Bipolar Disorder Therapists in Washtenaw County, MI

Photo of Kathleen Irvin, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Washtenaw County, MI
Kathleen Irvin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Ann Arbor, MI 48104  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
My specialties are working with adults, 20y/o and older, coping with chronic illness, depression, bipolar, life transitions and difficult situations, which they, a friend/partner, or a family member are experiencing. Additionally, my skills lie in helping people cope with school and work issues, retirement, and aging. My goal is to help you cope, understand, respond and move forward.
My specialties are working with adults, 20y/o and older, coping with chronic illness, depression, bipolar, life transitions and difficult situations, which they, a friend/partner, or a family member are experiencing. Additionally, my skills lie in helping people cope with school and work issues, retirement, and aging. My goal is to help you cope, understand, respond and move forward.
(734) 294-0844 View (734) 294-0844
Photo of Sarah Abdel-Wahab-O'Brien, Limited Licensed Psychologist in Washtenaw County, MI
Sarah Abdel-Wahab-O'Brien
Limited Licensed Psychologist, LLP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ypsilanti, MI 48197  (Online Only)
I utilize an eclectic therapy practice, however I predominantly have experience in Compassion Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, as well as training in Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT), a modality specialized for folks with Bipolar Disorder.
Creating and holding space for folks to feel safe in, share, be authentic, be vulnerable, and heal is something I have felt called to do throughout my life. I am an adamant believer that individuals are the experts on their own experience, and that includes providing space to discuss the impacts of various forms of oppression you face. I view therapy as a partnership on a journey toward healing, for which an affirming and non-pathologizing space is essential.
I utilize an eclectic therapy practice, however I predominantly have experience in Compassion Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, as well as training in Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT), a modality specialized for folks with Bipolar Disorder.
Creating and holding space for folks to feel safe in, share, be authentic, be vulnerable, and heal is something I have felt called to do throughout my life. I am an adamant believer that individuals are the experts on their own experience, and that includes providing space to discuss the impacts of various forms of oppression you face. I view therapy as a partnership on a journey toward healing, for which an affirming and non-pathologizing space is essential.
(734) 838-4497 View (734) 838-4497
Photo of Tracy Lynn Irons Orchard Lake Therapy, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Washtenaw County, MI
Tracy Lynn Irons Orchard Lake Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLMSW , MA, CAADC-D
Verified Verified
Ann Arbor, MI 48108  (Online Only)
My speciality is substance abuse, anxiety, depression and bipolar disorders.
Being a transparent person and working in the field of addiction has helped me relate and understand others in their recovery journeys. My purpose today is to help others figure out their ways that they want to live a healthier better life and how they can do that with talk therapy. The ideal client would be someone that is open and willing to make changes in their lives and to grow by self reflecting on where they want to go in their future.
My speciality is substance abuse, anxiety, depression and bipolar disorders.
Being a transparent person and working in the field of addiction has helped me relate and understand others in their recovery journeys. My purpose today is to help others figure out their ways that they want to live a healthier better life and how they can do that with talk therapy. The ideal client would be someone that is open and willing to make changes in their lives and to grow by self reflecting on where they want to go in their future.
(734) 808-3658 View (734) 808-3658
Photo of Amy Plettner, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Washtenaw County, MI
Amy Plettner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ypsilanti, MI 48197  (Online Only)
I am licensed in Michigan as a social worker with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, OCD & bipolar disorder. I also have experience working with depression and anxiety. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
I am licensed in Michigan as a social worker with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, OCD & bipolar disorder. I also have experience working with depression and anxiety. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
(906) 287-4520 View (906) 287-4520
Photo of Michael Cummings, Licensed Professional Counselor in Washtenaw County, MI
Michael Cummings
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC, LMHC, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
If you and/or your love ones are struggling with life, work, family, or school. I can help. My focus is on utilizing EMDR therapy to help adults overcome the events, irrational beliefs, and past emotionally charged memories that are holding them back from living a full life. EMDR has been shown to be useful for PTSD, anxiety, panic attacks and phobias; chronic illness and medical trauma, depression and bipolar disorder, grief and loss, dissociative disorders, pain, performance anxiety, and others. I work with adults (18+), college students, young professionals.
If you and/or your love ones are struggling with life, work, family, or school. I can help. My focus is on utilizing EMDR therapy to help adults overcome the events, irrational beliefs, and past emotionally charged memories that are holding them back from living a full life. EMDR has been shown to be useful for PTSD, anxiety, panic attacks and phobias; chronic illness and medical trauma, depression and bipolar disorder, grief and loss, dissociative disorders, pain, performance anxiety, and others. I work with adults (18+), college students, young professionals.
