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Online Therapists

Photo of Gloria Tijerina, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Gonzales, TX
Gloria Tijerina
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78211
I am a licensed therapist with over 25 yrs experience with adults, the elderly, teens, couples, families, the chronic mentally ill, and the military. I have been in private practice since 2001, and previously worked at partial hospitalization day treatment clinics doing individual and group therapy. I served as program director of an inpatient psychiatric unit in a local hospital. I have a working knowledge of anxiety disorders including PTSD, depression and suicidal ideation, bipolar disorder, marital conflict and relationship issues, crisis and trauma, grief issues, sexual abuse, sexual identity issues, and Christian counseling.
I am a licensed therapist with over 25 yrs experience with adults, the elderly, teens, couples, families, the chronic mentally ill, and the military. I have been in private practice since 2001, and previously worked at partial hospitalization day treatment clinics doing individual and group therapy. I served as program director of an inpatient psychiatric unit in a local hospital. I have a working knowledge of anxiety disorders including PTSD, depression and suicidal ideation, bipolar disorder, marital conflict and relationship issues, crisis and trauma, grief issues, sexual abuse, sexual identity issues, and Christian counseling.
(726) 227-0588 View (726) 227-0588
Photo of Nancy Recalde, Licensed Professional Counselor in Gonzales, TX
Nancy Recalde
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78249
My specialty is mood disorders, depression, anxiety, bipolar and trauma.
I believe that we are created with potential for balance and harmony, however, life is not always easy, we may struggle at times to reach this balance. When we get "stuck" or face difficult challenges, we must first identify which areas of life need adjusting or strengthening, and then, we set out to make the necessary changes. Whether it is physical, emotional, spiritual or mental unbalance, we can positively impact our lives by starting to work in one area, and, since they are all connected, the rest will follow. The mind-body connection is undeniable, research and science favor an integrated approach to behavioral health.
My specialty is mood disorders, depression, anxiety, bipolar and trauma.
I believe that we are created with potential for balance and harmony, however, life is not always easy, we may struggle at times to reach this balance. When we get "stuck" or face difficult challenges, we must first identify which areas of life need adjusting or strengthening, and then, we set out to make the necessary changes. Whether it is physical, emotional, spiritual or mental unbalance, we can positively impact our lives by starting to work in one area, and, since they are all connected, the rest will follow. The mind-body connection is undeniable, research and science favor an integrated approach to behavioral health.
(833) 721-1255 View (833) 721-1255
Photo of Kimberly Thomas, Licensed Professional Counselor in Gonzales, TX
Kimberly Thomas
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Helotes, TX 78023  (Online Only)
I have also spent many hours working with adult and teen clients struggling with parenting/family issues, relationship issues, depression, anxiety, bipolar, anger management, and more!.
I recognize that you are the expert on you. My desire is to work collaboratively with you to enable you to reach your identified goals. If you are worried you can't afford counseling, please discuss your concerns with me. I will work with you as much as possible!
I have also spent many hours working with adult and teen clients struggling with parenting/family issues, relationship issues, depression, anxiety, bipolar, anger management, and more!.
I recognize that you are the expert on you. My desire is to work collaboratively with you to enable you to reach your identified goals. If you are worried you can't afford counseling, please discuss your concerns with me. I will work with you as much as possible!
(325) 240-5605 View (325) 240-5605
Photo of Patty Hoban, Licensed Professional Counselor in Gonzales, TX
Patty Hoban
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and I serve adults with a myriad of different needs. I have experience working with clients who have anxiety disorders, major depression, bipolar disorder, autism spectrum, ADD/ADHD, insomnia, relationship issues, endured trauma, and more. Every person's journey is different, and his or her challenges are unique; therefore, I use a variety of techniques to meet each person's needs. I have received training in several different modalities, such as CBT, ACT, Motivational Interviewing, DBT, and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). I specialize in individual counseling for adults.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and I serve adults with a myriad of different needs. I have experience working with clients who have anxiety disorders, major depression, bipolar disorder, autism spectrum, ADD/ADHD, insomnia, relationship issues, endured trauma, and more. Every person's journey is different, and his or her challenges are unique; therefore, I use a variety of techniques to meet each person's needs. I have received training in several different modalities, such as CBT, ACT, Motivational Interviewing, DBT, and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). I specialize in individual counseling for adults.
