Bipolar Disorder Treatment Centers in Laguna Beach, CA

Photo of Ochpa Ochpa - OCHPA, Intensive Outpatient Facility Specialists, Treatment Center
IOP is an in-person therapy combining group therapy, individual counseling, and educational workshops for those struggling with mental health diagnoses (Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, PTSD, etc.).
Another form of IOP we offer is an in-person Dual Diagnosis program that focuses on Alcohol and Substance Use Disorder in addition to the patient’s mental health. This group meets Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 2:00-5:00 p.m. This group includes sessions with our on-site registered dietician along with our psychologists.
IOP is an in-person therapy combining group therapy, individual counseling, and educational workshops for those struggling with mental health diagnoses (Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, PTSD, etc.).
Another form of IOP we offer is an in-person Dual Diagnosis program that focuses on Alcohol and Substance Use Disorder in addition to the patient’s mental health. This group meets Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 2:00-5:00 p.m. This group includes sessions with our on-site registered dietician along with our psychologists.
(949) 877-3563 View (949) 877-3563
Photo of Kai Leilani - Maluhia Mental Health Program, Treatment Center
Maluhia Mental Health Program
Treatment Center
Serves Area
We are a physician-operated residential mental health program specializing in complex psychiatric conditions. Licensed for advanced treatments like ketamine and TMS, we focus on minimizing medications and offering intensive one-on-one care in a small, supportive home like setting. With only 6 clients at a time, we provide truly personalized treatment. We serve adults of all ages, including those with chronic pain. Unlike most centers, we are licenced for advanced mental health and crisis stabilization, ensuring the highest clinical standards.
We are a physician-operated residential mental health program specializing in complex psychiatric conditions. Licensed for advanced treatments like ketamine and TMS, we focus on minimizing medications and offering intensive one-on-one care in a small, supportive home like setting. With only 6 clients at a time, we provide truly personalized treatment. We serve adults of all ages, including those with chronic pain. Unlike most centers, we are licenced for advanced mental health and crisis stabilization, ensuring the highest clinical standards.
(562) 667-5880 View (562) 667-5880
Photo of Michael Raj Villarreal - Southern California Sunrise Recovery Center, Treatment Center, CADC-II
Southern California Sunrise Recovery Center
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Far too often we encounter clients whom have been diagnosed in one location as Bipolar, then another location as depressed, then other diagnosis.
At Southern California Sunrise Recovery we will listen to you and learn from you. In the world of addiction and substance abuse people are lost in the shuffle of insurance needs, company and staff needs, and other distractions form the mission. Our mission is to hear you and to work as hard as you do to accomplish your goals. We've learned it takes a team approach and we are ready to be your teammate. If you are struggling with finding a purpose for recovery, finding yourself, understanding your addiction, or simply feeling lost, we understand. We do not judge our clients or impose a specific theory or belief system on them. Each persons addiction started and evolved in different ways. If you have struggled with addiction for 3 months or five years it will not take you simply 30 days to change your life. It takes time, patience, compassion, and hard work on both sides, yours and the team you choose to work with. Your treatment plan will be specific to your needs and the life you've been living.
Far too often we encounter clients whom have been diagnosed in one location as Bipolar, then another location as depressed, then other diagnosis.
At Southern California Sunrise Recovery we will listen to you and learn from you. In the world of addiction and substance abuse people are lost in the shuffle of insurance needs, company and staff needs, and other distractions form the mission. Our mission is to hear you and to work as hard as you do to accomplish your goals. We've learned it takes a team approach and we are ready to be your teammate. If you are struggling with finding a purpose for recovery, finding yourself, understanding your addiction, or simply feeling lost, we understand. We do not judge our clients or impose a specific theory or belief system on them. Each persons addiction started and evolved in different ways. If you have struggled with addiction for 3 months or five years it will not take you simply 30 days to change your life. It takes time, patience, compassion, and hard work on both sides, yours and the team you choose to work with. Your treatment plan will be specific to your needs and the life you've been living.
