Bipolar Disorder Treatment Centers in Concord, CA

Photo of David B Burke - New Start Recovery Solutions, Treatment Center, LAADC, CA
New Start Recovery Solutions
Treatment Center
Concord, CA 94520
At New Start Recovery Solutions we offer access to personalized Medically Managed detox and dual-diagnosis residential treatment and intensive outpatient treatment for individuals, families and professionals. We use an approach that is highly individualized with an array of options customized in a treatment plan specifically for you or a love one. We believe in order to recover successfully, we need to replace old habits with new healthy ones. We can help the family get started by facilitating a family intervention to break through any barriers to get the process of recovery started, finishing with the development of a continuing care plan after treatment is completed. We believe the solution is within us-sometimes we need help to bring it out. Go to our website we have many locations to choose from and an admissions counselor is waiting to help you and walk you through the process.
At New Start Recovery Solutions we offer access to personalized Medically Managed detox and dual-diagnosis residential treatment and intensive outpatient treatment for individuals, families and professionals. We use an approach that is highly individualized with an array of options customized in a treatment plan specifically for you or a love one. We believe in order to recover successfully, we need to replace old habits with new healthy ones. We can help the family get started by facilitating a family intervention to break through any barriers to get the process of recovery started, finishing with the development of a continuing care plan after treatment is completed. We believe the solution is within us-sometimes we need help to bring it out. Go to our website we have many locations to choose from and an admissions counselor is waiting to help you and walk you through the process.
(530) 419-5755 View (530) 419-5755
Photo of David Burke - New Start Recovery Solutions Sacramento, Treatment Center
At New Start Recovery Solutions we provide access to personalized medically managed Detox and Dual Diagnosis Residential and Intensive Outpatient Treatment. We treat the Whole Person. Our approach is highly individualized with an array of options customized in a treatment plan specifically for you or a loved one. We believe in order to recover successfully - old habits and behaviors must be replaced with new healthy ones. Mindfulness is a core element in our treatment plans. When needed, we can help the family get started by facilitating a family intervention to break through any barriers in getting the recovery process started. Our complete continuum of care ranges from intervention to addiction treatment to personalized continuing care plans after treatment is completed. We believe the solution is within us - and sometimes we need help to bring it out. Go to our website and take our online assessment. Our counselors are waiting to help you.
At New Start Recovery Solutions we provide access to personalized medically managed Detox and Dual Diagnosis Residential and Intensive Outpatient Treatment. We treat the Whole Person. Our approach is highly individualized with an array of options customized in a treatment plan specifically for you or a loved one. We believe in order to recover successfully - old habits and behaviors must be replaced with new healthy ones. Mindfulness is a core element in our treatment plans. When needed, we can help the family get started by facilitating a family intervention to break through any barriers in getting the recovery process started. Our complete continuum of care ranges from intervention to addiction treatment to personalized continuing care plans after treatment is completed. We believe the solution is within us - and sometimes we need help to bring it out. Go to our website and take our online assessment. Our counselors are waiting to help you.
(916) 794-9166 View (916) 794-9166
Photo of Newport Newport - Newport Institute Young Adult Treatment, Treatment Center
Newport Institute Young Adult Treatment
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Newport Institute is the leading provider of behavioral health treatment for young adults ages 18–35. Our family-centered, integrated approach fosters sustainable healing from mental health and co-occurring disorders such as anxiety, depression, trauma, psychosis, eating disorders, and substance use. Individualized treatment plans include medical and psychiatric care, life skills and career development, and experiential modalities including, creative arts, music, yoga, and outdoor adventure therapy. With residential and outpatient locations nationwide and partnerships with major insurance providers, we make quality care accessible.
Newport Institute is the leading provider of behavioral health treatment for young adults ages 18–35. Our family-centered, integrated approach fosters sustainable healing from mental health and co-occurring disorders such as anxiety, depression, trauma, psychosis, eating disorders, and substance use. Individualized treatment plans include medical and psychiatric care, life skills and career development, and experiential modalities including, creative arts, music, yoga, and outdoor adventure therapy. With residential and outpatient locations nationwide and partnerships with major insurance providers, we make quality care accessible.
