Bipolar Disorder Therapists in Dunwoody, GA

Photo of Mishele Walker, Licensed Professional Counselor in Dunwoody, GA
Mishele Walker
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Dunwoody, GA 30338
I have treated borderline personality disorder, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and worked with couples successfully.
I’m a therapist who suffers, like you, with mental health issues at times. Our mental health isn’t always consistent throughout life. Life throws us curveballs. I’ve had the privilege of knowing the deepest thoughts of people and I have been gifted with knowing how to help. my practice includes a gifted child counselor as well, Tarra Ray.
I have treated borderline personality disorder, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and worked with couples successfully.
I’m a therapist who suffers, like you, with mental health issues at times. Our mental health isn’t always consistent throughout life. Life throws us curveballs. I’ve had the privilege of knowing the deepest thoughts of people and I have been gifted with knowing how to help. my practice includes a gifted child counselor as well, Tarra Ray.
(404) 649-0387 View (404) 649-0387
Photo of Sunamita Tuple, Licensed Professional Counselor in Dunwoody, GA
Sunamita Tuple
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, EdS, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Dunwoody, GA 30338
My areas of expertise include, depression and bipolar disorders, addiction, dual diagnosis, co-dependence, communication and boundaries, and stress management.
"I believe, in each of us, there is an inherent need to be understood and accepted and that psychotherapy involves building a caring relationship in which clients feel safe and at ease. My goal for our time together is to help you better understand yourself, understand patters behind the choices you make and equip you with coping skills that will enable you to more effectively deal with life stressors."
My areas of expertise include, depression and bipolar disorders, addiction, dual diagnosis, co-dependence, communication and boundaries, and stress management.
"I believe, in each of us, there is an inherent need to be understood and accepted and that psychotherapy involves building a caring relationship in which clients feel safe and at ease. My goal for our time together is to help you better understand yourself, understand patters behind the choices you make and equip you with coping skills that will enable you to more effectively deal with life stressors."
(678) 929-4679 View (678) 929-4679
Photo of Liza Reed, Marriage & Family Therapist in Dunwoody, GA
Liza Reed
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Dunwoody, GA 30338
Life can be tough. We are all doing our best, and yet we can be faced with challenges that affect our mood, thoughts and ability to cope. If you are struggling with overwhelming emotions, life-threatening behaviors or ineffective patterns in relationships, then I can help you to regain inherent strengths, and build a life of purpose and peace. Whether you have a name for your struggle (Borderline Personality Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, OCD, Panic Disorder) or you just know that you don't feel like yourself, I would love to navigate along side you.
Life can be tough. We are all doing our best, and yet we can be faced with challenges that affect our mood, thoughts and ability to cope. If you are struggling with overwhelming emotions, life-threatening behaviors or ineffective patterns in relationships, then I can help you to regain inherent strengths, and build a life of purpose and peace. Whether you have a name for your struggle (Borderline Personality Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, OCD, Panic Disorder) or you just know that you don't feel like yourself, I would love to navigate along side you.
(305) 712-6058 View (305) 712-6058
Photo of Perimeter Therapy Associates, LLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Dunwoody, GA
Perimeter Therapy Associates, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Dunwoody, GA 30338
We have clinicians that specialize in Trauma, Substance Abuse, Couples Counseling, Maternal Mental Health, Play Therapy, Sex Therapy, LGBT community, Autism Spectrum, Developmental Disabilities, Parenting Issues, BiPolar Disorder, Hypnotherapy, Cancer Diagnosis, and Elder Issues.
Perimeter Therapy Associates provides psychological services for children, adolescents, adults, older adults, couples, and families experiencing life transitions, relationship difficulties, depression, post partum depression, anxiety, grief, parenting concerns and other mental health issues. Our approach to therapy is tailored to the unique needs of each client, facilitating positive change in a warm and caring environment. We assist clients in making fundamental changes in the way they think and act thereby improving their ability to solve problems, cope and communicate effectively. We also provide supervision for LAPC's working toward LPC licensure.
We have clinicians that specialize in Trauma, Substance Abuse, Couples Counseling, Maternal Mental Health, Play Therapy, Sex Therapy, LGBT community, Autism Spectrum, Developmental Disabilities, Parenting Issues, BiPolar Disorder, Hypnotherapy, Cancer Diagnosis, and Elder Issues.
Perimeter Therapy Associates provides psychological services for children, adolescents, adults, older adults, couples, and families experiencing life transitions, relationship difficulties, depression, post partum depression, anxiety, grief, parenting concerns and other mental health issues. Our approach to therapy is tailored to the unique needs of each client, facilitating positive change in a warm and caring environment. We assist clients in making fundamental changes in the way they think and act thereby improving their ability to solve problems, cope and communicate effectively. We also provide supervision for LAPC's working toward LPC licensure.
