Bipolar Disorder Therapists in Austin, TX
Lee Rogers
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78731 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I focus my work on anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, trauma, and life transitions in middle age.
I believe in creating a unique and supportive environment where no topic is off limits. My approach in therapy is centered around each person’s individual needs. I focus energy in sessions on empowering clients through their process of self-transformation. You can rely on my authentic, interactive, and curious self to be with you as you navigate your own path of healing. I am here to talk with you, explore with you, feel with you, and at times, challenge you.
I focus my work on anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, trauma, and life transitions in middle age.
I believe in creating a unique and supportive environment where no topic is off limits. My approach in therapy is centered around each person’s individual needs. I focus energy in sessions on empowering clients through their process of self-transformation. You can rely on my authentic, interactive, and curious self to be with you as you navigate your own path of healing. I am here to talk with you, explore with you, feel with you, and at times, challenge you.
Austin City Family Practice and Mental Health
MD
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78702
Hello, I am a Board Certified Family Physician with an interest in Mental Health and Addiction Medicine. I have extensive experience managing Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, and certain Thought Disorders. I also enjoy treating Opioid Addiction with Suboxone. Many of my skills were developed at the Eastern Pennsylvania Institute and the Drexel Medical School. I will be prescribing antidepressants, anxiety medications, and medications for PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, Personality Disorders, and other. I will also share some of the principles I learned at the Institute for Rational Emotive Therapy in NYC.
Hello, I am a Board Certified Family Physician with an interest in Mental Health and Addiction Medicine. I have extensive experience managing Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, and certain Thought Disorders. I also enjoy treating Opioid Addiction with Suboxone. Many of my skills were developed at the Eastern Pennsylvania Institute and the Drexel Medical School. I will be prescribing antidepressants, anxiety medications, and medications for PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, Personality Disorders, and other. I will also share some of the principles I learned at the Institute for Rational Emotive Therapy in NYC.
Maeve Larkin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78759
Maeve has worked with both adolescents and young adults coping with a wide array of mental health diagnoses: Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, and Borderline Personality Disorder, in addition to Autism Spectrum Disorder and LGBTQ+ individuals.
Maeve Larkin (she/her) is a Licensed Master Social Worker. Born and raised in Boston, MA, Maeve received her Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from Boston College, and a Bachelor’s in Human Services from Northeastern University. Maeve’s professional experience with dialectical behavioral therapy began while working as a clinical intern at The Victor School, a therapeutic high school in Acton, MA. While at the school, she created and facilitated a socio-emotional skills group that utilized techniques in mindfulness and emotional regulation in addition to offering one-on-one therapeutic services.
Maeve has worked with both adolescents and young adults coping with a wide array of mental health diagnoses: Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, and Borderline Personality Disorder, in addition to Autism Spectrum Disorder and LGBTQ+ individuals.
Maeve Larkin (she/her) is a Licensed Master Social Worker. Born and raised in Boston, MA, Maeve received her Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from Boston College, and a Bachelor’s in Human Services from Northeastern University. Maeve’s professional experience with dialectical behavioral therapy began while working as a clinical intern at The Victor School, a therapeutic high school in Acton, MA. While at the school, she created and facilitated a socio-emotional skills group that utilized techniques in mindfulness and emotional regulation in addition to offering one-on-one therapeutic services.
Paul DeLew
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78759 (Online Only)
Paul DeLew is a Licensed Professional Counselor and graduated from National Louis University in Chicago. He has experience in treating a wide range of mental Illnesses, including panic disorder, ADHD, generalized anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, substance abuse, addiction, trauma, and sexual abuse. He treats adolescents, young adults, and adults, creating a specialized treatment to best help each client.
Paul DeLew is a Licensed Professional Counselor and graduated from National Louis University in Chicago. He has experience in treating a wide range of mental Illnesses, including panic disorder, ADHD, generalized anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, substance abuse, addiction, trauma, and sexual abuse. He treats adolescents, young adults, and adults, creating a specialized treatment to best help each client.
Vicki Ray
Licensed Professional Counselor, MBA, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78759
My specialties include Dual Diagnosis (co-occurring addiction & mental health issues); support for family and friends of those with addiction and/or mental health issues; Anxiety; Bipolar; Trauma and PTSD; career challenges; major life transitions; and corporate, military, missionary and internationally mobile individuals (global nomads or TCKs).