(415) 358-3089 View (415) 358-3089
Photo of Ian Wolds - Muir Wood Teen Treatment, Treatment Center, PsyD
Muir Wood Teen Treatment
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Hope starts here— help for your teen, support for your family. Muir Wood Teen Treatment specializes in treating primary mental health, substance use disorders, and trauma. Our early reputation was built on dual-diagnosis expertise, and we have become truly exceptional by grounding that expertise in a broader foundation of trauma-informed mental health.
Hope starts here— help for your teen, support for your family. Muir Wood Teen Treatment specializes in treating primary mental health, substance use disorders, and trauma. Our early reputation was built on dual-diagnosis expertise, and we have become truly exceptional by grounding that expertise in a broader foundation of trauma-informed mental health.
(707) 940-8255 View (707) 940-8255
Photo of Bonnie Jean Mitchell - Mental Health Sacramento, Treatment Center, DBH, LPCC
Mental Health Sacramento
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Our clients often face mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, PTSD, OCD, bipolar disorder, and co-occurring substance use challenges.
As a licensed Social Rehabilitation Facility, we provide 24/7 crisis stabilization and short-term residential care using evidence-based treatments like CBT and DBT, alongside holistic options including music therapy, yoga, and fitness training. We focus on symptom stabilization, life skills development, and smooth transitions to independent living.
Our clients often face mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, PTSD, OCD, bipolar disorder, and co-occurring substance use challenges.
As a licensed Social Rehabilitation Facility, we provide 24/7 crisis stabilization and short-term residential care using evidence-based treatments like CBT and DBT, alongside holistic options including music therapy, yoga, and fitness training. We focus on symptom stabilization, life skills development, and smooth transitions to independent living.
(916) 237-4556 View (916) 237-4556
Photo of Ian Wolds - Muir Wood Teen Treatment, Treatment Center, PsyD
Muir Wood Teen Treatment
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Hope starts here— help for your teen, support for your family. Muir Wood Teen Treatment specializes in treating primary mental health, substance use disorders, and trauma. Our early reputation was built on dual-diagnosis expertise, and we have become truly exceptional by grounding that expertise in a broader foundation of trauma-informed mental health.
Hope starts here— help for your teen, support for your family. Muir Wood Teen Treatment specializes in treating primary mental health, substance use disorders, and trauma. Our early reputation was built on dual-diagnosis expertise, and we have become truly exceptional by grounding that expertise in a broader foundation of trauma-informed mental health.
(707) 207-8834 View (707) 207-8834
Photo of Ian Wolds - Primary Mental Health, Treatment Center, PsyD
Primary Mental Health
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Hope starts here— help for your teen, support for your family. Muir Wood Teen Treatment specializes in treating primary mental health and trauma. Our early reputation was built on dual-diagnosis expertise, and we have become truly exceptional by grounding that expertise in a broader foundation of trauma-informed mental health.
Hope starts here— help for your teen, support for your family. Muir Wood Teen Treatment specializes in treating primary mental health and trauma. Our early reputation was built on dual-diagnosis expertise, and we have become truly exceptional by grounding that expertise in a broader foundation of trauma-informed mental health.
(707) 785-8325 View (707) 785-8325
Photo of Kara Gross - Evolve Teen Treatment Center - Walnut Creek, Treatment Center
Evolve offers proven, evidence-based therapy programs for teens struggling with mental health, substance use, or behavioral challenges. Our short-term residential treatment center (RTC) provides 24/7 supervision and individualized care in a safe, supportive setting. With only six teens in the program at a time, we deliver highly focused and personalized treatment. We also provide structured outpatient therapy through our full-day teen Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and after-school teen Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Families can expect compassionate care and meaningful progress at every step.