(830) 587-5503 View (830) 587-5503
Photo of Spirit of Serene Healing Counseling LLC, Licensed Professional Counselor in Gonzales, TX
Spirit of Serene Healing Counseling LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC-S, NCC, CART
Verified Verified
Marble Falls, TX 78654
I have over thirteen years of experience in working with individuals that have been diagnosed with Schizophrenia, Bi-Polar Disorder and Manic depression.
Everyone is unique in their own way with their own needs and purpose to fulfill. With life having many challenges, so we begin with a goal to live each moment with sincere and serene grace, to laugh about at least one thing every day, and to love with passion and compassion. There is always hope for renewal and a bright future so long as we focus on our goals.
I have over thirteen years of experience in working with individuals that have been diagnosed with Schizophrenia, Bi-Polar Disorder and Manic depression.
Everyone is unique in their own way with their own needs and purpose to fulfill. With life having many challenges, so we begin with a goal to live each moment with sincere and serene grace, to laugh about at least one thing every day, and to love with passion and compassion. There is always hope for renewal and a bright future so long as we focus on our goals.
(830) 798-1443 x300 View (830) 798-1443 x300
Photo of Brooke Gilliland, Licensed Professional Counselor in Gonzales, TX
Brooke Gilliland
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, RPT, NCC
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78258
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in helping with these clinical concerns (including the management of bipolar disorders).
You may be nervous just thinking about starting the therapy process. So here's a little bit about how I do therapy. I specialize in Christian counseling and play therapy, as well as using expressive/sandtray therapy in sessions. What does this mean? It means that I believe it's super helpful to use many things within the therapy context. The image of sitting on a couch talking is not the only way counseling services are provided. Therapy can include using your faith to understand how to do things differently. It can also include using forms of creativity (art, sandtray) to identify points of being stuck and find new ways to heal!
I specialize in helping with these clinical concerns (including the management of bipolar disorders).
You may be nervous just thinking about starting the therapy process. So here's a little bit about how I do therapy. I specialize in Christian counseling and play therapy, as well as using expressive/sandtray therapy in sessions. What does this mean? It means that I believe it's super helpful to use many things within the therapy context. The image of sitting on a couch talking is not the only way counseling services are provided. Therapy can include using your faith to understand how to do things differently. It can also include using forms of creativity (art, sandtray) to identify points of being stuck and find new ways to heal!
(210) 791-9378 View (210) 791-9378
Photo of Jim Toombs, Marriage & Family Therapist in Gonzales, TX
Jim Toombs
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, EMDR
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78213
I have helped others with: depression, anxiety, physical or sex abuse, PTSD, bipolar depression, dissociative disorders, phobias, chronic pain, migraines, and performance anxiety.
Emotional pain ... sucks. I can help your pain. Flashbacks, nightmares and PTSD respond very well to EMDR, as do intrusive thoughts and disturbing memories. I have been using it since 1993, so early that Francine Shapiro, the creator of EMDR, trained me herself. In addition, my basic training is Marriage and Family so I excel in relationships. But memories cause most of our problems.
I have helped others with: depression, anxiety, physical or sex abuse, PTSD, bipolar depression, dissociative disorders, phobias, chronic pain, migraines, and performance anxiety.
Emotional pain ... sucks. I can help your pain. Flashbacks, nightmares and PTSD respond very well to EMDR, as do intrusive thoughts and disturbing memories. I have been using it since 1993, so early that Francine Shapiro, the creator of EMDR, trained me herself. In addition, my basic training is Marriage and Family so I excel in relationships. But memories cause most of our problems.
