Bipolar Disorder? I am here for you. Do you feel undone by anxiety or depression and don't know how to "shake it off"? Please call today, My number one goal is to help in the most comfortable and holistic approach possible. It's OK, not to be OK. Together we can get there, one step at a time.
Dr. Kimberly Madakasira
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, LPCC, C-IYT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92101 (Online Only)
I am a licensed professional counselor, Health Psychologist and an International Certified Yoga Therapist. I have been a licensed professional counselor since 2000 with experience treating adults utilizing various techniques and therapies in both group and individual settings. I provide CBT, Mindfulness, Yoga Therapy, etc. which have been shown to be beneficial for depression, anxiety, bipolar, trauma, eating disorders among other issues. I obtained my PhD in Health Psychology from Walden University where I studied somatic issues. My areas of interest include mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and health issues.
I am a licensed professional counselor, Health Psychologist and an International Certified Yoga Therapist. I have been a licensed professional counselor since 2000 with experience treating adults utilizing various techniques and therapies in both group and individual settings. I provide CBT, Mindfulness, Yoga Therapy, etc. which have been shown to be beneficial for depression, anxiety, bipolar, trauma, eating disorders among other issues. I obtained my PhD in Health Psychology from Walden University where I studied somatic issues. My areas of interest include mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and health issues.
Adolfo Hernandez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92115
My name is Adolfo M. Hernandez and license number is 126948 LMFT. MY approach to therapy is primary to focus on client's personal strengths, cognitive restructuring, increase insight and awareness, increase overall functioning, and problem-solving skills. I had helped children, teens, and adults who suffer from depression, anxiety, alcohol, panic attacks, substance abuse, bipolar, anger, stress, family problems, and many others. I do not rely in a single approach, instead, focusing on client's goals. Moreover, I used Cognitive behavioral, existential, Prolonged exposure for individuals who experienced traumatic experiences.
My name is Adolfo M. Hernandez and license number is 126948 LMFT. MY approach to therapy is primary to focus on client's personal strengths, cognitive restructuring, increase insight and awareness, increase overall functioning, and problem-solving skills. I had helped children, teens, and adults who suffer from depression, anxiety, alcohol, panic attacks, substance abuse, bipolar, anger, stress, family problems, and many others. I do not rely in a single approach, instead, focusing on client's goals. Moreover, I used Cognitive behavioral, existential, Prolonged exposure for individuals who experienced traumatic experiences.
Brian Kaufman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92103
Hello. My name is Brian Kaufman. I am a licensed clinical social worker. I am licensed in California with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, career difficulties, & bipolar disorder. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I have no defined approach. Every client is different and so my approach will be different. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Hello. My name is Brian Kaufman. I am a licensed clinical social worker. I am licensed in California with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, career difficulties, & bipolar disorder. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I have no defined approach. Every client is different and so my approach will be different. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Lifeskills Counseling
LCSW
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92108
We can provide individual, couples or family counseling with issues that include but are not limited to grief and loss, OCD depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar, ADHD, adjustments/life transitions and relational issues.
Do you have anxiety or even panic daily? Are your compulsions becoming difficult to manage? Is your anger out of control? Is your sadness too much to bear? Cost is not always measured in dollars and cents, it is spent emotions or wasted energy or lost time; maybe it is time for help!
We can provide individual, couples or family counseling with issues that include but are not limited to grief and loss, OCD depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar, ADHD, adjustments/life transitions and relational issues.
Do you have anxiety or even panic daily? Are your compulsions becoming difficult to manage? Is your anger out of control? Is your sadness too much to bear? Cost is not always measured in dollars and cents, it is spent emotions or wasted energy or lost time; maybe it is time for help!
Brittany Phillips Hunt
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92108 (Online Only)
From symptoms of Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, self-worth, relational issues, family conflict, ADHD, Bipolar, grief and more, Brittany is happy to walk with clients through their journey to a better life.
Currently open for couples and individuals via telehealth
From symptoms of Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, self-worth, relational issues, family conflict, ADHD, Bipolar, grief and more, Brittany is happy to walk with clients through their journey to a better life.
Currently open for couples and individuals via telehealth
Sean O'Hara
Psychologist, PsyD, NCAC, I, SAP
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92127
O'Hara treats depression, anxiety, ADHD, psychosis, Bipolar, PTSD.