(949) 799-1661 View (949) 799-1661
Photo of Brandon Hilger - Laguna Beach Recovery, Treatment Center
Laguna Beach Recovery
Treatment Center
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
We help adults struggling with substance use, alcohol use, and chronic relapse, including those with co-occurring anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, chronic pain, and dual diagnosis concerns.
Laguna Beach Recovery serves adults struggling with alcohol use, drug addiction, substance dependence, relapse, and the emotional toll that often comes with it. Many clients come to us feeling overwhelmed, physically depleted, anxious, isolated, or unsure where to turn next. They need safe detox, structured support, privacy, and a treatment setting that feels calm, comfortable, and healing. Our Laguna Beach location offers a peaceful coastal environment where clients can step away from chaos and begin recovery with dignity.
We help adults struggling with substance use, alcohol use, and chronic relapse, including those with co-occurring anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, chronic pain, and dual diagnosis concerns.
Laguna Beach Recovery serves adults struggling with alcohol use, drug addiction, substance dependence, relapse, and the emotional toll that often comes with it. Many clients come to us feeling overwhelmed, physically depleted, anxious, isolated, or unsure where to turn next. They need safe detox, structured support, privacy, and a treatment setting that feels calm, comfortable, and healing. Our Laguna Beach location offers a peaceful coastal environment where clients can step away from chaos and begin recovery with dignity.
(949) 771-8201 View (949) 771-8201
Photo of Jack Petti - California Detox, Treatment Center
California Detox
Treatment Center
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
We work with individuals experiencing dependence on alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, stimulants, and other substances, as well as those managing anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and mood- or trauma-related symptoms.
Clients participate in evidence-based therapies such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed care. We integrate holistic practices—like mindfulness, art and music therapy, and grounding exercises—to help clients reconnect with their emotional and physical well-being.
We work with individuals experiencing dependence on alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, stimulants, and other substances, as well as those managing anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and mood- or trauma-related symptoms.
Clients participate in evidence-based therapies such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed care. We integrate holistic practices—like mindfulness, art and music therapy, and grounding exercises—to help clients reconnect with their emotional and physical well-being.
(949) 649-7609 View (949) 649-7609
Photo of Brandon Hilger - Laguna Beach Treatment, Treatment Center
Laguna Beach Treatment
Treatment Center
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
We treat substance use, alcohol use, and chronic relapse, including co-occurring anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, chronic pain, and dual diagnosis.
Laguna Beach Treatment serves adults facing alcohol use, drug addiction, substance dependence, chronic relapse, and co-occurring emotional or mental health concerns. Many clients come to us exhausted, discouraged, or uncertain about what to do next. They need a safe detox process, consistent structure, clinical support, and a setting that feels private, calm, and restorative. Our coastal Laguna Beach environment gives clients space to step away from daily pressures and begin healing in a more supportive atmosphere.
We treat substance use, alcohol use, and chronic relapse, including co-occurring anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, chronic pain, and dual diagnosis.
Laguna Beach Treatment serves adults facing alcohol use, drug addiction, substance dependence, chronic relapse, and co-occurring emotional or mental health concerns. Many clients come to us exhausted, discouraged, or uncertain about what to do next. They need a safe detox process, consistent structure, clinical support, and a setting that feels private, calm, and restorative. Our coastal Laguna Beach environment gives clients space to step away from daily pressures and begin healing in a more supportive atmosphere.
