Bipolar Disorder Treatment Centers in Atlanta, GA

We are the nations top expert in the residential treatment of major depression (with or without suicidal ideation), bipolar disorder (with or without active mania), anxiety disorder, PTSD/Trauma, Schizophrenia/Schizoaffective disorder.
We are a highly advanced residential mental health treatment program with expertise in treating complex psychiatric disorders. We are physician operated program that is also licensed to provide cutting edge treatment options such as ketamine and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Our philosophy is to minimize medications and provide one on one intensive treatment in an intimate small group environment. We offer age specific treatment and specialty treatment tracts that address the unique needs of young adults, middle age, seniors and chronic pain sufferers. Treatment is provided to average of 6 clients at a time to provide highly individualized attention. Unlike most programs that advertise for mental health but are really substance abuse treatment programs, we are proud to be one of the very few double certified true mental health programs in existence. We are licensed and certified for advanced mental health and crisis stabilization which means our clinical program, staffing and services must be the most intensive and highest caliber.
We are the nations top expert in the residential treatment of major depression (with or without suicidal ideation), bipolar disorder (with or without active mania), anxiety disorder, PTSD/Trauma, Schizophrenia/Schizoaffective disorder.
We are a highly advanced residential mental health treatment program with expertise in treating complex psychiatric disorders. We are physician operated program that is also licensed to provide cutting edge treatment options such as ketamine and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Our philosophy is to minimize medications and provide one on one intensive treatment in an intimate small group environment. We offer age specific treatment and specialty treatment tracts that address the unique needs of young adults, middle age, seniors and chronic pain sufferers. Treatment is provided to average of 6 clients at a time to provide highly individualized attention. Unlike most programs that advertise for mental health but are really substance abuse treatment programs, we are proud to be one of the very few double certified true mental health programs in existence. We are licensed and certified for advanced mental health and crisis stabilization which means our clinical program, staffing and services must be the most intensive and highest caliber.
(470) 260-9294 View (470) 260-9294
Greenleaf Hospital is a 103-bed behavioral health and substance abuse treatment program located in South Georgia. With a focus on quality clinical programs and clinical service, Greenleaf offers inpatient hospitalization, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and traditional outpatient programs for adolescents and adults. Our programs are designed to make sure that each patient establishes a strong foundation that they are able to build a successful recovery on. At Greenleaf, we recognize that the path to our door has most likely been a long one and that the complications of your life have made an impact on you. It is our mission to accept the responsibility as the destination of each patient's journey. We provide a safe, structured environment where our patients can begin the process of healing. With a focus on quality clinical programs, payer partnerships, and customer service, Greenleaf strives to be the preferred psychiatric treatment program in South Georgia.
Greenleaf Hospital is a 103-bed behavioral health and substance abuse treatment program located in South Georgia. With a focus on quality clinical programs and clinical service, Greenleaf offers inpatient hospitalization, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and traditional outpatient programs for adolescents and adults. Our programs are designed to make sure that each patient establishes a strong foundation that they are able to build a successful recovery on. At Greenleaf, we recognize that the path to our door has most likely been a long one and that the complications of your life have made an impact on you. It is our mission to accept the responsibility as the destination of each patient's journey. We provide a safe, structured environment where our patients can begin the process of healing. With a focus on quality clinical programs, payer partnerships, and customer service, Greenleaf strives to be the preferred psychiatric treatment program in South Georgia.
(855) 335-2903 View (855) 335-2903
Talbott Recovery
Treatment Center
Atlanta, GA 30349
For almost forty years, Talbott Recovery has been dedicated to compassionately providing comprehensive substance use disorder and behavioral health services to patients, families and communities. With an esteemed professionals program that treats pilots, physicians, healthcare professionals, judges, lawyers and executives, we are the nation's premier treatment program with PHP, IOP and OP levels of care. Our co-occurring addiction and mental health treatment program is both comprehensive and individualized. Talbott Recovery has two locations in Atlanta and Dunwoody. With a stellar staff of clinicians and four fulltime dual boarded addiction psychiatrists, we provide a unparalleled treatment for licensed and unlicensed professionals. Please feel free to call us or visit our website at talbottcampus.com.
