Bipolar Disorder Treatment Centers in Havre De Grace, MD

Photo of Anastasia O'Brien - Veni Vidi Vici Wellness Center, Treatment Center
Veni Vidi Vici Wellness Center
Treatment Center
Serves Area
We serve children, teens, and adults ages 5 and up who are facing mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, behavioral issues, addictions, and relationship difficulties. Many of our clients seek support navigating life transitions, managing stress, or building coping skills. We also work with families and couples to improve communication and strengthen connections. Our goal is to meet clients where they are, offering compassionate care that supports healing, stability, and personal growth.
We serve children, teens, and adults ages 5 and up who are facing mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, behavioral issues, addictions, and relationship difficulties. Many of our clients seek support navigating life transitions, managing stress, or building coping skills. We also work with families and couples to improve communication and strengthen connections. Our goal is to meet clients where they are, offering compassionate care that supports healing, stability, and personal growth.
(410) 883-7363 View (410) 883-7363
Photo of National Pike Health Center - National Pike Health Center, Treatment Center
National Pike Health Center
Treatment Center
Serves Area
National Pike Health Center was founded in 2001 as a clinic dedicated to offering behavioral health counseling to the children, adolescents, adults, and families served. Decades later with 3 locations, we are more committed than ever to providing these clients with quality, service, and a sense of community. NPHC is community-based Outpatient Mental Health Center with offices in Catonsville, Westminister, and Dundalk. We provide mental health therapy and a psychiatric rehabilitation program (PRP) for all ages and groups. A multidisciplinary team of outstanding mental health therapists, psychiatrists, rehabilitation coordinators, and administrative staff join us on this mission. From inception to through treatment, there is an ongoing planning and review of each case until the client is discharged. Our preventative and therapeutic outpatient mental health services provide treatment and psychiatric rehabilitation based on continually monitored and individualized treatment and/or rehabilitation goals.
National Pike Health Center was founded in 2001 as a clinic dedicated to offering behavioral health counseling to the children, adolescents, adults, and families served. Decades later with 3 locations, we are more committed than ever to providing these clients with quality, service, and a sense of community. NPHC is community-based Outpatient Mental Health Center with offices in Catonsville, Westminister, and Dundalk. We provide mental health therapy and a psychiatric rehabilitation program (PRP) for all ages and groups. A multidisciplinary team of outstanding mental health therapists, psychiatrists, rehabilitation coordinators, and administrative staff join us on this mission. From inception to through treatment, there is an ongoing planning and review of each case until the client is discharged. Our preventative and therapeutic outpatient mental health services provide treatment and psychiatric rehabilitation based on continually monitored and individualized treatment and/or rehabilitation goals.
(443) 706-8483 View (443) 706-8483
Photo of Meghan E. Bower - Kindred Treatment Center, Treatment Center, LCPC, CAC-AD, LGPC, LCSW, LMSW
Kindred Treatment Center
Treatment Center
Serves Area
At Kindred, we provide comprehensive behavioral health services for children, adolescents and adults. Our core services include therapy, psychiatry & medication management, and addiction treatment. Clients often seek support for depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, IOP treatment, grief, addiction, chronic illness burnout, mood disorders, anger management, and relationship challenges. Our mission is to meet each individual where they are, fostering healing, resilience, and long-term recovery. Clients seeking a therapist for symptoms such as Anxiety or Depression have a variety of providers to choose from.
At Kindred, we provide comprehensive behavioral health services for children, adolescents and adults. Our core services include therapy, psychiatry & medication management, and addiction treatment. Clients often seek support for depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, IOP treatment, grief, addiction, chronic illness burnout, mood disorders, anger management, and relationship challenges. Our mission is to meet each individual where they are, fostering healing, resilience, and long-term recovery. Clients seeking a therapist for symptoms such as Anxiety or Depression have a variety of providers to choose from.