Sean O'Hara Psy.D, NCAC I, SAP is a State of California and State of Hawai'i Board Licensed Psychologist in San Diego, California and Kahului, Hawai'i, with 33 years experience with psychiatric, mental health, dual-diagnosis and crises intervention health problems. Dr. O'Hara works in Rancho Bernardo and does tele heath sessions. Dr. O'Hara travels the United States to work with clients, corporations and athletes residing in other states. Dr. O'Hara works with all populations and does diversified work with corporations, collegiate and professional sports teams, the entertainment industries and concert tours.
O'Hara treats depression, anxiety, ADHD, psychosis, Bipolar, PTSD.
Sean O'Hara Psy.D, NCAC I, SAP is a State of California and State of Hawai'i Board Licensed Psychologist in San Diego, California and Kahului, Hawai'i, with 33 years experience with psychiatric, mental health, dual-diagnosis and crises intervention health problems. Dr. O'Hara works in Rancho Bernardo and does tele heath sessions. Dr. O'Hara travels the United States to work with clients, corporations and athletes residing in other states. Dr. O'Hara works with all populations and does diversified work with corporations, collegiate and professional sports teams, the entertainment industries and concert tours.
Colleen Auth
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92108
Waitlist for new clients
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in the treatment of adults and older adults suffering from depression, bipolar, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, PTSD, OCD, and various personality disorders including Borderline personality disorder. I have experience in working with many of life's problems such as grief and loss, conflict resolution, and anger management. I work with each patient to understand his or her symptoms and the problems that impact their mood, and then create a holistic approach to develop a unique treatment plan that is tailored to address the individuals needs.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in the treatment of adults and older adults suffering from depression, bipolar, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, PTSD, OCD, and various personality disorders including Borderline personality disorder. I have experience in working with many of life's problems such as grief and loss, conflict resolution, and anger management. I work with each patient to understand his or her symptoms and the problems that impact their mood, and then create a holistic approach to develop a unique treatment plan that is tailored to address the individuals needs.
15 Second Videos
Susie VanDyke
Reina Remy
Michelle Fulks
Corinne Grandinetti
Positive Change Counseling Center
Kasey Lewandowski
Kathryn O'Brasky
Julie H Morrell, MFT Online, Phone, & Telehealth
Hilber Psychological Services
Paul James Kramer
Olga Goodman
Julia Mendoza
Bonnie Deroo
BKO Therapy Services
Christopher Kincheloe
Dain Dorsey
Tiffany Lin Lasky
Brett Rash
Mary Kay Hunyady
Adam Christopher Markle
Starr MacKinnon
Greg Buttner
Preventative Health for Happy Families!
David Jaffe, Ph.D.
Grace Catherine Mickle
Jason Unruh
Christina M. Charlotin
Drew Scott
Melissa McCormick
Open Mind Health
Melissa Lanza
Vanessa Norman
Lara J. Duff
Jennifer Reimer
Shaina Ponce
Stephanie Feliciano
Karen Loftis
Intrapsyc - Online Psychotherapy & Life Coaching
Cognitive Therapy Institute, APC
EMDR Trauma Therapy
Network WellBeing™
Amaka Ohai
Michelle Bodwell
Therapy Lab La Jolla
Ronald D Amos
Isela Baron
Sarah Muñoz
Ana Hinshaw
Jake Sims
Niecole M Bragdon
Gather Your Strength Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92108
With almost 10 years in the field, I have helped individuals who have experienced symptoms of Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, and Psychosis.
Welcome, my name is Michael James Garrett, MA, LMFT. I work with youth, adults, families, and couples who are challenged by everyday life stressors. As a Geek therapist, I am able to use the psychology of geek culture in order to better ourselves and avoid unwanted behaviors. Do you find yourself feeling extremely sad, lonely, or have difficulty getting out of bed? Do you feel so anxious that it is difficult to get through each day? Perhaps you or even someone you know is struggling with finding a balance between video games and life. If any of this sounds familiar to you, I’m here to help.
With almost 10 years in the field, I have helped individuals who have experienced symptoms of Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, and Psychosis.