(210) 417-4687 View (210) 417-4687
Photo of Karisha Richards, Licensed Professional Counselor in Gonzales, 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 Eric Frodsham, Licensed Professional Counselor in Gonzales, TX
Eric Frodsham
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Elgin, TX 78621  (Online Only)
Anxiety, Relationship/Family issues, Grief, Parenting, Anger management, Self esteem, Bipolar disorder, ADHD, Abandonment, Aging Issues, Attachment Issues, Autism/Asperger, Addiction, Depression, Military, Trauma, Career Issues, Schizophrenia, PTSD, Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling), Self-Love, TBI, Mood Disorders, Domestic Violence, Codependency.
I am licensed in Texas with 5 years of professional counseling experience. I like to get to know my clients and understand the barriers they are experiencing and the outcomes they wish to manifest in their lives. I listen carefully about their experiences and look to help find positive solutions to their different life challenges. I am open to exploring any topics without passing judgement and implementing the most person-centered techniques that will lead to positive outcomes.
Anxiety, Relationship/Family issues, Grief, Parenting, Anger management, Self esteem, Bipolar disorder, ADHD, Abandonment, Aging Issues, Attachment Issues, Autism/Asperger, Addiction, Depression, Military, Trauma, Career Issues, Schizophrenia, PTSD, Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling), Self-Love, TBI, Mood Disorders, Domestic Violence, Codependency.
I am licensed in Texas with 5 years of professional counseling experience. I like to get to know my clients and understand the barriers they are experiencing and the outcomes they wish to manifest in their lives. I listen carefully about their experiences and look to help find positive solutions to their different life challenges. I am open to exploring any topics without passing judgement and implementing the most person-centered techniques that will lead to positive outcomes.
(512) 710-2692 View (512) 710-2692
Photo of Stephanie Torres Rojas, Psychologist in Gonzales, 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 Susan Marks, Licensed Professional Counselor in Gonzales, TX
Susan Marks
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Bastrop, TX 78602  (Online Only)
Susan Marks is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor (LPC-S) with over 14 years of experience. She enjoys working with young children, adults, and the elderly, and specializes in treating issues related to addiction, adjustment-related issues, anxiety, attachment-based issues, bipolar disorder, depression, end-of-life issues, faith-based matters, grief, loss, bereavement, and more.
Susan Marks is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor (LPC-S) with over 14 years of experience. She enjoys working with young children, adults, and the elderly, and specializes in treating issues related to addiction, adjustment-related issues, anxiety, attachment-based issues, bipolar disorder, depression, end-of-life issues, faith-based matters, grief, loss, bereavement, and more.
(512) 798-0617 View (512) 798-0617
Photo of Well Mind Center, Licensed Professional Counselor in Gonzales, TX
Well Mind Center
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78216
The Well Mind Center of San Antonio is an integrative environment for mental health. We utilize powerful evidence-based practices to individualize our approach, addressing your specific needs. The highly skilled clinicians of the Well Mind Center welcome you to call for an appointment.
The Well Mind Center of San Antonio is an integrative environment for mental health. We utilize powerful evidence-based practices to individualize our approach, addressing your specific needs. The highly skilled clinicians of the Well Mind Center welcome you to call for an appointment.
(210) 319-4569 View (210) 319-4569
Photo of Courtenay W McAlpin, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Gonzales, TX
Courtenay W McAlpin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MBA
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78209
We all experience pain, stress, fears and heartache in life. These feelings are unpleasant, but they help us reach out to learn better ways. Better ways to relax, let go, communicate, teach, love, and live with joy and freedom. I have helped others for 24 years to find their power, to feel, live and love better. It is my purpose and my passion. If you and/or someone you care about is stuck, hurting, addicted or anxious, I can help. I am in recovery myself, so there is no judgement. I understand. Call me for a free phone consultation. If I am in session, leave your number and I will call you back.