Evolve offers proven, evidence-based therapy programs for teens struggling with mental health, substance use, or behavioral challenges. Our short-term residential treatment center (RTC) provides 24/7 supervision and individualized care in a safe, supportive setting. With only six teens in the program at a time, we deliver highly focused and personalized treatment. We also provide structured outpatient therapy through our full-day teen Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and after-school teen Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Families can expect compassionate care and meaningful progress at every step.
(925) 304-1379 View (925) 304-1379
Photo of Newport Newport - Newport Institute Young Adult Treatment, Treatment Center
Newport Institute Young Adult Treatment
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Newport Institute is the leading provider of behavioral health treatment for young adults ages 18–35. Our family-centered, integrated approach fosters sustainable healing from mental health and co-occurring disorders such as anxiety, depression, trauma, psychosis, eating disorders, and substance use. Individualized treatment plans include medical and psychiatric care, life skills and career development, and experiential modalities including, creative arts, music, yoga, and outdoor adventure therapy. With residential and outpatient locations nationwide and partnerships with major insurance providers, we make quality care accessible.
Newport Institute is the leading provider of behavioral health treatment for young adults ages 18–35. Our family-centered, integrated approach fosters sustainable healing from mental health and co-occurring disorders such as anxiety, depression, trauma, psychosis, eating disorders, and substance use. Individualized treatment plans include medical and psychiatric care, life skills and career development, and experiential modalities including, creative arts, music, yoga, and outdoor adventure therapy. With residential and outpatient locations nationwide and partnerships with major insurance providers, we make quality care accessible.
(628) 888-8146 View (628) 888-8146
Photo of Ian Wolds - Muir Wood Teen Treatment, Treatment Center, PsyD
Muir Wood Teen Treatment
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Hope starts here— help for your teen, support for your family. Muir Wood Teen Treatment specializes in treating primary mental health, substance use disorders, and trauma. Our early reputation was built on dual-diagnosis expertise, and we have become truly exceptional by grounding that expertise in a broader foundation of trauma-informed mental health.
Hope starts here— help for your teen, support for your family. Muir Wood Teen Treatment specializes in treating primary mental health, substance use disorders, and trauma. Our early reputation was built on dual-diagnosis expertise, and we have become truly exceptional by grounding that expertise in a broader foundation of trauma-informed mental health.
(707) 394-9633 View (707) 394-9633
Photo of Kara Gross - Evolve Teen Outpatient Treatment Center - Danville, Treatment Center
Evolve Danville offers outpatient treatment for teens ages 12-17 who struggle with mental health, addiction, and/or behavioral issues. Our licensed, specialized staff utilize evidence-based treatments such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), individual and family therapy, multifamily groups, parent support groups, psychiatry, daily group sessions and psychoeducation. Additionally, we integrate addiction recovery modalities such as Relapse Prevention, DBT for Substance Abuse, SMART Recovery, and 12-Step support programs. Many of our adolescents struggle with emotion dysregulation and may display high-risk or self-harming behaviors. DBT is research-proven to help reduce these issues. Through DBT, we teach our teens the skills needed for distress tolerance, improved impulse control, emotion regulation, and effective communication. Teens also receive daily academic support and participate in experiential therapies such as music, art, mindfulness, yoga, and hiking. We pride ourselves on creating a safe, positive, and structured environment where clients learn the skills necessary for sustainable recovery.
Evolve Danville offers outpatient treatment for teens ages 12-17 who struggle with mental health, addiction, and/or behavioral issues. Our licensed, specialized staff utilize evidence-based treatments such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), individual and family therapy, multifamily groups, parent support groups, psychiatry, daily group sessions and psychoeducation. Additionally, we integrate addiction recovery modalities such as Relapse Prevention, DBT for Substance Abuse, SMART Recovery, and 12-Step support programs. Many of our adolescents struggle with emotion dysregulation and may display high-risk or self-harming behaviors. DBT is research-proven to help reduce these issues. Through DBT, we teach our teens the skills needed for distress tolerance, improved impulse control, emotion regulation, and effective communication. Teens also receive daily academic support and participate in experiential therapies such as music, art, mindfulness, yoga, and hiking. We pride ourselves on creating a safe, positive, and structured environment where clients learn the skills necessary for sustainable recovery.