(410) 216-5630 View (410) 216-5630
Photo of Keith Pettiford - Essentials Recovery Delaware, Treatment Center, LCDP
Essentials Recovery Delaware
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Essentials mission is to renew lives impacted by addiction through personalized and complete behavioral healthcare. Our main purpose is to provide services and education to the client and family that will support long lasting recovery of mind, body, and spirit.
Essentials mission is to renew lives impacted by addiction through personalized and complete behavioral healthcare. Our main purpose is to provide services and education to the client and family that will support long lasting recovery of mind, body, and spirit.
(302) 202-0839 View (302) 202-0839

More Treatment Centers Nearby

Photo of Chrissy D - Reflections Behavioral Health, Treatment Center
Reflections Behavioral Health
Treatment Center
Nottingham, MD 21236
It is the mission of Reflections Behavioral Health to increase community access to behavioral health treatment. Our goal is to provide our patients with effective, individualized behavioral health treatment in a compassionate and caring environment. Reflections Behavioral Health uses evidence-based practices and holistic therapies to mend the mind, body and spirit. Our vision is to offer the community a behavioral health resource that offers its patients an assortment of treatment options without waiting extended amounts of time for an appointment.
It is the mission of Reflections Behavioral Health to increase community access to behavioral health treatment. Our goal is to provide our patients with effective, individualized behavioral health treatment in a compassionate and caring environment. Reflections Behavioral Health uses evidence-based practices and holistic therapies to mend the mind, body and spirit. Our vision is to offer the community a behavioral health resource that offers its patients an assortment of treatment options without waiting extended amounts of time for an appointment.
(410) 517-7430 View (410) 517-7430
Photo of George Kolodner - Kolmac Integrated Behavioral Health, Treatment Center
Kolmac Integrated Behavioral Health
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Kolmac serves adults and adolescents who are seeking outpatient care for mental health and substance use concerns. Many clients are managing depression, mood disorders, alcohol use, anxiety, or co-occurring conditions while trying to maintain work, school, or family responsibilities. Clients often need structured support, consistent therapy, and access to psychiatric care without stepping away from daily life. Our programs are designed for individuals who want coordinated, professional treatment that is practical, flexible, and focused on long-term stability.
Kolmac serves adults and adolescents who are seeking outpatient care for mental health and substance use concerns. Many clients are managing depression, mood disorders, alcohol use, anxiety, or co-occurring conditions while trying to maintain work, school, or family responsibilities. Clients often need structured support, consistent therapy, and access to psychiatric care without stepping away from daily life. Our programs are designed for individuals who want coordinated, professional treatment that is practical, flexible, and focused on long-term stability.
(855) 697-5759 View (855) 697-5759
Photo of Dr. Wellness Health Services Llc - The Ark Outpatient Mental Health Facility, Treatment Center, ceo
The Ark Outpatient Mental Health Facility
Treatment Center
2 Endorsed
Baltimore, MD 21212
At the Ark of MD, we are dedicated to empowering individuals affected by mental health issues to lead fulfilling lives as valued members of their community. With our comprehensive suite of services including community support, psychiatric rehabilitation, counseling, psycho-therapy, and resources, we provide the support and resources needed to achieve lasting wellness. Our team of highly trained professionals works closely with each individual to create personalized treatment plans that are tailored to their unique needs and goals. If you or a loved one needs assistance, we are here to help with compassionate care and unwavering support. Join us on the journey to healing and become a part of a vibrant community of empowered individuals.
At the Ark of MD, we are dedicated to empowering individuals affected by mental health issues to lead fulfilling lives as valued members of their community. With our comprehensive suite of services including community support, psychiatric rehabilitation, counseling, psycho-therapy, and resources, we provide the support and resources needed to achieve lasting wellness. Our team of highly trained professionals works closely with each individual to create personalized treatment plans that are tailored to their unique needs and goals. If you or a loved one needs assistance, we are here to help with compassionate care and unwavering support. Join us on the journey to healing and become a part of a vibrant community of empowered individuals.