Welcome, my name is Michael James Garrett, MA, LMFT. I work with youth, adults, families, and couples who are challenged by everyday life stressors. As a Geek therapist, I am able to use the psychology of geek culture in order to better ourselves and avoid unwanted behaviors. Do you find yourself feeling extremely sad, lonely, or have difficulty getting out of bed? Do you feel so anxious that it is difficult to get through each day? Perhaps you or even someone you know is struggling with finding a balance between video games and life. If any of this sounds familiar to you, I’m here to help.
Peggy Wilson-Jordan
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92110
Hi there, I'm Peggy! I have been working with clients for many years. I have worked with trauma, substance abuse, and significant mental health disorders, including bipolar And schizophrenia. I primarily employ narrative, humanistic, DBT, and motivational interviewing modalities. I have managed group homes with foster and probation youth as well as ILP programs. For the last 16 years, I have worked with mail nonprofits with indigent and low-income clients.
Hi there, I'm Peggy! I have been working with clients for many years. I have worked with trauma, substance abuse, and significant mental health disorders, including bipolar And schizophrenia. I primarily employ narrative, humanistic, DBT, and motivational interviewing modalities. I have managed group homes with foster and probation youth as well as ILP programs. For the last 16 years, I have worked with mail nonprofits with indigent and low-income clients.
Kristin Whelan
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92123
Waitlist for new clients
Dr. Whelan is an experienced Licensed Clinical Psychologist who is passionate about establishing a strong alliance with her patients and providing excellence in care. She provides assessment, diagnosis, and treatment to patients with an array of psychological, neurological, and medical conditions. Dr. Whelan specializes in the treatment of depression and anxiety related disorders, chronic pain, sleep/eating disorders, substance use, grief, trauma, and bipolar spectrum conditions. She provides individualized, evidence-based psychotherapy involving a blend of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical-behavioral therapy (DBT),
Dr. Whelan is an experienced Licensed Clinical Psychologist who is passionate about establishing a strong alliance with her patients and providing excellence in care. She provides assessment, diagnosis, and treatment to patients with an array of psychological, neurological, and medical conditions. Dr. Whelan specializes in the treatment of depression and anxiety related disorders, chronic pain, sleep/eating disorders, substance use, grief, trauma, and bipolar spectrum conditions. She provides individualized, evidence-based psychotherapy involving a blend of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical-behavioral therapy (DBT),
Diane F Gaston
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92131
For over 20 years I worked with clients with schizophrenia, bipolar and other psychiatric disorders.
What motivates me to be a therapist is my desire to help clients maximize their potential for personal growth. I work with individuals, families and couples to help them in their journey of discovering their innate abilities of solving their own problems. In this way I will direct them in learning what obstacles they create for themselves and how to use their abilities to evoke change. My preference is in-person, but am willing to do Telehealth, as needed, after initial in-person assessment, in-person offers valuable energy exchange necessary for the human connection between therapist and client. I'm fully vaccinated.
For over 20 years I worked with clients with schizophrenia, bipolar and other psychiatric disorders.
What motivates me to be a therapist is my desire to help clients maximize their potential for personal growth. I work with individuals, families and couples to help them in their journey of discovering their innate abilities of solving their own problems. In this way I will direct them in learning what obstacles they create for themselves and how to use their abilities to evoke change. My preference is in-person, but am willing to do Telehealth, as needed, after initial in-person assessment, in-person offers valuable energy exchange necessary for the human connection between therapist and client. I'm fully vaccinated.
Melody Donboli
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92128
Some of my specialties include early psychosis support & psychoedcation for caregivers of family members with psychosis or bipolar, LGBTQQI support & advocacy.
My goal is to help you uncover your true potential and find more helpful ways of living. I offer a collaborative and client-centered approach tailored to each of my clients individual needs and cultural backgrounds to help attain the personal growth you're striving for. Your life experiences and history contribute to your individual uniqueness. Sometimes it's helpful if your therapist has a base knowledge of aspects of your culture so you don't have to explain everything. Between cultural elements of the LGBTQ community, to intersectionality experiences for persons of color, my background and training aid in this understanding.
Some of my specialties include early psychosis support & psychoedcation for caregivers of family members with psychosis or bipolar, LGBTQQI support & advocacy.