(978) 541-1613 View (978) 541-1613
Photo of Wellspring Healing Center, LLC, Limited Licensed Psychologist in Washtenaw County, MI
Wellspring Healing Center, LLC
Limited Licensed Psychologist, LLP, RYT-200, MACP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
SARAH Abdel-Wahab-O'Brien, LLP (they/them) has specialized training in Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT), a modality specialized for folks with Bipolar Disorder. They approach older teens and adults through existentialist, humanistic, trauma-informed, and liberation lenses. HALEE Grams-Lopez, LLP (she/her) has experienced with utilizing Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Focused, Solution-Focused, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy treatments with children, adolescents, and adults.
SARAH Abdel-Wahab-O'Brien, LLP (they/them) has specialized training in Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT), a modality specialized for folks with Bipolar Disorder. They approach older teens and adults through existentialist, humanistic, trauma-informed, and liberation lenses. HALEE Grams-Lopez, LLP (she/her) has experienced with utilizing Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Focused, Solution-Focused, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy treatments with children, adolescents, and adults.
(734) 547-6405 View (734) 547-6405
Photo of Michael Schneider, Counselor in Washtenaw County, MI
Michael Schneider
Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Ann Arbor, MI 48108  (Online Only)
I have 20+ years of outpatient therapeutic intervention experience with helping people change themselves for the better. I use specific, short-term, solution-focused treatment techniques based on insight and behavioral change. I work with a wide range of presenting problems and mood disorders including depression / grief, anxiety/phobias, anger management, adjustment, bipolar and obsessive-compulsive disorders. I focus on rapport and utilization of a client's strengths as a therapeutic foundation. Most insurance plans are accepted at my clinic and an on-staff psychiatrist is available to provide medication if needed.
I have 20+ years of outpatient therapeutic intervention experience with helping people change themselves for the better. I use specific, short-term, solution-focused treatment techniques based on insight and behavioral change. I work with a wide range of presenting problems and mood disorders including depression / grief, anxiety/phobias, anger management, adjustment, bipolar and obsessive-compulsive disorders. I focus on rapport and utilization of a client's strengths as a therapeutic foundation. Most insurance plans are accepted at my clinic and an on-staff psychiatrist is available to provide medication if needed.
(248) 266-2629 View (248) 266-2629
Photo of Lynn Frances Cartwright, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Washtenaw County, MI
Lynn Frances Cartwright
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Ann Arbor, MI 48103  (Online Only)
I specialize in treating patients with Bipolar D/O, Major Depressive Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorders.
I have experience with treating clients with a variety of diagnoses including Depression, Anxiety Disorder, Bi-polar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Sexuality Issues, Transgender issues, Substance Abuse, Psychosis, Behavioral and Parenting Issues. I've worked in the Behavioral Health Unit of a local hospital for the past several years and have practiced in clinics in urban and rural areas. I have seen clients from a variety of educational backgrounds including higher education such as teachers and professors. At this time, I am seeing patients by telehealth only.
I specialize in treating patients with Bipolar D/O, Major Depressive Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorders.
I have experience with treating clients with a variety of diagnoses including Depression, Anxiety Disorder, Bi-polar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Sexuality Issues, Transgender issues, Substance Abuse, Psychosis, Behavioral and Parenting Issues. I've worked in the Behavioral Health Unit of a local hospital for the past several years and have practiced in clinics in urban and rural areas. I have seen clients from a variety of educational backgrounds including higher education such as teachers and professors. At this time, I am seeing patients by telehealth only.
(734) 436-3340 View (734) 436-3340
Photo of Nicole Turcotte-Ruiz, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Washtenaw County, MI
Nicole Turcotte-Ruiz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LMSW
Verified Verified
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
I went on to work at the University of Michigan for 8 years, treating clients suffering from Depression, Anxiety, and Bipolar Disorder and supervising and mentoring graduate students and postgraduate fellows.
Sometimes our job (as therapists) is to carry the hope for our clients until they can carry it themselves. The fact that you are considering therapy means that you want to believe that your situation can improve. While hope is not always easy to come by, human beings are resilient, we are survivors, and it is okay to seek help when the load gets too heavy to carry on our own. Psychotherapy is a collaborative process. I will work with you to develop the insight and skills needed to overcome challenges so that you can live a healthier/happier life.
