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Online Therapists

Photo of Stephanie Torres Rojas, Psychologist in Cotulla, TX
Stephanie Torres Rojas
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78216  (Online Only)
Her focus includes anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, grief, anger management, marital and family conflict, divorce, adjustment disorder, parenting skills, spirituality, coping skills, life transitions, acculturation, LGBTQ, existential concerns, bipolar disorders, racial minorities, chronic pain, and chronic illness.
Telehealth only. Dr. Stephanie Torres is a bilingual (Spanish) licensed psychologist who provides individual, couple, family, and group therapy. Her approach is inclusive, synergetic, and trauma-informed. She strives to create a safe, warm, and non-judgmental environment where everyone is treated with respect, uniqueness, egalitarianism, and anti-racism. She aims to help clients promote personal growth, overcome challenges, transitions, and difficulties in life, and facilitate the emotional and healing process.
Her focus includes anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, grief, anger management, marital and family conflict, divorce, adjustment disorder, parenting skills, spirituality, coping skills, life transitions, acculturation, LGBTQ, existential concerns, bipolar disorders, racial minorities, chronic pain, and chronic illness.
Telehealth only. Dr. Stephanie Torres is a bilingual (Spanish) licensed psychologist who provides individual, couple, family, and group therapy. Her approach is inclusive, synergetic, and trauma-informed. She strives to create a safe, warm, and non-judgmental environment where everyone is treated with respect, uniqueness, egalitarianism, and anti-racism. She aims to help clients promote personal growth, overcome challenges, transitions, and difficulties in life, and facilitate the emotional and healing process.
(210) 934-4597 View (210) 934-4597
Photo of Sandra Villarreal, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Cotulla, TX
Sandra Villarreal
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78233
Hello beautiful people and thank you for visiting my page. I would like to share with you a bit about myself. I am a bilingual Hispanic professional that has over 20 years of experience in social work, working with children in various settings primarily in school systems and in the juvenile justice system. I am currently embarking into a new journey of private practice. I have worked in the past with children and families on various mental health disorders such as Depression, Generalized Anxiety, and Bipolar to name a few. I have worked with individuals and with families doing solution focus and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Hello beautiful people and thank you for visiting my page. I would like to share with you a bit about myself. I am a bilingual Hispanic professional that has over 20 years of experience in social work, working with children in various settings primarily in school systems and in the juvenile justice system. I am currently embarking into a new journey of private practice. I have worked in the past with children and families on various mental health disorders such as Depression, Generalized Anxiety, and Bipolar to name a few. I have worked with individuals and with families doing solution focus and cognitive behavioral therapy.
(830) 402-4181 View (830) 402-4181
Photo of Sabrena Montgomery, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Cotulla, TX
Sabrena Montgomery
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78251  (Online Only)
We work with individuals living with Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, Relationship, Schizophrenia/Schizoaffective Disorders, Self-Esteem, Life, and Parenting/Teen issues and other issues.
YOUR HEALING BEGINS NOW! YOU DON'T HAVE TO SUFFER ALONE! We are here to support you. We believe in the ideals of building mental & emotional well-belling through self-empowerment of the mind, body, & spirit providing a relatable approach with realistic insight. We utilize a compassionate & innovative care approach in a non-judgmental environment. We are dedicated and enjoy providing mental health treatment to those that come for support and resolve in dealing with life issues. We are focused on providing services with the highest levels of customer satisfaction & we will do all we can to meet your expectations.
We work with individuals living with Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, Relationship, Schizophrenia/Schizoaffective Disorders, Self-Esteem, Life, and Parenting/Teen issues and other issues.
YOUR HEALING BEGINS NOW! YOU DON'T HAVE TO SUFFER ALONE! We are here to support you. We believe in the ideals of building mental & emotional well-belling through self-empowerment of the mind, body, & spirit providing a relatable approach with realistic insight. We utilize a compassionate & innovative care approach in a non-judgmental environment. We are dedicated and enjoy providing mental health treatment to those that come for support and resolve in dealing with life issues. We are focused on providing services with the highest levels of customer satisfaction & we will do all we can to meet your expectations.
(210) 405-3793 View (210) 405-3793
Photo of Mary A Dom, Licensed Professional Counselor in Cotulla, TX
Mary A Dom
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Antonio, TX 78213  (Online Only)
I am very experienced in working with mood disorders, especially Bipolar Disorder.