My goal is to help you uncover your true potential and find more helpful ways of living. I offer a collaborative and client-centered approach tailored to each of my clients individual needs and cultural backgrounds to help attain the personal growth you're striving for. Your life experiences and history contribute to your individual uniqueness. Sometimes it's helpful if your therapist has a base knowledge of aspects of your culture so you don't have to explain everything. Between cultural elements of the LGBTQ community, to intersectionality experiences for persons of color, my background and training aid in this understanding.
Reina Remy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92123
Waitlist for new clients
I work collaboratively and creatively to help you/your child or teen identify the root causes underlying the current struggles and increase awareness of solutions in your lives. I use play/art techniques to explore thoughts and feelings, emphasize therapeutic experiments, and process traumas to help you/your child feel better and improve the quality of your lives. I have more than 20 years experience helping children, teens, adults, and parents with trauma, grief, anxiety, family conflicts, bipolar, ADHD, and depression, among other issues. I also love working with LGBTQ community, military families, twins, and parenting struggles.
I work collaboratively and creatively to help you/your child or teen identify the root causes underlying the current struggles and increase awareness of solutions in your lives. I use play/art techniques to explore thoughts and feelings, emphasize therapeutic experiments, and process traumas to help you/your child feel better and improve the quality of your lives. I have more than 20 years experience helping children, teens, adults, and parents with trauma, grief, anxiety, family conflicts, bipolar, ADHD, and depression, among other issues. I also love working with LGBTQ community, military families, twins, and parenting struggles.
Shani Judis Laub
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92130 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in addressing a spectrum of mental health concerns including: Anxiety ,Depression ,Psychosis , LGBTQ+ Issues , ADHD , Trauma, Autism Spectrum Disorders , PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, Mood Disorders.
I specialize in addressing a spectrum of mental health concerns including: Anxiety ,Depression ,Psychosis , LGBTQ+ Issues , ADHD , Trauma, Autism Spectrum Disorders , PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, Mood Disorders.
Sonia Estrada
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92122
I treat clients with issues of trauma and abuse, attachment, domestic violence, PTSD, anxiety, depression, bipolar and schizophrenia, personality disorders, relationships, family conflicts, stress, and parent-child conflict by using different approaches and treatment modalities.
Hi my is Sonia Estrada. I am a licensed bilingual (Spanish/English) marriage and family therapist with both professional training and life experiences. I have experience working with a variety of age groups (children, adolescents, adults, elderly). I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion and my goal is to help you achieve a level of functionality in important domains (relational, social, vocational, occupational) to improve your quality of life.
I treat clients with issues of trauma and abuse, attachment, domestic violence, PTSD, anxiety, depression, bipolar and schizophrenia, personality disorders, relationships, family conflicts, stress, and parent-child conflict by using different approaches and treatment modalities.
Hi my is Sonia Estrada. I am a licensed bilingual (Spanish/English) marriage and family therapist with both professional training and life experiences. I have experience working with a variety of age groups (children, adolescents, adults, elderly). I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion and my goal is to help you achieve a level of functionality in important domains (relational, social, vocational, occupational) to improve your quality of life.
Danika Peterson
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, MA
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92117
I work with teens, couples, and adults struggling with: trauma, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and personality disorders.
I offer evening and weekend appointments. Are you struggling with your sense of self, lack of stability in your relationships, and difficulty regulating your emotions? I will work alongside you to achieve a greater understanding of yourself and others, and find deeper meaning within your life. I want to help you to figure out your roadblocks, where they come from, how to move through them, and then look forward to what is coming next. I believe that you have the capacity for continuous growth beyond the resolution of your symptoms.
I work with teens, couples, and adults struggling with: trauma, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and personality disorders.
I offer evening and weekend appointments. Are you struggling with your sense of self, lack of stability in your relationships, and difficulty regulating your emotions? I will work alongside you to achieve a greater understanding of yourself and others, and find deeper meaning within your life. I want to help you to figure out your roadblocks, where they come from, how to move through them, and then look forward to what is coming next. I believe that you have the capacity for continuous growth beyond the resolution of your symptoms.
See more therapy options for San Diego
Nearby Bipolar Disorder Therapists Searches for San Diego
- Bonita
- Chula Vista
- Coronado
- Del Mar
- El Cajon
- Imperial Beach
- La Jolla
- La Mesa
- Lakeside
- National City
- Santee
- Spring Valley
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.