Photo of Ashley-Lauren Smith, LPC-Associate in Galveston County, TX
Ashley-Lauren Smith
LPC-Associate, BS, MS
Verified Verified
Galveston, TX 77550
Smith has a special interest in treating Bipolar Disorder, stress management, and coping skills.
Ashley-Lauren E. Smith is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate under the supervision of Henry M. Pittman, MA, LMFT, LPC-S, LCDC She assists individuals, couples, or families with general problem areas of distress such as self-esteem, stress management, toxic relationships, communication skills, codependency, problem-solving, depression, anxiety, anger, and other impulsive behaviors.
Smith has a special interest in treating Bipolar Disorder, stress management, and coping skills.
Ashley-Lauren E. Smith is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate under the supervision of Henry M. Pittman, MA, LMFT, LPC-S, LCDC She assists individuals, couples, or families with general problem areas of distress such as self-esteem, stress management, toxic relationships, communication skills, codependency, problem-solving, depression, anxiety, anger, and other impulsive behaviors.
(832) 219-1409 View (832) 219-1409
Photo of Jennifer G. Ferguson, Licensed Professional Counselor in Galveston County, TX
Jennifer G. Ferguson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Friendswood, TX 77546
TEENS, ADULTS, COUPLES: IN PERSON APPTS AVAILABLE. We live in a world of upheaval, difficulties that can be challenging for even the healthiest Teen, Adult, and Couple. Do you have the ability to cope when life begins to unravel, family breaks down, and anxiety takes over? I am here to listen, support you where you are, and collaborate on new ways to live positively, without anxiety, depression or even addiction. Clients are looking for practical, real life solutions that can be used in real life settings. I provide a supportive, caring, "authentic" therapy environment, through a great counseling relationship with my clients.
TEENS, ADULTS, COUPLES: IN PERSON APPTS AVAILABLE. We live in a world of upheaval, difficulties that can be challenging for even the healthiest Teen, Adult, and Couple. Do you have the ability to cope when life begins to unravel, family breaks down, and anxiety takes over? I am here to listen, support you where you are, and collaborate on new ways to live positively, without anxiety, depression or even addiction. Clients are looking for practical, real life solutions that can be used in real life settings. I provide a supportive, caring, "authentic" therapy environment, through a great counseling relationship with my clients.
(832) 280-1579 View (832) 280-1579
Photo of Jill Foley Torres, Psychologist in Galveston County, TX
Jill Foley Torres
Psychologist, PsyD, PSYPACT
Verified Verified
Friendswood, TX 77546
Now Accepting New Clients. Foley Torres Dr. Torres offers cognitive behavioral therapy and Psychological Evaluations. She also provides supervision for interns/post-doctoral students . Dr. Torres is accustomed to treating clients with mental health disorders such as Trichotillomania, gender dysphoria, OCD, Panic Disorder, Depression, and other serious mental health struggles. Dr. Torres has a special interest in helping preteens, teens and adults on the autism spectrum. Her clinic is open to people of any nationality, race religion, gender and sexual orientation. Saturday appointments are available. Call 832-705-0912 for an appt.
Now Accepting New Clients. Foley Torres Dr. Torres offers cognitive behavioral therapy and Psychological Evaluations. She also provides supervision for interns/post-doctoral students . Dr. Torres is accustomed to treating clients with mental health disorders such as Trichotillomania, gender dysphoria, OCD, Panic Disorder, Depression, and other serious mental health struggles. Dr. Torres has a special interest in helping preteens, teens and adults on the autism spectrum. Her clinic is open to people of any nationality, race religion, gender and sexual orientation. Saturday appointments are available. Call 832-705-0912 for an appt.
