Bipolar Disorder Therapists in San Antonio, TX

Photo of Tiffany Juarez, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Antonio, TX
Tiffany Juarez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78209
Tiffany treats conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, addiction, bipolar, and many other conditions.
Tiffany Juarez is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Texas with 13 years of experience. She meets people with grace, and empathy and her interpersonal skills allow her to connect and see people where they are. She creates a collaborative space of growth and self-development.
Tiffany treats conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, addiction, bipolar, and many other conditions.
Tiffany Juarez is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Texas with 13 years of experience. She meets people with grace, and empathy and her interpersonal skills allow her to connect and see people where they are. She creates a collaborative space of growth and self-development.
(210) 796-6887 View (210) 796-6887
Photo of Teri Johnson Psychotherapist, Licensed Professional Counselor in San Antonio, 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 Taofeeq Awesu, Counselor in San Antonio, TX
Taofeeq Awesu
Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78252  (Online Only)
I counsel and develop treatment plan for individuals, couples and group for the treatment of various mental health disorders like Major Depressive Disorder, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Stress and Anger management, PTSD, Grief counseling and host of others.
I'm an empathic licensed professional mental health counselor with proven ability to work independently and collaboratively to at risk diverse population. My unique and diverse backgrounds couples with my multicultural experience helping in crisis intervention, suicide risk evaluation, diagnostic evaluation, psychometric testing, case documentation and biopsychosocial assessment. I work with my population using proven and evidenced based approaches. I am trauma-informed cognitive behavioral therapist with an advanced integrated therapies tailored to meet each client strengths and abilities.
I counsel and develop treatment plan for individuals, couples and group for the treatment of various mental health disorders like Major Depressive Disorder, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Stress and Anger management, PTSD, Grief counseling and host of others.
I'm an empathic licensed professional mental health counselor with proven ability to work independently and collaboratively to at risk diverse population. My unique and diverse backgrounds couples with my multicultural experience helping in crisis intervention, suicide risk evaluation, diagnostic evaluation, psychometric testing, case documentation and biopsychosocial assessment. I work with my population using proven and evidenced based approaches. I am trauma-informed cognitive behavioral therapist with an advanced integrated therapies tailored to meet each client strengths and abilities.
(210) 981-4273 View (210) 981-4273
Photo of Mary A Dom, Licensed Professional Counselor in San Antonio, 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 Deborah Levi Lane, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Antonio, TX
Deborah Levi Lane
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78258
I am noted for the treatment of anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, ADHD, autism spectrum and other mood and/or behavioral issues.
I am not your typical "one-size-fits-all" therapist. Like you, I am unique. Respect and understanding of the individual and his/her needs are necessary to reach a successful treatment outcome. My work as a psychotherapist is to find what works for you. I build on the strengths of the individual. I provide personalized therapy to discerning clients who want the ultimate therapist-patient relationship, to include convenience, privacy, and real-time support . . . tailored to their lifestyle. Other benefits of this "concierge" approach: increased availability, priority appointments, and after-hours access.
I am noted for the treatment of anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, ADHD, autism spectrum and other mood and/or behavioral issues.
I am not your typical "one-size-fits-all" therapist. Like you, I am unique. Respect and understanding of the individual and his/her needs are necessary to reach a successful treatment outcome. My work as a psychotherapist is to find what works for you. I build on the strengths of the individual. I provide personalized therapy to discerning clients who want the ultimate therapist-patient relationship, to include convenience, privacy, and real-time support . . . tailored to their lifestyle. Other benefits of this "concierge" approach: increased availability, priority appointments, and after-hours access.
(210) 934-7173 View (210) 934-7173
Photo of Lisa Wallace, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Antonio, TX
Lisa Wallace
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCDC
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78258  (Online Only)
I have experience working with a wide variety of populations, specializing in helping adults who struggle with depression, anxiety, bipolar, ADHD, or substance use.
Have you ever looked at your reflection and wondered who you are? Do you ever feel lost or wonder where you are headed? Confession- I have. I realized later in life that my calling was to become a therapist. Long before returning to college, I received on-the-job training through my own experiences as a mother, wife, friend, and as an individual struggling with depression and anxiety. These experiences helped prepare me for my role as a therapist. Just like my clients, I looked for a therapist to talk to, one who would listen and be able to understand where I was coming from.
I have experience working with a wide variety of populations, specializing in helping adults who struggle with depression, anxiety, bipolar, ADHD, or substance use.