(949) 828-0889 View (949) 828-0889
Photo of Alissa Torres - Veteran Mental Health / SUD Treatment Program, Treatment Center
Premier exclusive Psychological Treatment Program treating broad spectrum psychiatric disorders. Are you suffering from PTSD, general anxiety, depression, trauma, borderline personality disorder, depression, suicidal thinking, anxiety, schizophrenia, or any other mental illness? Has a life without purpose or fulfillment become almost unbearable to you? You are not alone, and most importantly, there is hope for successful and lasting healing - we observe this success every day. We are an unparalleled exclusive, both in-residence and outpatient psychiatric treatment program in beautiful Pacific Beach. We are a team of highly experienced, professional psychiatric treatment providers with expertise with Veteran issues. We treat with absolute honor, integrity, and compassionate respect. Get the help and care you need and deserve in a safe, confidential, and supportive environment. Please don't suffer any longer - Call now to start healing. JCAHO accredited at the highest level. Consistently in the 'Top Rated' treatment programs.
Premier exclusive Psychological Treatment Program treating broad spectrum psychiatric disorders. Are you suffering from PTSD, general anxiety, depression, trauma, borderline personality disorder, depression, suicidal thinking, anxiety, schizophrenia, or any other mental illness? Has a life without purpose or fulfillment become almost unbearable to you? You are not alone, and most importantly, there is hope for successful and lasting healing - we observe this success every day. We are an unparalleled exclusive, both in-residence and outpatient psychiatric treatment program in beautiful Pacific Beach. We are a team of highly experienced, professional psychiatric treatment providers with expertise with Veteran issues. We treat with absolute honor, integrity, and compassionate respect. Get the help and care you need and deserve in a safe, confidential, and supportive environment. Please don't suffer any longer - Call now to start healing. JCAHO accredited at the highest level. Consistently in the 'Top Rated' treatment programs.
(949) 531-7643 View (949) 531-7643
Photo of Daniel S. Leon - Oakwood Family Institute, Treatment Center
Oakwood Family Institute
Treatment Center
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Oakwood Family Treatment is dedicated to helping teens, young adults, and their families create a foundation for healing, self-discovery, and personal growth. In doing so we use a comprehensive, multi-dimensional, clinically-based treatment approach that is highly individualized, integrative, and holistic in nature. Our goal is to promote human potential, mindful living, and spiritual well-being. At Oakwood it is our mission to provide families with the direction and resources needed to help teens thrive developmentally, giving parents and their teens the power to create and sustain transformative change in their lives.
Oakwood Family Treatment is dedicated to helping teens, young adults, and their families create a foundation for healing, self-discovery, and personal growth. In doing so we use a comprehensive, multi-dimensional, clinically-based treatment approach that is highly individualized, integrative, and holistic in nature. Our goal is to promote human potential, mindful living, and spiritual well-being. At Oakwood it is our mission to provide families with the direction and resources needed to help teens thrive developmentally, giving parents and their teens the power to create and sustain transformative change in their lives.
(626) 460-2806 View (626) 460-2806
Photo of James Perraie - Socal Empowered, Treatment Center
Socal Empowered
Treatment Center
Serves Area
At SoCal Empowered™, we offer individualized treatment plans for adults that are custom-designed around each of his/her unique needs. We keep our spaces limited in order to provide each person who comes into our care with a completely tailored healing experience. We want to optimize everyone’s healing process with each and every detail of a client’s stay taken into consideration—offering maximum therapeutic benefit. We’re pleased to offer customized treatment plans for a variety of mental health disorders.
At SoCal Empowered™, we offer individualized treatment plans for adults that are custom-designed around each of his/her unique needs. We keep our spaces limited in order to provide each person who comes into our care with a completely tailored healing experience. We want to optimize everyone’s healing process with each and every detail of a client’s stay taken into consideration—offering maximum therapeutic benefit. We’re pleased to offer customized treatment plans for a variety of mental health disorders.
(888) 531-0601 View (888) 531-0601
Photo of Tiare Brock - Akua Mind Body- Addiction Treatment Center for Men, Treatment Center
AKUA Mind and Body is a premier substance abuse residential treatment center for men, dedicated to providing the highest level of care for those struggling with addiction. Our comprehensive programs include detox, drug and alcohol treatment, and residential care tailored to meet the unique needs of men. We focus on individualized therapy, group therapy, and holistic approaches to support long-lasting recovery from alcohol, opioid, and drug addiction. Most HMO and PPO insurances are accepted. Call us today —our helpline is available 24/7! Your journey to recovery starts here.
