Bipolar Disorder Therapists in Lodi, WI

Photo of Sarah Rosencrans Robinson, MSW, LCSW, C-DBT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sarah Rosencrans Robinson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, C-DBT
Verified Verified
Lodi, WI 53555
Positive change is possible when a person is provided the tailored support needed to draw upon their own strengths and insight. There is value in knowing and treating the whole person and I focus on the diverse set of characteristics and circumstances that can both create life challenges and be better understood to overcome personal obstacles. Skill building to clarify address mental health needs, DBT interventions, increasing confidence and self-esteem, and creating targeted SMART goals are primary elements of my practice.
Positive change is possible when a person is provided the tailored support needed to draw upon their own strengths and insight. There is value in knowing and treating the whole person and I focus on the diverse set of characteristics and circumstances that can both create life challenges and be better understood to overcome personal obstacles. Skill building to clarify address mental health needs, DBT interventions, increasing confidence and self-esteem, and creating targeted SMART goals are primary elements of my practice.
(608) 602-7207 View (608) 602-7207

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Pamela Polzer, Licensed Professional Counselor
Pamela Polzer
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
Poynette, WI 53955  (Online Only)
I have devoted the past 20 years following my passion of working with, and treating, individuals and their family members who have a severe and persistent mental illness, (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression). I am continuing my passion through the services of my outpatient practice. I believe in the dignity of the human spirit and treating all people with compassion and respect while promoting health, wellness and healing from within.
I have devoted the past 20 years following my passion of working with, and treating, individuals and their family members who have a severe and persistent mental illness, (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression). I am continuing my passion through the services of my outpatient practice. I believe in the dignity of the human spirit and treating all people with compassion and respect while promoting health, wellness and healing from within.
(608) 400-4348 View (608) 400-4348
Photo of Elizabeth Reeder, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Elizabeth Reeder
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Poynette, WI 53955
I Have been a licensed Marriage and Family therapist providing psychotherapy at Moontree Psychotherapy since 2008, although, I have been working with adults, children and families in a variety of capacities for over 15 years. I am a Humanistic-Mindfulness based psychotherapist. Whether you are seeking treatment for mental illness or need help with managing the circumstances in your life, I pay attention to all the parts of the human system ( body, mind, emotion, spirituality, relationships) and help you bring them into balance. .
I Have been a licensed Marriage and Family therapist providing psychotherapy at Moontree Psychotherapy since 2008, although, I have been working with adults, children and families in a variety of capacities for over 15 years. I am a Humanistic-Mindfulness based psychotherapist. Whether you are seeking treatment for mental illness or need help with managing the circumstances in your life, I pay attention to all the parts of the human system ( body, mind, emotion, spirituality, relationships) and help you bring them into balance. .
(608) 291-3880 View (608) 291-3880

Online Therapists

Photo of Vlatko Sagud, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Vlatko Sagud
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Greenfield, WI 53221
My focus is on providing compassionate support to teenagers and adults. I am committed to working collaboratively with you to navigate and overcome the challenges you're facing. I have experience working with patients who struggle with substance abuse disorder, general anxiety disorder, major depression disorder, PTSD, trauma-and-stressor-related disorders, schizophrenia spectrum, other psychotic disorders, bipolar and related disorders, or personality disorders (cluster A & C). My goal is to create a safe and welcoming space for your healing journey. In my therapeutic practice, I offer a welcoming space for my patients.
My focus is on providing compassionate support to teenagers and adults. I am committed to working collaboratively with you to navigate and overcome the challenges you're facing. I have experience working with patients who struggle with substance abuse disorder, general anxiety disorder, major depression disorder, PTSD, trauma-and-stressor-related disorders, schizophrenia spectrum, other psychotic disorders, bipolar and related disorders, or personality disorders (cluster A & C). My goal is to create a safe and welcoming space for your healing journey. In my therapeutic practice, I offer a welcoming space for my patients.
(414) 928-8421 View (414) 928-8421
Photo of Nicholas Salazar, MS, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Nicholas Salazar
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Glendale, WI 53209
Waitlist for new clients
I am a licensed professional counselor with experience helping patients managing depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and borderline personality disorder.
