Bipolar Disorder Therapists in Lake Hopatcong, NJ

Photo of Nancy E Ryno, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Nancy E Ryno
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849  (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with 18 years of experience providing mental health services to adolescents, adults, and families. I earned my masters degree at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Clinical Psychology. I specialize in depression, anxiety, ADHD, oppositional defiance, bipolar, couples, and physical and emotional trauma. I focus on a cognitive approach to help guide individuals to make the changes they desire. I am dedicate to supporting and helping each individual with a warm and supportive approach to their needs.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with 18 years of experience providing mental health services to adolescents, adults, and families. I earned my masters degree at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Clinical Psychology. I specialize in depression, anxiety, ADHD, oppositional defiance, bipolar, couples, and physical and emotional trauma. I focus on a cognitive approach to help guide individuals to make the changes they desire. I am dedicate to supporting and helping each individual with a warm and supportive approach to their needs.
(973) 359-5873 View (973) 359-5873
Photo of Caitlyn (Song) Camacho, LPC, ACS, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Caitlyn (Song) Camacho
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, ACS, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849
I graduated from Caldwell University in 2016 with a master’s degree in mental health counseling. I’m currently working in an outpatient setting, working individually with children (5+ years of age), adolescents, and adults. I work with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, attention deficit disorders, life changes, conflict in interpersonal relationships, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder. While I do work with clients with a wide array of symptoms and diagnoses, my specialty is working with clients who have experienced trauma.
I graduated from Caldwell University in 2016 with a master’s degree in mental health counseling. I’m currently working in an outpatient setting, working individually with children (5+ years of age), adolescents, and adults. I work with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, attention deficit disorders, life changes, conflict in interpersonal relationships, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder. While I do work with clients with a wide array of symptoms and diagnoses, my specialty is working with clients who have experienced trauma.
(862) 325-5115 View (862) 325-5115
Photo of Carolyn A Stephens, MA, LPC, ACS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Carolyn A Stephens
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, ACS
Verified Verified
Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849  (Online Only)
Book with me now by clicking on my website. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor based in NJ with 20 years of experience in providing counseling services to adolescents and adults. I specialize in assisting individuals in managing symptoms related to health conditions that affect their emotions, thoughts, behaviors, and addiction. I have assisted clients, including veterans and their families, with stress, anxiety, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, depression, and symptoms related to posttraumatic stress disorder. Additionally, I specialize in supporting individuals through life changes and facilitating successful transitions.
Book with me now by clicking on my website. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor based in NJ with 20 years of experience in providing counseling services to adolescents and adults. I specialize in assisting individuals in managing symptoms related to health conditions that affect their emotions, thoughts, behaviors, and addiction. I have assisted clients, including veterans and their families, with stress, anxiety, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, depression, and symptoms related to posttraumatic stress disorder. Additionally, I specialize in supporting individuals through life changes and facilitating successful transitions.
(862) 599-2803 View (862) 599-2803
Photo of Danah Rumble, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Danah Rumble
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849
My name is Danah Rumble and I am part of a group private practice that offers a calm and relaxing out-patient office setting. I have been involved in the mental health field for over 13 years and am committed to providing excellent care and comfort to client's lives. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor by the state of New Jersey and trained to help people with any problems or issues. This includes but is not limited to family therapy, marital counseling, individual therapy for depression, anxiety, trauma, and personality issues.
My name is Danah Rumble and I am part of a group private practice that offers a calm and relaxing out-patient office setting. I have been involved in the mental health field for over 13 years and am committed to providing excellent care and comfort to client's lives. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor by the state of New Jersey and trained to help people with any problems or issues. This includes but is not limited to family therapy, marital counseling, individual therapy for depression, anxiety, trauma, and personality issues.
(862) 324-7101 View (862) 324-7101
Photo of Melissa Pirnos - Lakeside Counseling Associates, LLC
Lakeside Counseling Associates, LLC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849
Lakeside Counseling Associates is a multi-specialty group private practice, offering behavioral health services to adults, children and adolescents. We provide individual counseling, couples counseling, family therapy and group therapy in a calm and relaxing outpatient setting. In addition to office visits, we offer teletherapy services as an option. Our diverse team of mental health professionals are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care, personalized for each individual's needs. All of our therapists are experienced licensed professionals with a wide range of specialties and qualifications.