For almost forty years, Talbott Recovery has been dedicated to compassionately providing comprehensive substance use disorder and behavioral health services to patients, families and communities. With an esteemed professionals program that treats pilots, physicians, healthcare professionals, judges, lawyers and executives, we are the nation's premier treatment program with PHP, IOP and OP levels of care. Our co-occurring addiction and mental health treatment program is both comprehensive and individualized. Talbott Recovery has two locations in Atlanta and Dunwoody. With a stellar staff of clinicians and four fulltime dual boarded addiction psychiatrists, we provide a unparalleled treatment for licensed and unlicensed professionals. Please feel free to call us or visit our website at talbottcampus.com.
(470) 387-8650 View (470) 387-8650
Shallowford Wellness Center
Treatment Center
Atlanta, GA 30341
Shallowford Wellness is an outpatient treatment center in Atlanta that offers mental health treatment programs to adults and seniors. Our professional team provides diagnostic services to confirm cases that involve conditions like anxiety and depression. Our treatment programs include different levels of care, such as partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) and intensive outpatient programs (IOPs).
Shallowford Wellness is an outpatient treatment center in Atlanta that offers mental health treatment programs to adults and seniors. Our professional team provides diagnostic services to confirm cases that involve conditions like anxiety and depression. Our treatment programs include different levels of care, such as partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) and intensive outpatient programs (IOPs).
(470) 450-7819 View (470) 450-7819
Skyland Trail
Treatment Center
Atlanta, GA 30329
In our adult programs, we specialize in treating adults ages 18 and older with bipolar illness, major depression, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and anxiety disorders, as well as patients who have complex diagnoses, such as co-occurring substance abuse, anxiety, or borderline personality disorder.
We offer a unique continuum of care with deliberate step-downs and reintegration points. Graduated services give our clients opportunities to progress toward recovery and options to step back and take it more slowly if needed. We also can increase level of care to prevent hospitalization.
In our adult programs, we specialize in treating adults ages 18 and older with bipolar illness, major depression, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and anxiety disorders, as well as patients who have complex diagnoses, such as co-occurring substance abuse, anxiety, or borderline personality disorder.
We offer a unique continuum of care with deliberate step-downs and reintegration points. Graduated services give our clients opportunities to progress toward recovery and options to step back and take it more slowly if needed. We also can increase level of care to prevent hospitalization.
(844) 665-8283 View (844) 665-8283
The Berman Center
Treatment Center
Atlanta, GA 30339
The Berman Center is owned and operated by licensed mental health professionals dedicated to treating mental health and substance abuse/addiction issues. Our highly qualified professionals craft an individualized, evidence-based recovery plan with the goal of transitioning clients into a healthy self- sufficient life. Based on the Jewish values of community, connection, and healing, our spiritually- holistic approach helps participants progress from merely surviving to thriving. Navigating the options for addiction and mental health treatment can be an overwhelming process – especially when you are desperate for help and don’t even know the right questions to ask. We work with you to create a care plan that is individualized to your unique needs and navigate the journey to a better life right by your side. We help you feel better and show you that you matter and belong. If you are looking for help, we’re here for you!
The Berman Center is owned and operated by licensed mental health professionals dedicated to treating mental health and substance abuse/addiction issues. Our highly qualified professionals craft an individualized, evidence-based recovery plan with the goal of transitioning clients into a healthy self- sufficient life. Based on the Jewish values of community, connection, and healing, our spiritually- holistic approach helps participants progress from merely surviving to thriving. Navigating the options for addiction and mental health treatment can be an overwhelming process – especially when you are desperate for help and don’t even know the right questions to ask. We work with you to create a care plan that is individualized to your unique needs and navigate the journey to a better life right by your side. We help you feel better and show you that you matter and belong. If you are looking for help, we’re here for you!