I went on to work at the University of Michigan for 8 years, treating clients suffering from Depression, Anxiety, and Bipolar Disorder and supervising and mentoring graduate students and postgraduate fellows.
Sometimes our job (as therapists) is to carry the hope for our clients until they can carry it themselves. The fact that you are considering therapy means that you want to believe that your situation can improve. While hope is not always easy to come by, human beings are resilient, we are survivors, and it is okay to seek help when the load gets too heavy to carry on our own. Psychotherapy is a collaborative process. I will work with you to develop the insight and skills needed to overcome challenges so that you can live a healthier/happier life.
(734) 217-4339 View (734) 217-4339
Photo of Amanda Worthington, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Washtenaw County, MI
Amanda Worthington
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ann Arbor, MI 48103  (Online Only)
For close to 10 years I have worked with children, adolescents, and their families, helping them to navigate challenging situations, behavioral concerns, and ongoing issues related to trauma. Additionally, I specialize in working with individuals who experience depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, ADHD, relationship issues, family issues, and life transitions.
For close to 10 years I have worked with children, adolescents, and their families, helping them to navigate challenging situations, behavioral concerns, and ongoing issues related to trauma. Additionally, I specialize in working with individuals who experience depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, ADHD, relationship issues, family issues, and life transitions.
(734) 228-7822 View (734) 228-7822
Kristine M Konz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Having problems in your relationships, are dealing with depression, anxiety, bipolar illness or feeling a lack of purpose in your life? I have a variety of skills/tools that could be helpful to you.
I have two decades of experience treating individuals (adults, adolescents), couples and families. I have had extensive training in treating mood disorders (depression and bipolar disorder), anxiety, peri-natal and post-partum depression, anxiety; grief, trauma, life adjustment and relationship difficulties. I am comfortable collaborating with your physician if you are on or need medication.
Having problems in your relationships, are dealing with depression, anxiety, bipolar illness or feeling a lack of purpose in your life? I have a variety of skills/tools that could be helpful to you.
I have two decades of experience treating individuals (adults, adolescents), couples and families. I have had extensive training in treating mood disorders (depression and bipolar disorder), anxiety, peri-natal and post-partum depression, anxiety; grief, trauma, life adjustment and relationship difficulties. I am comfortable collaborating with your physician if you are on or need medication.
(734) 669-1977 View (734) 669-1977
Photo of Allegra Kremkus, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Washtenaw County, MI
Allegra Kremkus
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Additionally, I work with individuals struggling with Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar and life transitions.
Sometimes by facing the truth, the pain can be unbearable. With therapy, that pain becomes bearable. Not only that, but pain can eventually turn into strength. Over time after putting in the proper work, together this is achievable. To do this–we become a team and tackle things together. We will set the goals and boundaries of our working relationship together to best suit your situation. We will have setbacks, we will have difficulties, we will have times that appear without progress. At these points, we will reassess your needs.
Additionally, I work with individuals struggling with Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar and life transitions.
Sometimes by facing the truth, the pain can be unbearable. With therapy, that pain becomes bearable. Not only that, but pain can eventually turn into strength. Over time after putting in the proper work, together this is achievable. To do this–we become a team and tackle things together. We will set the goals and boundaries of our working relationship together to best suit your situation. We will have setbacks, we will have difficulties, we will have times that appear without progress. At these points, we will reassess your needs.
(734) 382-8086 View (734) 382-8086
Photo of Amy Lawson, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Washtenaw County, MI
Amy Lawson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, PhD, CAADC, PMH-C
Verified Verified
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
I have over fifteen years experience working with adolescent and adults with a wide range of mental health and substance abuse disorders. I use an empathic, strengths based approach to address issues such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and relationship and career changes. I have worked with a variety of clients with co-occuring mental health and substance abuse disorders. I enjoy working with clients through life transitions, such as college, graduate school, career changes, parenting, and mid-life issues. I tend to utilize person centered therapy techniques, CBT, and ACT techniques.
I have over fifteen years experience working with adolescent and adults with a wide range of mental health and substance abuse disorders. I use an empathic, strengths based approach to address issues such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and relationship and career changes. I have worked with a variety of clients with co-occuring mental health and substance abuse disorders. I enjoy working with clients through life transitions, such as college, graduate school, career changes, parenting, and mid-life issues. I tend to utilize person centered therapy techniques, CBT, and ACT techniques.