Talking about your concerns can help clarify what you want and need in your life. Finding choices helps us to grow and change personally and emotionally. I am here to give you the knowledge, perspective and experience gained through working with people in therapy for over 30 years. As a licensed professional counselor with experience in providing preteen, teen, couples, and individual counseling, let me offer you a warm and accepting environment where being non-judgmental is necessary to make you feel comfortable. Please note I work by telehealth only and my hours are Sunday through Friday from 7am to 3pm.
I am very experienced in working with mood disorders, especially Bipolar Disorder.
Talking about your concerns can help clarify what you want and need in your life. Finding choices helps us to grow and change personally and emotionally. I am here to give you the knowledge, perspective and experience gained through working with people in therapy for over 30 years. As a licensed professional counselor with experience in providing preteen, teen, couples, and individual counseling, let me offer you a warm and accepting environment where being non-judgmental is necessary to make you feel comfortable. Please note I work by telehealth only and my hours are Sunday through Friday from 7am to 3pm.
(210) 978-0987 View (210) 978-0987
Photo of Kimberly Hawthorne, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Cotulla, TX
Kimberly Hawthorne
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, LMFT-A
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Universal City, TX 78148  (Online Only)
My clinical interests include working with identity issues, sexual assault, childhood developmental trauma, life transitions, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, chronic stress, LGBTQIA+-related concerns, and race-related issues.
Hey there! Are you searching for a space where your values aren’t just acknowledged but celebrated? A space where you can put down the mask, exhale, and be yourself? As a strengths-based therapist, I focus on fostering a sense of hope within, guiding individuals to embrace their strengths and align them with their deepest and most authentic selves. Together, we can navigate life’s complexities, using these guiding lights to illuminate a path toward healing and growth. My approach to therapy is holistic, client-centered, and grounded in strengths-based practices such as solution-focused brief therapy and narrative therapy.
My clinical interests include working with identity issues, sexual assault, childhood developmental trauma, life transitions, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, chronic stress, LGBTQIA+-related concerns, and race-related issues.
Hey there! Are you searching for a space where your values aren’t just acknowledged but celebrated? A space where you can put down the mask, exhale, and be yourself? As a strengths-based therapist, I focus on fostering a sense of hope within, guiding individuals to embrace their strengths and align them with their deepest and most authentic selves. Together, we can navigate life’s complexities, using these guiding lights to illuminate a path toward healing and growth. My approach to therapy is holistic, client-centered, and grounded in strengths-based practices such as solution-focused brief therapy and narrative therapy.
(830) 445-3817 View (830) 445-3817
Photo of Alexcis Grushinski, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Cotulla, TX
Alexcis Grushinski
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78252  (Online Only)
I am licensed in Minnesota and California. Currently taking private pay clients in both states. I can take Aetna and Optum in Minnesota. I can also take Aetna, Optum, and Cigna in California. Hello, I am Alexcis a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who helps people who long to feel stable and secure. Through my years of work, I have found that people want to live a well-rounded, healthy life. Unfortunately, barriers, keep them from moving forward and accomplishing their goals. Using supportive therapy and evidence-based practices I help people work through Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Grief, and Trauma.
I am licensed in Minnesota and California. Currently taking private pay clients in both states. I can take Aetna and Optum in Minnesota. I can also take Aetna, Optum, and Cigna in California. Hello, I am Alexcis a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who helps people who long to feel stable and secure. Through my years of work, I have found that people want to live a well-rounded, healthy life. Unfortunately, barriers, keep them from moving forward and accomplishing their goals. Using supportive therapy and evidence-based practices I help people work through Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Grief, and Trauma.
(210) 942-6842 View (210) 942-6842
Photo of Teri Johnson Psychotherapist, Licensed Professional Counselor in Cotulla, TX
Teri Johnson Psychotherapist
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA , LPC-S
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Antonio, TX 78228
Screening and treatment for Bipolar, Borderline Personality, Narcissistic Personality, Anti Social Personality, Histrionic Personality, Anxiety, Depression, Austism, and ADHD for children and adults.
Accepting new clients. With over 13 years of experience, I have a passion for helping others discover their best selves. Fears, anxieties, and difficult circumstances can leave us feeling stuck and hold us back from living the life we truly want. I join with my clients to explore barriers and overcome them to create a sense of peace and wholeness. Therapy is the most beneficial when we engage in meaningful discussion and exploration of your thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and life history. My goal with clients is to help them arrive at a place where they feel comfortable, secure, and empowered to be themselves.