I believe the best counseling is done in a safe, confidential and collaborative environment. It can be difficult to reach out, so it is important to find a counselor with whom you feel comfortable.
My specialties include Dual Diagnosis (co-occurring addiction & mental health issues); support for family and friends of those with addiction and/or mental health issues; Anxiety; Bipolar; Trauma and PTSD; career challenges; major life transitions; and corporate, military, missionary and internationally mobile individuals (global nomads or TCKs).
I believe the best counseling is done in a safe, confidential and collaborative environment. It can be difficult to reach out, so it is important to find a counselor with whom you feel comfortable.
Dr. Daniela Krotzer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW, EMDR-C, IFS-C, CDBT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78746
She specializes in trauma and PTSD, grief, relationship issues, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, suicidal ideation, self-harm, depression, anxiety, and more.
The last years have been trying years for everyone. Perhaps they brought new behaviors from your partner, family member, or yourself. Maybe they reminded you of past traumas. Many have "big T" traumas like abuse or near-death experiences. We all have some "little t" traumas, like feeling rejected by others. Part of us gets stuck back to when we experienced the trauma. But you don't have to stay there! You can be free of the grip of both "big T" & "little t" traumas. These no longer have to affect you, your relationships, or many other things. Sign up today for a consultation at drdanielakrotzer.com.
She specializes in trauma and PTSD, grief, relationship issues, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, suicidal ideation, self-harm, depression, anxiety, and more.
The last years have been trying years for everyone. Perhaps they brought new behaviors from your partner, family member, or yourself. Maybe they reminded you of past traumas. Many have "big T" traumas like abuse or near-death experiences. We all have some "little t" traumas, like feeling rejected by others. Part of us gets stuck back to when we experienced the trauma. But you don't have to stay there! You can be free of the grip of both "big T" & "little t" traumas. These no longer have to affect you, your relationships, or many other things. Sign up today for a consultation at drdanielakrotzer.com.
January Martin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCDC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78735
I work well with adults coping with bipolar disorder, psychosis, depression, grief, and trauma.
I believe that people should not be limited to a label. We are so much more than problems or disorders; we are strengthened by our flaws and our most difficult experiences can transform us. I am direct, interactive, and strongly believe that people change through healing relationships. In sessions we will work together at a pace that feels right for you. We will identify and prioritize your goals, address problems that get in the way of your happiness, and collaboratively build lasting solutions. I will listen to and accept your feedback about how we are working together.
I work well with adults coping with bipolar disorder, psychosis, depression, grief, and trauma.
I believe that people should not be limited to a label. We are so much more than problems or disorders; we are strengthened by our flaws and our most difficult experiences can transform us. I am direct, interactive, and strongly believe that people change through healing relationships. In sessions we will work together at a pace that feels right for you. We will identify and prioritize your goals, address problems that get in the way of your happiness, and collaboratively build lasting solutions. I will listen to and accept your feedback about how we are working together.
Anne Marie Jennings
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78746
My specialties include depression, anxiety, marital counseling, parent-child relationships, families, bipolar disorder, and anger management.
I approach therapy as a partnership with my clients in which you are the ultimate decision maker and I work with you to clear away obstacles and identify opportunities. My clients have successfully overcome or managed depression, anxiety, OCD, trauma, marital stress, parent-child difficulties, domestic violence, substance abuse, bipolar disorder, and anger issues.
My specialties include depression, anxiety, marital counseling, parent-child relationships, families, bipolar disorder, and anger management.
I approach therapy as a partnership with my clients in which you are the ultimate decision maker and I work with you to clear away obstacles and identify opportunities. My clients have successfully overcome or managed depression, anxiety, OCD, trauma, marital stress, parent-child difficulties, domestic violence, substance abuse, bipolar disorder, and anger issues.
Gina Antonia Nepa
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW, LMSW, CTP
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78705 (Online Only)
I'm honored to get to hold space with you. I am primarily offering ADHD assessments at this time. I’m passionate about working with clients to confirm or rule out ADHD, and offer subsequent treatment to support in ADHD management and/or the presence of anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, substance misuse, and trauma impact. I'm particularly passionate about working with LGBTQIA+-identified individuals, and believe that liberation of shame is imperative in a strong therapeutic partnership. I fundamentally believe that each of us is doing our best with the tools that we have.