We all experience pain, stress, fears and heartache in life. These feelings are unpleasant, but they help us reach out to learn better ways. Better ways to relax, let go, communicate, teach, love, and live with joy and freedom. I have helped others for 24 years to find their power, to feel, live and love better. It is my purpose and my passion. If you and/or someone you care about is stuck, hurting, addicted or anxious, I can help. I am in recovery myself, so there is no judgement. I understand. Call me for a free phone consultation. If I am in session, leave your number and I will call you back.
(210) 343-5094 View (210) 343-5094
Photo of Ron Gravis, Licensed Professional Counselor in Gonzales, TX
Ron Gravis
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LCDC, EMDR, CSAT, CMAT
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78258
Online therapy is central in my practice. It is effective, convenient and greatly appreciated by my clients. Scheduling sessions works well with almost everyone's calendar. I focus on/value your needs first. As we check-in together, connection, trust and comfort create an honest space for you to share and grow. I approach therapy as a dynamic partnership - where proven technique and deep relational connection yield cognitive, emotional and spiritual integration. Honing technique to fit client needs + personalized connectivity yields clarity and growth. Moving through the process, we target and work toward this result...together.
Online therapy is central in my practice. It is effective, convenient and greatly appreciated by my clients. Scheduling sessions works well with almost everyone's calendar. I focus on/value your needs first. As we check-in together, connection, trust and comfort create an honest space for you to share and grow. I approach therapy as a dynamic partnership - where proven technique and deep relational connection yield cognitive, emotional and spiritual integration. Honing technique to fit client needs + personalized connectivity yields clarity and growth. Moving through the process, we target and work toward this result...together.
(210) 791-9106 View (210) 791-9106
Photo of Kimberly Flowers, Licensed Professional Counselor in Gonzales, TX
Kimberly Flowers
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Round Rock, TX 78664
Are you caught in a destructive cycle in your relationship? Reached your limit and not sure what to do? Depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, and everyday life stressors may be dictating your life at the moment, but it doesn't have to be that way. I want to help you find a sense of hope by exploring the meaning behind the issues and find ways to defuse them. I take an active approach in assisting my clients and couples develop effective coping skills to face life's challenges. With practice, you can rewire your brain and live a more positive and healthy-thinking life.
Are you caught in a destructive cycle in your relationship? Reached your limit and not sure what to do? Depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, and everyday life stressors may be dictating your life at the moment, but it doesn't have to be that way. I want to help you find a sense of hope by exploring the meaning behind the issues and find ways to defuse them. I take an active approach in assisting my clients and couples develop effective coping skills to face life's challenges. With practice, you can rewire your brain and live a more positive and healthy-thinking life.
(737) 300-6871 View (737) 300-6871
Photo of Robert Chesser, Licensed Professional Counselor in Gonzales, TX
Robert Chesser
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Boerne, TX 78006
I love people! To me, there is nothing better than walking with someone through difficult life circumstances and seeing them find victory and a better tomorrow. I love working with couples! There is not much worse than struggling through a lifeless, even toxic marriage. I love helping couples reconnect, heal, learn to communicate, have real intimacy, and ultimately have the marriage that was always possible. I am able to see great healing take place where marriages, families and even generations are changed for the better.
I love people! To me, there is nothing better than walking with someone through difficult life circumstances and seeing them find victory and a better tomorrow. I love working with couples! There is not much worse than struggling through a lifeless, even toxic marriage. I love helping couples reconnect, heal, learn to communicate, have real intimacy, and ultimately have the marriage that was always possible. I am able to see great healing take place where marriages, families and even generations are changed for the better.
