Bipolar Disorder Therapists in Santa Monica, CA

Photo of Chris Marrero, Psychologist in Santa Monica, CA
Chris Marrero
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Hello. Thanks for visiting my page. I am the founder of Marrero Psychology, Santa Monica's premier holistic mental healthcare clinic specializing in addressing the needs of professionals and students. My areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. My clients experience relief from symptoms in addition to higher self-esteem, better sleep, stronger relationships, greater focus, and more satisfaction at work or school. I am passionate about helping people reach their goals and bring greater happiness and mental health into their lives.
Hello. Thanks for visiting my page. I am the founder of Marrero Psychology, Santa Monica's premier holistic mental healthcare clinic specializing in addressing the needs of professionals and students. My areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. My clients experience relief from symptoms in addition to higher self-esteem, better sleep, stronger relationships, greater focus, and more satisfaction at work or school. I am passionate about helping people reach their goals and bring greater happiness and mental health into their lives.
(424) 375-6014 View (424) 375-6014
Photo of Sara Vicendese & Associates , Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
Sara Vicendese & Associates
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90404
At UCLA, I was trained in the clinical assessment of mood disorders (specializing in bipolar disorder) and Exposure with Response Prevention (ERP) for severe anxiety disorders.
Are you experiencing feelings of anxiety or depression? Is your mood affecting your relationships or career? Sometimes life's challenges become difficult to overcome alone. I offer free phone consultations to see if my practice might be the right fit for your needs. I have diverse training and experience working with adults, adolescents, couples and families. While there are no guarantees of what you will experience, therapy has shown significant benefits for most people who go through it. And being here, on this site, is an important first step.
At UCLA, I was trained in the clinical assessment of mood disorders (specializing in bipolar disorder) and Exposure with Response Prevention (ERP) for severe anxiety disorders.
Are you experiencing feelings of anxiety or depression? Is your mood affecting your relationships or career? Sometimes life's challenges become difficult to overcome alone. I offer free phone consultations to see if my practice might be the right fit for your needs. I have diverse training and experience working with adults, adolescents, couples and families. While there are no guarantees of what you will experience, therapy has shown significant benefits for most people who go through it. And being here, on this site, is an important first step.
(310) 504-1898 View (310) 504-1898
Photo of Dr. Alan E Clark, Psychologist in Santa Monica, CA
Dr. Alan E Clark
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90404  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 35 years of private practice experience. I trained within APA-accredited doctoral programs and internship programs. I am licensed to practice psychology in both California and Colorado. I specialize in treating couples and individual adults presenting with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, grief, substance abuse, and relational conflict and dissatisfaction. I am trained in psycho-dynamic psychotherapy, but I also apply cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, and interpersonal psychotherapy techniques to address the best methods for each individual and his or her issues and needs.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 35 years of private practice experience. I trained within APA-accredited doctoral programs and internship programs. I am licensed to practice psychology in both California and Colorado. I specialize in treating couples and individual adults presenting with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, grief, substance abuse, and relational conflict and dissatisfaction. I am trained in psycho-dynamic psychotherapy, but I also apply cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, and interpersonal psychotherapy techniques to address the best methods for each individual and his or her issues and needs.
(310) 660-7462 View (310) 660-7462
Photo of Theresa Hoey, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
Theresa Hoey
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90404
I am a therapist with years of experience helping people overcome the challenges of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, psychosis, OCD, and more. Through evidenced-based therapies and a compassionate approach, I work with patients to develop effective coping strategies, learn their strengths, and build resilience. I aim to mirror the goodness that is already within you to help you achieve a more fulfilling life. Although I have experience with many different psychiatric conditions, in private practice I focus on patients and their struggles with anxiety, depression, bipolar, OCD, PTSD, and relationship issues.
I am a therapist with years of experience helping people overcome the challenges of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, psychosis, OCD, and more. Through evidenced-based therapies and a compassionate approach, I work with patients to develop effective coping strategies, learn their strengths, and build resilience. I aim to mirror the goodness that is already within you to help you achieve a more fulfilling life. Although I have experience with many different psychiatric conditions, in private practice I focus on patients and their struggles with anxiety, depression, bipolar, OCD, PTSD, and relationship issues.
(424) 955-3507 View (424) 955-3507
Photo of Bram Conley, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
Bram Conley
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403  (Online Only)
My experience with treating major psychiatric disorders and substance abuse allows me to help clients with bipolar disorder, major depression, schizophrenia, and anxiety disorders such as OCD, panic disorder and generalized anxiety. In addition to providing treatment for these types of problems, I have experience working with the families of adults and adolescents who are experiencing serious psychiatric problems.
My experience with treating major psychiatric disorders and substance abuse allows me to help clients with bipolar disorder, major depression, schizophrenia, and anxiety disorders such as OCD, panic disorder and generalized anxiety. In addition to providing treatment for these types of problems, I have experience working with the families of adults and adolescents who are experiencing serious psychiatric problems.
