Bipolar Disorder Therapists in Vista, CA
My specialties include bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, parenting, mood disorders, codependency, ADHD, and adoption.
Are you wanting to reach out for help, but keep telling yourself you ‘should’ be able to solve everything on your own? Are you pressuring yourself to muscle your way out of depression or anxiety? Then why would we each be sharing Earth with more than 7 BILLION other people if we are supposed to handle everything all by ourselves? I believe it is because we ARE meant to help each other! Since graduating in 1986 with a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and then earning my license as a MFT in 1990, I count myself lucky to have worked with the many adults, children, teens, families and couples whose paths have crossed mine.
My specialties include bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, parenting, mood disorders, codependency, ADHD, and adoption.
Are you wanting to reach out for help, but keep telling yourself you ‘should’ be able to solve everything on your own? Are you pressuring yourself to muscle your way out of depression or anxiety? Then why would we each be sharing Earth with more than 7 BILLION other people if we are supposed to handle everything all by ourselves? I believe it is because we ARE meant to help each other! Since graduating in 1986 with a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and then earning my license as a MFT in 1990, I count myself lucky to have worked with the many adults, children, teens, families and couples whose paths have crossed mine.
I utilize Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and other evidence-based techniques based on client preferences and goals.
I utilize Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and other evidence-based techniques based on client preferences and goals.
I work with individuals and specialize in treating addiction, aging-related concerns, anxiety, bipolar disorder, borderline personality, depression, dual diagnosis, mood disorders, psychosis, schizophrenia, and substance use issues.
I have been in the mental health field for 22 years including 12 years providing individual therapy. I focus on depression, anxiety, addiction, aging, and relationship issues. My approach to therapy is based on a collaborative process of helping my clients discuss their unique issues and walking with them on a path of self-discovery. I believe that each individual is capable of growth, peace of mind, and living healthier lives.
I work with individuals and specialize in treating addiction, aging-related concerns, anxiety, bipolar disorder, borderline personality, depression, dual diagnosis, mood disorders, psychosis, schizophrenia, and substance use issues.
I have been in the mental health field for 22 years including 12 years providing individual therapy. I focus on depression, anxiety, addiction, aging, and relationship issues. My approach to therapy is based on a collaborative process of helping my clients discuss their unique issues and walking with them on a path of self-discovery. I believe that each individual is capable of growth, peace of mind, and living healthier lives.
Hi, my name is Liza Castro, LMFT, and I am the therapist who will be your best coach and teach you how to win. I am not your ordinary therapist, as I am very genuine, empathetic, and also direct. You need honesty, to be challenged, insight, and awareness, and I am here to help you obtain what you need. I love working with diverse clients with a variety of issues. I especially love to work with clients who have experienced trauma, attachment or abandonment issues, childhood issues, and relationship issues.
Hi, my name is Liza Castro, LMFT, and I am the therapist who will be your best coach and teach you how to win. I am not your ordinary therapist, as I am very genuine, empathetic, and also direct. You need honesty, to be challenged, insight, and awareness, and I am here to help you obtain what you need. I love working with diverse clients with a variety of issues. I especially love to work with clients who have experienced trauma, attachment or abandonment issues, childhood issues, and relationship issues.
Paula Ratter
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PsyD, RN
3 Endorsed
Vista, CA 92081
Waitlist for new clients
I don't have an ideal client. I want to met people where they are at. If you've never had therapy before, it’s important to be aware we don’t start talking about the hard stuff. It can take 2-3 sessions for someone to feel comfortable enough to tell another person what they are struggling with. Therapists cannot read minds, but have studied human patterns of thoughts, feelings & actions. No one can truly know the exact consequences a person has experienced in their life. Regardless of the reason why someone is seeking therapy, there is no judgment, no criticism…just acceptance. People can heal & grow in this type of environment.
I don't have an ideal client. I want to met people where they are at. If you've never had therapy before, it’s important to be aware we don’t start talking about the hard stuff. It can take 2-3 sessions for someone to feel comfortable enough to tell another person what they are struggling with. Therapists cannot read minds, but have studied human patterns of thoughts, feelings & actions. No one can truly know the exact consequences a person has experienced in their life. Regardless of the reason why someone is seeking therapy, there is no judgment, no criticism…just acceptance. People can heal & grow in this type of environment.