(678) 824-2031 View (678) 824-2031
Photo of Counseling Services of Atlanta, Licensed Professional Counselor in Dunwoody, GA
Counseling Services of Atlanta
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
Dunwoody, GA 30346
We treat: Depression, Anxiety, Anger, relationship issues, Parenting, Divorce, Couples, Mood Disorders, Childhood abuse, Sexual Abuse, Trauma, PTSD, OCD, Loneliness, Grief, Eating disorders, Addiction (all forms), ADHD/ADD, Women's Issues, LGBT Issues, Men's Issues,Teen Issues, Bipolar, Play therapy/social skills for ages 3 and up, and Life coaching.
Counseling Services of Atlanta offers individual, couples, family, and group therapy. We offer therapy and counseling services for both adults and children of all ages including video sessions. We now have 4 male therapists and 20 female therapists! We can treat a wide variety of mental health concerns and sessions are available by phone if needed. We are centrally located to provide services for Marietta, Smyrna, Kennesaw, Powder Springs, Austell, Mableton, Dallas, Douglasville, Hiram, Acworth, Atlanta, Peachtree Corners, Lawrenceville, Alpharetta, Roswell, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Duluth, and Tucker areas.
We treat: Depression, Anxiety, Anger, relationship issues, Parenting, Divorce, Couples, Mood Disorders, Childhood abuse, Sexual Abuse, Trauma, PTSD, OCD, Loneliness, Grief, Eating disorders, Addiction (all forms), ADHD/ADD, Women's Issues, LGBT Issues, Men's Issues,Teen Issues, Bipolar, Play therapy/social skills for ages 3 and up, and Life coaching.
Counseling Services of Atlanta offers individual, couples, family, and group therapy. We offer therapy and counseling services for both adults and children of all ages including video sessions. We now have 4 male therapists and 20 female therapists! We can treat a wide variety of mental health concerns and sessions are available by phone if needed. We are centrally located to provide services for Marietta, Smyrna, Kennesaw, Powder Springs, Austell, Mableton, Dallas, Douglasville, Hiram, Acworth, Atlanta, Peachtree Corners, Lawrenceville, Alpharetta, Roswell, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Duluth, and Tucker areas.
(678) 771-6943 View (678) 771-6943
Photo of Neitcha Thomsen, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Dunwoody, GA
Neitcha Thomsen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CCATP
Verified Verified
Dunwoody, GA 30338
I’m an LCSW with experience in psychiatric inpatient stabilization and outpatient programs. I work with teens through adults diagnosed with mood disorders, psychosis, Insomnia, executive functioning challenges and ASD. I am a certified clinical anxiety specialist. I am trained in CBT for Insomnia and have my Level I Certification for Tech Addiction and Digital Health through NIDHW. I use a combination of modalities including CBT, motivational interviewing and narrative therapy with clients. I educate clients and families on available community resources in addition to helping them build coping skills.
I’m an LCSW with experience in psychiatric inpatient stabilization and outpatient programs. I work with teens through adults diagnosed with mood disorders, psychosis, Insomnia, executive functioning challenges and ASD. I am a certified clinical anxiety specialist. I am trained in CBT for Insomnia and have my Level I Certification for Tech Addiction and Digital Health through NIDHW. I use a combination of modalities including CBT, motivational interviewing and narrative therapy with clients. I educate clients and families on available community resources in addition to helping them build coping skills.
(678) 616-9469 View (678) 616-9469
Photo of Regina Zabel, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Dunwoody, GA
Regina Zabel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, ACSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dunwoody, GA 30338
I specialize working with high-achieving women plagued with the pressure to do more, do the right thing, people-please, and avoid being upset with those she loves the most. These women are leaders, compassionate, forgiving of others and admired by many. However she carries a secret, a revving internal engine that's says she has to keep going, don't stop, and set rigid rules that only apply to her. She's anxious about the future and fixated on the past. She finds it difficult to turn off her thinking. Painful histories, depression, anxiety and poor boundaries are normally the culprits with her strong, "I have it together" exterior.
I specialize working with high-achieving women plagued with the pressure to do more, do the right thing, people-please, and avoid being upset with those she loves the most. These women are leaders, compassionate, forgiving of others and admired by many. However she carries a secret, a revving internal engine that's says she has to keep going, don't stop, and set rigid rules that only apply to her. She's anxious about the future and fixated on the past. She finds it difficult to turn off her thinking. Painful histories, depression, anxiety and poor boundaries are normally the culprits with her strong, "I have it together" exterior.
