Bipolar Disorder Therapists in Pittsburgh, PA

Photo of Madison Dobas, Pre-Licensed Professional in Pittsburgh, PA
Madison Dobas
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15228
I am a pre-licensed, Master’s level therapist who works with adults struggling with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, grief, trauma, addiction, and substance use. My goal is to help clients navigate their feelings and offer a path forward to healing.
I am a pre-licensed, Master’s level therapist who works with adults struggling with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, grief, trauma, addiction, and substance use. My goal is to help clients navigate their feelings and offer a path forward to healing.
(412) 912-4796 View (412) 912-4796
Photo of James W Ellermeyer, Licensed Professional Counselor in Pittsburgh, PA
James W Ellermeyer
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Using a mindfulness-based cognitive approach, I help people deal with self-concept, self-esteem, identity formation and develop the ability to make conscious choices. I deal with bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, anxiety, and depression. I have been successful with my own full impact mindfulness technique in dealing with disassociation and psychosis, PTSD and trauma.
Using a mindfulness-based cognitive approach, I help people deal with self-concept, self-esteem, identity formation and develop the ability to make conscious choices. I deal with bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, anxiety, and depression. I have been successful with my own full impact mindfulness technique in dealing with disassociation and psychosis, PTSD and trauma.
(412) 419-0972 View (412) 419-0972
Photo of Dr. Steven S Carter, Psychologist in Pittsburgh, PA
Dr. Steven S Carter
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
My name is Dr. Steven S. Carter. I am a research and clinical psychologist whose career began in The Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. My work involved the study of Anxiety, Depression and Bipolar Disorder. I have been trained in Interpersonal, Cognitive and Behavioral therapies. I am currently in private practice. I offer individual, couples and family therapy. Recently, I have been working with families to help them understand family members who do have a mood disorder. My approach is to listen and learn from you. I think this is the best way to build a trusting relationship between us.
My name is Dr. Steven S. Carter. I am a research and clinical psychologist whose career began in The Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. My work involved the study of Anxiety, Depression and Bipolar Disorder. I have been trained in Interpersonal, Cognitive and Behavioral therapies. I am currently in private practice. I offer individual, couples and family therapy. Recently, I have been working with families to help them understand family members who do have a mood disorder. My approach is to listen and learn from you. I think this is the best way to build a trusting relationship between us.
(412) 368-0482 View (412) 368-0482
Photo of Megan Herman, Licensed Professional Counselor in Pittsburgh, PA
Megan Herman
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15238
I have been working in mental health since 2011, with significant experience supervising a multi-disciplinary mental health community treatment team serving adults with bipolar and psychosis related disorders as well as offering support to families.
Accepting NEW clients! Hi! My name is Megan. I am a 40-something working mother of two, and I have been a licensed psychotherapist since 2014. I am passionate about helping others live their lives in fulfilling and meaningful ways, based on their personal values and needs. I am the sole owner of CAYA Counseling Services (CAYA stands for Come As You Are). I deeply believe in finding your authentic, true self and feeling good in your own skin. Sometimes therapy can help with solving a problem, making change or simply gaining insight into the self. Treatment goals are client driven and success is measured by you.
I have been working in mental health since 2011, with significant experience supervising a multi-disciplinary mental health community treatment team serving adults with bipolar and psychosis related disorders as well as offering support to families.
Accepting NEW clients! Hi! My name is Megan. I am a 40-something working mother of two, and I have been a licensed psychotherapist since 2014. I am passionate about helping others live their lives in fulfilling and meaningful ways, based on their personal values and needs. I am the sole owner of CAYA Counseling Services (CAYA stands for Come As You Are). I deeply believe in finding your authentic, true self and feeling good in your own skin. Sometimes therapy can help with solving a problem, making change or simply gaining insight into the self. Treatment goals are client driven and success is measured by you.
(412) 910-2396 View (412) 910-2396
Photo of Carolyn Weimer, Licensed Professional Counselor in Pittsburgh, PA
Carolyn Weimer
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15222  (Online Only)
Struggling with trauma, PTSD, or bipolar disorder? Your mental health is my priority. You're seeking support to manage these conditions, improve your mental health, and find stability. I'm here to help you achieve your goals and lead a fulfilling life.
