Bipolar Disorder Therapists in Oakland, CA

Photo of Alisa Birgy, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Alisa Birgy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610
I am a change oriented therapist and would like to support you in finding new solutions to old problems. I am part of a group practice that provides individual and group DBT, and I have experience working with addiction/alcoholism, trauma, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and psychosis. My other passion is parenting and pregnancy as I ran a parenting program for 12 years. I understand the stresses facing parents with young children, and will provide a trusting relationship where you can develop skills and experience more joy in parenting.
I am a change oriented therapist and would like to support you in finding new solutions to old problems. I am part of a group practice that provides individual and group DBT, and I have experience working with addiction/alcoholism, trauma, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and psychosis. My other passion is parenting and pregnancy as I ran a parenting program for 12 years. I understand the stresses facing parents with young children, and will provide a trusting relationship where you can develop skills and experience more joy in parenting.
(415) 663-5488 View (415) 663-5488
Photo of Sage Barrett, MSW, ASW
Sage Barrett
Associate Clinical Social Worker, MSW, ASW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I also specialize in areas such as LGBTQ+ and gender identity and co-occurring conditions like depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
Are you (potentially) neurodivergent and feeling exhausted by daily life? Whether it’s autism, ADHD, auDHD, or something else, you may be wondering why others effortlessly complete tasks while you struggle to catch up. Maybe you’re grieving past experiences and the life you could have had, thinking you wouldn’t feel so lonely or burnt out if you had just figured it out sooner. You are not alone. I’m a neurodivergent therapist, and together we’ll build a personalized toolkit for you to find peace, make friends, and live authentically.
I also specialize in areas such as LGBTQ+ and gender identity and co-occurring conditions like depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
Are you (potentially) neurodivergent and feeling exhausted by daily life? Whether it’s autism, ADHD, auDHD, or something else, you may be wondering why others effortlessly complete tasks while you struggle to catch up. Maybe you’re grieving past experiences and the life you could have had, thinking you wouldn’t feel so lonely or burnt out if you had just figured it out sooner. You are not alone. I’m a neurodivergent therapist, and together we’ll build a personalized toolkit for you to find peace, make friends, and live authentically.
(707) 596-9696 View (707) 596-9696
Photo of Gigi Pagani, PsyD, Psychologist
Gigi Pagani
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618
My specialties are 1) bipolar disorder and creativity; If you are an artist of any persuasion with a bipolar diagnosis, I will help you to balance your creative and mental health needs 2) Play therapy for children ages 3-11, which permits the working through of challenges through imaginative play 3) Grief work for children coping with the loss of a caregiver.
Are you or your child unhappy, anxious, angry, or grieving? Perhaps you are adjusting to a bipolar diagnosis, recovering from trauma, struggling in relationships, seeking personal growth, or discovering your identity. Adults, couples, and children are all welcome in my practice! Together, we will consider the complexity of who and how you are—your unique combination of life experiences, temperament, culture, relationships, and more. In exploring formative experiences and present-day struggles and strengths, we will discover and address what is interfering with you having the life you desire.
My specialties are 1) bipolar disorder and creativity; If you are an artist of any persuasion with a bipolar diagnosis, I will help you to balance your creative and mental health needs 2) Play therapy for children ages 3-11, which permits the working through of challenges through imaginative play 3) Grief work for children coping with the loss of a caregiver.
Are you or your child unhappy, anxious, angry, or grieving? Perhaps you are adjusting to a bipolar diagnosis, recovering from trauma, struggling in relationships, seeking personal growth, or discovering your identity. Adults, couples, and children are all welcome in my practice! Together, we will consider the complexity of who and how you are—your unique combination of life experiences, temperament, culture, relationships, and more. In exploring formative experiences and present-day struggles and strengths, we will discover and address what is interfering with you having the life you desire.
(415) 300-2099 View (415) 300-2099
Photo of David A Donovan, PhD, Psychologist
David A Donovan
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Online Only
Currently a Teaching Professor at UCSF, offering medical students, residents & fellows evidence based treatments for bipolar disorder, anxiety, and addictions.
Are you a man with problems at work, or your relationships? Do you want things to be different? Then you must do things differently. Usually we solve problems by our efforts, or with the support of friends and family. That is often best. Other times, professional guidance is required. If you want an experienced psychologist who is well informed, practical, compassionate, and collaborative, consider working with me. I am ready to help you help yourself. Just email to arrange a phone consultation without cost or obligation. Please note: I provide online therapy to California men only.
Currently a Teaching Professor at UCSF, offering medical students, residents & fellows evidence based treatments for bipolar disorder, anxiety, and addictions.