Welcome to The Art of Family! The action of living well is Art; an unfolding tapestry of rich colors, textures and patterns which honors what makes us unique and celebrates what makes us a family. The Art of Family is a safe and supportive place to start your journey. Our therapists provide a variety of counseling services that can be tailored to your personal needs and concerns. Each therapist and associate has a unique skill set that can help you reach your full potential.
Welcome to The Art of Family! The action of living well is Art; an unfolding tapestry of rich colors, textures and patterns which honors what makes us unique and celebrates what makes us a family. The Art of Family is a safe and supportive place to start your journey. Our therapists provide a variety of counseling services that can be tailored to your personal needs and concerns. Each therapist and associate has a unique skill set that can help you reach your full potential.
Starting therapy—whether for the first time or returning—takes courage. Just browsing profiles, reading bios, and deciding to share your story with someone new is a powerful step. It’s an act of hope: trusting that someone can help you make sense of things, hold space for your experience, and walk alongside you as you move forward. My approach to therapy is centered on helping you reconnect with what matters most—your values, relationships, recovery, or dreams—and move toward them with clarity and purpose.
Starting therapy—whether for the first time or returning—takes courage. Just browsing profiles, reading bios, and deciding to share your story with someone new is a powerful step. It’s an act of hope: trusting that someone can help you make sense of things, hold space for your experience, and walk alongside you as you move forward. My approach to therapy is centered on helping you reconnect with what matters most—your values, relationships, recovery, or dreams—and move toward them with clarity and purpose.
I work with a variety of clients who all have one thing in common; the need to make sense of and overcome longstanding or deeply entrenched relationship or personal challenges. People like you, who grow tired of asking "When does life get better, and when do things change?" My answer may surprise you...it doesn't, and they don't. But that's our reason for hope; we don't have to rely on fuzzy concepts like "life" and "things", when we can engage in a powerful therapeutic process of authentic connection, restoration of hope, psychoeducation, evidence-based treatments, and helping you balance radical acceptance with skillful change.
I work with a variety of clients who all have one thing in common; the need to make sense of and overcome longstanding or deeply entrenched relationship or personal challenges. People like you, who grow tired of asking "When does life get better, and when do things change?" My answer may surprise you...it doesn't, and they don't. But that's our reason for hope; we don't have to rely on fuzzy concepts like "life" and "things", when we can engage in a powerful therapeutic process of authentic connection, restoration of hope, psychoeducation, evidence-based treatments, and helping you balance radical acceptance with skillful change.
I have experience treating clients who have a dual diagnosis, and Axis-I diagnosis (including schizophrenia, bipolar, borderline personality disorder).
Hello, my name is Nathen Brown. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have over 20 years of experience working with high-risk youth populations as well as adults with duo diagnosis. My primary therapeutic goal is to provide a safe, nonjudgmental environment, where all clients ultimately feel heard, understood, and valued. My theoretical approach focuses on assessing each client from a trauma-informed lens while identifying interpersonal needs through a bio-psychosocial lens. Various treatment modalities that I utilize include CBT, DBT, solution-focused therapy, and crisis management techniques.
I have experience treating clients who have a dual diagnosis, and Axis-I diagnosis (including schizophrenia, bipolar, borderline personality disorder).
Hello, my name is Nathen Brown. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have over 20 years of experience working with high-risk youth populations as well as adults with duo diagnosis. My primary therapeutic goal is to provide a safe, nonjudgmental environment, where all clients ultimately feel heard, understood, and valued. My theoretical approach focuses on assessing each client from a trauma-informed lens while identifying interpersonal needs through a bio-psychosocial lens. Various treatment modalities that I utilize include CBT, DBT, solution-focused therapy, and crisis management techniques.
My specialties include anger management, anxiety, bipolar disorder, codependency, coping skills, depression, divorce, domestic violence, emotional disturbance, family conflict, grief, infidelity, job stress, life transitions, and more.
I focus on healing the wounds that have created internal negative "stories" about ourselves and the world to help people reconnect with their original creative, powerful, loving selves. Clients learn stress reduction and self-nurturing techniques to support themselves on the journey through processing trauma and throughout their lives. As clients heal from the past, they then learn new ways to communicate and interact effectively with others and to create the lives they wish to live.
My specialties include anger management, anxiety, bipolar disorder, codependency, coping skills, depression, divorce, domestic violence, emotional disturbance, family conflict, grief, infidelity, job stress, life transitions, and more.