(443) 347-5863 View (443) 347-5863
Photo of Meadowwood Behavioral Health Inpatient Program - MeadowWood Behavioral Health - Inpatient Program, Treatment Center
We also treat adults who need acute treatment for depression, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, and schizophrenia.
MeadowWood Behavioral Health Hospital’s adolescent inpatient treatment program serves young people ages 12-17 who are struggling with a range of behavioral health concerns, including depression, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders. We are also able to treat young people who have co-occurring mental health concerns like anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Adolescents who receive treatment in our inpatient program typically need immediate behavioral health support so that they can stabilize and regain a sense of safety. At our treatment center, young people can begin to heal in a warm and secure environment and receive care according to a personalized care plan. Elements of treatment plans may include medication management services, basic medical care, individual therapy, family therapy, and recreational therapy. We also offer psychoeducational and substance use education groups.
We also treat adults who need acute treatment for depression, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, and schizophrenia.
MeadowWood Behavioral Health Hospital’s adolescent inpatient treatment program serves young people ages 12-17 who are struggling with a range of behavioral health concerns, including depression, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders. We are also able to treat young people who have co-occurring mental health concerns like anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Adolescents who receive treatment in our inpatient program typically need immediate behavioral health support so that they can stabilize and regain a sense of safety. At our treatment center, young people can begin to heal in a warm and secure environment and receive care according to a personalized care plan. Elements of treatment plans may include medication management services, basic medical care, individual therapy, family therapy, and recreational therapy. We also offer psychoeducational and substance use education groups.
(855) 671-3199 View (855) 671-3199
Photo of Hayley Porter - Balance Point Wellness, LLC, Treatment Center, PsyD
Balance Point Wellness, LLC
Treatment Center
Baltimore, MD 21212
At Balance Point Wellness in Baltimore, we serve adults, children and teens throughout Maryland via virtual mental health care, with a focus on telehealth clients in Howard County and Montgomery County. Many clients balance demanding schedules, work responsibilities, caregiving roles, or long commutes while managing anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, or emotional overwhelm. Some prefer virtual care for convenience, privacy, or flexibility, while others need support that fits into an already full life without additional logistical stress.
At Balance Point Wellness in Baltimore, we serve adults, children and teens throughout Maryland via virtual mental health care, with a focus on telehealth clients in Howard County and Montgomery County. Many clients balance demanding schedules, work responsibilities, caregiving roles, or long commutes while managing anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, or emotional overwhelm. Some prefer virtual care for convenience, privacy, or flexibility, while others need support that fits into an already full life without additional logistical stress.
(410) 609-6075 x1 View (410) 609-6075 x1
Photo of Hope's Horizon - Hope's Horizon, Treatment Center
Hope's Horizon
Treatment Center
Nottingham, MD 21236
The path to getting sober and drug free is never the same for any two people. Here at Hope's Horizon, we customize individualized treatment plans to help each individual get on the track to recovery. If you're looking for more information about rehabilitation and recovery, either for yourself, a friend or a loved one, we are happy to discuss treatment options with you. We believe that the therapy process is an integral part of recovery. It is exciting to see the changes that occur in our clients as they learn to reclaim their independence from the disease of addiction.
The path to getting sober and drug free is never the same for any two people. Here at Hope's Horizon, we customize individualized treatment plans to help each individual get on the track to recovery. If you're looking for more information about rehabilitation and recovery, either for yourself, a friend or a loved one, we are happy to discuss treatment options with you. We believe that the therapy process is an integral part of recovery. It is exciting to see the changes that occur in our clients as they learn to reclaim their independence from the disease of addiction.