Struggling with trauma, PTSD, or bipolar disorder? Your mental health is my priority. You're seeking support to manage these conditions, improve your mental health, and find stability. I'm here to help you achieve your goals and lead a fulfilling life.
(412) 923-0121 View (412) 923-0121
Photo of Vincent A Pietropaoli, Licensed Professional Counselor in Pittsburgh, PA
Vincent A Pietropaoli
Licensed Professional Counselor, PsyD, LPC, NCC, CTMH
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15210  (Online Only)
I have more than five years of counseling experience working with individuals of all ages and many presenting problems. I have the most extensive experience working with people with mood related problems (such as: anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and others) and those who have experienced traumatic events.
I have more than five years of counseling experience working with individuals of all ages and many presenting problems. I have the most extensive experience working with people with mood related problems (such as: anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and others) and those who have experienced traumatic events.
(878) 203-1183 View (878) 203-1183
Photo of New Directions Mental Health - Robinson Twp, Psychologist in Pittsburgh, PA
New Directions Mental Health - Robinson Twp
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15205
We provide help for adults, children, teens, couples, and families struggling with: depression; bipolar disorder; anxiety; recovery from trauma; grief and loss; relationship difficulties; sexual dysfunctions; eating disorders; substance abuse; pain management; disease management; ADHD; parenting difficulties; and disruptive behavior problems.
Offering Teletherapy, Telepsychiatry and in-office visits. We are a heart-centered practice dedicated to providing highly personalized care that supports you in making lasting changes. At New Directions, we specialize in providing the help you need from start to finish including matching you with the right therapist or psychiatric provider and offering effective services. Whether you are looking for individual therapy for yourself, therapy for a child or teen, couple's therapy, family therapy and/or psychiatric services, we can assist.
We provide help for adults, children, teens, couples, and families struggling with: depression; bipolar disorder; anxiety; recovery from trauma; grief and loss; relationship difficulties; sexual dysfunctions; eating disorders; substance abuse; pain management; disease management; ADHD; parenting difficulties; and disruptive behavior problems.
Offering Teletherapy, Telepsychiatry and in-office visits. We are a heart-centered practice dedicated to providing highly personalized care that supports you in making lasting changes. At New Directions, we specialize in providing the help you need from start to finish including matching you with the right therapist or psychiatric provider and offering effective services. Whether you are looking for individual therapy for yourself, therapy for a child or teen, couple's therapy, family therapy and/or psychiatric services, we can assist.
(412) 444-7275 View (412) 444-7275
Photo of Luisa Bonavita, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Pittsburgh, PA
Luisa Bonavita
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15238
I am a licensed clinical social worker with many years of practice experience. My background includes working with individuals, couples, and families affected by depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, stress, relationship conflicts, drug and alcohol problems, and other mental health issues. I have a particular interest in women's mental health issues including but not limited to, perinatal and postpartum mental health concerns.
I am a licensed clinical social worker with many years of practice experience. My background includes working with individuals, couples, and families affected by depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, stress, relationship conflicts, drug and alcohol problems, and other mental health issues. I have a particular interest in women's mental health issues including but not limited to, perinatal and postpartum mental health concerns.
(412) 417-9163 View (412) 417-9163
Photo of Mandy Kushner, Licensed Professional Counselor in Pittsburgh, PA
Mandy Kushner
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S, CCTP, NCC
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
Additionally, I work with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, & relationship issues.
I strive to create a relaxed, supportive and positive environment for my clients during each counseling session, because I understand how difficult and scary it can be for clients to disclose personal information. I show my clients respect, honesty, compassion and I listen without judgement. I make sure my clients feel heard, validated, supported and gain insight. I have 22 years of experience working with children, adolescents and adults in a variety of settings which include: Outpatient, Home/Community, School-Based, Psychiatric Hospitals and Primary Care Physician Offices.
Additionally, I work with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, & relationship issues.