Are you a man with problems at work, or your relationships? Do you want things to be different? Then you must do things differently. Usually we solve problems by our efforts, or with the support of friends and family. That is often best. Other times, professional guidance is required. If you want an experienced psychologist who is well informed, practical, compassionate, and collaborative, consider working with me. I am ready to help you help yourself. Just email to arrange a phone consultation without cost or obligation. Please note: I provide online therapy to California men only.
(415) 802-0119 View (415) 802-0119
Photo of Lana Cohen, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Lana Cohen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
You're feeling depressed, isolated, frustrated and angry with the state of the world. And yet you're still expected to keep up with overwhelming pressures and demands of day to day life. It can feel impossible. All this stress can cause us to lose sight of what’s important and end up stuck in the same unhelpful patterns in our work, our relationships, and our own thoughts. But it doesn't have to be this way. What if you could get back in touch with your hopes, dreams, and desires? I work with clients struggling with bipolar disorder or depression, job and career stress, loneliness, and relationship conflicts.
You're feeling depressed, isolated, frustrated and angry with the state of the world. And yet you're still expected to keep up with overwhelming pressures and demands of day to day life. It can feel impossible. All this stress can cause us to lose sight of what’s important and end up stuck in the same unhelpful patterns in our work, our relationships, and our own thoughts. But it doesn't have to be this way. What if you could get back in touch with your hopes, dreams, and desires? I work with clients struggling with bipolar disorder or depression, job and career stress, loneliness, and relationship conflicts.
(747) 269-6061 View (747) 269-6061
Photo of Lisette R Lahana, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lisette R Lahana
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Online Only
Welcome! In our work together I provide a safe place to address your concerns from a holistic perspective. I acknowledge the experiences you've had & support your journey toward healing.With 25+ yrs of experience as a therapist, I specialize in mood conditions like anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder. I also have expertise in therapy for LGBTQIA people. Whether it's navigating identity or focusing on other essential aspects of your life such as relationships, work stress or career changes, I'm here to help. Licensed in California & Registered to practice online in Florida.
Welcome! In our work together I provide a safe place to address your concerns from a holistic perspective. I acknowledge the experiences you've had & support your journey toward healing.With 25+ yrs of experience as a therapist, I specialize in mood conditions like anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder. I also have expertise in therapy for LGBTQIA people. Whether it's navigating identity or focusing on other essential aspects of your life such as relationships, work stress or career changes, I'm here to help. Licensed in California & Registered to practice online in Florida.
(707) 596-9696 View (707) 596-9696
Photo of Sholonda C Jackson-Jasper, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sholonda C Jackson-Jasper
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Our practice is built on compassion, curiosity, and open, honest communication. We create a safe space where clients feel heard, respected, and valued, making it possible to explore sensitive issues with love and understanding. With a background enriched by diverse professional and life experiences, we offer insights and interventions that resonate with a broad spectrum of clients, including ethnically and culturally diverse older adults, veterans, youth, and adult re-entry offenders, as well as those grappling with symptoms associated with bipolar disorder, anxiety, stress, and trauma. “Book with me now by clicking on my website
Our practice is built on compassion, curiosity, and open, honest communication. We create a safe space where clients feel heard, respected, and valued, making it possible to explore sensitive issues with love and understanding. With a background enriched by diverse professional and life experiences, we offer insights and interventions that resonate with a broad spectrum of clients, including ethnically and culturally diverse older adults, veterans, youth, and adult re-entry offenders, as well as those grappling with symptoms associated with bipolar disorder, anxiety, stress, and trauma. “Book with me now by clicking on my website
(510) 573-7092 View (510) 573-7092
Photo of Christina Sanchez, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Christina Sanchez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611
I specialize in working with ADHD, Anger Management, Autism or Asperger's Syndrome, Bipolar Disorder, Chronic Pain, Coping Skills, Dual Diagnosis, Gender Identity, Grief, LGBTQIA+, self-esteem, Self-Harming, Sex Therapy, Sexual Orientation, Spirituality, Substance Use, Suicidal Ideation, and Transgender Issues.
You are the expert in your experience. I am an expert at methods, tools, mechanisms, tips, and tricks, to empower you. I am a person just like you, and I believe everything you need is accessible, and we can find those answers, together. I am all things queer positive including consensual non-monogamy, BDSM, pansexuality, blended families, and "non-traditional," relationship dynamics and family formations.
I specialize in working with ADHD, Anger Management, Autism or Asperger's Syndrome, Bipolar Disorder, Chronic Pain, Coping Skills, Dual Diagnosis, Gender Identity, Grief, LGBTQIA+, self-esteem, Self-Harming, Sex Therapy, Sexual Orientation, Spirituality, Substance Use, Suicidal Ideation, and Transgender Issues.