Are you feeling unsure of what to do or where to go next? Stuck in habits that have kept you safe but are wishing there may be some other way to live? If you feel like you may want to find a little bit more to enjoy out of life and to have a space to find support in putting down the weight of your day-to-day, to help learn new skills to manage stress, regulate emotions, and to explore the possibilities of a life worth living then you’ve come to the right place. Whether it's a space to talk things through, or explore new ideas, I'd be more than happy to help where I can. Currently my most common availability is every other week.
I am a licensed professional counselor with experience helping patients managing depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and borderline personality disorder.
Are you feeling unsure of what to do or where to go next? Stuck in habits that have kept you safe but are wishing there may be some other way to live? If you feel like you may want to find a little bit more to enjoy out of life and to have a space to find support in putting down the weight of your day-to-day, to help learn new skills to manage stress, regulate emotions, and to explore the possibilities of a life worth living then you’ve come to the right place. Whether it's a space to talk things through, or explore new ideas, I'd be more than happy to help where I can. Currently my most common availability is every other week.
(414) 667-6101 View (414) 667-6101
Photo of Susan M Shanks, LPC, LCPC, CAMS-II, Licensed Professional Counselor
Susan M Shanks
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LCPC, CAMS-II
Verified Verified
Monroe, WI 53566
My specialty areas include: supervising interns & post grads, anger management, domestic violence, anxiety, grief, depression, bipolar, and ADHD.
Are you looking for a therapist that you can easily relate to? Someone who is easy to talk with? I am that therapist. Having overcome much adversity in my own life, I have the capacity to truly understand clients. I offer individual, child, couples, family, pastoral, and group counseling. The techniques I use in therapy are evidence-based. These include: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Therapy, Existential Therapy, and Narrative Therapy.
My specialty areas include: supervising interns & post grads, anger management, domestic violence, anxiety, grief, depression, bipolar, and ADHD.
Are you looking for a therapist that you can easily relate to? Someone who is easy to talk with? I am that therapist. Having overcome much adversity in my own life, I have the capacity to truly understand clients. I offer individual, child, couples, family, pastoral, and group counseling. The techniques I use in therapy are evidence-based. These include: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Therapy, Existential Therapy, and Narrative Therapy.
(608) 530-0736 View (608) 530-0736
Photo of Heather Liebe, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Heather Liebe
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Milwaukee, WI 53202
I specialize in working with individuals and couples experiencing ADHD, ASD, relationship and communication struggles, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and trauma.
New clients welcome! We all have times in our lives when we feel overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, sadness, or are going through a big life change. As a therapist with over a decade of experience, I provide my clients with a safe space to work through difficulties, process their emotions and brainstorm new ways to cope. We will work together to help you feel better and achieve your goals.
I specialize in working with individuals and couples experiencing ADHD, ASD, relationship and communication struggles, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and trauma.
New clients welcome! We all have times in our lives when we feel overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, sadness, or are going through a big life change. As a therapist with over a decade of experience, I provide my clients with a safe space to work through difficulties, process their emotions and brainstorm new ways to cope. We will work together to help you feel better and achieve your goals.
(262) 233-9331 View (262) 233-9331
Photo of Jesse Baker, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jesse Baker
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Madison, WI 53705
Jesse is a Licensed Professional Counselor at The Psychology Clinic. He currently provides mental health counseling services to adults facing challenges of general anxiety, specific or social anxiety, OCD, social skills development, depression, recovery from addiction, bipolar disorder, anger management, trauma/PTSD, codependency, suicidal ideation, grief and loss, indecision, emotional dysregulation, career concerns and more.
Jesse is a Licensed Professional Counselor at The Psychology Clinic. He currently provides mental health counseling services to adults facing challenges of general anxiety, specific or social anxiety, OCD, social skills development, depression, recovery from addiction, bipolar disorder, anger management, trauma/PTSD, codependency, suicidal ideation, grief and loss, indecision, emotional dysregulation, career concerns and more.
(608) 927-5894 View (608) 927-5894
Photo of Darcy Thompson, MSW, APSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Darcy Thompson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, APSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Milwaukee, WI 53209
I have experience working with individuals with Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, CPTSD, BPD, Bipolar disorders, Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders.
Hello! I am so excited to work with you on your treatment goals. I received my Bachelors and Masters of Social Work degrees from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, where I studied and practiced Trauma-Informed care, Person-Centered treatment approaches and Solution-Focused therapies. I also have experience using Motivational Interviewing, Crisis Stabilization and Intervention, Psychodynamic Therapy, Mindfulness, and Emotion-Regulation practices.