(678) 616-9923 View (678) 616-9923
Newport Academy is the leading provider of behavioral health treatment for children ages 7–11 and teens ages 12–18. 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, strengths-based academics, and experiential modalities including, art, music, yoga, and outdoor adventure therapy. With residential and outpatient locations nationwide and partnerships with major insurance providers, we make quality care accessible.
Newport Academy is the leading provider of behavioral health treatment for children ages 7–11 and teens ages 12–18. 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, strengths-based academics, and experiential modalities including, art, music, yoga, and outdoor adventure therapy. With residential and outpatient locations nationwide and partnerships with major insurance providers, we make quality care accessible.
(678) 736-8616 View (678) 736-8616
Perimeter Treatment Center
Treatment Center
Atlanta, GA 30350
Our mission is to provide individualized, evidence-based outpatient mental health care for adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, mood disorders, emotional dysregulation, and co-occurring substance use disorders. We offer PHP, IOP, and OP levels of care, with treatment plans tailored to each client’s needs and goals. Using CBT, DBT-informed therapy, psychoeducation, coping skills, relapse prevention, and trauma-informed care, we support lasting change, including a trauma track with EMDR when appropriate. Our clinical team is led by our Clinical Director, an LPC and CPCS with EMDR training, C-PD, and CCTP-II.
Our mission is to provide individualized, evidence-based outpatient mental health care for adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, mood disorders, emotional dysregulation, and co-occurring substance use disorders. We offer PHP, IOP, and OP levels of care, with treatment plans tailored to each client’s needs and goals. Using CBT, DBT-informed therapy, psychoeducation, coping skills, relapse prevention, and trauma-informed care, we support lasting change, including a trauma track with EMDR when appropriate. Our clinical team is led by our Clinical Director, an LPC and CPCS with EMDR training, C-PD, and CCTP-II.
(678) 325-4425 View (678) 325-4425
At The Meadows Outpatient Center we combine The Meadows Model with a time-tested IOP milieu that together creates a blueprint for ongoing, successful, and long-term recovery. Our program is designed to reinforce the recovery skills for those dealing with complex emotional trauma and addiction issues, and to reunite families. The beautiful views of Atlanta, Georiga makes The Meadows Outpatient Center the ideal place to begin or continue your journey of recovery.
At The Meadows Outpatient Center we combine The Meadows Model with a time-tested IOP milieu that together creates a blueprint for ongoing, successful, and long-term recovery. Our program is designed to reinforce the recovery skills for those dealing with complex emotional trauma and addiction issues, and to reunite families. The beautiful views of Atlanta, Georiga makes The Meadows Outpatient Center the ideal place to begin or continue your journey of recovery.
(470) 516-7902 View (470) 516-7902
Breakthrough Recovery Outreach, LLC
Treatment Center
Atlanta, GA 30341
Addiction and unbalanced mental health is a lonely path, leaving individuals navigating life in isolation, resulting in a lack of true support and connection to others outside of the bonds formed during active addiction. Our holistic wellness model fosters community, restores a sense of spirituality, and provides individuals with the opportunity to address severely neglected areas of life, which encompasses social, financial, and physical health needs. The benefits of sharing a daily space with other individuals navigating a life free from addiction provide an experience of acceptance and the opportunity for social learning in a safe and nurturing environment. Yoga, Tai Chi, and Acupuncture provide the opportunity to learn how to quiet the mind and begin the healing process from within, individuals learn to shift their focus within, tapping into inner strength and wisdom needed to navigate the journey of recovery. These holistic healing methods also offer relief from emotional trauma, stress relief, anxiety, and chronic pain.