You are the expert in your experience. I am an expert at methods, tools, mechanisms, tips, and tricks, to empower you. I am a person just like you, and I believe everything you need is accessible, and we can find those answers, together. I am all things queer positive including consensual non-monogamy, BDSM, pansexuality, blended families, and "non-traditional," relationship dynamics and family formations.
(323) 643-8569 View (323) 643-8569
Photo of Tim Henry, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Tim Henry
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609
I have 16 years of experience helping clients with relationship issues, depression, anxiety, life transitions, divorce, boundary issues, parental challenges, grief, trauma, chronic pain, & Bipolar Disorder.
Who is driving you crazy? Your partner, your boss, your teacher, your mother? Are you feeling overwhelmed, trapped, unsatisfied? Would you like to be more assertive, establish stronger boundaries & have more satisfying relationships? Would you like to remove obstacles that are preventing you from achieving your dreams? I want to help you develop life-long patterns to sustain a richer, more gratifying life. I specialize in working with adults going through transitions relating to work, school & relationships. I love working with intelligent, creative, motivated & insightful clients.
I have 16 years of experience helping clients with relationship issues, depression, anxiety, life transitions, divorce, boundary issues, parental challenges, grief, trauma, chronic pain, & Bipolar Disorder.
Who is driving you crazy? Your partner, your boss, your teacher, your mother? Are you feeling overwhelmed, trapped, unsatisfied? Would you like to be more assertive, establish stronger boundaries & have more satisfying relationships? Would you like to remove obstacles that are preventing you from achieving your dreams? I want to help you develop life-long patterns to sustain a richer, more gratifying life. I specialize in working with adults going through transitions relating to work, school & relationships. I love working with intelligent, creative, motivated & insightful clients.
(510) 878-4379 View (510) 878-4379
Photo of Maria Hernandez, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Maria Hernandez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94601
Throughout my nine years of experience, I have dealt with different diagnosis, including Depression, Anxiety, bipolar, and adjustment disorder, among others.
I am excited that you are here today. My primary job as a psychotherapist is to assist others in managing issues in life. I enjoy helping others; I like providing the right tools to individuals in order to allow them to see their potential in life; to see them make progress towards their goals. However, this is not my only role in life. I am also a friend, partner, and step-parent who plays a role in who I am today and my personality. I believe my personality is very welcoming to others.
Throughout my nine years of experience, I have dealt with different diagnosis, including Depression, Anxiety, bipolar, and adjustment disorder, among others.
I am excited that you are here today. My primary job as a psychotherapist is to assist others in managing issues in life. I enjoy helping others; I like providing the right tools to individuals in order to allow them to see their potential in life; to see them make progress towards their goals. However, this is not my only role in life. I am also a friend, partner, and step-parent who plays a role in who I am today and my personality. I believe my personality is very welcoming to others.
(510) 907-7157 View (510) 907-7157
Photo of Kelly Albrecht, ASW, Pre-Licensed Professional
Kelly Albrecht
Pre-Licensed Professional, ASW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609
With expertise in substance use disorder, ADHD, bipolar and personality disorders, my holistic approach to therapy prioritizes safety and healing, with trauma-informed care.
Are you struggling to process depression, anxiety, relationship/family issues, and trauma? These emotional ruptures can cause major disruptions in our lives. The work to process these types of life events is multifaceted, and I can help you identify your feelings and potential relational patterns, build tolerance and acceptance around challenging ones, and set meaningful goals. In order to do so, I utilize various therapeutic approaches consisting of ACT, CBT, IFS, and Problem Solving Therapy and somatic interventions.
With expertise in substance use disorder, ADHD, bipolar and personality disorders, my holistic approach to therapy prioritizes safety and healing, with trauma-informed care.
Are you struggling to process depression, anxiety, relationship/family issues, and trauma? These emotional ruptures can cause major disruptions in our lives. The work to process these types of life events is multifaceted, and I can help you identify your feelings and potential relational patterns, build tolerance and acceptance around challenging ones, and set meaningful goals. In order to do so, I utilize various therapeutic approaches consisting of ACT, CBT, IFS, and Problem Solving Therapy and somatic interventions.
(415) 855-7073 View (415) 855-7073
Photo of Will Hall, MA, DiplPW
Will Hall
MA, DiplPW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610
I work with trauma and extreme states of consciousness, including alternatives for bipolar, schizophrenia, psychosis, medication, diagnosis, and family domestic violence.