I have experience working with individuals with Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, CPTSD, BPD, Bipolar disorders, Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders.
Hello! I am so excited to work with you on your treatment goals. I received my Bachelors and Masters of Social Work degrees from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, where I studied and practiced Trauma-Informed care, Person-Centered treatment approaches and Solution-Focused therapies. I also have experience using Motivational Interviewing, Crisis Stabilization and Intervention, Psychodynamic Therapy, Mindfulness, and Emotion-Regulation practices.
(414) 348-0043 View (414) 348-0043
Photo of Jaimie Hauch - West Grove Clinic, SC
West Grove Clinic, SC
Verified Verified
Appleton, WI 54914
Additionally, our knowledgeable prescribers are able to assist with mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, bipolar, ADHD, etc.
West Grove Clinic (WGC) offers our patients comprehensive treatment. We provide you a knowledgeable, skilled, and compassionate treatment team that works together to help provide you the best care. Additionally we do not believe in a 'cookie cutter' approach. We know everyone is unique and believe in individualized treatment. At this site we offer the following services: individual counseling and medication management.
Additionally, our knowledgeable prescribers are able to assist with mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, bipolar, ADHD, etc.
West Grove Clinic (WGC) offers our patients comprehensive treatment. We provide you a knowledgeable, skilled, and compassionate treatment team that works together to help provide you the best care. Additionally we do not believe in a 'cookie cutter' approach. We know everyone is unique and believe in individualized treatment. At this site we offer the following services: individual counseling and medication management.
(920) 259-2810 View (920) 259-2810
Photo of Diane Bast, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Diane Bast
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Brookfield, WI 53005
While this is one of my specialties, I also apply my 5 years of clinical experience working at Rogers Memorial Hospital with adults, teens and seniors in crisis to helping people who are coping with Bipolar Disorder, Adult ADD, separation and divorce, grief and loss, relationship issues and major life transitions especially midlife.
I became a Counselor in 2004 after a twenty – year career as a human resources manager. I now combine my intimate knowledge of business and the workplace with my counseling skills to help people with the stress, anxiety, depression, anger, and relationship problems they are experiencing as a result of problems on the job.
While this is one of my specialties, I also apply my 5 years of clinical experience working at Rogers Memorial Hospital with adults, teens and seniors in crisis to helping people who are coping with Bipolar Disorder, Adult ADD, separation and divorce, grief and loss, relationship issues and major life transitions especially midlife.
I became a Counselor in 2004 after a twenty – year career as a human resources manager. I now combine my intimate knowledge of business and the workplace with my counseling skills to help people with the stress, anxiety, depression, anger, and relationship problems they are experiencing as a result of problems on the job.
(262) 588-4102 View (262) 588-4102
Photo of Steven Byers, PsyD, Psychologist
Steven Byers
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Whitefish Bay, WI 53217
He has experience assessing and conducting therapy with individuals wanting to address Autism, ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, PTSD, Dementia and TBI.
Dr. Steve Byers is excited to bring his talent to our communities! He is a licensed clinical psychologist that specializes in testing and assessment, plus offers individual therapy sessions. His person centered approach assists clients in developing goal orientated recommendations that allow clients to perform at their highest ability. Dr. Byers utilizes an eclectic approach to therapy, from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to acceptance and commitment, and more in between! His sessions will guide teens and adults in becoming comfortable with regulating their emotions and dealing with life’s challenges in a healthy manner.
He has experience assessing and conducting therapy with individuals wanting to address Autism, ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, PTSD, Dementia and TBI.
Dr. Steve Byers is excited to bring his talent to our communities! He is a licensed clinical psychologist that specializes in testing and assessment, plus offers individual therapy sessions. His person centered approach assists clients in developing goal orientated recommendations that allow clients to perform at their highest ability. Dr. Byers utilizes an eclectic approach to therapy, from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to acceptance and commitment, and more in between! His sessions will guide teens and adults in becoming comfortable with regulating their emotions and dealing with life’s challenges in a healthy manner.
(414) 296-6783 View (414) 296-6783
Photo of Kevin Wahl, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kevin Wahl
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Milwaukee, WI 53207
Kevin is a DSW in Clinical Social Work, LPC, and CSAC who provides mental health therapy services to adults. His practice is LGBT friendly and promotes racial and ethnic equality. He has experience working with different diagnoses, ranging from anxiety, depression, and substance use concerns. Kevin welcomes people who have persistent mental health concerns Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, Psychosis, and ASD. Kevin uses Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Kohutian Self Psychology, and Functional Analytic Psychotherapy FAP for adults with spectrum disorders.