I strive to create a relaxed, supportive and positive environment for my clients during each counseling session, because I understand how difficult and scary it can be for clients to disclose personal information. I show my clients respect, honesty, compassion and I listen without judgement. I make sure my clients feel heard, validated, supported and gain insight. I have 22 years of experience working with children, adolescents and adults in a variety of settings which include: Outpatient, Home/Community, School-Based, Psychiatric Hospitals and Primary Care Physician Offices.
(412) 999-2244 View (412) 999-2244
Diane Dolata
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, RN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
I work best with individuals and couples who wish to address and explore issues related to emotion regulation, conflict and distress, personality difficulties and communication. In my practice, I have seen depressed and bipolar adults and people with personality issues or disorders for over 15 years.
I work best with individuals and couples who wish to address and explore issues related to emotion regulation, conflict and distress, personality difficulties and communication. In my practice, I have seen depressed and bipolar adults and people with personality issues or disorders for over 15 years.
(412) 444-7118 View (412) 444-7118
Photo of Victoria Minor, Licensed Professional Counselor in Pittsburgh, PA
Victoria Minor
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15236
I hope to use my counseling experience to help individuals who are struggling with their current life circumstances. I have experience in helping clients with adjustment concerns, stress and anxiety, relationship issues, depression, bipolar disorder, and trauma and abuse. I also have experience working with clients who have personality disorders such as Borderline Personality Disorder. I tailor every clients’ treatment plan to meet their unique and specific needs. My personality as a therapist has been described as being cheerful, friendly, patient, funny, and supportive.
I hope to use my counseling experience to help individuals who are struggling with their current life circumstances. I have experience in helping clients with adjustment concerns, stress and anxiety, relationship issues, depression, bipolar disorder, and trauma and abuse. I also have experience working with clients who have personality disorders such as Borderline Personality Disorder. I tailor every clients’ treatment plan to meet their unique and specific needs. My personality as a therapist has been described as being cheerful, friendly, patient, funny, and supportive.
(412) 530-4477 x127 View (412) 530-4477 x127
Photo of Marnie Stanton, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Pittsburgh, PA
Marnie Stanton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15237  (Online Only)
I work with individuals who are navigating difficult seasons of life, seeking support in processing painful events and challenges and in finding the best next steps to take. I assist clients with adjustment to stressors and life transitions, depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, postpartum depression, grief and loss, self-criticism, shame and self-doubt. My greatest passion in this work is helping clients to identify their strengths, recognize their own worth and develop a stronger and more compassionate sense of self. In doing this, it becomes easier for clients to process pain, learn new skills and pursue their goals.
I work with individuals who are navigating difficult seasons of life, seeking support in processing painful events and challenges and in finding the best next steps to take. I assist clients with adjustment to stressors and life transitions, depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, postpartum depression, grief and loss, self-criticism, shame and self-doubt. My greatest passion in this work is helping clients to identify their strengths, recognize their own worth and develop a stronger and more compassionate sense of self. In doing this, it becomes easier for clients to process pain, learn new skills and pursue their goals.
(412) 991-1084 View (412) 991-1084
Photo of Christy A Duffer, Licensed Professional Counselor in Pittsburgh, PA
Christy A Duffer
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15236
Christy has significant experience working with ADHD, aggression, anxiety, depression, bipolar, gender and sexual identity, borderline personality disorder BPD, impulse-control issues, grief and loss, attachment related issues, peer and family issues, low self-esteem, trauma and PTSD (including sexual assault), self-harming, and suicidal ideations/attempts.
Christy ​graduated from Allegheny College with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She then went on to complete her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Gannon University. Before moving to Pittsburgh, Christy previously worked in the highest level of care in the state for adolescents through the Enhanced Residential Units at Perseus House, in Erie, PA. While here, she has previously worked in school-based outpatient services in Pittsburgh Public School District and West Mifflin Area School District​, through Wesley Family Services and Family Behavioral Resources, respectively.
Christy has significant experience working with ADHD, aggression, anxiety, depression, bipolar, gender and sexual identity, borderline personality disorder BPD, impulse-control issues, grief and loss, attachment related issues, peer and family issues, low self-esteem, trauma and PTSD (including sexual assault), self-harming, and suicidal ideations/attempts.