Screening and treatment for Bipolar, Borderline Personality, Narcissistic Personality, Anti Social Personality, Histrionic Personality, Anxiety, Depression, Austism, and ADHD for children and adults.
Accepting new clients. With over 13 years of experience, I have a passion for helping others discover their best selves. Fears, anxieties, and difficult circumstances can leave us feeling stuck and hold us back from living the life we truly want. I join with my clients to explore barriers and overcome them to create a sense of peace and wholeness. Therapy is the most beneficial when we engage in meaningful discussion and exploration of your thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and life history. My goal with clients is to help them arrive at a place where they feel comfortable, secure, and empowered to be themselves.
(210) 920-8135 View (210) 920-8135
Photo of Mindful Therapy with Lydia, Licensed Professional Counselor in Cotulla, TX
Mindful Therapy with Lydia
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78257  (Online Only)
Lydia Friese is a Licensed Professional Counselor , 86941. Lydia earned her M.S. in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Clinical Counseling. She specializes in relationship issues, Substance Abuse Disorders, ADHD, Borderline Personality Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, Anxiety and Depression. She has 3 years of experience in working with children, adolescents, teens, couples, adults and families. Lydia’s goal is to provide clients a safe space for clients to move into awareness and gain self-trust. In turn seeing life's challenges as manageable.
Lydia Friese is a Licensed Professional Counselor , 86941. Lydia earned her M.S. in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Clinical Counseling. She specializes in relationship issues, Substance Abuse Disorders, ADHD, Borderline Personality Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, Anxiety and Depression. She has 3 years of experience in working with children, adolescents, teens, couples, adults and families. Lydia’s goal is to provide clients a safe space for clients to move into awareness and gain self-trust. In turn seeing life's challenges as manageable.
(210) 504-7448 View (210) 504-7448
Photo of Karisha Richards, Licensed Professional Counselor in Cotulla, TX
Karisha Richards
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Antonio, TX 78209  (Online Only)
Welcome and thank you for visiting my profile, my name is Karisha and I am the owner of Delvon Behavioral Health! I am a fully Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor with 15 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. I specialize in teaching my clients how to manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, and grief. I also have experience with clients who wish to explore their gender identity, exhibit symptoms of schizophrenia/psychosis, and bipolar disorder.
Welcome and thank you for visiting my profile, my name is Karisha and I am the owner of Delvon Behavioral Health! I am a fully Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor with 15 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. I specialize in teaching my clients how to manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, and grief. I also have experience with clients who wish to explore their gender identity, exhibit symptoms of schizophrenia/psychosis, and bipolar disorder.
(903) 329-2946 View (903) 329-2946
Photo of Kelly Clarke, Marriage & Family Therapist in Cotulla, TX
Kelly Clarke
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Antonio, TX 78230
I also have experience with those struggling with anger management, self-esteem, LGBTQIA issues, PTSD and other mental health diagnoses such as Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder.
Hello, I am Kelly Clarke, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). I have a passion for helping adolescents and young adults. I also have experience working with adults, children, families and couples in residential and outpatient settings.
I also have experience with those struggling with anger management, self-esteem, LGBTQIA issues, PTSD and other mental health diagnoses such as Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder.
Hello, I am Kelly Clarke, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). I have a passion for helping adolescents and young adults. I also have experience working with adults, children, families and couples in residential and outpatient settings.
(210) 957-1668 View (210) 957-1668
Photo of Margaret Bean, Marriage & Family Therapist in Cotulla, TX
Margaret Bean
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Antonio, TX 78230  (Online Only)
My working experiences have offered me a wide range of opportunities to counsel couples, families, children, adolescents, and adults. I have knowledge in many areas including trauma, PTSD, depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, anxiety, self-esteem, multigenerational challenges, sexual assault, human trafficking, life transitions, and grief. experience working with members of the queer identity through all stages of their identity exploration and acceptance. I am also informed in various relationship practices including monogamous and alternative styles such as polyamory, kink, long-distance, and open relationships.
My working experiences have offered me a wide range of opportunities to counsel couples, families, children, adolescents, and adults. I have knowledge in many areas including trauma, PTSD, depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, anxiety, self-esteem, multigenerational challenges, sexual assault, human trafficking, life transitions, and grief. experience working with members of the queer identity through all stages of their identity exploration and acceptance. I am also informed in various relationship practices including monogamous and alternative styles such as polyamory, kink, long-distance, and open relationships.