(281) 317-7971 View (281) 317-7971
Photo of Ashley Frederick, Licensed Professional Counselor in Galveston County, TX
Ashley Frederick
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Galveston, TX 77552
Someone once asked me, "Ashley, what is the number one thing that brings people to counseling?" I laughed and answered, "PEOPLE. People bring people to therapy!" We've all heard that adage: "People go to therapy for the people in their life that WON’T go to therapy”, and it's funny because it's absolutely true! As a professional counselor, I have never met someone who didn't have a story. Everyone has PEOPLE! Everyone has family struggles and relationship issues. Everyone has trouble processing emotions when they feel overwhelmed. Everyone needs someone to confide in and feel safe with, and that's what therapy can be for you.
Someone once asked me, "Ashley, what is the number one thing that brings people to counseling?" I laughed and answered, "PEOPLE. People bring people to therapy!" We've all heard that adage: "People go to therapy for the people in their life that WON’T go to therapy”, and it's funny because it's absolutely true! As a professional counselor, I have never met someone who didn't have a story. Everyone has PEOPLE! Everyone has family struggles and relationship issues. Everyone has trouble processing emotions when they feel overwhelmed. Everyone needs someone to confide in and feel safe with, and that's what therapy can be for you.
(346) 699-2310 View (346) 699-2310
Photo of Dr. Vincent Ray Newman, Licensed Professional Counselor in Galveston County, TX
Dr. Vincent Ray Newman
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, MEd, PhD
Verified Verified
League City, TX 77573
Hi, Making the first move for help is always the most difficult. A little about myself, I have lived and learned multiculturalism from my stay in various cities and abroad. From my experiences combined with my training and education has helped me become very effective when helping those in need of intervention. I specialize in problems with children, adolescents, adults, marraige, relationships, and family problems, depression, dissociative, and behavioral disorders.
Hi, Making the first move for help is always the most difficult. A little about myself, I have lived and learned multiculturalism from my stay in various cities and abroad. From my experiences combined with my training and education has helped me become very effective when helping those in need of intervention. I specialize in problems with children, adolescents, adults, marraige, relationships, and family problems, depression, dissociative, and behavioral disorders.
(281) 394-1674 View (281) 394-1674
Photo of Innovative Alternatives, Inc., Licensed Professional Counselor in Galveston County, TX
Innovative Alternatives, Inc.
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, S
Verified Verified
Friendswood, TX 77546
Innovative Alternatives, Inc. has a mission of serving our community through mediation, counseling and training since 1989. We find solutions to life's most difficult people problems! Our agency serves clients from 4 y/o to elderly, and every issue except active substance abuse and active psychosis. Upon 30 days sobriety or 30 days stabilization on psychotropic medications, IA can see these clients as well. IA clients include these cultural specialties: 1) Spanish-speaking, 2) Clients seeking Christian-based services on request and definition of what this means to them, 3) Children in play therapy, and 4) the elderly.
Innovative Alternatives, Inc. has a mission of serving our community through mediation, counseling and training since 1989. We find solutions to life's most difficult people problems! Our agency serves clients from 4 y/o to elderly, and every issue except active substance abuse and active psychosis. Upon 30 days sobriety or 30 days stabilization on psychotropic medications, IA can see these clients as well. IA clients include these cultural specialties: 1) Spanish-speaking, 2) Clients seeking Christian-based services on request and definition of what this means to them, 3) Children in play therapy, and 4) the elderly.
(281) 609-7690 View (281) 609-7690
Photo of Lisa B. Layne, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Galveston County, TX
Lisa B. Layne
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S
Verified Verified
League City, TX 77573
For over 20 years in the Clear Lake, Baytown and Galveston areas, Ms. Layne, has provided child( ages 6+), adolescent, adult, couples, and family therapy. She has provided trauma-recovery, cognitive behavioral, behavior modification, and insight oriented therapy, to survivors of sex, physical, emotional abuse and other life changing events. Ms. Layne has extensive experience working in juvenile justice systems, and under the guidance of psychiatrists, and psychologists providing assessments, crisis, short, and longer term therapy services.