(925) 392-3978 View (925) 392-3978

More Treatment Centers Nearby

Photo of Paradigm Malibu - Paradigm Treatment - Teen Residential Treatment, Treatment Center
Rather than merely containing or shaping behaviors, we are committed to assisting young people by addressing the deeper, more difficult issues that impact their lives including anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and more.
At Paradigm Treatment, we have been providing residential treatment for teenagers (12-17) for over 12 years. Our program focuses on addressing mental health issues during this crucial developmental phase. While most teen treatment is focused on containing and changing behaviors, our goal is to identify the core issues driving negative coping skills. We help clients build self-awareness, heal from past traumas, learn coping strategies, life skills, and interpersonal tactics. Our skilled medical, clinical, and psychological staff work closely with each client, ensuring personalized support from the moment they enter our program. At Paradigm, we empower teens to build meaningful lives and equip them with skills to thrive beyond the completion of our program.
Rather than merely containing or shaping behaviors, we are committed to assisting young people by addressing the deeper, more difficult issues that impact their lives including anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and more.
At Paradigm Treatment, we have been providing residential treatment for teenagers (12-17) for over 12 years. Our program focuses on addressing mental health issues during this crucial developmental phase. While most teen treatment is focused on containing and changing behaviors, our goal is to identify the core issues driving negative coping skills. We help clients build self-awareness, heal from past traumas, learn coping strategies, life skills, and interpersonal tactics. Our skilled medical, clinical, and psychological staff work closely with each client, ensuring personalized support from the moment they enter our program. At Paradigm, we empower teens to build meaningful lives and equip them with skills to thrive beyond the completion of our program.
(310) 912-7295 View (310) 912-7295
Photo of Ijaz Rasul - Telepsychiatrist_Piedmont Behavioral Services, Treatment Center, MD, 2972930
We provide Child and Adult Psychiatry, Therapy and Substance abuse clients via video across California. Our Board Certified Psychiatrists and Therapists are available to help everyday and we can offer same day appointments. Telepsychiatry or Telemedicine uses video link (via computer or smartphone) to offer appointments from home or outside clinic. It offers the option to see a psychiatrist any time as long as you have access to your smart phone or computer.
We provide Child and Adult Psychiatry, Therapy and Substance abuse clients via video across California. Our Board Certified Psychiatrists and Therapists are available to help everyday and we can offer same day appointments. Telepsychiatry or Telemedicine uses video link (via computer or smartphone) to offer appointments from home or outside clinic. It offers the option to see a psychiatrist any time as long as you have access to your smart phone or computer.
(415) 851-6482 View (415) 851-6482
Photo of Admissions Team - Jackson House Temecula, Treatment Center
Jackson House Temecula
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Jackson House focuses on short-term, comprehensive residential treatment focusing on core issues such as trauma, depression, anxiety, psychosis, and grief and loss. Our multi-disciplinary team focuses on a variety of therapeutic techniques to ensure that every client gets the care that they need. Our home-like atmosphere allows clients to easily transition from residential care to less structured outpatient treatment. At Jackson House, we know that you have other responsibilities to maintain such as work, social life, and family. It is our mission to make sure you get back to your true self and back to being able to thrive in your day-to-day responsibilities.
Jackson House focuses on short-term, comprehensive residential treatment focusing on core issues such as trauma, depression, anxiety, psychosis, and grief and loss. Our multi-disciplinary team focuses on a variety of therapeutic techniques to ensure that every client gets the care that they need. Our home-like atmosphere allows clients to easily transition from residential care to less structured outpatient treatment. At Jackson House, we know that you have other responsibilities to maintain such as work, social life, and family. It is our mission to make sure you get back to your true self and back to being able to thrive in your day-to-day responsibilities.