Have you ever looked at your reflection and wondered who you are? Do you ever feel lost or wonder where you are headed? Confession- I have. I realized later in life that my calling was to become a therapist. Long before returning to college, I received on-the-job training through my own experiences as a mother, wife, friend, and as an individual struggling with depression and anxiety. These experiences helped prepare me for my role as a therapist. Just like my clients, I looked for a therapist to talk to, one who would listen and be able to understand where I was coming from.
(737) 214-4935 View (737) 214-4935
Photo of Austin City Family Practice and Mental Health in San Antonio, TX
Austin City Family Practice and Mental Health
MD
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78203
Hello, I am a Board Certified Family Physician with an interest in Mental Health and Addiction Medicine. I have extensive experience managing Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, and certain Thought Disorders. I also enjoy treating Opioid Addiction with Suboxone. Many of my skills were developed at the Eastern Pennsylvania Institute and the Drexel Medical School. I will be prescribing antidepressants, anxiety medications, and medications for PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, Personality Disorders, and other. I will also share some of the principles I learned at the Institute for Rational Emotive Therapy in NYC.
Hello, I am a Board Certified Family Physician with an interest in Mental Health and Addiction Medicine. I have extensive experience managing Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, and certain Thought Disorders. I also enjoy treating Opioid Addiction with Suboxone. Many of my skills were developed at the Eastern Pennsylvania Institute and the Drexel Medical School. I will be prescribing antidepressants, anxiety medications, and medications for PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, Personality Disorders, and other. I will also share some of the principles I learned at the Institute for Rational Emotive Therapy in NYC.
(631) 540-1307 View (631) 540-1307
Photo of Kerry Adamek, Licensed Professional Counselor in San Antonio, TX
Kerry Adamek
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Antonio, TX 78201
Professional experience 10yrs in practice Stress, Anxiety Addictions Family conflicts Bipolar disorder Depression Additional areas of focus: Antisocial Personality, Autism and Asperger Syndrome, Blended Family Issues, Codependency, Dependent Personality, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD), Divorce and Separation, Domestic Violence, Drug and Alco.
I am licensed in Texas with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, family conflicts, & bipolar disorder. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Professional experience 10yrs in practice Stress, Anxiety Addictions Family conflicts Bipolar disorder Depression Additional areas of focus: Antisocial Personality, Autism and Asperger Syndrome, Blended Family Issues, Codependency, Dependent Personality, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD), Divorce and Separation, Domestic Violence, Drug and Alco.
I am licensed in Texas with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, family conflicts, & bipolar disorder. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
(903) 342-8307 View (903) 342-8307
Photo of Jim Toombs, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Antonio, 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 Alexcis Grushinski, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Antonio, 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 Jessica Martin, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in San Antonio, TX
Jessica Martin
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MS, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Antonio, TX 78229
I am an LPC Associate, supervised by Miranda Solis, LPC-S. I have worked with teens while they were hospitalized for self-harm or suicidal ideation, teens currently in the child welfare system in the group home setting, and children and families following an outcry of abuse. A big part of working with this population is working with their parents, so I could be a good fit if your child has experienced any of these problems. I also have experience with depression, anxiety, trauma, and bipolar disorder. My age range is from age 8-80.
I am an LPC Associate, supervised by Miranda Solis, LPC-S. I have worked with teens while they were hospitalized for self-harm or suicidal ideation, teens currently in the child welfare system in the group home setting, and children and families following an outcry of abuse. A big part of working with this population is working with their parents, so I could be a good fit if your child has experienced any of these problems. I also have experience with depression, anxiety, trauma, and bipolar disorder. My age range is from age 8-80.
(210) 767-9183 View (210) 767-9183
Photo of Megan Luke, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Antonio, TX
Megan Luke
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Antonio, TX 78230
Waitlist for new clients
Megan's specialty is in working with complex trauma, anxiety, and mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder.
Are you struggling with changes or challenges in life where you need more support? Would you like to manage difficult emotions more effectively? Are you ready to make a change? Megan works with trauma using EMDR therapy as well as DBT for finding balance in life. Megan has experience working with people who have attachment problems, relationship problems, and are struggling with their identity in our complex world. Megan is part of the LGBTQIA+ community and believes strongly in walking the difficult paths with people as they navigate life and mental health challenges.
Megan's specialty is in working with complex trauma, anxiety, and mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder.
Are you struggling with changes or challenges in life where you need more support? Would you like to manage difficult emotions more effectively? Are you ready to make a change? Megan works with trauma using EMDR therapy as well as DBT for finding balance in life. Megan has experience working with people who have attachment problems, relationship problems, and are struggling with their identity in our complex world. Megan is part of the LGBTQIA+ community and believes strongly in walking the difficult paths with people as they navigate life and mental health challenges.