(443) 429-1167 View (443) 429-1167
Photo of Sandstone C - Sandstone Care Rockville, Treatment Center, MD, LPC, LAC, CAC-III, CSAC-A
Sandstone Care Rockville
Treatment Center
Serves Area
When you and your family are facing addiction, it can feel impossible to know what treatment will actually make a difference. That’s why at Sandstone Care Rockville, we are built on what is proven to work; treatments backed by research, and tested in real life. We provide age-specific care for teens 13-18 and young adults 18-35 struggling with substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. We have a full range of evidence-based outpatient programs, including Day Treatment (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient (IOP) while tracking outcomes to make sure that treatment is the right fit, and stays the right fit as needs change.
When you and your family are facing addiction, it can feel impossible to know what treatment will actually make a difference. That’s why at Sandstone Care Rockville, we are built on what is proven to work; treatments backed by research, and tested in real life. We provide age-specific care for teens 13-18 and young adults 18-35 struggling with substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. We have a full range of evidence-based outpatient programs, including Day Treatment (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient (IOP) while tracking outcomes to make sure that treatment is the right fit, and stays the right fit as needs change.
(240) 434-0181 View (240) 434-0181
Photo of The Freedom Center - The Freedom Center, Treatment Center
The Freedom Center
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Successful addiction and alcoholism treatment for those unable to attend residential rehab centers. The Freedom Center is an intensive outpatient program covering all types of drug and alcohol addiction that offers a flexible and affordable solution that has the ability to change the lives of those suffering in addiction. During outpatient treatment, clients receive therapy while continuing other life responsibilities like school, work or family responsibilities; and unlike residential programs, at The Freedom House, the client has the ability to live at home or in a sober living environment. Unlike many traditional rehab centers, our goal is to treat all of the underlying causes of addiction effectively, including trauma and mental health conditions.
Successful addiction and alcoholism treatment for those unable to attend residential rehab centers. The Freedom Center is an intensive outpatient program covering all types of drug and alcohol addiction that offers a flexible and affordable solution that has the ability to change the lives of those suffering in addiction. During outpatient treatment, clients receive therapy while continuing other life responsibilities like school, work or family responsibilities; and unlike residential programs, at The Freedom House, the client has the ability to live at home or in a sober living environment. Unlike many traditional rehab centers, our goal is to treat all of the underlying causes of addiction effectively, including trauma and mental health conditions.
(240) 702-2768 View (240) 702-2768
Photo of Sam Bierman - Maryland Addiction Recovery Center, Treatment Center
Maryland Addiction Recovery Center
Treatment Center
Towson, MD 21286
It is the mission of Maryland Addiction Recovery Center to provide a safe, therapeutic environment offering the latest in evidence-based clinical care for our patients and their families. We believe that addiction is a chronic disease and that in order to support best recovery outcomes, addiction must be treated in a long-term continuum of care that addresses not just the symptoms of substance use disorder but the underlying causes, conditions, behaviors, attitudes, values, family dynamics and purpose and direction of each individual. We believe that it is our mission to be a community-based healthcare organization that offers the highest quality in direct clinical services but also aids those suffering from addiction and dual diagnosis issues nationwide by providing clinically-appropriate resources and referrals, community support and educational and preventative platforms to further the understanding that addiction is a public health issue and the stigma of addiction and mental health must be broken. Maryland Addiction Recovery Center’s services support both sustainable recovery from addiction and a purpose-driven quality of life.
It is the mission of Maryland Addiction Recovery Center to provide a safe, therapeutic environment offering the latest in evidence-based clinical care for our patients and their families. We believe that addiction is a chronic disease and that in order to support best recovery outcomes, addiction must be treated in a long-term continuum of care that addresses not just the symptoms of substance use disorder but the underlying causes, conditions, behaviors, attitudes, values, family dynamics and purpose and direction of each individual. We believe that it is our mission to be a community-based healthcare organization that offers the highest quality in direct clinical services but also aids those suffering from addiction and dual diagnosis issues nationwide by providing clinically-appropriate resources and referrals, community support and educational and preventative platforms to further the understanding that addiction is a public health issue and the stigma of addiction and mental health must be broken. Maryland Addiction Recovery Center’s services support both sustainable recovery from addiction and a purpose-driven quality of life.