(424) 343-1715 View (424) 343-1715
Photo of Natalie David, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
Natalie David
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90404
In those years, I have addressed issues such as trauma, depression, anxiety, drug abuse, self harm, suicide, OCD, bipolar, anger issues, and family conflict, low self esteem, and identity crisis.
I am incredibly passionate about psychotherapy, and not only that, I believe in it with all my heart. I value the individuality of each and every one of my clients, and I believe the relationship we form is the basis for real change and growth. I am committed to understanding my clients very deeply, and in helping them understand themselves. In addition to gaining insight and awareness, I encourage clients to utilize skills and implement change to help them live life to their fullest. I give 100% of my effort, attention, and focus on my clients to provide the best care needed.
In those years, I have addressed issues such as trauma, depression, anxiety, drug abuse, self harm, suicide, OCD, bipolar, anger issues, and family conflict, low self esteem, and identity crisis.
I am incredibly passionate about psychotherapy, and not only that, I believe in it with all my heart. I value the individuality of each and every one of my clients, and I believe the relationship we form is the basis for real change and growth. I am committed to understanding my clients very deeply, and in helping them understand themselves. In addition to gaining insight and awareness, I encourage clients to utilize skills and implement change to help them live life to their fullest. I give 100% of my effort, attention, and focus on my clients to provide the best care needed.
(310) 929-6240 View (310) 929-6240
Photo of Brandy Ziriax, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
Brandy Ziriax
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90401
I’ve gained flexibility and knowledge working with many different populations and different issues, including anxiety, bipolar disorder, and depression, as well as family conflict and relationship issues.
Asking for help is hard. However, once you take that first step, it can be life-changing. Anything is possible by learning practical communication skills and building a positive self-view. My approach prioritizes my client’s needs and input to help them help themselves. I hold degrees in psychology and Biology, which provide an awareness and understanding of biological, chemical, and psychological intersections for mental health treatment.
I’ve gained flexibility and knowledge working with many different populations and different issues, including anxiety, bipolar disorder, and depression, as well as family conflict and relationship issues.
Asking for help is hard. However, once you take that first step, it can be life-changing. Anything is possible by learning practical communication skills and building a positive self-view. My approach prioritizes my client’s needs and input to help them help themselves. I hold degrees in psychology and Biology, which provide an awareness and understanding of biological, chemical, and psychological intersections for mental health treatment.
(424) 378-3715 View (424) 378-3715
Photo of Gina Regalbuto, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
Gina Regalbuto
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90404  (Online Only)
Hello, my name is Gina Regalbuto, and I am a licensed clinical social worker practicing in California. My specialization is in healing trauma, depression, and anxiety and the symptoms and stressors that follow as a result. I have also worked extensively with bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and schizophrenia. I primarily practice through the lens of psychodynamic theory and I am an eclectic provider who utilizes the modality that serves my client's the best.
Hello, my name is Gina Regalbuto, and I am a licensed clinical social worker practicing in California. My specialization is in healing trauma, depression, and anxiety and the symptoms and stressors that follow as a result. I have also worked extensively with bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and schizophrenia. I primarily practice through the lens of psychodynamic theory and I am an eclectic provider who utilizes the modality that serves my client's the best.
(661) 475-6727 View (661) 475-6727
Photo of Sybil Hubbard, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
Sybil Hubbard
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90405
I have extensive training and experience working with individuals with persistent mental illness such as Schizophrenia, Major Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Bipolar Disorder and Martial/Family issues to name a few.
I am a licensed Clinical Social Worker who received my Master’s in Social Work from California State University, Los Angeles in 2006. I work with, adolescents, adults and couples/families. I have worked in various settings, including mental health outpatient clinics, inpatient mental health, state hospitals, detention facilities and prisons.
I have extensive training and experience working with individuals with persistent mental illness such as Schizophrenia, Major Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Bipolar Disorder and Martial/Family issues to name a few.
I am a licensed Clinical Social Worker who received my Master’s in Social Work from California State University, Los Angeles in 2006. I work with, adolescents, adults and couples/families. I have worked in various settings, including mental health outpatient clinics, inpatient mental health, state hospitals, detention facilities and prisons.
(909) 245-2860 View (909) 245-2860
Photo of Martin C Novell, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
Martin C Novell
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MS, MFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
At this point ADD, Bipolar Disorder, OCD are disorders that need to be managed so we can lessen consequences.
You will not experience the silent treatment. I am a board certified psychotherapist providing evidence based skills made for individuals and couples. We can develop a plan to improve relationships, difficult situations, depression, anxiety, and career issues. It is now known what makes a successful relationship. Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and research based on John Gottman, couples can ease into conversations and move their discussions from disappointment to growth. Individuals, couples can gain the skills to re-position their thoughts and feelings to create a better place for themselves in this world.