Kevin is a DSW in Clinical Social Work, LPC, and CSAC who provides mental health therapy services to adults. His practice is LGBT friendly and promotes racial and ethnic equality. He has experience working with different diagnoses, ranging from anxiety, depression, and substance use concerns. Kevin welcomes people who have persistent mental health concerns Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, Psychosis, and ASD. Kevin uses Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Kohutian Self Psychology, and Functional Analytic Psychotherapy FAP for adults with spectrum disorders.
(414) 928-2325 View (414) 928-2325
Photo of Gary Probst - Wisconsin Mental Health Alliance, PsyD, Licensed Professional Counselor
Wisconsin Mental Health Alliance
Licensed Professional Counselor, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Milwaukee, WI 53224
Autism, Anxiety, Depression, Mood Disorders. Our group has specialization in helping people with Level One and Level Two Autism, bipolar disorders, generalized anxiety and major depressive disorders. We also have a sports performance counselor. We seek solutions for people and are not just professional visitors. You come to us for answers. Within our group, we shall find solutions. Without solutions, you have a lesser chance of improving and being happy. Let us help.
Autism, Anxiety, Depression, Mood Disorders. Our group has specialization in helping people with Level One and Level Two Autism, bipolar disorders, generalized anxiety and major depressive disorders. We also have a sports performance counselor. We seek solutions for people and are not just professional visitors. You come to us for answers. Within our group, we shall find solutions. Without solutions, you have a lesser chance of improving and being happy. Let us help.
(262) 214-5722 View (262) 214-5722
Photo of Dr. Jessica Brooks, PhD, Psychologist
Dr. Jessica Brooks
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Milwaukee, WI 53214
Feeling like others don’t get you, or that you can’t be successful or happy is stressful and can interfere with your quality of life. I can help you to work on your relationships and other important life goals while still being true to yourself. I specialize in providing affirming therapy for neurodiverse adults and people with chronic illness and/or disabilities, including ADHD, OCD, ASD, recurrent pain, general anxiety, social anxiety, persistent depression, bipolar disorders, trauma, and psychosis. Together, we can help you to adjust to a diagnosis, heal from being misunderstood, reframe your strengths, and plan for your future.
Feeling like others don’t get you, or that you can’t be successful or happy is stressful and can interfere with your quality of life. I can help you to work on your relationships and other important life goals while still being true to yourself. I specialize in providing affirming therapy for neurodiverse adults and people with chronic illness and/or disabilities, including ADHD, OCD, ASD, recurrent pain, general anxiety, social anxiety, persistent depression, bipolar disorders, trauma, and psychosis. Together, we can help you to adjust to a diagnosis, heal from being misunderstood, reframe your strengths, and plan for your future.
(608) 999-4635 View (608) 999-4635
Photo of Jolin Mitchel, LPC, CRC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jolin Mitchel
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CRC
Verified Verified
Middleton, WI 53562
I can assist with depression, bipolar, anxiety, trauma, psychosis, disability, life transitions, relationship issues, identity issues, and more. My educational background includes the study of rehabilitation psychology and gender & sexuality studies.
I can assist with depression, bipolar, anxiety, trauma, psychosis, disability, life transitions, relationship issues, identity issues, and more. My educational background includes the study of rehabilitation psychology and gender & sexuality studies.
(608) 405-6388 View (608) 405-6388
Photo of Jacqueline Niccolai, LPC , Licensed Professional Counselor
Jacqueline Niccolai
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Milwaukee, WI 53215  (Online Only)
Hello! I’m so glad you’re here! My name is Jacqueline Niccolai, LPC, but I go by Jackie. Getting started with therapy is the most important part of bettering your mental health! I specialize in PTSD, trauma, personality disorders, and bipolar disorder. I use a lot of really awesome modalities in therapy that I’ve learned in advanced training helping people overcome their mental health obstacles. I’m looking forward to meeting you! I keep it real. I don’t think a “professional tone” helps clients feel relaxed. I want to meet you right where you are.