(210) 405-0821 View (210) 405-0821
Photo of Elizabeth Copes, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Gonzales, TX
Elizabeth Copes
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78759  (Online Only)
Meeting someone new maybe anxiety provoking, but starting therapy? That is truly a daunting task! You’ve made the first step by recognizing that maybe you should talk to someone. Now, all of these bios sound about the same. Which one to pick? How do you know which one will help you the most? You may be thinking, “oh, forget it, I just can’t make that decision right now.” Or, “I don’t want to sit for an hour and cry while I tell a total stranger my life’s story.” Or, “what if someone finds out that I’m not perfect. What if this person thinks I’m crazy and wants to lock me away forever?“ …
Meeting someone new maybe anxiety provoking, but starting therapy? That is truly a daunting task! You’ve made the first step by recognizing that maybe you should talk to someone. Now, all of these bios sound about the same. Which one to pick? How do you know which one will help you the most? You may be thinking, “oh, forget it, I just can’t make that decision right now.” Or, “I don’t want to sit for an hour and cry while I tell a total stranger my life’s story.” Or, “what if someone finds out that I’m not perfect. What if this person thinks I’m crazy and wants to lock me away forever?“ …
(936) 227-5470 View (936) 227-5470
Photo of Steven L Fields, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Gonzales, TX
Steven L Fields
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78230
I am an encouraging therapist who is passionate about helping others reach their goals and experience hope and healing. My therapy approach is rooted in the principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I have found this approach very effective with a multitude of issues. CBT is strongly supported in the professional literature as having verifiable evidence of success. As a Christian, I like the emphasis CBT has on the importance of building truth into our lives and how important it is to speak truth to ourselves.
I am an encouraging therapist who is passionate about helping others reach their goals and experience hope and healing. My therapy approach is rooted in the principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I have found this approach very effective with a multitude of issues. CBT is strongly supported in the professional literature as having verifiable evidence of success. As a Christian, I like the emphasis CBT has on the importance of building truth into our lives and how important it is to speak truth to ourselves.
(210) 460-6488 View (210) 460-6488
Photo of Rhonda Katan in Gonzales, TX
Rhonda Katan
RN, FMP, BCBC, CLC, Lic Min
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78254
I completed the following degrees, licenses, & certifications to provide comprehensive care for clients: Registered Nurse, Functional Medicine Practitioner, Board-Certified Faith-Based Therapist, Psychology Graduate, Licensed Minister, & Certified Life/Wellness Coach. I am fundamentally motivated to lead others to overcome challenges & odds as I serve them by offering advice, education, treatment & emotional support helping to make an impact that produces positive substantial changes in their lives. In addition, I utilize labs and licensed pharmaceutical-grade nutraceuticals to help my clients achieve better health.
I completed the following degrees, licenses, & certifications to provide comprehensive care for clients: Registered Nurse, Functional Medicine Practitioner, Board-Certified Faith-Based Therapist, Psychology Graduate, Licensed Minister, & Certified Life/Wellness Coach. I am fundamentally motivated to lead others to overcome challenges & odds as I serve them by offering advice, education, treatment & emotional support helping to make an impact that produces positive substantial changes in their lives. In addition, I utilize labs and licensed pharmaceutical-grade nutraceuticals to help my clients achieve better health.
(210) 796-2644 View (210) 796-2644
Photo of Duane Snape, Licensed Professional Counselor in Gonzales, TX
Duane Snape
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
San Antonio, TX 78209
The most important choice you will ever make is not one you made yesterday, but the one you make today. Tomorrow is in the future, today is now, choose today. The time is now. I empower people to achieve personal, professional, and spiritual growth in their lives. Committed to helping others change their lives by exploring personal strengths. I am a Licensed therapist with over 25 years of mental health experience. Much of this experience was gained during my service in the United States Army serving veterans and their families faced with a wide variety of mental health challenges.
The most important choice you will ever make is not one you made yesterday, but the one you make today. Tomorrow is in the future, today is now, choose today. The time is now. I empower people to achieve personal, professional, and spiritual growth in their lives. Committed to helping others change their lives by exploring personal strengths. I am a Licensed therapist with over 25 years of mental health experience. Much of this experience was gained during my service in the United States Army serving veterans and their families faced with a wide variety of mental health challenges.
(210) 361-6324 View (210) 361-6324

See more therapy options for Gonzales

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.