I focus on healing the wounds that have created internal negative "stories" about ourselves and the world to help people reconnect with their original creative, powerful, loving selves. Clients learn stress reduction and self-nurturing techniques to support themselves on the journey through processing trauma and throughout their lives. As clients heal from the past, they then learn new ways to communicate and interact effectively with others and to create the lives they wish to live.
Starting therapy can be scary. You are taking a great first step. I am here to help you throughout this journey. I specialize in depression, anxiety, addiction, and other severe mental illnesses. I have a client-centered collaborative approach to therapy. Each session is tailored to your unique needs and goals. I am here to provide a safe and supportive environment for you. Please reach out if you have any questions.
Starting therapy can be scary. You are taking a great first step. I am here to help you throughout this journey. I specialize in depression, anxiety, addiction, and other severe mental illnesses. I have a client-centered collaborative approach to therapy. Each session is tailored to your unique needs and goals. I am here to provide a safe and supportive environment for you. Please reach out if you have any questions.
Hi! My name is Cheryl Gilbert, and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT, License 119597) based in Vista, California. I see clients as on a journey of self-discovery to reach their own goals for health and healing. I join my clients on this journey and help to facilitate this process, acting as a navigator while they direct the destination. I assist clients in discovering their strengths and support them in walking through their struggles, whether it be anxiety, depression, self-esteem, family, or relationship difficulties.
Hi! My name is Cheryl Gilbert, and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT, License 119597) based in Vista, California. I see clients as on a journey of self-discovery to reach their own goals for health and healing. I join my clients on this journey and help to facilitate this process, acting as a navigator while they direct the destination. I assist clients in discovering their strengths and support them in walking through their struggles, whether it be anxiety, depression, self-esteem, family, or relationship difficulties.
I work with clients who are diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorders.
My name is Christine Dougherty and I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over a decade. My focus areas include; working with adolescents, adults, and families. My theoretical approach often depends on the specific needs of the individual. Some common approaches I use include cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and family systems therapy. I encourage clients to start from where they are and break down large goals into smaller more attainable parts.
I work with clients who are diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorders.
My name is Christine Dougherty and I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over a decade. My focus areas include; working with adolescents, adults, and families. My theoretical approach often depends on the specific needs of the individual. Some common approaches I use include cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and family systems therapy. I encourage clients to start from where they are and break down large goals into smaller more attainable parts.
My clients are individuals who often carry with them unresolved feelings from either their past or present challenges. Viewing those issues from an objective and trusted practitioner is vital to the change process. Always viewing my clients with unconditional positive regard is essential to us being successful. Therapy can often be the first time someone gets to step out of the day to day of their lives. My hope is during this introspection, I can coach you in the direction you need to go, not where my training thinks you should go. While I may illuminate potential paths, you're taking the steps with me right behind you!
My clients are individuals who often carry with them unresolved feelings from either their past or present challenges. Viewing those issues from an objective and trusted practitioner is vital to the change process. Always viewing my clients with unconditional positive regard is essential to us being successful. Therapy can often be the first time someone gets to step out of the day to day of their lives. My hope is during this introspection, I can coach you in the direction you need to go, not where my training thinks you should go. While I may illuminate potential paths, you're taking the steps with me right behind you!
Do you feel like you’re navigating life on autopilot, with anxiety or depression making it difficult to show up for your work, your relationships, or yourself? You may find yourself caught in cycles of people-pleasing or seeking external validation, only to end up feeling drained and unfulfilled. If you feel stuck in patterns that no longer serve you, know that you don’t have to navigate this alone. In our sessions, we’ll move beyond the 'what' to understand the ' the roots of your struggle while building practical, compassionate strategies to help you reclaim your confidence and advocate for your needs.
Do you feel like you’re navigating life on autopilot, with anxiety or depression making it difficult to show up for your work, your relationships, or yourself? You may find yourself caught in cycles of people-pleasing or seeking external validation, only to end up feeling drained and unfulfilled. If you feel stuck in patterns that no longer serve you, know that you don’t have to navigate this alone. In our sessions, we’ll move beyond the 'what' to understand the ' the roots of your struggle while building practical, compassionate strategies to help you reclaim your confidence and advocate for your needs.