(210) 941-4997 View (210) 941-4997
Photo of Dominguez Psychotherapy and Counseling Center, Licensed Professional Counselor in Cotulla, TX
Dominguez Psychotherapy and Counseling Center
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78248
My name is Shanna Dominguez and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. You may be experiencing worry, fear, anxiety, depression, or a variety of other emotions. Good news, those emotions can be managed, I believe there are two experts in the room: You are the expert of your life and I am the clinical expert. I have had the privilege of working with adults, couples, and adolescents. I use a variety of techniques and theories to guide my work with you depending on what fits your needs. I specialize in CBT and DBT methods. As humans, we not only want to feel understood, but we want to understand ourselves & why we do the things we do.
My name is Shanna Dominguez and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. You may be experiencing worry, fear, anxiety, depression, or a variety of other emotions. Good news, those emotions can be managed, I believe there are two experts in the room: You are the expert of your life and I am the clinical expert. I have had the privilege of working with adults, couples, and adolescents. I use a variety of techniques and theories to guide my work with you depending on what fits your needs. I specialize in CBT and DBT methods. As humans, we not only want to feel understood, but we want to understand ourselves & why we do the things we do.
(915) 465-3585 View (915) 465-3585
Photo of Laura Kotlowski, Licensed Professional Counselor in Cotulla, TX
Laura Kotlowski
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LCDC, NCC, CCTP, EMDR
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Antonio, TX 78259
I feel privileged & blessed to witness clients' change processes. I seek to use therapy modalities that work best for individualized client care, & I am grateful to serve in settings that align perfectly with my beliefs in achieving recovery. I am humbled to witness the healing that occurs in therapy where there was previously confusion, pain, & hopelessness. It is my life's passion to support & encourage others.
I feel privileged & blessed to witness clients' change processes. I seek to use therapy modalities that work best for individualized client care, & I am grateful to serve in settings that align perfectly with my beliefs in achieving recovery. I am humbled to witness the healing that occurs in therapy where there was previously confusion, pain, & hopelessness. It is my life's passion to support & encourage others.
(210) 791-6972 View (210) 791-6972
Photo of Belinda Miller, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Cotulla, TX
Belinda Miller
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78253  (Online Only)
There is no denying that life brings both joy and sorrow. Have you found yourself holding it together and pretending to be ok on the outside but you’re falling apart on the inside? Are you consumed by worry, fear, doubt and constantly question what the future holds for you? Do you feel lost, numb, or alone? If the statements above sound like you, there is hope! You don’t have to go through this difficult time alone. I can help! You and I will work together identifying strengths you already have to improve and navigate the world around you. This therapeutic process may bring laughter and sometimes tears but ultimately healing.
There is no denying that life brings both joy and sorrow. Have you found yourself holding it together and pretending to be ok on the outside but you’re falling apart on the inside? Are you consumed by worry, fear, doubt and constantly question what the future holds for you? Do you feel lost, numb, or alone? If the statements above sound like you, there is hope! You don’t have to go through this difficult time alone. I can help! You and I will work together identifying strengths you already have to improve and navigate the world around you. This therapeutic process may bring laughter and sometimes tears but ultimately healing.
(210) 750-6587 View (210) 750-6587
Photo of Kristina Gonzalez, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in Cotulla, TX
Kristina Gonzalez
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, LCDC-I
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Antonio, TX 78256  (Online Only)
Licensed Professional Counselor- Associate, Supervised by Shawna Corley, PhD, LPC-S. I am passionate about working with adults, teens, and couples in treating a wide-range of issues. I am experienced in working with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, ADHD, and severe mental illness. I also particularly enjoy addressing relational issues, including communication difficulties, conflicts, and intimacy concerns. Whether you're experiencing a life transition, challenges in your romantic relationship, family dynamics, or friendships, I am here to provide guidance and support.
Licensed Professional Counselor- Associate, Supervised by Shawna Corley, PhD, LPC-S. I am passionate about working with adults, teens, and couples in treating a wide-range of issues. I am experienced in working with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, ADHD, and severe mental illness. I also particularly enjoy addressing relational issues, including communication difficulties, conflicts, and intimacy concerns. Whether you're experiencing a life transition, challenges in your romantic relationship, family dynamics, or friendships, I am here to provide guidance and support.