Lakeside Counseling Associates is a multi-specialty group private practice, offering behavioral health services to adults, children and adolescents. We provide individual counseling, couples counseling, family therapy and group therapy in a calm and relaxing outpatient setting. In addition to office visits, we offer teletherapy services as an option. Our diverse team of mental health professionals are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care, personalized for each individual's needs. All of our therapists are experienced licensed professionals with a wide range of specialties and qualifications.
(862) 701-4614 View (862) 701-4614
Photo of Tulasi Jordan, LCSW, SEP, BCD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Tulasi Jordan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, SEP, BCD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849
Not accepting new clients
Do you have a greater potential for happiness and success than you are currently living? As a well trained and experienced psychotherapist, since 1998 I have helped people to work through emotional concerns that block this potential. I utilize a variety of psychotherapy approaches such as psychodynamic, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Somatic Experiencing, mindfulness, and EMDR. Accessing your essential compassionate presence, and identifying what blocks it, is the the foundation of all deep healing.
Do you have a greater potential for happiness and success than you are currently living? As a well trained and experienced psychotherapist, since 1998 I have helped people to work through emotional concerns that block this potential. I utilize a variety of psychotherapy approaches such as psychodynamic, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Somatic Experiencing, mindfulness, and EMDR. Accessing your essential compassionate presence, and identifying what blocks it, is the the foundation of all deep healing.
(973) 310-2170 View (973) 310-2170

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of David Russell Pisani, LSW, RN, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
David Russell Pisani
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW, RN
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Sparta, NJ 07871
I am extremely passionate about the latter, specifically, clients who suffer from psychosis/schizophrenia / schizoaffective DO / Bipolar DO.
My name is David Pisani and I am a Licensed Social Worker and Registered Nurse in New Jersey with over 15 years of experience in the mental health field. I am passionate about mental health recovery and empowering clients to achieve their goals. I offer general individual therapy services to adults, men's group therapy, and couples therapy. I use various modalities including CBT and TF CBT for those with trauma issues and employ these strategies tailored to the client's needs. I believe in a trusting therapeutic relationship as the bedrock for client recovery and strive to create a safe and nurturing environment to work in.
I am extremely passionate about the latter, specifically, clients who suffer from psychosis/schizophrenia / schizoaffective DO / Bipolar DO.
My name is David Pisani and I am a Licensed Social Worker and Registered Nurse in New Jersey with over 15 years of experience in the mental health field. I am passionate about mental health recovery and empowering clients to achieve their goals. I offer general individual therapy services to adults, men's group therapy, and couples therapy. I use various modalities including CBT and TF CBT for those with trauma issues and employ these strategies tailored to the client's needs. I believe in a trusting therapeutic relationship as the bedrock for client recovery and strive to create a safe and nurturing environment to work in.
(973) 381-2402 View (973) 381-2402
Photo of Rebecca Dennis, LPC, ATR-BC, LCADC, LCAT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Rebecca Dennis
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, ATR-BC, LCADC, LCAT
Verified Verified
Newton, NJ 07860
I have experience with a wide variety of issues however I specialize in the treatment of bipolar disorder, trauma, depression and anxiety utilizing evidence-based approaches.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 15 years experience located in Montclair, New Jersey. I offer a range of therapeutic approaches depending on your needs. Together we will target the issues that bring you into therapy and seek solutions in a timely manner.
I have experience with a wide variety of issues however I specialize in the treatment of bipolar disorder, trauma, depression and anxiety utilizing evidence-based approaches.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 15 years experience located in Montclair, New Jersey. I offer a range of therapeutic approaches depending on your needs. Together we will target the issues that bring you into therapy and seek solutions in a timely manner.