(951) 402-1268 View (951) 402-1268
Clearview Outpatient - San Ramon
Treatment Center
San Ramon, CA 94583
Clearview Outpatient San Ramon treats depression, generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, and personality disorders.
Clearview Outpatient San Ramon provides compassionate, evidence-based mental health care for adults navigating complex emotional and psychiatric challenges. Our experienced clinical team offers individualized outpatient treatment using therapies such as DBT, CBT, and experiential approaches tailored to each client’s needs. Through individual, group, and family therapy, we help clients strengthen emotional regulation, improve relationships, and build practical coping skills that support greater confidence, stability, and long-term recovery in everyday life.
Clearview Outpatient San Ramon treats depression, generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, and personality disorders.
Clearview Outpatient San Ramon provides compassionate, evidence-based mental health care for adults navigating complex emotional and psychiatric challenges. Our experienced clinical team offers individualized outpatient treatment using therapies such as DBT, CBT, and experiential approaches tailored to each client’s needs. Through individual, group, and family therapy, we help clients strengthen emotional regulation, improve relationships, and build practical coping skills that support greater confidence, stability, and long-term recovery in everyday life.
(925) 693-7153 View (925) 693-7153
Photo of Marcus Robinson - Windhorse Integrative Mental Health, Treatment Center
Windhorse Integrative Mental Health
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Windhorse is a semi-residential program for adults experiencing life-disrupting mental states, with three locations in the US (Oregon, California, and Massachusetts). Inspired by the vision that psychiatric recovery is possible, Windhorse Integrative Mental Health has been a leader in personalized, compassionate care for over 30 years. The foundational principle of our treatment is healing through relationship and community. Windhorse addresses what is missing in most institutional settings. Our clients experience:
Windhorse is a semi-residential program for adults experiencing life-disrupting mental states, with three locations in the US (Oregon, California, and Massachusetts). Inspired by the vision that psychiatric recovery is possible, Windhorse Integrative Mental Health has been a leader in personalized, compassionate care for over 30 years. The foundational principle of our treatment is healing through relationship and community. Windhorse addresses what is missing in most institutional settings. Our clients experience:
(800) 319-8261 View (800) 319-8261
Photo of Paradigm San Rafael - Paradigm Treatment - Teen Residential Treatment, Treatment Center
Rather than merely containing or shaping behaviors, we are committed to assisting young people by addressing the deeper, more difficult issues that impact their lives including anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and more.
At Paradigm Treatment, we have been providing residential treatment for teenagers (12-17) for over 12 years. Our program focuses on addressing mental health issues during this crucial developmental phase. While most teen treatment is focused on containing and changing behaviors, our goal is to identify the core issues driving negative coping skills. We help clients build self-awareness, heal from past traumas, learn coping strategies, life skills, and interpersonal tactics. Our skilled medical, clinical, and psychological staff work closely with each client, ensuring personalized support from the moment they enter our program. At Paradigm, we empower teens to build meaningful lives and equip them with skills to thrive beyond the completion of our program. Due to a lack of quality mental health resources throughout the country, it's common for us to treat clients from all over the Pacific Northwest at our San Rafael location.
Rather than merely containing or shaping behaviors, we are committed to assisting young people by addressing the deeper, more difficult issues that impact their lives including anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and more.
At Paradigm Treatment, we have been providing residential treatment for teenagers (12-17) for over 12 years. Our program focuses on addressing mental health issues during this crucial developmental phase. While most teen treatment is focused on containing and changing behaviors, our goal is to identify the core issues driving negative coping skills. We help clients build self-awareness, heal from past traumas, learn coping strategies, life skills, and interpersonal tactics. Our skilled medical, clinical, and psychological staff work closely with each client, ensuring personalized support from the moment they enter our program. At Paradigm, we empower teens to build meaningful lives and equip them with skills to thrive beyond the completion of our program. Due to a lack of quality mental health resources throughout the country, it's common for us to treat clients from all over the Pacific Northwest at our San Rafael location.