For over 20 years in the Clear Lake, Baytown and Galveston areas, Ms. Layne, has provided child( ages 6+), adolescent, adult, couples, and family therapy. She has provided trauma-recovery, cognitive behavioral, behavior modification, and insight oriented therapy, to survivors of sex, physical, emotional abuse and other life changing events. Ms. Layne has extensive experience working in juvenile justice systems, and under the guidance of psychiatrists, and psychologists providing assessments, crisis, short, and longer term therapy services.
(281) 942-4093 View (281) 942-4093
Photo of Rachel Elizabeth Vinson, Licensed Professional Counselor in Galveston County, TX
Rachel Elizabeth Vinson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Galveston, TX 77555  (Online Only)
Welcome to one of the most important journeys of your life, and congratulations on deciding to take the first step of that journey. My role is to work with you to use your own strengths to make the changes that you desire in your life. My journey to becoming a counselor began with a personal crisis in my own life. I have walked your path and want to support you in your current journey, wherever you may be along that path. Give me a call, and let's start talking now.
Welcome to one of the most important journeys of your life, and congratulations on deciding to take the first step of that journey. My role is to work with you to use your own strengths to make the changes that you desire in your life. My journey to becoming a counselor began with a personal crisis in my own life. I have walked your path and want to support you in your current journey, wherever you may be along that path. Give me a call, and let's start talking now.
(346) 209-0865 View (346) 209-0865
Photo of Cindy Castillo, Licensed Professional Counselor in Galveston County, TX
Cindy Castillo
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Friendswood, TX 77546
I have 20+ years of experience working in psychiatric hospitals, medical facilities, community health centers, pediatric clinics, schools, and residential treatment centers. I offered many years to working with children, adolescents, parents, and families through child protective services, rape crisis centers, shelters, neighborhood centers, and adoption centers. I am experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders including PTSD, Depression, Trauma, Anxiety, & Psychosis including the management of other symptoms that stem from family/ relationship conflict, social difficulties, poor school performance, and violence/ abuse.
I have 20+ years of experience working in psychiatric hospitals, medical facilities, community health centers, pediatric clinics, schools, and residential treatment centers. I offered many years to working with children, adolescents, parents, and families through child protective services, rape crisis centers, shelters, neighborhood centers, and adoption centers. I am experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders including PTSD, Depression, Trauma, Anxiety, & Psychosis including the management of other symptoms that stem from family/ relationship conflict, social difficulties, poor school performance, and violence/ abuse.
(346) 242-6663 View (346) 242-6663
Photo of Leslie Ann Shields, Licensed Professional Counselor in Galveston County, TX
Leslie Ann Shields
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPCS, CBIS
Verified Verified
Kemah, TX 77565  (Online Only)
A favorite saying of mine is "CHANGE... It's One of Life's Only Constants..." Change often signifies growth. Changes often move us from our comfort zone and may trigger stressful or distressing thoughts, behaviors, emotions or physiological responses. Our responses are often unconscious. Except we consciously recognize increased discomfort, pain or unproductive functioning in our daily roles and relationships. If you or a family member are experiencing any social, emotional, mental or behavioral difficulties causing distress & preventing enjoying life or realizing your or their full potential in personal, work or school functioning, I invite you to call me.
A favorite saying of mine is "CHANGE... It's One of Life's Only Constants..." Change often signifies growth. Changes often move us from our comfort zone and may trigger stressful or distressing thoughts, behaviors, emotions or physiological responses. Our responses are often unconscious. Except we consciously recognize increased discomfort, pain or unproductive functioning in our daily roles and relationships. If you or a family member are experiencing any social, emotional, mental or behavioral difficulties causing distress & preventing enjoying life or realizing your or their full potential in personal, work or school functioning, I invite you to call me.