Christy ​graduated from Allegheny College with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She then went on to complete her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Gannon University. Before moving to Pittsburgh, Christy previously worked in the highest level of care in the state for adolescents through the Enhanced Residential Units at Perseus House, in Erie, PA. While here, she has previously worked in school-based outpatient services in Pittsburgh Public School District and West Mifflin Area School District​, through Wesley Family Services and Family Behavioral Resources, respectively.
(412) 267-7211 View (412) 267-7211
Photo of Marcus Flournoy, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Pittsburgh, PA
Marcus Flournoy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
I was brought up in the helping tradition of the community where I was taught to give back to others. I have twenty years of experience in the mental health and drug and alcohol field. I have worked with individuals from all walks of life: socially, culturally, racially, economically, gender wise, and different sexual orientations and religions. I have conducted assessments, evaluations, individual therapy, family therapy and couple's therapy. I have treated individuals with a variety of conditions such as trauma, stress, depression including bipolar, anxiety, anger management problems, psychosis and addiction.
I was brought up in the helping tradition of the community where I was taught to give back to others. I have twenty years of experience in the mental health and drug and alcohol field. I have worked with individuals from all walks of life: socially, culturally, racially, economically, gender wise, and different sexual orientations and religions. I have conducted assessments, evaluations, individual therapy, family therapy and couple's therapy. I have treated individuals with a variety of conditions such as trauma, stress, depression including bipolar, anxiety, anger management problems, psychosis and addiction.
(878) 220-3027 View (878) 220-3027
Photo of Sandra Maria Pattinato, Licensed Professional Counselor in Pittsburgh, PA
Sandra Maria Pattinato
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd , LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15234
I have worked with a number of different issues including depression, anxiety, grief, adjustment disorders, bipolar disorder, PTSD, relationship issues, substance abuse and anger control.
I have 15 years of experience in the mental health field. I have worked in a number of different settings and with clients from a wide variety of backgrounds and cultures. My priority is to meet the client where he or she is and help him or her by providing support, aid and guidance, so the client can work through processing the past, identifying present patterns and taking steps toward long lasting changes while addressing the client’s fears, challenges and worries along the way.
I have worked with a number of different issues including depression, anxiety, grief, adjustment disorders, bipolar disorder, PTSD, relationship issues, substance abuse and anger control.
I have 15 years of experience in the mental health field. I have worked in a number of different settings and with clients from a wide variety of backgrounds and cultures. My priority is to meet the client where he or she is and help him or her by providing support, aid and guidance, so the client can work through processing the past, identifying present patterns and taking steps toward long lasting changes while addressing the client’s fears, challenges and worries along the way.
(412) 547-5734 View (412) 547-5734
Photo of Rachel Hill, Pre-Licensed Professional in Pittsburgh, PA
Rachel Hill
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Rachel Hill is a Pre-Licensed Therapist, who is passionate about working with children, adolescents, and adults to help them become the best version of themselves. She has experience working with a wide range of mental health issues and daily life stressors. These experiences include but are not limited to depression, anxiety, grief, life transitions, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anger, and ADHD. Rachel specializes in depression, anxiety, life transitions, ADHD, anger, grief, and stress.
Rachel Hill is a Pre-Licensed Therapist, who is passionate about working with children, adolescents, and adults to help them become the best version of themselves. She has experience working with a wide range of mental health issues and daily life stressors. These experiences include but are not limited to depression, anxiety, grief, life transitions, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anger, and ADHD. Rachel specializes in depression, anxiety, life transitions, ADHD, anger, grief, and stress.
(412) 896-7941 View (412) 896-7941
Photo of Cheri Allyson Fingeret, Licensed Professional Counselor in Pittsburgh, PA
Cheri Allyson Fingeret
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15241  (Online Only)
From early in my career I have been drawn to individuals with depression, anxiety, bipolar, and PTSD.
NOT accepting new clients until September. All sessions will take place on a HIPAA compliant video platform and will be conducted on my end from a secure location. All insurance companies are allowing video sessions. Copays, co-insurance and deductibles apply.