AKUA Mind and Body is a premier substance abuse residential treatment center for men, dedicated to providing the highest level of care for those struggling with addiction. Our comprehensive programs include detox, drug and alcohol treatment, and residential care tailored to meet the unique needs of men. We focus on individualized therapy, group therapy, and holistic approaches to support long-lasting recovery from alcohol, opioid, and drug addiction. Most HMO and PPO insurances are accepted. Call us today —our helpline is available 24/7! Your journey to recovery starts here.
(949) 676-6591 View (949) 676-6591
Photo of Desirae Sheldon - Rooted Stillness- Virtual Outpatient Program , Treatment Center
Rooted Stillness- Virtual Outpatient Program
Treatment Center
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
At Rooted Stillness, we work with adults who are navigating challenges with mental health, stress, and recovery. Many of our clients are balancing busy lives—work, school, family—and need flexible care options that fit their schedules. Our program supports individuals struggling with: Anxiety, depression, or mood instability Stress, burnout, or life transitions Substance use concerns or co-occurring disorders Difficulty maintaining balance between personal and professional responsibilities Our Clients’ Needs Clients come to us seeking a safe, supportive space where they can gain coping tools, build resilience, and
At Rooted Stillness, we work with adults who are navigating challenges with mental health, stress, and recovery. Many of our clients are balancing busy lives—work, school, family—and need flexible care options that fit their schedules. Our program supports individuals struggling with: Anxiety, depression, or mood instability Stress, burnout, or life transitions Substance use concerns or co-occurring disorders Difficulty maintaining balance between personal and professional responsibilities Our Clients’ Needs Clients come to us seeking a safe, supportive space where they can gain coping tools, build resilience, and
(949) 334-5540 View (949) 334-5540
Photo of Sarah Johnson - Mission Prep Teen Treatment, Treatment Center
Mission Prep Teen Treatment
Treatment Center
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
We also address complex issues like trauma, ADHD, bipolar disorder, self-harm behaviors, and technology dependence.
We serve adolescents struggling with primary mental health disorders and the families who support them. Our clients often face challenges that disrupt their daily lives, such as severe anxiety, depression, or trauma. They may struggle with emotional regulation, academic hurdles, or social withdrawal. These young individuals need a safe, structured environment where they can feel heard and understood. We address the needs of those who require more than traditional weekly therapy, providing a space for those seeking stability, personal growth, and a way to navigate the complexities of modern adolescence.
We also address complex issues like trauma, ADHD, bipolar disorder, self-harm behaviors, and technology dependence.
We serve adolescents struggling with primary mental health disorders and the families who support them. Our clients often face challenges that disrupt their daily lives, such as severe anxiety, depression, or trauma. They may struggle with emotional regulation, academic hurdles, or social withdrawal. These young individuals need a safe, structured environment where they can feel heard and understood. We address the needs of those who require more than traditional weekly therapy, providing a space for those seeking stability, personal growth, and a way to navigate the complexities of modern adolescence.
(760) 474-3650 View (760) 474-3650
Photo of Dorinda Mueller - OC Specialty Health & Hospitals, Treatment Center, RN
OC Specialty Health & Hospitals
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Two locations in Orange County dedicated to serving all generations with compassion and empathy. The Aliso Ridge Behavioral Health facility is the flagship campus of the OC Specialty Health & Hospitals system. The newly-built facility is located in Aliso Viejo and offers 119 beds, serving children, adolescents, and adults. Anaheim Community Hospital is located in Anaheim, CA, this facility provides general acute medical-surgical care as well as acute and crisis medical behavioral health. With 98 inpatient beds, we’re dedicated to serving our community members of all ages.