Addiction and unbalanced mental health is a lonely path, leaving individuals navigating life in isolation, resulting in a lack of true support and connection to others outside of the bonds formed during active addiction. Our holistic wellness model fosters community, restores a sense of spirituality, and provides individuals with the opportunity to address severely neglected areas of life, which encompasses social, financial, and physical health needs. The benefits of sharing a daily space with other individuals navigating a life free from addiction provide an experience of acceptance and the opportunity for social learning in a safe and nurturing environment. Yoga, Tai Chi, and Acupuncture provide the opportunity to learn how to quiet the mind and begin the healing process from within, individuals learn to shift their focus within, tapping into inner strength and wisdom needed to navigate the journey of recovery. These holistic healing methods also offer relief from emotional trauma, stress relief, anxiety, and chronic pain.
(770) 493-7750 View (770) 493-7750
Time Wellness Atlanta
Treatment Center
Atlanta, GA 30345
Time Wellness Georgia serves adults and adolescents struggling with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, dual diagnosis, personality disorders, and trauma-related challenges.
Time Wellness utilizes evidence-based treatment modalities helping clients assimilate back into everyday life and rediscover a different way to live. We incorporate important life skills like nutrition, exercise, time management, and accountability of daily tasks to make treatment effective in changing lifestyles and promoting lasting wellness.
Time Wellness Georgia serves adults and adolescents struggling with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, dual diagnosis, personality disorders, and trauma-related challenges.
Time Wellness utilizes evidence-based treatment modalities helping clients assimilate back into everyday life and rediscover a different way to live. We incorporate important life skills like nutrition, exercise, time management, and accountability of daily tasks to make treatment effective in changing lifestyles and promoting lasting wellness.
(404) 390-4991 View (404) 390-4991
Embark Behavioral Health
Treatment Center
Atlanta, GA 30305
We know how difficult it can be to see your son or daughter struggling with severe mental health issues like anxiety, depression or suicidal ideation. Our partial hospitalization programs (PHP) and intensive outpatient programs (IOP) in Atlanta, Georgia are designed to support adolescents, teens, and young adults of all genders ages 12-28 facing these challenges. Our IOPs and PHPs provide flexible treatment that fits into your teen’s and family’s life, offering the intensive support they need while staying connected to home, school and family.
We know how difficult it can be to see your son or daughter struggling with severe mental health issues like anxiety, depression or suicidal ideation. Our partial hospitalization programs (PHP) and intensive outpatient programs (IOP) in Atlanta, Georgia are designed to support adolescents, teens, and young adults of all genders ages 12-28 facing these challenges. Our IOPs and PHPs provide flexible treatment that fits into your teen’s and family’s life, offering the intensive support they need while staying connected to home, school and family.
(470) 394-5341 View (470) 394-5341
Hillside®
Treatment Center
Atlanta, GA 30306
Hillside® is a nationally recognized treatment facility for children and adolescents specializing in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT.) Hillside ® is the first child and adolescent residential treatment facility awarded the highly coveted and professionally respected DBT-Linehan Board of Certification, Certified Program(tm) (dbt-lbc.org). As one of Atlanta's oldest non-profit organization, our mission is to help children and families thrive by providing outstanding residential and community mental health services. Our programs focus on the strengths of our clients and their families and encourage the growth and improvement they need to navigate through life. Hillside® provides specialized cutting edge behavioral treatment through a continuum of care from outpatient therapeutic services to residential treatment with a multidisciplinary team of experts.
Hillside® is a nationally recognized treatment facility for children and adolescents specializing in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT.) Hillside ® is the first child and adolescent residential treatment facility awarded the highly coveted and professionally respected DBT-Linehan Board of Certification, Certified Program(tm) (dbt-lbc.org). As one of Atlanta's oldest non-profit organization, our mission is to help children and families thrive by providing outstanding residential and community mental health services. Our programs focus on the strengths of our clients and their families and encourage the growth and improvement they need to navigate through life. Hillside® provides specialized cutting edge behavioral treatment through a continuum of care from outpatient therapeutic services to residential treatment with a multidisciplinary team of experts.