(832) 632-8118 View (832) 632-8118
Photo of BestYOUtx - Dr. Darrin Erb, Marriage & Family Therapist in Galveston County, TX
BestYOUtx - Dr. Darrin Erb
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MS/MFCT, LMFT-S
Verified Verified
Friendswood, TX 77546
Not accepting new clients
Springtime is the season of love. You can feel it as the dark and cold turns to warmth and light. Birds sing, flowers bloom, and love is in the air, or so they say. The month of February is often a time where the expectations and the realities clash with many a heart paying the dearest of prices for the loneliness and isolation that follows. Anxiety, depression, and even suicidal ideation take a front seat to your life rather than hope, healing, love, and laughter. Perhaps this year, it is time to address the true meaning and purpose of love before the darkness takes its toll on a weary and troubled heart. Time to discover real love
Springtime is the season of love. You can feel it as the dark and cold turns to warmth and light. Birds sing, flowers bloom, and love is in the air, or so they say. The month of February is often a time where the expectations and the realities clash with many a heart paying the dearest of prices for the loneliness and isolation that follows. Anxiety, depression, and even suicidal ideation take a front seat to your life rather than hope, healing, love, and laughter. Perhaps this year, it is time to address the true meaning and purpose of love before the darkness takes its toll on a weary and troubled heart. Time to discover real love
(832) 843-9800 View (832) 843-9800

Online Therapists

Photo of Meg Bellows, Licensed Professional Counselor in Galveston County, TX
Meg Bellows
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC-S, NCC, CART, BCPC
Verified Verified
Spring, TX 77388
My passion is treating clients who have endured trauma. I'm trained in EMDR. I combine EMDR with narrative therapy to help clients resolve and reprocess the traumatic event. I love working with clients who suffer from depression, bipolar, and personality disorders. I also work with couples and families who are in crisis. I am also endorsed by the American Psychotherapy Association as a Board Certified Professional Counselor.
My passion is treating clients who have endured trauma. I'm trained in EMDR. I combine EMDR with narrative therapy to help clients resolve and reprocess the traumatic event. I love working with clients who suffer from depression, bipolar, and personality disorders. I also work with couples and families who are in crisis. I am also endorsed by the American Psychotherapy Association as a Board Certified Professional Counselor.
(561) 935-3543 View (561) 935-3543
Photo of Statewide Serenity Counseling, PLLC, Licensed Professional Counselor in Galveston County, TX
Statewide Serenity Counseling, PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, TF-CBT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
The Woodlands, TX 77380  (Online Only)
Are you or a loved one suffering from emotional stress, depression, PTSD, Bipolar disorder, or anxiety? Are you questioning the endurance of your relationships or marriage? Now is the time to make changes to improve your quality of life. My passion for family, ministry, and living my divine purpose of serving others, can provide the support that you need. I have experience with addressing a variety of symptoms and diagnoses, and enjoy working with diverse populations to reach their potential to achieve stability.
Are you or a loved one suffering from emotional stress, depression, PTSD, Bipolar disorder, or anxiety? Are you questioning the endurance of your relationships or marriage? Now is the time to make changes to improve your quality of life. My passion for family, ministry, and living my divine purpose of serving others, can provide the support that you need. I have experience with addressing a variety of symptoms and diagnoses, and enjoy working with diverse populations to reach their potential to achieve stability.
(936) 703-2076 View (936) 703-2076
Photo of Susan Brunson, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Galveston County, TX
Susan Brunson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Katy, TX 77494  (Online Only)
I do Teletherapy (computer or phone) Only & serve all of Alabama and Texas. I specialize in helping people heal from trauma. I provide advanced therapy that works on deep issues with efficacy. Experienced with Boy Scout sexual abuse, priest/clergy sexual abuse, survivors of child trafficking, incest, physical & emotional abuse, neglect, domestic violence, chronic bullying. Natural disasters. Military PTSD, First Responders. Social Anxiety, Generalized Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, Grief, PostPartum issues.
I do Teletherapy (computer or phone) Only & serve all of Alabama and Texas. I specialize in helping people heal from trauma. I provide advanced therapy that works on deep issues with efficacy. Experienced with Boy Scout sexual abuse, priest/clergy sexual abuse, survivors of child trafficking, incest, physical & emotional abuse, neglect, domestic violence, chronic bullying. Natural disasters. Military PTSD, First Responders. Social Anxiety, Generalized Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, Grief, PostPartum issues.