(410) 734-2389 View (410) 734-2389
Photo of Sandstone C - Sandstone Care Towson, Treatment Center, MD, LPC, LAC, CAC-lll, CSACA
Sandstone Care Towson
Treatment Center
Towson, MD 21286
When you and your family are facing addiction, it can feel impossible to know what treatment will actually make a difference. That’s why at Sandstone Care Towson, we are built on what is proven to work; treatments backed by research, and tested in real life. We provide age-specific care for teens 13-18 and young adults 18-35 struggling with substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. We have a full range of evidence-based outpatient programs, including Day Treatment (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient (IOP) while tracking outcomes to make sure that treatment is the right fit, and stays the right fit as needs change.
When you and your family are facing addiction, it can feel impossible to know what treatment will actually make a difference. That’s why at Sandstone Care Towson, we are built on what is proven to work; treatments backed by research, and tested in real life. We provide age-specific care for teens 13-18 and young adults 18-35 struggling with substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. We have a full range of evidence-based outpatient programs, including Day Treatment (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient (IOP) while tracking outcomes to make sure that treatment is the right fit, and stays the right fit as needs change.
(443) 234-0383 View (443) 234-0383
Photo of Stella Orock Agbor Epey - Amazing Care Mental Health &SUD Services LLC , Treatment Center, BHA, MHA, DHA
At Amazing Care Mental Health & SUD Services, we provide services to individuals struggling with mental health disorders such as; Major Depressive Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, and substance use disorder.
Services 3. (low intensity) for all clients, psychiatric rehabilitation services, and substance abuse services. Our clinicians provide on-site, off-site, and virtual appointments. We assist our clients and their families in achieving their goals for wellness and to facilitate recovery in all domains. Staff collaborate with all providers to develop plans of care utilizing their strengths, needs and preferences. Our services are developmentally and culturally appropriate, based on evidence of efficacy and accessible to individuals and families in the communities served. Amazing Care has adopted the SAMHSA definition of Recovery and the Four Domains: Home, Purpose, Health and Community, as a philosophical position to view the whole person. Our team is committed to providing services that enhance the development of each client’s ability to make decisions about their life, and in creating opportunities for clients to make choices about home, school or work, and community involvement.
At Amazing Care Mental Health & SUD Services, we provide services to individuals struggling with mental health disorders such as; Major Depressive Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, and substance use disorder.
Services 3. (low intensity) for all clients, psychiatric rehabilitation services, and substance abuse services. Our clinicians provide on-site, off-site, and virtual appointments. We assist our clients and their families in achieving their goals for wellness and to facilitate recovery in all domains. Staff collaborate with all providers to develop plans of care utilizing their strengths, needs and preferences. Our services are developmentally and culturally appropriate, based on evidence of efficacy and accessible to individuals and families in the communities served. Amazing Care has adopted the SAMHSA definition of Recovery and the Four Domains: Home, Purpose, Health and Community, as a philosophical position to view the whole person. Our team is committed to providing services that enhance the development of each client’s ability to make decisions about their life, and in creating opportunities for clients to make choices about home, school or work, and community involvement.
(667) 220-7923 View (667) 220-7923
Photo of Gabi Daigle - Ellie Mental Health - Lutherville, MD, Treatment Center, LCPC
Sometimes life throws more at us than we can handle. Our experienced team supports individuals facing addiction, trauma, domestic violence, anxiety, depression, and performance challenges, including sports performance.
Sometimes life throws more at us than we can handle. Our experienced team supports individuals facing addiction, trauma, domestic violence, anxiety, depression, and performance challenges, including sports performance.
(410) 936-5444 View (410) 936-5444
Photo of Marcus Whitehead - Elevate Mental Wellness, Treatment Center
Elevate Mental Wellness
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Whether you’re navigating anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, trauma, or a major life transition, our goal is to help you reconnect, rebalance, and move forward with clarity.