(404) 737-7833 View (404) 737-7833
Photo of Perimeter DBT of Georgia, LLC, Licensed Professional Counselor in Dunwoody, GA
Perimeter DBT of Georgia, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
Dunwoody, GA 30338
Perimeter DBT was founded by three intensively trained DBT therapists with over 35 years of combined DBT experience. We wanted to build a full adherent DBT program to serve the greater Atlanta community. At Perimeter DBT we provide Individual DBT Therapy, Individual Skills Coaching, and DBT Group Skills Classes for adults, teens, and parents.
Perimeter DBT was founded by three intensively trained DBT therapists with over 35 years of combined DBT experience. We wanted to build a full adherent DBT program to serve the greater Atlanta community. At Perimeter DBT we provide Individual DBT Therapy, Individual Skills Coaching, and DBT Group Skills Classes for adults, teens, and parents.
(678) 750-1948 View (678) 750-1948
Photo of Nicolanne Smith Eustace, Counselor in Dunwoody, GA
Nicolanne Smith Eustace
Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC, CCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dunwoody, GA 30338
As a child and adolescent therapist, I acknowledge the joys and the challenges we as parents often experience. By working with children and their parents as a family system, there is an increase in the overall efficacy of treatment. Often, many of our struggles as a family stem from our ability to fully understand each others' experiences and view points. Learning to communicate more effectively, regulate emotions, and be more mindful in our every day lives can drastically improve our personal and familial experiences.
As a child and adolescent therapist, I acknowledge the joys and the challenges we as parents often experience. By working with children and their parents as a family system, there is an increase in the overall efficacy of treatment. Often, many of our struggles as a family stem from our ability to fully understand each others' experiences and view points. Learning to communicate more effectively, regulate emotions, and be more mindful in our every day lives can drastically improve our personal and familial experiences.
(678) 263-7486 View (678) 263-7486
Photo of Kathy McCrorie, Counselor in Dunwoody, GA
Kathy McCrorie
Counselor, MS, LAPC
Verified Verified
Dunwoody, GA 30338
I believe life is about relationships. Everything we do in life revolves around getting along with others. I have spent years in the corporate world helping people work well together. Now I want to continue this passion in a counseling setting. I have sat where I will ask you to sit. I don't believe I can be effective for you if I have not been a client too. I welcome everyone who wants to become more aware of why they do what they do. There are always reasons for unwanted behavior. I can help you unravel this puzzle. I can help with anxiety, depression, trauma, communication, marital and professional issues.
I believe life is about relationships. Everything we do in life revolves around getting along with others. I have spent years in the corporate world helping people work well together. Now I want to continue this passion in a counseling setting. I have sat where I will ask you to sit. I don't believe I can be effective for you if I have not been a client too. I welcome everyone who wants to become more aware of why they do what they do. There are always reasons for unwanted behavior. I can help you unravel this puzzle. I can help with anxiety, depression, trauma, communication, marital and professional issues.
(770) 467-3483 View (770) 467-3483
Photo of Marnie Ellis Fulton, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Dunwoody, GA
Marnie Ellis Fulton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CPRP, MAC
Verified Verified
Dunwoody, GA 30338
I'm passionate about working collaboratively with all of my clients, especially: clients of all ages with autoimmune, other chronic or potential life-limiting illness; teens/college students and parents with concerns related to academic and/or behavioral issues and in strengthening relationships; clients with mood, anxiety and addiction issues; clients with grief and loss issues and clients contemplating separation and/or divorce. I can objectively mediate a separation or divorce to each parties satisfaction.
I'm passionate about working collaboratively with all of my clients, especially: clients of all ages with autoimmune, other chronic or potential life-limiting illness; teens/college students and parents with concerns related to academic and/or behavioral issues and in strengthening relationships; clients with mood, anxiety and addiction issues; clients with grief and loss issues and clients contemplating separation and/or divorce. I can objectively mediate a separation or divorce to each parties satisfaction.
(404) 643-9889 View (404) 643-9889
Photo of Janette Berne, Licensed Professional Counselor in Dunwoody, GA
Janette Berne
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, RPT
Verified Verified
Dunwoody, GA 30350
PLEASE NOTE: OFFERING BOTH IN-PERSON AND ONLINE SESSIONS. Therapy is an investment of time, energy and money. When done well, the results can be life-changing. Having had decades of experience working with individuals and families in Atlanta, I'm in a unique position to help you discover and implement the solutions you need. Pulling from a variety of evidence-based treatment modalities, I'm able to serve many different clients. I use creative methods to engage clients under 11. Combining experience and specialized training, I can help you work through personal issues and maintain more satisfying family and personal relationships.