At this point ADD, Bipolar Disorder, OCD are disorders that need to be managed so we can lessen consequences.
You will not experience the silent treatment. I am a board certified psychotherapist providing evidence based skills made for individuals and couples. We can develop a plan to improve relationships, difficult situations, depression, anxiety, and career issues. It is now known what makes a successful relationship. Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and research based on John Gottman, couples can ease into conversations and move their discussions from disappointment to growth. Individuals, couples can gain the skills to re-position their thoughts and feelings to create a better place for themselves in this world.
(424) 254-5179 View (424) 254-5179
Photo of Kate Balestrieri, Psychologist in Santa Monica, CA
Kate Balestrieri
Psychologist, PsyD, PACT, CST, CSAT-S, EMDR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90404
"In any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth or to step back into safety." - Abraham Maslow. Deciding to make changes in one's life takes courage, and you have taken the first step! My goal is to empower you to find relief from distress and to help you grow in concert with your goals. I specialize in treating a variety of concerns, such as posttraumatic stress disorder, addiction (substance and behavioral), eating disorders, body image issues, bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety, as well as difficulties with anger management, relationships, interpersonal communication, recovery and relapse prevention.
"In any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth or to step back into safety." - Abraham Maslow. Deciding to make changes in one's life takes courage, and you have taken the first step! My goal is to empower you to find relief from distress and to help you grow in concert with your goals. I specialize in treating a variety of concerns, such as posttraumatic stress disorder, addiction (substance and behavioral), eating disorders, body image issues, bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety, as well as difficulties with anger management, relationships, interpersonal communication, recovery and relapse prevention.
(424) 295-7390 View (424) 295-7390
Photo of Monica L. Martocci, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
Monica L. Martocci, MA, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90404
Specializing in the treatment of Children, Adolescents, Adults, Active Duty Military/Veterans, and their Families. Focusing on Addictions, Eating Disorders, Trauma/PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, Self-Esteem, Relationship Issues, Divorce, Sexuality Issues, Bipolar Disorder, Child/Sexual Abuse, Dissociative Disorders, Anger Management, Domestic Violence, and Self-Harm.
Specializing in the treatment of Children, Adolescents, Adults, Active Duty Military/Veterans, and their Families. Focusing on Addictions, Eating Disorders, Trauma/PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, Self-Esteem, Relationship Issues, Divorce, Sexuality Issues, Bipolar Disorder, Child/Sexual Abuse, Dissociative Disorders, Anger Management, Domestic Violence, and Self-Harm.
(310) 779-1499 View (310) 779-1499
Photo of Linda Marie Quesada-Schlein, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
Linda Marie Quesada-Schlein
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Along with treating life's issues, I treat anxiety, depression, bipolar, PTSD and relationship/intimacy issues.
Do you regret some of the choices you've made in your relationships and your career? Are you unclear why you made those choices? I offer guidance for making life's important decisions - about a partner, your career, or life in general. I can also incorporate my own perspective and experience to understand you from a cultural or bi-cultural level. Together we will work through the challenges and roadblocks standing between you and your goals.
Along with treating life's issues, I treat anxiety, depression, bipolar, PTSD and relationship/intimacy issues.
Do you regret some of the choices you've made in your relationships and your career? Are you unclear why you made those choices? I offer guidance for making life's important decisions - about a partner, your career, or life in general. I can also incorporate my own perspective and experience to understand you from a cultural or bi-cultural level. Together we will work through the challenges and roadblocks standing between you and your goals.
(657) 233-9013 View (657) 233-9013
Photo of Danielle Keenan-Miller, Psychologist in Santa Monica, CA
Danielle Keenan-Miller
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90404
My areas of specialty include depression, bipolar disorder, infertility, binge eating, and anxiety, as well as problems related to body image, stressful life transitions, and perfectionism.
I believe that therapy should be a collaborative process that helps you to accomplish the goals that are most meaningful to you. My practice focuses on using scientifically supported and effective treatments that help adults and adolescents to both feel better and function better in their everyday lives.
My areas of specialty include depression, bipolar disorder, infertility, binge eating, and anxiety, as well as problems related to body image, stressful life transitions, and perfectionism.
I believe that therapy should be a collaborative process that helps you to accomplish the goals that are most meaningful to you. My practice focuses on using scientifically supported and effective treatments that help adults and adolescents to both feel better and function better in their everyday lives.
(310) 564-2572 View (310) 564-2572
Photo of Teri Arana, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
Teri Arana
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90401  (Online Only)
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, OCD, and gender dysphoria.
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, OCD, and gender dysphoria.
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!