(678) 506-7429 x1017 View (678) 506-7429 x1017
Etowah Recovery Center
Treatment Center
Atlanta, GA 30350
At Etowah Recovery Center, we believe that everyone deserves access to high-quality addiction treatment and mental health care. We strive to empower our clients with the knowledge and resources necessary to achieve lasting recovery and improved mental well-being. As a multi-tiered drug and alcohol rehab in Atlanta, we offer a holistic approach to behavioral health treatment. Offering a Partial Hospitalization Program, Intensive Outpatient Program, and Outpatient rehab, we believe you don’t need to stop your entire life to get help. Our outpatient programs meet you where you’re at, so you can achieve sustainable and lasting recovery.
At Etowah Recovery Center, we believe that everyone deserves access to high-quality addiction treatment and mental health care. We strive to empower our clients with the knowledge and resources necessary to achieve lasting recovery and improved mental well-being. As a multi-tiered drug and alcohol rehab in Atlanta, we offer a holistic approach to behavioral health treatment. Offering a Partial Hospitalization Program, Intensive Outpatient Program, and Outpatient rehab, we believe you don’t need to stop your entire life to get help. Our outpatient programs meet you where you’re at, so you can achieve sustainable and lasting recovery.
(404) 531-2324 View (404) 531-2324
ProActive Institute
Treatment Center
Online Only
"I have absolutely no pleasure in the stimulants in which I sometimes so madly indulge. It has not been in the pursuit of pleasure that I have periled life and reputation and reason. It has been the desperate attempt to escape from torturing memories, from a sense of insupportable loneliness and a dread of some strange impending doom." Edgar Allan Poe
"I have absolutely no pleasure in the stimulants in which I sometimes so madly indulge. It has not been in the pursuit of pleasure that I have periled life and reputation and reason. It has been the desperate attempt to escape from torturing memories, from a sense of insupportable loneliness and a dread of some strange impending doom." Edgar Allan Poe
(678) 439-8975 View (678) 439-8975
Revelare Recovery
Treatment Center
Atlanta, GA 30316
Revelare Recovery is a Women’s PHP & IOP program designed to address co-occurring diagnoses of an Eating Disorder (ED) alongside a secondary Substance Use Disorder (SUD) or Mental Health diagnosis. It operates at the Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) levels of care. One important aspect of this program is that it provides supportive housing for clients who reside outside of the Atlanta market. This housing arrangement ensures that clients have a safe and structured environment during their treatment period. The program specifcally caters to women, recognizing their unique needs in the context of EDs and co-occurring disorders. By focusing exclusively on women, the program can tailor its treatment approaches to address the specific challenges and experiences that women may face.
Revelare Recovery is a Women’s PHP & IOP program designed to address co-occurring diagnoses of an Eating Disorder (ED) alongside a secondary Substance Use Disorder (SUD) or Mental Health diagnosis. It operates at the Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) levels of care. One important aspect of this program is that it provides supportive housing for clients who reside outside of the Atlanta market. This housing arrangement ensures that clients have a safe and structured environment during their treatment period. The program specifcally caters to women, recognizing their unique needs in the context of EDs and co-occurring disorders. By focusing exclusively on women, the program can tailor its treatment approaches to address the specific challenges and experiences that women may face.
(404) 905-7786 View (404) 905-7786
Amen Clinics, Atlanta
Treatment Center
Atlanta, GA 30328
At Amen Clinics, we offer the highest level of psychiatric care with targeted treatment plans customized to our patient’s specific situation, using the least toxic, most effective methods. We are unique from the way traditional psychiatry is practiced because we look at the organ we treat through the use of SPECT (single-photon emission computed tomography) imaging. All of the practitioners at the nationwide Amen Clinics locations are board certified and have been personally handpicked and trained by Dr. Amen in his method.