Two locations in Orange County dedicated to serving all generations with compassion and empathy. The Aliso Ridge Behavioral Health facility is the flagship campus of the OC Specialty Health & Hospitals system. The newly-built facility is located in Aliso Viejo and offers 119 beds, serving children, adolescents, and adults. Anaheim Community Hospital is located in Anaheim, CA, this facility provides general acute medical-surgical care as well as acute and crisis medical behavioral health. With 98 inpatient beds, we’re dedicated to serving our community members of all ages.
(949) 998-6166 View (949) 998-6166
Photo of Admissions Specialist Most Insurance Accepted - Anew Era TMS & Psychiatry - We Are Open!, Treatment Center
Anew Era TMS & Psychiatry - We Are Open!
Treatment Center
Serves Area
You are also a candidate if you are experiencing Depression co-occurring with other mental health conditions such as anxiety, OCD, Bipolar Disorder, Postpartum Depression, PTSD, Trauma, Borderline Personality, addiction, and other mental health conditions.
If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, addiction, PTSD, post-partum, or other mental health conditions, contact Anew Era to be your guide to receiving the best therapeutic providers. If you are seeking therapists, psychiatrists, or TMS Therapy, we are able to help you find what you are looking for with compassion and care. *** ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS WITH A WAIT TIME OF 1 WEEK OR LESS ***
You are also a candidate if you are experiencing Depression co-occurring with other mental health conditions such as anxiety, OCD, Bipolar Disorder, Postpartum Depression, PTSD, Trauma, Borderline Personality, addiction, and other mental health conditions.
If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, addiction, PTSD, post-partum, or other mental health conditions, contact Anew Era to be your guide to receiving the best therapeutic providers. If you are seeking therapists, psychiatrists, or TMS Therapy, we are able to help you find what you are looking for with compassion and care. *** ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS WITH A WAIT TIME OF 1 WEEK OR LESS ***
(657) 306-5805 View (657) 306-5805
Photo of Casa Recovery - Casa Recovery, Treatment Center, DCHS, JCACHO, LCSW, LMFT
Casa Recovery
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Casa Recovery is a family-owned, licensed mental health and dual diagnosis treatment center in San Juan Capistrano, Southern California. Our trauma-focused program has been operating since 2009, and have stayed intentionally small ever since. Most programs are built to scale and clients feel that. At Casa Recovery, our focus is always clinical excellence — not census. We know your name, your story, and what you’re working toward. Here, you’re part of the family.
Casa Recovery is a family-owned, licensed mental health and dual diagnosis treatment center in San Juan Capistrano, Southern California. Our trauma-focused program has been operating since 2009, and have stayed intentionally small ever since. Most programs are built to scale and clients feel that. At Casa Recovery, our focus is always clinical excellence — not census. We know your name, your story, and what you’re working toward. Here, you’re part of the family.
(714) 202-9591 View (714) 202-9591
Photo of Dustin Helvig - Covenant Hills Treatment Centers, Treatment Center
Covenant Hills Treatment Centers
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Covenant Hills Treatment Center, located in beautiful South Orange County, is a fully licensed and accredited program with over 30 years of experience in addiction recovery. We offer gender-specific residential treatment, intensive outpatient programs (IOP), day treatment, and transitional care-each tailored to meet the unique needs of every individual. Our compassionate team provides comprehensive, personalized care to guide clients toward lasting freedom from substance abuse. Break the chains of addiction-find hope and healing today!
Covenant Hills Treatment Center, located in beautiful South Orange County, is a fully licensed and accredited program with over 30 years of experience in addiction recovery. We offer gender-specific residential treatment, intensive outpatient programs (IOP), day treatment, and transitional care-each tailored to meet the unique needs of every individual. Our compassionate team provides comprehensive, personalized care to guide clients toward lasting freedom from substance abuse. Break the chains of addiction-find hope and healing today!