(973) 874-1844 View (973) 874-1844
Photo of Andrea Magistro, MSW, LCSW, CCS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Andrea Magistro
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CCS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Budd Lake, NJ 07828
Now accepting in-person and virtual clients! I am glad you are here. Taking the step to seek psychotherapy can be hard. I aim to provide a safe and welcoming space to adolescents and adults dealing with issues varying from trauma, depression, grief, bipolar, stress due to life transitions, anxiety, OCD, and more. I use a person-centered approach to the meet the needs and goals of each client. I utilize therapeutic treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, and psycho-education. I strongly believe there is no one size fits all approach.
Now accepting in-person and virtual clients! I am glad you are here. Taking the step to seek psychotherapy can be hard. I aim to provide a safe and welcoming space to adolescents and adults dealing with issues varying from trauma, depression, grief, bipolar, stress due to life transitions, anxiety, OCD, and more. I use a person-centered approach to the meet the needs and goals of each client. I utilize therapeutic treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, and psycho-education. I strongly believe there is no one size fits all approach.
(908) 246-1480 View (908) 246-1480
Photo of Heather Watson-Perez, PhD, Psychologist
Heather Watson-Perez
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Flanders, NJ 07836
I am co-founder and partner at West Morris Psychological Associates and a NJ licensed clinical psychologist. I treat individuals of all ages for a variety of mental health concerns, including: Adjustment Difficulties, Anxiety Disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Child/Teen Behavioral Problems, Depression, Life Transitions, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Parent-child conflict, Panic Disorder, Parenting Strategies, Pervasive Development Disorders, Problems associated with divorce, bereavement, and relationships, Separation Anxiety, Social Skills, and Trauma.
I am co-founder and partner at West Morris Psychological Associates and a NJ licensed clinical psychologist. I treat individuals of all ages for a variety of mental health concerns, including: Adjustment Difficulties, Anxiety Disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Child/Teen Behavioral Problems, Depression, Life Transitions, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Parent-child conflict, Panic Disorder, Parenting Strategies, Pervasive Development Disorders, Problems associated with divorce, bereavement, and relationships, Separation Anxiety, Social Skills, and Trauma.
(908) 897-0622 View (908) 897-0622
Photo of Tracey Thompson - Tracey Telehealth Therapy Services , MSW, LCSW, DRCC, CCS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Tracey Telehealth Therapy Services
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, DRCC, CCS
Verified Verified
Rockaway, NJ 07866
I have worked with a diverse group of clients and is highly experienced working with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, retirement planning , stress and anger management.
My passion in counseling is to create a relationship built on safety, trust, and hope, where people feel accepted and challenged to grow in new and meaningful ways. I consider it a privilege to be able to walk with someone through their fears and hurts, and help them to experience healing and restoration. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a certified clinical supervisor. Much of my work involves working with a diverse population in a state psychiatric hospital setting I currently provide academic instruction for graduate students at both Rutgers University School of Social Work and Aurora University.
I have worked with a diverse group of clients and is highly experienced working with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, retirement planning , stress and anger management.
My passion in counseling is to create a relationship built on safety, trust, and hope, where people feel accepted and challenged to grow in new and meaningful ways. I consider it a privilege to be able to walk with someone through their fears and hurts, and help them to experience healing and restoration. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a certified clinical supervisor. Much of my work involves working with a diverse population in a state psychiatric hospital setting I currently provide academic instruction for graduate students at both Rutgers University School of Social Work and Aurora University.
(973) 453-0735 View (973) 453-0735
Photo of Janine Marie Tremblay - Janine Tremblay PhD APN, PhD, APNC, Psychologist
Janine Tremblay PhD APN
Psychologist, PhD, APNC
Verified Verified
Randolph, NJ 07869
Welcome! You have already made an important step in the process of healing by beginning your research. I have been practicing Psychology since 1985 and in 2004 I added the service of being able to prescribe medications. Currently, I see patients who suffer from anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD and ADHD. Additionally, I diagnosis and treat people with Bipolar and Addiction related disorders. I believe in the power of spirituality and am open to different faiths and points of view. I see individuals and couples ages 17 to seniors. Please call if you want to discuss an appointment.