My work as a therapist is to help individuals, couples, and families access new resources behind emotional struggles and life problems. I am trained in Jungian and Open Dialogue approaches and am a lifelong learner of the work of R.D. Laing. I am recognized internationally for my advocacy and training work in the psychiatric survivors movement and as a leader for new social responses to what gets called madness and psychosis. I see suffering, including what gets called psychosis, from outside the narrow mechanistic science, diagnostic label, and medication views.
I work with trauma and extreme states of consciousness, including alternatives for bipolar, schizophrenia, psychosis, medication, diagnosis, and family domestic violence.
My work as a therapist is to help individuals, couples, and families access new resources behind emotional struggles and life problems. I am trained in Jungian and Open Dialogue approaches and am a lifelong learner of the work of R.D. Laing. I am recognized internationally for my advocacy and training work in the psychiatric survivors movement and as a leader for new social responses to what gets called madness and psychosis. I see suffering, including what gets called psychosis, from outside the narrow mechanistic science, diagnostic label, and medication views.
(510) 990-9767 View (510) 990-9767
Photo of Shenae Brown, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Shenae Brown
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94619
I have experience treating issues related to depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use disorders, bipolar, personality disorders, interpersonal violence, grief and loss, culture, cultural and systemic oppression, family or origin, and life purpose.
I am client-centered, compassionate, empathetic, hopeful and believe we all need help and support during life. I believe it's important to have a working and collaborative professional therapeutic relationship.
I have experience treating issues related to depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use disorders, bipolar, personality disorders, interpersonal violence, grief and loss, culture, cultural and systemic oppression, family or origin, and life purpose.
I am client-centered, compassionate, empathetic, hopeful and believe we all need help and support during life. I believe it's important to have a working and collaborative professional therapeutic relationship.
(323) 794-0939 View (323) 794-0939
Photo of Gabriella Kamara- Creative Therapist, MA, APCC, NCC, Pre-Licensed Professional
Gabriella Kamara- Creative Therapist
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, APCC, NCC
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618
My areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, dissociation, mood disorders, highly sensitive people, bipolar spectrum, trauma, ADHD, neurodiversity, working with artists and creatives, CPTSD, substance abuse, all ages, harm reduction and education.
Being constantly in the trenches with your mental health without the right help, knowledge, or support can feel like a helpless battle. Using an integrative, creative and direct approach to therapy, my work aims to meet you in the darkness; rolling up my sleeves and joining you in the mud. Together, we will work together to get you free of the hole you find yourself in. As a therapist, I am known for both my compassionate wisdom and ability to get directly to the heart of the struggle- helping guide you towards your goals and dreams. Using a combination of top down and bottom up approaches, we will work together to find healing.
My areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, dissociation, mood disorders, highly sensitive people, bipolar spectrum, trauma, ADHD, neurodiversity, working with artists and creatives, CPTSD, substance abuse, all ages, harm reduction and education.
Being constantly in the trenches with your mental health without the right help, knowledge, or support can feel like a helpless battle. Using an integrative, creative and direct approach to therapy, my work aims to meet you in the darkness; rolling up my sleeves and joining you in the mud. Together, we will work together to get you free of the hole you find yourself in. As a therapist, I am known for both my compassionate wisdom and ability to get directly to the heart of the struggle- helping guide you towards your goals and dreams. Using a combination of top down and bottom up approaches, we will work together to find healing.
(213) 466-1480 View (213) 466-1480
Photo of Elysa Thangchaipinyokul, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Elysa Thangchaipinyokul
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611
Hello! My name is Elysa Thangchaipinyokul and I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Southern California. I attended the University of Southern California and graduated in 2010 with my Master of Social Work (MSW) Degree. I've worked in mental health for over 10 years providing psychotherapy primarily to adults and older adults. My primary expertise has been working with clients who are dealing with mood disorders ( Bipolar, Depression & Anxiety). I also have worked with clients dealing with grief, trauma, and life transitions/adjustments.
Hello! My name is Elysa Thangchaipinyokul and I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Southern California. I attended the University of Southern California and graduated in 2010 with my Master of Social Work (MSW) Degree. I've worked in mental health for over 10 years providing psychotherapy primarily to adults and older adults. My primary expertise has been working with clients who are dealing with mood disorders ( Bipolar, Depression & Anxiety). I also have worked with clients dealing with grief, trauma, and life transitions/adjustments.
(661) 320-8709 View (661) 320-8709
Photo of Marie Sangel, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Marie Sangel
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Online Only
My specialty areas are anxiety, depression, eating disorders, OCD, ADHD, Bipolar and personality disorders, trauma, and relationship challenges.