(346) 201-5818 View (346) 201-5818
Photo of Melissa Garrett-Moultrie, Licensed Professional Counselor in Galveston County, TX
Melissa Garrett-Moultrie
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Houston, TX 77042
Hello, I am Dr. Melissa Garrett-Moultrie. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Spring, Texas, with over 20 years of experience. I work with adults, adolescents, families, and couples. I specialize in depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, relationship issues, family conflict, parenting problems, grief and loss, gender identity, sexual trauma, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It takes courage to pursue a more fulfilling and happier life. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support, encourage, and to empower you on that journey.
Hello, I am Dr. Melissa Garrett-Moultrie. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Spring, Texas, with over 20 years of experience. I work with adults, adolescents, families, and couples. I specialize in depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, relationship issues, family conflict, parenting problems, grief and loss, gender identity, sexual trauma, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It takes courage to pursue a more fulfilling and happier life. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support, encourage, and to empower you on that journey.
(346) 616-1299 View (346) 616-1299
Photo of Phil Ginsburg, Licensed Professional Counselor in Galveston County, TX
Phil Ginsburg
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LMFT, LCDC, CSAT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Houston, TX 77065
I have experience with Dual Diagnosis, ADHD, Bipolar Disorders, Major Depression, Anxiety, and Trauma, and Clinical Hypnosis.
I believe that while you are the expert in your own life, that I can help you to expand your view of a problem and to find new possibilities for change. Whether the sessions are with an individual, couple or family, I view you, the client, as being embedded in various relationships. I believe that a person grows in relationships and it is my mission to help you resolve conflict, establish resources and improve relating skills needed to enhance the overall health of your life and your relationships. "To bring anything into your life, imagine that it's already there."
I have experience with Dual Diagnosis, ADHD, Bipolar Disorders, Major Depression, Anxiety, and Trauma, and Clinical Hypnosis.
I believe that while you are the expert in your own life, that I can help you to expand your view of a problem and to find new possibilities for change. Whether the sessions are with an individual, couple or family, I view you, the client, as being embedded in various relationships. I believe that a person grows in relationships and it is my mission to help you resolve conflict, establish resources and improve relating skills needed to enhance the overall health of your life and your relationships. "To bring anything into your life, imagine that it's already there."
(832) 390-0960 View (832) 390-0960
Photo of Cathy Swan, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Galveston County, TX
Cathy Swan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Katy, TX 77449
For 25 years, I've worked with people who have Depression, Bipolar I and II Disorders, Anxiety, relationship issues, and more.
I believe that we have a natural capacity to grow and adapt. We do not always choose our challenges in life (though sometimes we do!), and those challenges might inhibit our ability to heal. Whatever your circumstances are, you can choose to walk a path of healing. I create and maintain a safe and open space where you can find that path…and then find it again if you wander off it.
For 25 years, I've worked with people who have Depression, Bipolar I and II Disorders, Anxiety, relationship issues, and more.
I believe that we have a natural capacity to grow and adapt. We do not always choose our challenges in life (though sometimes we do!), and those challenges might inhibit our ability to heal. Whatever your circumstances are, you can choose to walk a path of healing. I create and maintain a safe and open space where you can find that path…and then find it again if you wander off it.
(832) 532-6708 View (832) 532-6708
Photo of Melissa E. Evette Garrett-Moultrie, Licensed Professional Counselor in Galveston County, TX
Melissa E. Evette Garrett-Moultrie
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdD, LPC
Verified Verified
Spring, TX 77373  (Online Only)
I have worked with adult clients with a range of concerns: bipolar disorder, impulse control disorders, marital discord, infidelity, fertility issues, substance abuse, anxiety, depression, postpartum depression, and grief.