(213) 376-5672 View (213) 376-5672
Photo of Madison Dennis, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
Madison Dennis
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90401  (Online Only)
I have extensive experience working as a therapist in outpatient clinic and inpatient residential settings where I have treated adults, adolescents, couples, and families who were struggling with issues ranging from trauma to depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorders, substance use disorders, personality disorders, and disordered eating. I help individuals and families navigate challenges, heal, and create meaningful lives. For more information, please see my website: www.westcoastintegrative.com.
I have extensive experience working as a therapist in outpatient clinic and inpatient residential settings where I have treated adults, adolescents, couples, and families who were struggling with issues ranging from trauma to depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorders, substance use disorders, personality disorders, and disordered eating. I help individuals and families navigate challenges, heal, and create meaningful lives. For more information, please see my website: www.westcoastintegrative.com.
(805) 874-5696 View (805) 874-5696
Photo of Dr. Erin Lynch, Psychologist in Santa Monica, CA
Dr. Erin Lynch
Psychologist, PsyD, CCTP-I
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90402  (Online Only)
Sometimes, as much as we try, it’s hard to make the changes we need to improve the quality of our life. If you’re struggling with the effects of trauma, excessive worry, depression or bipolar disorder, low self-esteem, relationship issues, or having trouble navigating the stress of life and want to make some changes, I am here to help.
Sometimes, as much as we try, it’s hard to make the changes we need to improve the quality of our life. If you’re struggling with the effects of trauma, excessive worry, depression or bipolar disorder, low self-esteem, relationship issues, or having trouble navigating the stress of life and want to make some changes, I am here to help.
(747) 252-5784 View (747) 252-5784
Photo of Antonia Hickey, Psychologist in Santa Monica, CA
Antonia Hickey
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90405  (Online Only)
I work with adults with depression, anxiety, bipolar dx, trauma hx, and adjustment issues.
I believe that therapy is an individual, unique, and empowered process for each client that allows them to recognize their inner strengths and workings. Each client has their own answers that they are searching for and struggles they are trying to overcome in their daily life. During the process of therapy, I strive to help clients develop an increased sense of autonomy and purpose in order to create movement toward these answers. In succession, I help clients develop healthy ways of coping with stressors, as life is inevitably filled with difficulties and obstacles.
I work with adults with depression, anxiety, bipolar dx, trauma hx, and adjustment issues.
I believe that therapy is an individual, unique, and empowered process for each client that allows them to recognize their inner strengths and workings. Each client has their own answers that they are searching for and struggles they are trying to overcome in their daily life. During the process of therapy, I strive to help clients develop an increased sense of autonomy and purpose in order to create movement toward these answers. In succession, I help clients develop healthy ways of coping with stressors, as life is inevitably filled with difficulties and obstacles.
(323) 766-6717 View (323) 766-6717
Photo of Clear Mind Treatment, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
Clear Mind Treatment
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90404
This program contains an in-person component and a telemedicine component, but is ultimately tailored to meet your individual needs. Depending on your needs, this may consist of some combination of ketamine/esketamine, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, neurofeedback, group therapy (including couples and family therapy), individual therapy, mindfulness, and hypnotherapy. Note that while some of these modalities are optional, attending group therapy is an insurance-mandated requirement to attend our program.
This program contains an in-person component and a telemedicine component, but is ultimately tailored to meet your individual needs. Depending on your needs, this may consist of some combination of ketamine/esketamine, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, neurofeedback, group therapy (including couples and family therapy), individual therapy, mindfulness, and hypnotherapy. Note that while some of these modalities are optional, attending group therapy is an insurance-mandated requirement to attend our program.
(424) 328-5535 View (424) 328-5535
Photo of Neuro-Somatic Therapy - Parvin Naficy, Psy D. in Santa Monica, CA
Neuro-Somatic Therapy - Parvin Naficy, Psy D.
MA, PsyD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Neurofeedback works best supported by Somatic Therapy. Parvin's multifaceted somatic approach with hand-on sacrocranial work and background in clinical psychology is a perfect preparation and compliment to Neurofeedback. The focus of her work is on facilitating a more balanced, wholesome state in the brain. With a new level of functioning, clients have a chance to develop new habits and accomplish new goals. Typical training sessions last 90 minutes. Sometimes shorter 50 minute sessions with only neurofeedback are warranted.
Neurofeedback works best supported by Somatic Therapy. Parvin's multifaceted somatic approach with hand-on sacrocranial work and background in clinical psychology is a perfect preparation and compliment to Neurofeedback. The focus of her work is on facilitating a more balanced, wholesome state in the brain. With a new level of functioning, clients have a chance to develop new habits and accomplish new goals. Typical training sessions last 90 minutes. Sometimes shorter 50 minute sessions with only neurofeedback are warranted.
(310) 663-6402 View (310) 663-6402

See more therapy options for Santa Monica

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.