(210) 941-2764 View (210) 941-2764
Photo of Gena Sadler, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in Cotulla, TX
Gena Sadler
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MS, NCC
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78229  (Online Only)
I believe that compassion and empathy are essential in understanding others. As a counselor, I am client centered and provide space that is welcoming and open. I take a holistic and individualized approach when working with clients and utilize a variety of interventions based on client needs. I support clients with navigating life’s challenges, while also appreciating their strengths and giving them tools to make change in their lives. I have a passion for supporting LGBTQIA+ members and anyone navigating mood and anxiety disorders.
I believe that compassion and empathy are essential in understanding others. As a counselor, I am client centered and provide space that is welcoming and open. I take a holistic and individualized approach when working with clients and utilize a variety of interventions based on client needs. I support clients with navigating life’s challenges, while also appreciating their strengths and giving them tools to make change in their lives. I have a passion for supporting LGBTQIA+ members and anyone navigating mood and anxiety disorders.
(210) 939-9440 View (210) 939-9440
Photo of Center for Dialectical & Cognitive Behav Therapies, Licensed Professional Counselor in Cotulla, TX
Center for Dialectical & Cognitive Behav Therapies
Licensed Professional Counselor, LMHC, LPC-S, LCSW, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78209
The CDCBT specializes in evidence-based treatment of mental health issues. We treat a wide variety of disorders including: chronic depression and anxiety, personality disorders, trauma, grief, and eating disorders.
The CDCBT specializes in evidence-based treatment of mental health issues. We treat a wide variety of disorders including: chronic depression and anxiety, personality disorders, trauma, grief, and eating disorders.
(210) 742-4282 View (210) 742-4282
Photo of Heidi Conlin with Genesis Counseling Center, Marriage & Family Therapist in Cotulla, TX
Heidi Conlin with Genesis Counseling Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LPC, LMFT
Verified Verified
Boerne, TX 78006
I provide affordable counseling to couples, adults, adolescents and children. I recognize that it is difficult to talk with a stranger about problems and therefore, I strive to see my clients' problems through their eyes. I am open minded in order to create a comfortable and non-judgmental atmosphere for change. I help my clients make small changes to their lives in order to achieve bigger goals.
I provide affordable counseling to couples, adults, adolescents and children. I recognize that it is difficult to talk with a stranger about problems and therefore, I strive to see my clients' problems through their eyes. I am open minded in order to create a comfortable and non-judgmental atmosphere for change. I help my clients make small changes to their lives in order to achieve bigger goals.
(830) 256-0682 View (830) 256-0682
Photo of Janet E Trebs-Ingram, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Cotulla, TX
Janet E Trebs-Ingram
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78217  (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing telehealth therapy services in Texas and New Mexico. I have over 12 years of experience in the mental health field between Southern New Mexico and San Antonio, TX. I have provided both in home and telehealth therapy since 2014 and exclusively telehealth since March 2020. I currently only provide telehealth services.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing telehealth therapy services in Texas and New Mexico. I have over 12 years of experience in the mental health field between Southern New Mexico and San Antonio, TX. I have provided both in home and telehealth therapy since 2014 and exclusively telehealth since March 2020. I currently only provide telehealth services.
(210) 791-6263 View (210) 791-6263
Photo of Janet Lantry, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Cotulla, TX
Janet Lantry
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S, RYT
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78228  (Online Only)
Are you seeking relief and improved functioning, using evidence-based approaches and an integration of the mind and body? Janet specializes in treating PTSD, depression, anxiety, insomnia, relationship conflict, substance use disorders, and uses play therapy as a primary modality when working with children. She is certified in EMDR. She works with all genders, including people who identify as transgender and non-binary and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Janet also has extensive experience working with veterans, active duty service members, and their families, with a unique empathy for being a military child.
Are you seeking relief and improved functioning, using evidence-based approaches and an integration of the mind and body? Janet specializes in treating PTSD, depression, anxiety, insomnia, relationship conflict, substance use disorders, and uses play therapy as a primary modality when working with children. She is certified in EMDR. She works with all genders, including people who identify as transgender and non-binary and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Janet also has extensive experience working with veterans, active duty service members, and their families, with a unique empathy for being a military child.
(210) 981-3936 View (210) 981-3936
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.