Welcome! You have already made an important step in the process of healing by beginning your research. I have been practicing Psychology since 1985 and in 2004 I added the service of being able to prescribe medications. Currently, I see patients who suffer from anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD and ADHD. Additionally, I diagnosis and treat people with Bipolar and Addiction related disorders. I believe in the power of spirituality and am open to different faiths and points of view. I see individuals and couples ages 17 to seniors. Please call if you want to discuss an appointment.
(973) 309-7553 View (973) 309-7553
Photo of Dana Brouca, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Dana Brouca
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Hopatcong, NJ 07843  (Online Only)
I have experience helping individuals and couples who have challenges in their lives related to anxiety, depression, communication, stress, bipolar disorder, life changes and relationship conflicts.
Whether you’re dealing with a recent life change or you’ve been having challenges with your mental health, I would love to help you get to a place where you feel more fulfilled and can become the best version of you! I believe we are often our own worst critic and could benefit from giving ourselves some grace as we navigate through life.
I have experience helping individuals and couples who have challenges in their lives related to anxiety, depression, communication, stress, bipolar disorder, life changes and relationship conflicts.
Whether you’re dealing with a recent life change or you’ve been having challenges with your mental health, I would love to help you get to a place where you feel more fulfilled and can become the best version of you! I believe we are often our own worst critic and could benefit from giving ourselves some grace as we navigate through life.
(973) 576-5186 View (973) 576-5186
Photo of Holly Aschoff, LCSW, ACS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Holly Aschoff
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, ACS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Newton, NJ 07860
My name is Holly Aschoff and I’m part of a dynamic private practice located in Newton, NJ. My specialty is working from a client-centered strengths-based perspective, using the power of positivity through ACT, CBT, I-CBT, DBT, as well as TF-CBT for those who have suffered or witnessed trauma. I work with adolescents, and adults in individual, couples and family therapy. I am trained in a multitude of cutting-edge evidence-based therapies servicing a variety of people suffering from an array of different mental health diagnosis, including mood disorders and personality disorders.
My name is Holly Aschoff and I’m part of a dynamic private practice located in Newton, NJ. My specialty is working from a client-centered strengths-based perspective, using the power of positivity through ACT, CBT, I-CBT, DBT, as well as TF-CBT for those who have suffered or witnessed trauma. I work with adolescents, and adults in individual, couples and family therapy. I am trained in a multitude of cutting-edge evidence-based therapies servicing a variety of people suffering from an array of different mental health diagnosis, including mood disorders and personality disorders.
(973) 756-3687 View (973) 756-3687
Photo of Erin Scheidle, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Erin Scheidle
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sparta, NJ 07871  (Online Only)
Life can be like an arrow. The only way to move forward is by being drawn backwards, letting go, and then launching towards success. My goal while working with you, is to guide you and show you how you are the expert in your own life; by embracing the pull back, accepting that it is okay to let go, and to move yourself towards success. "The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination." - Carl Rogers
Life can be like an arrow. The only way to move forward is by being drawn backwards, letting go, and then launching towards success. My goal while working with you, is to guide you and show you how you are the expert in your own life; by embracing the pull back, accepting that it is okay to let go, and to move yourself towards success. "The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination." - Carl Rogers
(201) 298-9818 View (201) 298-9818
Photo of Mark Imbrie, PsyD, Psychologist
Mark Imbrie
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Newton, NJ 07860
If you are on this page you know that life has its challenges There is suffering. Each of us in our own way is working to rise above our pain. For each of us these challenges are different. Some of us struggle with anxiety, others depression, some struggle to find love, others to end it. There are challenging relationships, children, work. Perhaps more difficult there is: death, loss, trauma, perhaps psychiatric or chronic medical illness. There is no shame in struggle. This is being human. It is also human to overcome this suffering, and create a life that reflects your deepest hopes, embodies courage, feels peaceful.
If you are on this page you know that life has its challenges There is suffering. Each of us in our own way is working to rise above our pain. For each of us these challenges are different. Some of us struggle with anxiety, others depression, some struggle to find love, others to end it. There are challenging relationships, children, work. Perhaps more difficult there is: death, loss, trauma, perhaps psychiatric or chronic medical illness. There is no shame in struggle. This is being human. It is also human to overcome this suffering, and create a life that reflects your deepest hopes, embodies courage, feels peaceful.