Hello! I’m so glad you’re here! My name is Jacqueline Niccolai, LPC, but I go by Jackie. Getting started with therapy is the most important part of bettering your mental health! I specialize in PTSD, trauma, personality disorders, and bipolar disorder. I use a lot of really awesome modalities in therapy that I’ve learned in advanced training helping people overcome their mental health obstacles. I’m looking forward to meeting you! I keep it real. I don’t think a “professional tone” helps clients feel relaxed. I want to meet you right where you are.
(323) 643-8569 View (323) 643-8569
Photo of Veronica Sosa Ms Lpc, MS, PPS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Veronica Sosa Ms Lpc
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, PPS, LPC
Verified Verified
Waukesha, WI 53188  (Online Only)
Founder and CEO of LifeStriders. Clinical Supervisor for over 15 years, DEI certified. I am experienced in: Abuse & Trauma, Anger Management, ADD/ADHD, Children/Teen Issues,Career Counseling/Job Loss,Couples/Marriage & Relationship Enhancement,Depression, Diabetes, Bipolar Disorder, Postpartum Depression, Domestic Violence,Parenting & Constructive Discipline,Grief,Low Self Esteem,Parenting Children with Special Needs, Reactive Attachment Disorder/Adoption,School Issues/ Behavior Problems/ IEP's, Anxiety/ Panic Disorder, PTSD, Social Anxiety,Stress Management,Veterans Post-War Anxiety/Depression & Re-adjustment. DE&I certified
Founder and CEO of LifeStriders. Clinical Supervisor for over 15 years, DEI certified. I am experienced in: Abuse & Trauma, Anger Management, ADD/ADHD, Children/Teen Issues,Career Counseling/Job Loss,Couples/Marriage & Relationship Enhancement,Depression, Diabetes, Bipolar Disorder, Postpartum Depression, Domestic Violence,Parenting & Constructive Discipline,Grief,Low Self Esteem,Parenting Children with Special Needs, Reactive Attachment Disorder/Adoption,School Issues/ Behavior Problems/ IEP's, Anxiety/ Panic Disorder, PTSD, Social Anxiety,Stress Management,Veterans Post-War Anxiety/Depression & Re-adjustment. DE&I certified
(262) 563-2981 View (262) 563-2981
Photo of Nicholas Salazar, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Nicholas Salazar
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Glendale, WI 53209
Nico Salazar (whose current availability is every other week) is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Wisconsin who has been practicing since 2021. He graduated from Marquette University. Nico aims to help clients by offering a validating and warm space to share their challenges and take the time to work together to develop a plan. He utilizes evidenced-based approaches and skills from CBT and DBT to find a path forward and allow clients to break out of old unhelpful habits. Nico has experience working with patients struggling with Eating Disorders, Depression, Bipolar Disorders, Anxiety, and Borderline Personality Disorder.
Nico Salazar (whose current availability is every other week) is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Wisconsin who has been practicing since 2021. He graduated from Marquette University. Nico aims to help clients by offering a validating and warm space to share their challenges and take the time to work together to develop a plan. He utilizes evidenced-based approaches and skills from CBT and DBT to find a path forward and allow clients to break out of old unhelpful habits. Nico has experience working with patients struggling with Eating Disorders, Depression, Bipolar Disorders, Anxiety, and Borderline Personality Disorder.
(414) 441-6586 View (414) 441-6586
Photo of Kathi Hennessey, LICSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kathi Hennessey
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
14 Endorsed
Menasha, WI 54952
Seeing clients in person in Menasha WI only. All other clients are seen via teletherapy. Many people need help through the rough patches in life, while others struggle every day with a mental illness. With empathy and acceptance, I will meet you at your current level of distress, addressing your concerns, and taking into account biopsychosocial factors contributing to your discomfort. Specialties include ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar, Blended Families, Couples, Depression, Divorce, Family Conflict, Mood Disorders, Parenting, and Work/Career Stress. I work with adults, elders, and couples.
Seeing clients in person in Menasha WI only. All other clients are seen via teletherapy. Many people need help through the rough patches in life, while others struggle every day with a mental illness. With empathy and acceptance, I will meet you at your current level of distress, addressing your concerns, and taking into account biopsychosocial factors contributing to your discomfort. Specialties include ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar, Blended Families, Couples, Depression, Divorce, Family Conflict, Mood Disorders, Parenting, and Work/Career Stress. I work with adults, elders, and couples.
(508) 290-4982 View (508) 290-4982

See more therapy options for Lodi

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.