At Amen Clinics, we offer the highest level of psychiatric care with targeted treatment plans customized to our patient’s specific situation, using the least toxic, most effective methods. We are unique from the way traditional psychiatry is practiced because we look at the organ we treat through the use of SPECT (single-photon emission computed tomography) imaging. All of the practitioners at the nationwide Amen Clinics locations are board certified and have been personally handpicked and trained by Dr. Amen in his method.
(470) 410-8994 View (470) 410-8994
The Summit Wellness Group
Treatment Center
Atlanta, GA 30318
We strive to improve the physical, emotional, and spiritual health of our clients through individualized care utilizing a whole-person approach to recovery.
We strive to improve the physical, emotional, and spiritual health of our clients through individualized care utilizing a whole-person approach to recovery.
(770) 766-3366 View (770) 766-3366
Embark Behavioral Health
Treatment Center
Atlanta, GA 30305
We know how difficult it can be to see your son or daughter struggling with severe mental health issues like anxiety, depression or suicidal ideation. Our partial hospitalization programs (PHP) and intensive outpatient programs (IOP) in Alpharetta, Georgia are designed to support adolescents, teens and young adults ages 12-28 facing these challenges. Our IOPs and PHPs provide flexible treatment that fits into your teen’s and family’s life, offering the intensive support they need while staying connected to home, school and family.
We know how difficult it can be to see your son or daughter struggling with severe mental health issues like anxiety, depression or suicidal ideation. Our partial hospitalization programs (PHP) and intensive outpatient programs (IOP) in Alpharetta, Georgia are designed to support adolescents, teens and young adults ages 12-28 facing these challenges. Our IOPs and PHPs provide flexible treatment that fits into your teen’s and family’s life, offering the intensive support they need while staying connected to home, school and family.
(470) 275-1954 View (470) 275-1954
Our program specializes in: Anxiety, Depression Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, and Schizoaffective.
The Cottages on Mountain Creek and Bright Path Program provide mental health programming for young adults and seniors. Our main campus is located in Sandy Springs, GA and offers inpatient and outpatient treatment levels of care designed specifically for an individual’s path to recovery (call us for inpatient and independent living monthly rates). Working alongside the client and family, the clinical team creates a treatment plan and aftercare plan geared to reintegrate the client back to their community; ready to live a healthy, engaged, and resilient life. Aftercare plans can include recommendations for outpatient programs, medication management, therapeutic support, community support groups and vocational support. We offer residential treatment in-patient programming, transitional independent living and day programming. We provide programming to young adults 18 and over, as well as to older adults. Follow us on Facebook and/or review our websites - www.cottagesonmountaincreek.com and www.brightpathprogram.com. While we provide an out-patient Drug and Alcohol program, mental health is the primary diagnosis with Drug and Alcohol being the secondary diagnosis.
Our program specializes in: Anxiety, Depression Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, and Schizoaffective.
The Cottages on Mountain Creek and Bright Path Program provide mental health programming for young adults and seniors. Our main campus is located in Sandy Springs, GA and offers inpatient and outpatient treatment levels of care designed specifically for an individual’s path to recovery (call us for inpatient and independent living monthly rates). Working alongside the client and family, the clinical team creates a treatment plan and aftercare plan geared to reintegrate the client back to their community; ready to live a healthy, engaged, and resilient life. Aftercare plans can include recommendations for outpatient programs, medication management, therapeutic support, community support groups and vocational support. We offer residential treatment in-patient programming, transitional independent living and day programming. We provide programming to young adults 18 and over, as well as to older adults. Follow us on Facebook and/or review our websites - www.cottagesonmountaincreek.com and www.brightpathprogram.com. While we provide an out-patient Drug and Alcohol program, mental health is the primary diagnosis with Drug and Alcohol being the secondary diagnosis.
(404) 795-7302 View (404) 795-7302

See more therapy options for Atlanta

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.