I'm honored to get to hold space with you. I am primarily offering ADHD assessments at this time. I’m passionate about working with clients to confirm or rule out ADHD, and offer subsequent treatment to support in ADHD management and/or the presence of anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, substance misuse, and trauma impact. I'm particularly passionate about working with LGBTQIA+-identified individuals, and believe that liberation of shame is imperative in a strong therapeutic partnership. I fundamentally believe that each of us is doing our best with the tools that we have.
Rica Puazo
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78728 (Online Only)
Rica Puazo is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Registered Art Therapist (LPC, RAT) who holds more than 4 years of experience working in residential treatment facilities and inpatient acute care with children, adolescents, young adults, college students, young professionals, adults, and geriatrics. She has experience working with individuals diagnosed with ADHD, bipolar disorder and mood disorders, schizophrenia, conduct disorders, depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, substance abuse, intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, and neurocognitive disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Rica Puazo is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Registered Art Therapist (LPC, RAT) who holds more than 4 years of experience working in residential treatment facilities and inpatient acute care with children, adolescents, young adults, college students, young professionals, adults, and geriatrics. She has experience working with individuals diagnosed with ADHD, bipolar disorder and mood disorders, schizophrenia, conduct disorders, depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, substance abuse, intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, and neurocognitive disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Rachel Wyatt
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78712
Waitlist for new clients
I work with LGBTQ+ (+kink), anxiety, BPD, depression, PMDD/PCOS, bipolar disorders, PTSD, trauma (includes: emotional, religious, etc).
Hello, looking for a place where you can feel safe to be vulnerable, gain insight and understanding, as well as work towards your desired goal(s)? I understand that we all have unique lives, experiences, and circumstances that can affect the way we think, behave, believe, and express ourselves. Being unique, having your own story to tell, and learning to navigate life is a part of our journey. Therapy can help with navigating these life changes as we grow, adapt, revert, thrive, and survive.
I work with LGBTQ+ (+kink), anxiety, BPD, depression, PMDD/PCOS, bipolar disorders, PTSD, trauma (includes: emotional, religious, etc).
Hello, looking for a place where you can feel safe to be vulnerable, gain insight and understanding, as well as work towards your desired goal(s)? I understand that we all have unique lives, experiences, and circumstances that can affect the way we think, behave, believe, and express ourselves. Being unique, having your own story to tell, and learning to navigate life is a part of our journey. Therapy can help with navigating these life changes as we grow, adapt, revert, thrive, and survive.
15 Second Videos
Carol Lennox
Audry Steele
Beth Birdwell M.A., LPC-A
Audry Steele
Caitlin Coyner
Brightside Health
Cardona Mitchell
Jaime Olidge
Joann Martillotti-Cartwright
Jonathan Wilson
Merritt Insight Counseling, PLLC
Keyna Omenukor
Kathy Michele Crumpler
Hello Online Therapy
Monica (Love The Beach) Ferraro
Orlando Counseling & Supervision
DIANA M Chavez
Lisa Shenk
Ford 'Shay' Jones LPC
Lacey Leach
Steven Wright
Patrick Lee - Anew Era TMS & Psychiatry
Tzvi Prochnik (Enteave Counseling)
Daniel Ray Coborn
Bethel Moges
Journey Online Counseling
Liz Watts
Wendy Copeland LMFT-S
Dr Terry Eagan - Anew Era TMS & Psychiatry
Emily Keefer
Jamie Lee Glick
Kristin Shanahan
Nicole Richardson
Dominguez Psychiatry and Counseling Center
Victoria Dorsey Drewy Professional Counseling Svcs
Jason Hewitt
Kevin Carter Brown
Ryan Smith
Laurel Crawford
Jarod Johnson
Sharasa Matthews
Louis B Laves-Webb
Matt Crane
Denise Cleveland
Michele Quintin Quill
Taylor Kall
Jason Sugg
Wanda Montemayor
Noah Enteen, LMFT
Taylor Cnudde
Yassmin Eldouh
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78701 (Online Only)
Hello and welcome! My area of focus is providing culturally competent counseling to individuals of varying mental health difficulties. I work with clients with various presenting issues, including anxiety and depression, OCD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and addictions. In addition to being a licensed therapist, I am completing my PhD in counseling. My intersectional identities as an Arab-Asian woman from a Muslim background allows me to experience understanding and empathy for those from varying backgrounds and identities.