(862) 259-6835 View (862) 259-6835
Photo of Haley Clancy, MA, LAC, DRCC, BC-TMH, NREMT
Haley Clancy
MA, LAC, DRCC, BC-TMH, NREMT
Verified Verified
Sparta, NJ 07871
Hi, my name is Haley Clancy, and I currently work with children, adolescents, and adults. I specialize in mood disorders & trauma/stress-related disorders. My orientation of counseling is the biopsychosocial approach, and I use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR) as an evidence-based practice and I am certified in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT). I have a strong background in prehospital emergency medicine/working with first responders, as I also work full-time as one. In addition, I am also working on my PhD in Health Psychology.
Hi, my name is Haley Clancy, and I currently work with children, adolescents, and adults. I specialize in mood disorders & trauma/stress-related disorders. My orientation of counseling is the biopsychosocial approach, and I use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR) as an evidence-based practice and I am certified in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT). I have a strong background in prehospital emergency medicine/working with first responders, as I also work full-time as one. In addition, I am also working on my PhD in Health Psychology.
(973) 512-3700 View (973) 512-3700
Photo of Laura Carite, MA, LPC, RYT, ACS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Laura Carite
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, RYT, ACS
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Randolph, NJ 07869
I understand it is not easy to come to therapy but talking to family and friends is entirely different then talk "therapy". This is especially true if you are depressed, anxious, grieved, struggling in your marriage or have trauma. Just take that first step and make the phone call and I will guide you through the rest. My clients are so surprised to find out what a relief it is to come to therapy and wonder why they waited so long. My seasoned listening skills and thought provoking questions will help you know yourself better and reach your goals. My style is light and warm yet focused on results. Growth is my specialty!
I understand it is not easy to come to therapy but talking to family and friends is entirely different then talk "therapy". This is especially true if you are depressed, anxious, grieved, struggling in your marriage or have trauma. Just take that first step and make the phone call and I will guide you through the rest. My clients are so surprised to find out what a relief it is to come to therapy and wonder why they waited so long. My seasoned listening skills and thought provoking questions will help you know yourself better and reach your goals. My style is light and warm yet focused on results. Growth is my specialty!
(973) 380-0277 View (973) 380-0277
Photo of Nelson L Hadler, LCSW, LCADC, CCS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Nelson L Hadler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCADC, CCS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Denville, NJ 07834
Over thirty years experience in the mental health and substance abuse field. My clients report that I create a trusting, relaxed and nurturing environment in their sessions. Live and telehealth visits in FL, tele in NJ and Colorado Specializing in co-occurring disorders and general mental health issues, providing individual and family treatment for adults and adolescents who are experiencing emotional, family and or substance use problems and other life difficulties. I especially enjoy working with difficult adolescents and their families. I also am a qualified supervisor in FL and NJ.
Over thirty years experience in the mental health and substance abuse field. My clients report that I create a trusting, relaxed and nurturing environment in their sessions. Live and telehealth visits in FL, tele in NJ and Colorado Specializing in co-occurring disorders and general mental health issues, providing individual and family treatment for adults and adolescents who are experiencing emotional, family and or substance use problems and other life difficulties. I especially enjoy working with difficult adolescents and their families. I also am a qualified supervisor in FL and NJ.
(239) 243-9229 View (239) 243-9229
Photo of Jeffrey A Steigman, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jeffrey A Steigman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Succasunna, NJ 07876
I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 20 years of experience providing mental health services. I have worked with children, adolescents and adults struggling with a variety of mental health and behavioral issues. I am skilled at providing services to individuals, couples, siblings or the family as a whole. My approach is to develop a strong collaboration with my clients where we work together as a team to accomplish treatment goals and improve one's quality of life.
I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 20 years of experience providing mental health services. I have worked with children, adolescents and adults struggling with a variety of mental health and behavioral issues. I am skilled at providing services to individuals, couples, siblings or the family as a whole. My approach is to develop a strong collaboration with my clients where we work together as a team to accomplish treatment goals and improve one's quality of life.
(201) 778-7861 View (201) 778-7861

See more therapy options for Lake Hopatcong

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.