(734) 442-2137 View (734) 442-2137
Photo of Flutter & Flourish Therapy Services, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Washtenaw County, MI
Flutter & Flourish Therapy Services
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW-C, LCSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Ypsilanti, MI 48197  (Online Only)
I focus on reaching the following communities: BIPOC, Young/Mid Age Adults specifically during life transitions, BDSM/Kink & Adults w/ Bipolar Disorder.
My name is Lynne. I am an independently contracted clinical therapist for IEG operating under Flutter & Flourish Therapy Services serving states: MI, TN, AL & GA. As a therapist, I believe that when you decide to engage in therapy, you are choosing to allow yourself to reflect on how you want to take control of your life & deciding how you need/want to show up for yourself. I am here to assure you per the societal feedback, nothing is "wrong" with you. We all have things different about us and that's what makes our voices and lived experiences ours, which also means our healing and progression will look different person to person.
I focus on reaching the following communities: BIPOC, Young/Mid Age Adults specifically during life transitions, BDSM/Kink & Adults w/ Bipolar Disorder.
My name is Lynne. I am an independently contracted clinical therapist for IEG operating under Flutter & Flourish Therapy Services serving states: MI, TN, AL & GA. As a therapist, I believe that when you decide to engage in therapy, you are choosing to allow yourself to reflect on how you want to take control of your life & deciding how you need/want to show up for yourself. I am here to assure you per the societal feedback, nothing is "wrong" with you. We all have things different about us and that's what makes our voices and lived experiences ours, which also means our healing and progression will look different person to person.
(517) 923-2386 View (517) 923-2386
Photo of Felicia A Brabec, Psychologist in Washtenaw County, MI
Felicia A Brabec
Psychologist, PsyD, MSW
Verified Verified
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Since 1995, I have had the pleasure of working with individuals, couples and families on a variety of issues including (but not limited to) depression, anxiety, bipolar, eating disorders, grief and loss, issues related to gender and sexual orientation, sport psychology, and couple and family issues.
Thank you for choosing to visit my page. I am a fully licensed psychologist and social worker. I enjoy working with individuals who are open to change and willing to do the difficult emotional work that often needs to be done to effect that change. Most importantly, for therapy to be successful, I believe that you must feel comfortable with me as your therapist. The fit needs to be a good one! Please feel free to contact me to see if you might be interested in us working together.
Since 1995, I have had the pleasure of working with individuals, couples and families on a variety of issues including (but not limited to) depression, anxiety, bipolar, eating disorders, grief and loss, issues related to gender and sexual orientation, sport psychology, and couple and family issues.
Thank you for choosing to visit my page. I am a fully licensed psychologist and social worker. I enjoy working with individuals who are open to change and willing to do the difficult emotional work that often needs to be done to effect that change. Most importantly, for therapy to be successful, I believe that you must feel comfortable with me as your therapist. The fit needs to be a good one! Please feel free to contact me to see if you might be interested in us working together.
(734) 606-4919 View (734) 606-4919
Photo of Lauri L. Keller, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Washtenaw County, MI
Lauri L. Keller, LMSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
I work with clients who have experienced childhood trauma, have been or are in a relationship with a narcissistic parent or spouse, are experiencing job-related stress, are grieving the loss of a parent or spouse, and are struggling with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and have obsessive-com I also have extensive experience working with individuals on the autism spectrum. Therapy is a collaboration between the therapist and the client. Creating a sense of safety is paramount in building trust and a solid therapeutic foundation. As a therapist, I'm highly intuitive, compassionate, empathetic, and caring about my clients.
I work with clients who have experienced childhood trauma, have been or are in a relationship with a narcissistic parent or spouse, are experiencing job-related stress, are grieving the loss of a parent or spouse, and are struggling with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and have obsessive-com I also have extensive experience working with individuals on the autism spectrum. Therapy is a collaboration between the therapist and the client. Creating a sense of safety is paramount in building trust and a solid therapeutic foundation. As a therapist, I'm highly intuitive, compassionate, empathetic, and caring about my clients.
(810) 475-5077 View (810) 475-5077
Photo of Chelsea (Derks) Knight, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Washtenaw County, MI
Chelsea (Derks) Knight
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LMSW
Verified Verified
Ann Arbor, MI 48103  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
My clients describe my approach as gentle and direct with a dab of humor. I do my best work treating individuals who have experienced interpersonal trauma, people who are navigating their role in complicated families, and those who have been emotionally abused. I tend to find success with people who struggle with depression or low self-esteem, people who work in high-stress or helping professions, and people who do not know where to start. I have experience working with people with Bipolar Disorder, PMDD, learning disabilities, ADHD, anxiety, insomnia, auto-immune conditions, depression, anxiety, panic disorders, autism, & PTSD.