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Deep Eddy's Pschotherapy
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78259
Do you live with depression, bipolar disorder, or experiencing psychosis? Do you have a teenager that feels alone, depressed, or in a slump? Have you recently been diagnosed with a mental health condition that you do not understand or know where to turn to for resources? Have you experience trauma through a traumatic event, childhood, adolescents, or a relationship? Do you need help?
Do you live with depression, bipolar disorder, or experiencing psychosis? Do you have a teenager that feels alone, depressed, or in a slump? Have you recently been diagnosed with a mental health condition that you do not understand or know where to turn to for resources? Have you experience trauma through a traumatic event, childhood, adolescents, or a relationship? Do you need help?
(830) 283-3740 View (830) 283-3740
Photo of Susan Elizabeth Ruiz, Licensed Professional Counselor in San Antonio, TX
Susan Elizabeth Ruiz
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78251
I’m a licensed professional counselor who specializes in areas such as mood disorders like depression, bipolar, schizophrenia disorders and symptoms of anxiety, trauma, OCD, etc. I am fluent in Spanish.
I’m a licensed professional counselor who specializes in areas such as mood disorders like depression, bipolar, schizophrenia disorders and symptoms of anxiety, trauma, OCD, etc. I am fluent in Spanish.
(210) 899-7152 View (210) 899-7152
Photo of Karisha Richards, Licensed Professional Counselor in San Antonio, 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 Arthur Gaylian Kirby II, Licensed Professional Counselor in San Antonio, TX
Arthur Gaylian Kirby II
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS MDIV, LPC(S)
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78229
Life experience has taught me to understand mental illness, bipolar mood disorder, other mood disorders, personality disorders, abuse victims of multiple sources, attachment disorders, sick and healthy religion and spiritually.
My job is to help people live happier lives. My office is a continuing education service for all who enter. The goal for me, and hopefully for the person I am working with, is to learn from each other through the change agent of conversation. After 40 years of experience, my belief is that humans never really change until what they have done is working anymore, is broken, and/or gone. Thus change begins with loss, some small and some life ending. At these moments of transition, learning how to let go is the lesson, whether we like it or not. Whatever big change you are going through, positive or negative begins with an ending.
Life experience has taught me to understand mental illness, bipolar mood disorder, other mood disorders, personality disorders, abuse victims of multiple sources, attachment disorders, sick and healthy religion and spiritually.
My job is to help people live happier lives. My office is a continuing education service for all who enter. The goal for me, and hopefully for the person I am working with, is to learn from each other through the change agent of conversation. After 40 years of experience, my belief is that humans never really change until what they have done is working anymore, is broken, and/or gone. Thus change begins with loss, some small and some life ending. At these moments of transition, learning how to let go is the lesson, whether we like it or not. Whatever big change you are going through, positive or negative begins with an ending.
(210) 664-4392 View (210) 664-4392
Photo of Victoria McCool, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in San Antonio, TX
Victoria McCool
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Antonio, TX 78230
As a mental health therapist, I have the privilege of working with a diverse range of clients aged 16 and above. I specialize in providing support to individuals who are navigating various challenges, such as ADHD, autism, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and life transitions. My goal is to create a safe and inclusive space where clients can explore their unique experiences and develop strategies to enhance their well-being. It's incredibly rewarding to witness the growth and resilience of my clients as they overcome obstacles and find their path to a fulfilling life.
As a mental health therapist, I have the privilege of working with a diverse range of clients aged 16 and above. I specialize in providing support to individuals who are navigating various challenges, such as ADHD, autism, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and life transitions. My goal is to create a safe and inclusive space where clients can explore their unique experiences and develop strategies to enhance their well-being. It's incredibly rewarding to witness the growth and resilience of my clients as they overcome obstacles and find their path to a fulfilling life.
(210) 966-8292 View (210) 966-8292
Photo of Nancy Recalde, Licensed Professional Counselor in San Antonio, 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 Margaret Bean, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Antonio, 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 Caroline Chemwor Mkubwa, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Antonio, TX
Caroline Chemwor Mkubwa
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78244  (Online Only)
A teenager with history of poor social skills, diagnosed with developmental delay, psychosis nos, anxiety issues and diagnosis of schizophrenia and Bipolar. Also depression and autism.This are the presenting issues that the teenager has to deal with throughout his/her life. Sometimes the teenager have a psychosis episode and sometimes on denial.
A teenager with history of poor social skills, diagnosed with developmental delay, psychosis nos, anxiety issues and diagnosis of schizophrenia and Bipolar. Also depression and autism.This are the presenting issues that the teenager has to deal with throughout his/her life. Sometimes the teenager have a psychosis episode and sometimes on denial.
(210) 942-0793 View (210) 942-0793

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.