PLEASE NOTE: OFFERING BOTH IN-PERSON AND ONLINE SESSIONS. Therapy is an investment of time, energy and money. When done well, the results can be life-changing. Having had decades of experience working with individuals and families in Atlanta, I'm in a unique position to help you discover and implement the solutions you need. Pulling from a variety of evidence-based treatment modalities, I'm able to serve many different clients. I use creative methods to engage clients under 11. Combining experience and specialized training, I can help you work through personal issues and maintain more satisfying family and personal relationships.
(770) 651-0376 View (770) 651-0376
Photo of Timothy Shea, Licensed Professional Counselor in Dunwoody, GA
Timothy Shea
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Dunwoody, GA 30338
My name is Timothy Shea MA LPC. I have been a fully Licensed Professional Counselor for 14 years, plus 3 years of being an Associate Professional Counselor. My interest in pursuing a career in the field of mental health developed out of a sense that I wanted to provide service to others in a way that fostered a sense of meaning and growth in their lives. I take pride in my ability to empathize with the consumers that I work with and to help them move forward in life and awaken their own unique potential. I look forward to working with you to help you unlock your potential.
My name is Timothy Shea MA LPC. I have been a fully Licensed Professional Counselor for 14 years, plus 3 years of being an Associate Professional Counselor. My interest in pursuing a career in the field of mental health developed out of a sense that I wanted to provide service to others in a way that fostered a sense of meaning and growth in their lives. I take pride in my ability to empathize with the consumers that I work with and to help them move forward in life and awaken their own unique potential. I look forward to working with you to help you unlock your potential.
(678) 498-5856 View (678) 498-5856
Photo of Steven Andrews, Pre-Licensed Professional in Dunwoody, GA
Steven Andrews
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, MDiv
Verified Verified
Dunwoody, GA 30338
Have you been traumatized by a religious belief or spiritual figure? Are you experiencing issues related to an LGBTQIA+ identity? Are you recovering from or in the thrall of an addiction? Do you live with autism or foster/adoption issues? At the intersection of trauma, substance use, family resilience, and queer identity, I work. I am an autistic, bisexual former foster child, who also happens to be knowledgeable about faith, spirituality, and the pervasive impact of trauma. If you have been wounded in one or more of these intersecting arenas, I would be privileged to be a part of your journey toward wholeness and healing.
Have you been traumatized by a religious belief or spiritual figure? Are you experiencing issues related to an LGBTQIA+ identity? Are you recovering from or in the thrall of an addiction? Do you live with autism or foster/adoption issues? At the intersection of trauma, substance use, family resilience, and queer identity, I work. I am an autistic, bisexual former foster child, who also happens to be knowledgeable about faith, spirituality, and the pervasive impact of trauma. If you have been wounded in one or more of these intersecting arenas, I would be privileged to be a part of your journey toward wholeness and healing.
(678) 968-0397 View (678) 968-0397
Photo of Chelsea 'lovewtcs' Ward-Smith, Licensed Professional Counselor in Dunwoody, GA
Chelsea 'lovewtcs' Ward-Smith
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, BBB, NCC
Verified Verified
Dunwoody, GA 30338  (Online Only)
Welcome, my name is Chelsea Ward-Smith. I am a licensed professional counselor, BBB instructor, coach, & etc. LoveWTCS gives you courage, the ability to change, and creates a more balanced and healthier life through mindfulness. "The deeper the sorrow is carved within. The more balanced of the mind, body and soul." Once you can see the love around you. You will then see the love within yourself. Your mental health and/or diagnoses do not define you. However, it is a part of you & can be managed by changing your mindset and managing your emotions successfully through coping skills, self awareness of your triggers, and self care.
Welcome, my name is Chelsea Ward-Smith. I am a licensed professional counselor, BBB instructor, coach, & etc. LoveWTCS gives you courage, the ability to change, and creates a more balanced and healthier life through mindfulness. "The deeper the sorrow is carved within. The more balanced of the mind, body and soul." Once you can see the love around you. You will then see the love within yourself. Your mental health and/or diagnoses do not define you. However, it is a part of you & can be managed by changing your mindset and managing your emotions successfully through coping skills, self awareness of your triggers, and self care.