As a psychologist, I aim to help you heal the relationships that matter most, including how you relate to yourself. I work with children, adolescents, and adults of all ages. Perhaps you are looking at your child or adolescent and are confused by their behavior or at a loss for how to help them. Maybe you or an important relationship in your life is suffering and you feel stuck. Whatever challenges you are facing, my goal is to meet you with empathy and the fundamental belief that each of us is doing the best we can with the resources we have available to us in any given moment.
As a psychologist, I aim to help you heal the relationships that matter most, including how you relate to yourself. I work with children, adolescents, and adults of all ages. Perhaps you are looking at your child or adolescent and are confused by their behavior or at a loss for how to help them. Maybe you or an important relationship in your life is suffering and you feel stuck. Whatever challenges you are facing, my goal is to meet you with empathy and the fundamental belief that each of us is doing the best we can with the resources we have available to us in any given moment.
My name is Perla Barragan, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I work with adults, and I specialize in anxiety, stress, and depression using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Strengths-Based Therapy to help my clients make progress, grow, and start feeling better. My approach to therapy varies based on the needs of each client I work with. I most frequently use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Strengths Based Strengths-Based Therapy, as both modalities help me, and the client build a shared understanding of their reality where they are in life.
My name is Perla Barragan, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I work with adults, and I specialize in anxiety, stress, and depression using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Strengths-Based Therapy to help my clients make progress, grow, and start feeling better. My approach to therapy varies based on the needs of each client I work with. I most frequently use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Strengths Based Strengths-Based Therapy, as both modalities help me, and the client build a shared understanding of their reality where they are in life.
Hi, I’m Leah Yeshnik, LMFT.
I specialize in supporting adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, and major life transitions. My approach is honest, direct, and grounded in presence. I listen deeply, reflect thoughtfully, and bring compassion, respect, consistency, humor, and accountability into the therapeutic space. My work is especially attuned to the emotional and relational experiences of women.
I incorporate a range of modalities to meet different learning styles and needs, including expressive arts, journaling, self-reflection, skill building, and somatic practices
Hi, I’m Leah Yeshnik, LMFT.
I specialize in supporting adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, and major life transitions. My approach is honest, direct, and grounded in presence. I listen deeply, reflect thoughtfully, and bring compassion, respect, consistency, humor, and accountability into the therapeutic space. My work is especially attuned to the emotional and relational experiences of women.
I incorporate a range of modalities to meet different learning styles and needs, including expressive arts, journaling, self-reflection, skill building, and somatic practices
Currently accepting new clients. Therapy begins with building a foundation of trust. Depression, anxiety, relationship stress... there are endless reasons to seek therapy. I offer a safe and neutral environment to explore the complexity of human existence. In a non-judgmental environment we will have the opportunity to support you in determining your values, examining your patterns, setting attainable goals, and working towards sustainable and meaningful change. Committing to change through therapy can help you find relief from emotional distress, develop adaptive skills, and find practical solutions.
Currently accepting new clients. Therapy begins with building a foundation of trust. Depression, anxiety, relationship stress... there are endless reasons to seek therapy. I offer a safe and neutral environment to explore the complexity of human existence. In a non-judgmental environment we will have the opportunity to support you in determining your values, examining your patterns, setting attainable goals, and working towards sustainable and meaningful change. Committing to change through therapy can help you find relief from emotional distress, develop adaptive skills, and find practical solutions.
I work with clients seeking to restore connection and balance their lives. Therapy can help if you are at the end of your rope or simply want to learn how to do something different to connect to others. I work with the underlying issues such as anxiety or depression that can block authentic connection. I bring a gentle, holistic approach to making small changes that can create healthier relationships. I provide support and structure to each of my clients looking for ways to live their lives with freedom to be who they want to be.
I work with clients seeking to restore connection and balance their lives. Therapy can help if you are at the end of your rope or simply want to learn how to do something different to connect to others. I work with the underlying issues such as anxiety or depression that can block authentic connection. I bring a gentle, holistic approach to making small changes that can create healthier relationships. I provide support and structure to each of my clients looking for ways to live their lives with freedom to be who they want to be.
See more therapy options for Vista
Nearby Bipolar Disorder Therapists Searches for Vista
- Bonsall
- Cardiff
- Cardiff By The Sea
- Del Mar
- Encinitas
- Escondido
- Fallbrook
- Oceanside
- Rancho Santa Fe
- San Marcos
- Solana Beach
- Valley Center
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.