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist (Lic 134468) who treats adolescents, adults, couples, and families. I specialize in treating Eating Disorders and the most common co-occurring disorders such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, and Borderline Personality Disorder. My therapeutic approach can be described as collaborative, educational, and solution-focused. I utilize various theoretical approaches depending on the needs of each individual. Techniques such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy provide coping strategies to manage and decrease negative thoughts and physical reactions.
My specialty areas are anxiety, depression, eating disorders, OCD, ADHD, Bipolar and personality disorders, trauma, and relationship challenges.
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist (Lic 134468) who treats adolescents, adults, couples, and families. I specialize in treating Eating Disorders and the most common co-occurring disorders such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, and Borderline Personality Disorder. My therapeutic approach can be described as collaborative, educational, and solution-focused. I utilize various theoretical approaches depending on the needs of each individual. Techniques such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy provide coping strategies to manage and decrease negative thoughts and physical reactions.
(323) 643-8569 View (323) 643-8569
Photo of Hayley Howard, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Hayley Howard
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94605
Hi! My name is Hayley Howard, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. I work primarily with adults with anxiety, and depression, and throughout various life transitions via modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Integrated/Holistic Health. In my experience thus far as a therapist, I have found a deep connection to adult clients that are motivated to address various mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and life transitions.
Hi! My name is Hayley Howard, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. I work primarily with adults with anxiety, and depression, and throughout various life transitions via modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Integrated/Holistic Health. In my experience thus far as a therapist, I have found a deep connection to adult clients that are motivated to address various mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and life transitions.
(213) 320-6904 View (213) 320-6904
Photo of Rachel Trott, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Rachel Trott
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
Everyone deserves the time and space to lay down their worries, their fears, their past, their pain—and especially their hopes for the future and the change they want to see in their lives. My job is to provide that time and space to my clients, listening attentively, non-judgmentally and empathetically. Once we’ve settled into that space, we can work together to identify your goals and work to achieve them. I am experienced in working with adults and teens with depression, anxiety, bipolar, PTSD and trauma, mood and thought disorders, substance use, grief, major life transitions and self-esteem. If you're ready, I'm here for you.
Everyone deserves the time and space to lay down their worries, their fears, their past, their pain—and especially their hopes for the future and the change they want to see in their lives. My job is to provide that time and space to my clients, listening attentively, non-judgmentally and empathetically. Once we’ve settled into that space, we can work together to identify your goals and work to achieve them. I am experienced in working with adults and teens with depression, anxiety, bipolar, PTSD and trauma, mood and thought disorders, substance use, grief, major life transitions and self-esteem. If you're ready, I'm here for you.
(707) 883-1246 View (707) 883-1246
Photo of Tandra Froehlich Childress - Art Therapy and EMDR, Stress, Trauma, and Anxiety, MA, ATR, LMFT, Art Therapist
Art Therapy and EMDR, Stress, Trauma, and Anxiety
Art Therapist, MA, ATR, LMFT
Verified Verified
Serves Area
I create a safe holding space where people can deeply explore what is blocking them from enjoying their lives to the fullest. I focus on authentic connection and empathy to build trusting therapeudic relationships. I enjoy working with teens, young adults, and adults. If you are struggling to recover from DID, complex trauma, single traumas, low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, or bipolar disorder, I am here to help.
I create a safe holding space where people can deeply explore what is blocking them from enjoying their lives to the fullest. I focus on authentic connection and empathy to build trusting therapeudic relationships. I enjoy working with teens, young adults, and adults. If you are struggling to recover from DID, complex trauma, single traumas, low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, or bipolar disorder, I am here to help.
(415) 562-0416 View (415) 562-0416
Photo of Justin Weber, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Justin Weber
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Serves Area
I've been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for the past 14 years and love what I do. I approach all my clients with empathy and compassion whatever reason they are seeking therapy. I have been trained specifically to work with couples, relationships, and individuals suffering from addiction, substance abuse, anxiety, depression, Bipolar, PTSD, infidelity, and grief. I want my clients to achieve results including greater independence, symptom reduction, and general quality of life. My approach to therapy is eclectic and depending what are your core issues you bring in.
I've been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for the past 14 years and love what I do. I approach all my clients with empathy and compassion whatever reason they are seeking therapy. I have been trained specifically to work with couples, relationships, and individuals suffering from addiction, substance abuse, anxiety, depression, Bipolar, PTSD, infidelity, and grief. I want my clients to achieve results including greater independence, symptom reduction, and general quality of life. My approach to therapy is eclectic and depending what are your core issues you bring in.
(949) 649-2546 View (949) 649-2546
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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.