(415) 316-0872 View (415) 316-0872
Photo of Avalon Admissions - Avalon Malibu, Treatment Center, PsyD
Avalon Malibu
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Avalon Malibu Mental Health & Addiction Treatment Center is a Licensed Addiction & Mental Health Treatment Center. Utilizing experiential methodologies, expressive arts and research based psychotherapies, we offer a place which provides a nurturing and therapeutic environment. Clients are encouraged to participate actively in their recovery. We provide five levels of care: Licensed Addiction Residential Treatment (Detoxification), Licensed Mental Health Residential Treatment, Partial Hospitalization Program, Intensive Outpatient Treatment Program Happiness is a choice of attitude. Resolve to choose gratefulness over regret until joy becomes your default setting. The process of healing is one of self-realization, the peeling away of the fears and negativity that obscure the light of your core self.
Avalon Malibu Mental Health & Addiction Treatment Center is a Licensed Addiction & Mental Health Treatment Center. Utilizing experiential methodologies, expressive arts and research based psychotherapies, we offer a place which provides a nurturing and therapeutic environment. Clients are encouraged to participate actively in their recovery. We provide five levels of care: Licensed Addiction Residential Treatment (Detoxification), Licensed Mental Health Residential Treatment, Partial Hospitalization Program, Intensive Outpatient Treatment Program Happiness is a choice of attitude. Resolve to choose gratefulness over regret until joy becomes your default setting. The process of healing is one of self-realization, the peeling away of the fears and negativity that obscure the light of your core self.
(310) 359-0186 View (310) 359-0186
Photo of Our Admissions Team - Austen Riggs Center, Treatment Center
Austen Riggs Center
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Located in Stockbridge, MA, with a national referral base, Riggs is an open and voluntary continuum of care for adults (18+) with complex psychiatric problems. We offer a range of interventions within an integrated psychodynamic framework. An emphasis is placed on patient authority and responsibility while examining the meaning behind behaviors and how behaviors impact relationships. Patients come to us with multiple diagnoses, but these labels do not necessarily capture the essence of their struggles or strengths. Our Online Intensive Outpatient Program offers online treatment to college students and emerging adults (18-30) in MA.
Located in Stockbridge, MA, with a national referral base, Riggs is an open and voluntary continuum of care for adults (18+) with complex psychiatric problems. We offer a range of interventions within an integrated psychodynamic framework. An emphasis is placed on patient authority and responsibility while examining the meaning behind behaviors and how behaviors impact relationships. Patients come to us with multiple diagnoses, but these labels do not necessarily capture the essence of their struggles or strengths. Our Online Intensive Outpatient Program offers online treatment to college students and emerging adults (18-30) in MA.
(855) 338-0060 View (855) 338-0060
Photo of Sara Ghassemy - Clear Behavioral Health Residential Mental Health, Treatment Center
Clear Behavioral Health's mental health residential treatment provides invaluable support, particularly if you or a loved one is experiencing a steady mental health decline or crisis. Mental health is an essential component of overall well-being. When extra time, safety, and space are needed for recovery, residential treatment can be life-changing. With round-the-clock care, personalized treatment plans, structured activities, and access to essential resources such as medication management, we have the best mental health program near Los Angeles.
Clear Behavioral Health's mental health residential treatment provides invaluable support, particularly if you or a loved one is experiencing a steady mental health decline or crisis. Mental health is an essential component of overall well-being. When extra time, safety, and space are needed for recovery, residential treatment can be life-changing. With round-the-clock care, personalized treatment plans, structured activities, and access to essential resources such as medication management, we have the best mental health program near Los Angeles.
(424) 401-7283 View (424) 401-7283

See more therapy options for Concord

Bipolar Disorder Treatment Centers
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.