(770) 525-1229 View (770) 525-1229
Photo of Wendy S Dubin, Marriage & Family Therapist in Dunwoody, GA
Wendy S Dubin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MEd
Verified Verified
Dunwoody, GA 30338
I am an experienced and dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor an Marriage and Family Therapist with over thirty years of experience. I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. I also supervise and train other counselors who are working towards their licensure.
I am an experienced and dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor an Marriage and Family Therapist with over thirty years of experience. I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. I also supervise and train other counselors who are working towards their licensure.
(770) 395-6496 View (770) 395-6496
Photo of Amekia Lawson, Licensed Professional Counselor in Dunwoody, GA
Amekia Lawson
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Dunwoody, GA 30338
Hello! My name is Amekia, and I am a licensed professional counselor in Georgia. I have a bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Masters's degree in Professional Counseling. I believe in using a client-centered approach and feel that it is important to establish a great rapport and relationship with each client and that we can learn from one another. I also feel that it is my job to be a support system and guide for you as you journey along the path of finding yourself again or growing.
Hello! My name is Amekia, and I am a licensed professional counselor in Georgia. I have a bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Masters's degree in Professional Counseling. I believe in using a client-centered approach and feel that it is important to establish a great rapport and relationship with each client and that we can learn from one another. I also feel that it is my job to be a support system and guide for you as you journey along the path of finding yourself again or growing.
(229) 518-6296 View (229) 518-6296
Photo of Lifebulb Counseling & Therapy, Licensed Professional Counselor in Dunwoody, GA
Lifebulb Counseling & Therapy
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Dunwoody, GA 30338
Working with us you'll get results. Because we believe you're best served by a clinician who's passionate about not only their work, but who they work with as well. That's why we started Lifebulb - We're committed to building an organization that truly allows therapists to get back to enjoying their work, so you, our client, can receive the highest quality therapy services, whether in person at one of our locations or online through telehealth. We hire only highly trained and educated, licensed clinicians dedicated to the therapy process. We're confident we can help you achieve your therapy goals.
Working with us you'll get results. Because we believe you're best served by a clinician who's passionate about not only their work, but who they work with as well. That's why we started Lifebulb - We're committed to building an organization that truly allows therapists to get back to enjoying their work, so you, our client, can receive the highest quality therapy services, whether in person at one of our locations or online through telehealth. We hire only highly trained and educated, licensed clinicians dedicated to the therapy process. We're confident we can help you achieve your therapy goals.
(404) 941-1903 x1 View (404) 941-1903 x1
Photo of Neal Baker, Licensed Professional Counselor in Dunwoody, GA
Neal Baker
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD
Verified Verified
Dunwoody, GA 30338  (Online Only)
Life can be difficult for us all, but does it seem tougher on you at times? Maybe there actually IS something making life more challenging. Do you sometimes have feelings of guilt, shame, hopelessness, or panic, but can't identify the causes of these? Do you suffer from sleep problems, low energy, stomach issues, or muscle tension that you can't explain? Do you have trouble concentrating or have racing thoughts that are impossible to control? These are just some of the ways that anxiety and depression affects us. Add in daily stress or unresolved trauma and it can become challenging or even impossible to cope with daily life.
Life can be difficult for us all, but does it seem tougher on you at times? Maybe there actually IS something making life more challenging. Do you sometimes have feelings of guilt, shame, hopelessness, or panic, but can't identify the causes of these? Do you suffer from sleep problems, low energy, stomach issues, or muscle tension that you can't explain? Do you have trouble concentrating or have racing thoughts that are impossible to control? These are just some of the ways that anxiety and depression affects us. Add in daily stress or unresolved trauma and it can become challenging or even impossible to cope with daily life.
(470) 274-3835 View (470) 274-3835
Photo of Lea Noring, Marriage & Family Therapist in Dunwoody, GA
Lea Noring
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dunwoody, GA 30338  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Welcome! I work with individuals, families, and couples to help them find new ways to look at their lives and new ways to manage difficult emotions. For more than twenty years, I've been working with children, adults, and families and have worked as an ADHD coach and as a special education advocate. I have also been a program director overseeing eating disorder clinics with clients who had primary eating disorders as well as ADHD, anxiety, depression, OCD, attachment disorders, and borderline personality disorder, among others.
Welcome! I work with individuals, families, and couples to help them find new ways to look at their lives and new ways to manage difficult emotions. For more than twenty years, I've been working with children, adults, and families and have worked as an ADHD coach and as a special education advocate. I have also been a program director overseeing eating disorder clinics with clients who had primary eating disorders as well as ADHD, anxiety, depression, OCD, attachment disorders, and borderline personality disorder, among others.
(470) 768-8307 View (470) 768-8307
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.