My clients describe my approach as gentle and direct with a dab of humor. I do my best work treating individuals who have experienced interpersonal trauma, people who are navigating their role in complicated families, and those who have been emotionally abused. I tend to find success with people who struggle with depression or low self-esteem, people who work in high-stress or helping professions, and people who do not know where to start. I have experience working with people with Bipolar Disorder, PMDD, learning disabilities, ADHD, anxiety, insomnia, auto-immune conditions, depression, anxiety, panic disorders, autism, & PTSD.
(248) 609-4698 View (248) 609-4698
Photo of Rebecca Makowski, Counselor in Washtenaw County, MI
Rebecca Makowski
Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC, BC-TMH
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
I specialize in the treatment of eating disorders, including Anorexia, Bulimia and ARFID. I am CBT/DBT trained and utilize that modality eclectically to treat personality disorders including borderline, complex trauma conditions, major depression, anxiety disorders as well as bipolar conditions and substance use disorders. I am LGBTQ+ friendly and support individuals considering gender transition. I offer electrotherapy services via Alpha Stim concurrently with talk therapy.
I specialize in the treatment of eating disorders, including Anorexia, Bulimia and ARFID. I am CBT/DBT trained and utilize that modality eclectically to treat personality disorders including borderline, complex trauma conditions, major depression, anxiety disorders as well as bipolar conditions and substance use disorders. I am LGBTQ+ friendly and support individuals considering gender transition. I offer electrotherapy services via Alpha Stim concurrently with talk therapy.
(734) 954-4337 View (734) 954-4337
Photo of Michael Linkevich, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Washtenaw County, MI
Michael Linkevich
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Is something out of balance in your life? With yourself? Your child? Your effectiveness as a parent? Your relationships? Life circumstances/transitions? If it is, please know that my way of practicing is to non-judgmentally understand what is going on--what area of your life is being negatively impacted. Then we can collaboratively work on establishing goals and a treatment plan. Whether it is Anxiety, OCD, Autism (including very young kids with autism), Depression/Bipolar, Behavior Problems, ADHD, Trauma or Insomnia, there is a way for you or your child to feel more in control, grounded and balanced.
Is something out of balance in your life? With yourself? Your child? Your effectiveness as a parent? Your relationships? Life circumstances/transitions? If it is, please know that my way of practicing is to non-judgmentally understand what is going on--what area of your life is being negatively impacted. Then we can collaboratively work on establishing goals and a treatment plan. Whether it is Anxiety, OCD, Autism (including very young kids with autism), Depression/Bipolar, Behavior Problems, ADHD, Trauma or Insomnia, there is a way for you or your child to feel more in control, grounded and balanced.
(734) 800-8440 View (734) 800-8440
Photo of Rickey Shuler, Limited Licensed Psychologist in Washtenaw County, MI
Rickey Shuler
Limited Licensed Psychologist, LLP
Verified Verified
Ypsilanti, MI 48198
Rickey has experience working with clients who struggle with bipolar symptoms, ADHD, and personality disorders.
Dr. Rickey Shuler is a Psychologist in Michigan who has been practicing since 2018. Dr. Rickey has numerous qualities in relation to the delivery of therapeutic services. His most influential modality of treatment is psychodynamic therapy. Dr. Rickey also utilizes a wide range of cognitive and behavioral strategies in the dissemination of care. He has a solid background in trauma focused treatment, including work with women survivors of sexual violence. Dr. Rickey has a background in psychological testing to include some nueropsych testing, achievement testing and projective testing.
Rickey has experience working with clients who struggle with bipolar symptoms, ADHD, and personality disorders.
Dr. Rickey Shuler is a Psychologist in Michigan who has been practicing since 2018. Dr. Rickey has numerous qualities in relation to the delivery of therapeutic services. His most influential modality of treatment is psychodynamic therapy. Dr. Rickey also utilizes a wide range of cognitive and behavioral strategies in the dissemination of care. He has a solid background in trauma focused treatment, including work with women survivors of sexual violence. Dr. Rickey has a background in psychological testing to include some nueropsych testing, achievement testing and projective testing.
(734) 802-1558 View (734) 802-1558

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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.