Hello and welcome! My area of focus is providing culturally competent counseling to individuals of varying mental health difficulties. I work with clients with various presenting issues, including anxiety and depression, OCD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and addictions. In addition to being a licensed therapist, I am completing my PhD in counseling. My intersectional identities as an Arab-Asian woman from a Muslim background allows me to experience understanding and empathy for those from varying backgrounds and identities.
Austin City Family Practice and Mental Health
MD
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78717 (Online Only)
Greetings, I am a Board Certified Family Doctor with an interest in Mental Health and Addiction Medicine. I have extensive experience managing Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, and certain Thought Disorders. I also enjoy treating Opioid Addiction with Suboxone. Many of my skills were developed at the Eastern Pennsylvania Institute and the Medical College of PA. I will be prescribing antidepressants, anxiety medications, and medications for PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, Personality Disorders, and others. I will also share some of the principles I learned at the Institute for Rational Emotive Therapy in NYC.
Greetings, I am a Board Certified Family Doctor with an interest in Mental Health and Addiction Medicine. I have extensive experience managing Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, and certain Thought Disorders. I also enjoy treating Opioid Addiction with Suboxone. Many of my skills were developed at the Eastern Pennsylvania Institute and the Medical College of PA. I will be prescribing antidepressants, anxiety medications, and medications for PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, Personality Disorders, and others. I will also share some of the principles I learned at the Institute for Rational Emotive Therapy in NYC.
Theresa J. Reinhart Redbud Therapy Llc
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA , LPC
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78701 (Online Only)
My experience includes working with anxiety, depression, grief, complex trauma, bipolar disorder, family of origin issues, parenting concerns, and relationship challenges.
Therapy offers a safe welcoming space where an individual, couple, or family can explore and process their unique narratives without judgment or blame. I believe that empathy and trust are fundamental components to a healthy therapeutic relationship. In my practice I strive to meet people where they are on their healing journey. My therapeutic stance is grounded in compassion and a firm belief in the mind, body, spirit connection.
My experience includes working with anxiety, depression, grief, complex trauma, bipolar disorder, family of origin issues, parenting concerns, and relationship challenges.
Therapy offers a safe welcoming space where an individual, couple, or family can explore and process their unique narratives without judgment or blame. I believe that empathy and trust are fundamental components to a healthy therapeutic relationship. In my practice I strive to meet people where they are on their healing journey. My therapeutic stance is grounded in compassion and a firm belief in the mind, body, spirit connection.
Laura McDowell-Salcedo, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78731
I provide counseling services to adults with a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, relationship problems, addictions and ADHD. I offer individual and couples psychotherapy services. My style is interactive and supportive, yet direct in working with clients and I view psychotherapy as a collaborative effort between therapist and client.I use a combination of therapy techniques suited to your individual needs which may include: Cognitive-Behavioral (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR), Family Systems, Humanistic and Relational.
I provide counseling services to adults with a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, relationship problems, addictions and ADHD. I offer individual and couples psychotherapy services. My style is interactive and supportive, yet direct in working with clients and I view psychotherapy as a collaborative effort between therapist and client.I use a combination of therapy techniques suited to your individual needs which may include: Cognitive-Behavioral (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR), Family Systems, Humanistic and Relational.
Beverly L Alexander
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78748 (Online Only)
I specialize in depression,anxiety and bipolar disorders as well as relationship issues.
The decision to enter into therapy is a very personal one, and who you do it with is important. I can offer a peaceful and safe place to explore who you are and the difficulties you may be having,in order to live a happier life. I listen fully in an effort to see you truly, but I'm quite interactive. I'm deep at times, and I'm playful and practical as well, helping you figure out solutions and to make plans. This is a joint process where we come together to make your life better.
I specialize in depression,anxiety and bipolar disorders as well as relationship issues.