(949) 829-4581 View (949) 829-4581
Photo of Jodi Tilley - Lido Wellness Center, Treatment Center, JCo, MA, PsyD
Lido Wellness Center
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Our approach is driven by a Person-Centered Treatment Philosophy that is based on respecting and understanding each individuals’ unique life experiences. Just as there are no two seashells that look alike, nor two clouds that have identical shapes, no two human beings will encounter the complexities of relationships, emotions and life events the same way.
Our approach is driven by a Person-Centered Treatment Philosophy that is based on respecting and understanding each individuals’ unique life experiences. Just as there are no two seashells that look alike, nor two clouds that have identical shapes, no two human beings will encounter the complexities of relationships, emotions and life events the same way.
(949) 304-6942 View (949) 304-6942
Photo of Sean Treacy - Capo Canyon Recovery, Treatment Center, JCAHO, DCHS
Capo Canyon Recovery
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Capo Canyon is a boutique detox and residential program in San Juan Capistrano, South Orange County — designed for executives and professionals who expect more from their care. With a maximum of five clients at any time, every aspect of your treatment is individualized. Our onsite team includes 24/7 nursing staff, a psychiatrist, licensed therapists, a case manager and holistic practitioners — all focused entirely on you. Tech-friendly policies, private rooms, luxury amenities and chef-prepared meals from our organic garden ensure your environment supports your recovery.
Capo Canyon is a boutique detox and residential program in San Juan Capistrano, South Orange County — designed for executives and professionals who expect more from their care. With a maximum of five clients at any time, every aspect of your treatment is individualized. Our onsite team includes 24/7 nursing staff, a psychiatrist, licensed therapists, a case manager and holistic practitioners — all focused entirely on you. Tech-friendly policies, private rooms, luxury amenities and chef-prepared meals from our organic garden ensure your environment supports your recovery.
(833) 868-8828 View (833) 868-8828
Photo of Sasha Antoun - We Conquer Together , Treatment Center
We Conquer Together
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Our clients face conditions like depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, borderline personality (BPD), and eating disorders, often alongside trauma, PTSD, or insomnia.
We provide inpatient treatment tailored to each client’s needs. Using evidence-based therapies, we help individuals manage mental health challenges, build coping skills, and achieve long-term stability. Our structured programs support those facing co-occurring disorders, ensuring a path toward lasting wellness.
Our clients face conditions like depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, borderline personality (BPD), and eating disorders, often alongside trauma, PTSD, or insomnia.
We provide inpatient treatment tailored to each client’s needs. Using evidence-based therapies, we help individuals manage mental health challenges, build coping skills, and achieve long-term stability. Our structured programs support those facing co-occurring disorders, ensuring a path toward lasting wellness.
(657) 837-1553 View (657) 837-1553
Photo of Ryan Winberry - Opus Health Detox Facility, Treatment Center, CADC-II
Opus Health Detox Facility
Treatment Center
Serves Area
We understand when an individual makes the decision to get help they are, in that moment, faced with an internal battle. They are then standing at a crossroads, one which they may have not encountered before. We pride ourselves on honesty, transparency and pulling from our own experience. Here at Opus Health will never asking you to do anything we have not done ourselves. Our promise is to walk this path not only with you but with your family and loved ones. We are here as examples of hope that anyone can not just make it out but in fact thrive.
We understand when an individual makes the decision to get help they are, in that moment, faced with an internal battle. They are then standing at a crossroads, one which they may have not encountered before. We pride ourselves on honesty, transparency and pulling from our own experience. Here at Opus Health will never asking you to do anything we have not done ourselves. Our promise is to walk this path not only with you but with your family and loved ones. We are here as examples of hope that anyone can not just make it out but in fact thrive.
(714) 475-1437 View (714) 475-1437

See more therapy options for Laguna Beach

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.