From early in my career I have been drawn to individuals with depression, anxiety, bipolar, and PTSD.
NOT accepting new clients until September. All sessions will take place on a HIPAA compliant video platform and will be conducted on my end from a secure location. All insurance companies are allowing video sessions. Copays, co-insurance and deductibles apply.
(412) 357-1223 View (412) 357-1223
Photo of Dr. Cydney V. Quinn in Pittsburgh, PA
Dr. Cydney V. Quinn
PhD, NCSP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Dr. Cydney V. Quinn is a doctoral-level psychologist who conducts neuropsychological and psychological evaluations. Dr. Quinn has over 10 years of experience in the field supporting clients with concerns related to ADHD, specific learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), mood disorders (e.g., bipolar, depression, anxiety), behavioral disorders (e.g., conduct, ODD, DMDD), personality disorders (e.g., borderline, etc), trauma, and other diagnoses such as memory concerns, eating disorders, and OCD. She works with the individuals who are between 2 years and 65 years old
Dr. Cydney V. Quinn is a doctoral-level psychologist who conducts neuropsychological and psychological evaluations. Dr. Quinn has over 10 years of experience in the field supporting clients with concerns related to ADHD, specific learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), mood disorders (e.g., bipolar, depression, anxiety), behavioral disorders (e.g., conduct, ODD, DMDD), personality disorders (e.g., borderline, etc), trauma, and other diagnoses such as memory concerns, eating disorders, and OCD. She works with the individuals who are between 2 years and 65 years old
(412) 447-5306 View (412) 447-5306
Photo of Kayleigh Billings, Licensed Professional Counselor in Pittsburgh, PA
Kayleigh Billings
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15229  (Online Only)
I am a PA licensed counselor, with experience working with folks with addictions and substance abuse issues,a s well as mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, and Bipolar disorder.
Anyone willing to come to therapy in the first place is at least somewhat willing to make some changes. Someone who is willing to both process feelings and identify the why in situations, as well as learn some skills and strategies to manage the issues bringing you to therapy in the first place is someone I would work well with. Clients can have short-term goals for therapy, or longer-term needs.
I am a PA licensed counselor, with experience working with folks with addictions and substance abuse issues,a s well as mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, and Bipolar disorder.
Anyone willing to come to therapy in the first place is at least somewhat willing to make some changes. Someone who is willing to both process feelings and identify the why in situations, as well as learn some skills and strategies to manage the issues bringing you to therapy in the first place is someone I would work well with. Clients can have short-term goals for therapy, or longer-term needs.
(412) 743-9806 View (412) 743-9806
Photo of Julia Longenecker, Psychologist in Pittsburgh, PA
Julia Longenecker
Psychologist, PhD, LP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15237  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), and Interpersonal Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) for depression, anxiety, grief, adjustment disorder/life transitions, bipolar disorder and psychosis/schizophrenia.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist whose practice is rooted in structured, time-limited therapy (often called evidence-based practice, or EBP) - delivering care that supports your goals, enhances your life, and builds skills to address symptom flare ups after therapy ends. I can see clients from over 30 states and DC so care disruptions will be minimized if you travel, move, or return home between semesters. Locations served are: AL, AZ, AR, CO, CT, DC, DE, GA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, ME, MD, MN, MO, NE, NC, NH, NJ, NV, OH, OK, PA, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI, WV.
I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), and Interpersonal Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) for depression, anxiety, grief, adjustment disorder/life transitions, bipolar disorder and psychosis/schizophrenia.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist whose practice is rooted in structured, time-limited therapy (often called evidence-based practice, or EBP) - delivering care that supports your goals, enhances your life, and builds skills to address symptom flare ups after therapy ends. I can see clients from over 30 states and DC so care disruptions will be minimized if you travel, move, or return home between semesters. Locations served are: AL, AZ, AR, CO, CT, DC, DE, GA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, ME, MD, MN, MO, NE, NC, NH, NJ, NV, OH, OK, PA, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI, WV.
(412) 838-3244 View (412) 838-3244
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.