The decision to enter into therapy is a very personal one, and who you do it with is important. I can offer a peaceful and safe place to explore who you are and the difficulties you may be having,in order to live a happier life. I listen fully in an effort to see you truly, but I'm quite interactive. I'm deep at times, and I'm playful and practical as well, helping you figure out solutions and to make plans. This is a joint process where we come together to make your life better.
Robin Elizabeth Remsing
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78746
I have experience with a wide range of mental health disorders including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, suicidality and substance use.
I believe the therapeutic relationship should be authentic and emotionally safe for you. I am practical and honest with feedback and have a laid back and warm approach. I will go at the pace you set and provide insight and encouragement. I will be respectful of your cultural, spiritual and lifestyle choices.
I have experience with a wide range of mental health disorders including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, suicidality and substance use.
I believe the therapeutic relationship should be authentic and emotionally safe for you. I am practical and honest with feedback and have a laid back and warm approach. I will go at the pace you set and provide insight and encouragement. I will be respectful of your cultural, spiritual and lifestyle choices.
Counselor Warden
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78704
I'm passionate about helping clients with complex, treatment-resistant issues, as well as more manageable concerns like anxiety. I've helped creative types tap into their potential, clients with bipolar disorder stabilize extreme mood swings, and those with schizophrenia conquer intense hallucinations and nightmares. Having overcome PTSD myself, I've faced the darkness, and I'm driven to help others find the light, no matter their struggles. In our work together, we'll play detective, unravel the mystery of your deepest concerns, unearth the roots of your challenges, and craft personalized interventions that speak to you.
I'm passionate about helping clients with complex, treatment-resistant issues, as well as more manageable concerns like anxiety. I've helped creative types tap into their potential, clients with bipolar disorder stabilize extreme mood swings, and those with schizophrenia conquer intense hallucinations and nightmares. Having overcome PTSD myself, I've faced the darkness, and I'm driven to help others find the light, no matter their struggles. In our work together, we'll play detective, unravel the mystery of your deepest concerns, unearth the roots of your challenges, and craft personalized interventions that speak to you.
Deborah Crocetti
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78705 (Online Only)
Specialties include Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, Couples work, Depression, Trauma and Substance Abuse.
Deborah has enjoyed helping individuals, couples, and families find new solutions to move through the complications of life, impacting generations while helping one person at a time. She uses a Solution-Focused Brief Therapy Model in addition to ACT and CBT, to help people get their lives back on track and enjoy everyday living once again. She is passionate about her work and fascinated by the resilience of people.
Specialties include Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, Couples work, Depression, Trauma and Substance Abuse.
Deborah has enjoyed helping individuals, couples, and families find new solutions to move through the complications of life, impacting generations while helping one person at a time. She uses a Solution-Focused Brief Therapy Model in addition to ACT and CBT, to help people get their lives back on track and enjoy everyday living once again. She is passionate about her work and fascinated by the resilience of people.
Carol Lennox
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MEd
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78749 (Online Only)
Do you want to grow and self-actualize? My modalities are experiential/insight oriented, so I like to work with people who look into themselves for healthier, fulfilled lives. Do you have depression/anxiety, bipolar? Looking for a career change, have gender identity questions, or want to maximize your potential? Need learning disability advocacy? Then call me today. We bring our past and decisions into every situation. Knowing what those decisions are, and that the past does not define us, is the first step in successful therapy. I use re-decision, Gestalt, NLP, hypnosis, and mindfulness to find answers and peace within.
Do you want to grow and self-actualize? My modalities are experiential/insight oriented, so I like to work with people who look into themselves for healthier, fulfilled lives. Do you have depression/anxiety, bipolar? Looking for a career change, have gender identity questions, or want to maximize your potential? Need learning disability advocacy? Then call me today. We bring our past and decisions into every situation. Knowing what those decisions are, and that the past does not define us, is the first step in successful therapy. I use re-decision, Gestalt, NLP, hypnosis, and mindfulness to find answers and peace within.
See more therapy options for Austin
Nearby Bipolar Disorder Therapists Searches for Austin
- Bee Cave
- Bee Caves
- Buda
- Cedar Park
- Lakeway
- Manchaca
- Manor
- Pflugerville
- Rollingwood
- Round Rock
- Sunset Valley
- West Lake Hills
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.