I specialize in child, adolescent, and adult mental health services and have practiced in a variety of clinical settings throughout my career. These settings include inpatient acute care, outpatient community-based counseling centers, and schools. My experience also includes working with multicultural and diverse populations across all age groups. I have had the opportunity to work with families who have children on the Autism Spectrum as well as children/adolescents struggling with behavioral concerns and anger management issues. I have a passion for providing psychoeducation to individuals with mental health concerns.
I have worked with adult clients with a range of concerns: bipolar disorder, impulse control disorders, marital discord, infidelity, fertility issues, substance abuse, anxiety, depression, postpartum depression, and grief.
I specialize in child, adolescent, and adult mental health services and have practiced in a variety of clinical settings throughout my career. These settings include inpatient acute care, outpatient community-based counseling centers, and schools. My experience also includes working with multicultural and diverse populations across all age groups. I have had the opportunity to work with families who have children on the Autism Spectrum as well as children/adolescents struggling with behavioral concerns and anger management issues. I have a passion for providing psychoeducation to individuals with mental health concerns.
(832) 210-2619 View (832) 210-2619
Photo of Rebecca Strick, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Galveston County, TX
Rebecca Strick
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, DCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
The Woodlands, TX 77354
Expertise developed over the years includes: couples-in-crisis, depressive disorders (including bipolar and postpartum), anxiety disorders, sexual abuse survivors, addictions, domestic abuse, divorce, grief and loss, launching young adults into independence, ADHD, trauma, infertility and health challenges (including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and stroke).
As a solution-focused therapist, I would consider it a privilege to assist you in finding specific solutions to life challenges. Clients describe me as being warm, direct, sincere, open-minded, approachable, and intelligent. I offer fresh perspectives, practical insights, life skills and coaching with occasional doses of humor and toughness as needed. Together we will identify and use your strengths to enhance your relationships and improve your life. I have over thirty-seven years of experience and welcome all clients-from those desiring personal growth to those facing severe life challenges.
Expertise developed over the years includes: couples-in-crisis, depressive disorders (including bipolar and postpartum), anxiety disorders, sexual abuse survivors, addictions, domestic abuse, divorce, grief and loss, launching young adults into independence, ADHD, trauma, infertility and health challenges (including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and stroke).
As a solution-focused therapist, I would consider it a privilege to assist you in finding specific solutions to life challenges. Clients describe me as being warm, direct, sincere, open-minded, approachable, and intelligent. I offer fresh perspectives, practical insights, life skills and coaching with occasional doses of humor and toughness as needed. Together we will identify and use your strengths to enhance your relationships and improve your life. I have over thirty-seven years of experience and welcome all clients-from those desiring personal growth to those facing severe life challenges.
(936) 307-0807 View (936) 307-0807
Photo of Jennifer Uherek, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Galveston County, TX
Jennifer Uherek
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, DCSW
Verified Verified
Hockley, TX 77447
I am a Clinical Social Worker and Psychotherapist with 25+ years of experience helping individuals, couples and families experience positive life change. I treat a wide variety of issues, and hold a special place in my heart for those with deeply rooted pain and injuries from childhood trauma and or sexual abuse and am honored to share in the healing journey as we learn not just to survive, but to thrive! Some of the other issues I treat include Dissociative disorders, codependency, Attachment issues, Behavioral issues, Depression and Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, Impulsivity, Divorce, Grief, Sexuality/gender related issues, self-esteem.
I am a Clinical Social Worker and Psychotherapist with 25+ years of experience helping individuals, couples and families experience positive life change. I treat a wide variety of issues, and hold a special place in my heart for those with deeply rooted pain and injuries from childhood trauma and or sexual abuse and am honored to share in the healing journey as we learn not just to survive, but to thrive! Some of the other issues I treat include Dissociative disorders, codependency, Attachment issues, Behavioral issues, Depression and Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, Impulsivity, Divorce, Grief, Sexuality/gender related issues, self-esteem.
(832) 501-2655 View (832) 501-2655

See more therapy options for Galveston County

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.