We provide individual, couples, and family therapy; groups; psychiatric evaluation and medication management; crisis support and care coordination. Our care is evidence-based and integrative—CBT, DBT-informed, trauma-focused, mindfulness—addressing both mind and body with a plan that evolves with you.
Whether you’re navigating anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, trauma, or a major life transition, our goal is to help you reconnect, rebalance, and move forward with clarity.
We provide individual, couples, and family therapy; groups; psychiatric evaluation and medication management; crisis support and care coordination. Our care is evidence-based and integrative—CBT, DBT-informed, trauma-focused, mindfulness—addressing both mind and body with a plan that evolves with you.
(410) 983-6506 View (410) 983-6506
Photo of Jim Tedone - TruHealing Baltimore , Treatment Center
TruHealing Baltimore
Treatment Center
Serves Area
TruHealing Baltimore (formerly Foundations Recovery Center) is committed to helping you achieve and maintain long term recovery. We provide outpatient services in an intimate and individualized setting. Our goal is to provide healing to each individual, in a safe, secure environment. We offer a unique perspective in helping individuals heal from the disease of addiction and make a lasting recovery. Our compassionate staff understands where clients are coming from because many on our team are in recovery themselves. Thus, they see the challenges facing clients and can offer them just the right support through our partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient programs. Our perspectives and professional expertise paired with our comprehensive therapeutic services mean that when individuals come to us, they can heal and change their life for the better.
TruHealing Baltimore (formerly Foundations Recovery Center) is committed to helping you achieve and maintain long term recovery. We provide outpatient services in an intimate and individualized setting. Our goal is to provide healing to each individual, in a safe, secure environment. We offer a unique perspective in helping individuals heal from the disease of addiction and make a lasting recovery. Our compassionate staff understands where clients are coming from because many on our team are in recovery themselves. Thus, they see the challenges facing clients and can offer them just the right support through our partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient programs. Our perspectives and professional expertise paired with our comprehensive therapeutic services mean that when individuals come to us, they can heal and change their life for the better.
(240) 616-4371 View (240) 616-4371
Photo of Tawni Kuhling - Leading By Example LLC, Treatment Center
Leading By Example LLC
Treatment Center
Nottingham, MD 21236
Leading By Example provides outpatient mental health services to children, adults, and families. LBE provides individual therapy, medication management, psychiatric rehabilitation services (PRP), therapeutic behavioral services (TBS) and targeted case management (TCM) in Baltimore County, Baltimore City, and Harford County. LBE clinicians specialize in supporting individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma symptoms, as well as supporting them in managing a myriad of transition-related issues.
Leading By Example provides outpatient mental health services to children, adults, and families. LBE provides individual therapy, medication management, psychiatric rehabilitation services (PRP), therapeutic behavioral services (TBS) and targeted case management (TCM) in Baltimore County, Baltimore City, and Harford County. LBE clinicians specialize in supporting individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma symptoms, as well as supporting them in managing a myriad of transition-related issues.
(443) 347-6353 View (443) 347-6353
Photo of Sandstone C - Sandstone Care Teen Residential Treatment Center, Treatment Center, MD, LPC, LAC, CAC-III, CSAC-A
When your teen is struggling with substance use or mental health challenges, it can be hard to know what kind of help will really make a difference. At our Sandstone Care Teen Residential Center, our teen residential program provides research-backed, 24/7 structured care for adolescents ages 13-18 who need more support than outpatient treatment can offer. In a safe, consistent setting, we address substance use and mental health together, giving adolescents space to step out of the pressures of everyday life and begin making real progress.
When your teen is struggling with substance use or mental health challenges, it can be hard to know what kind of help will really make a difference. At our Sandstone Care Teen Residential Center, our teen residential program provides research-backed, 24/7 structured care for adolescents ages 13-18 who need more support than outpatient treatment can offer. In a safe, consistent setting, we address substance use and mental health together, giving adolescents space to step out of the pressures of everyday life and begin making real progress.
(240) 209-9886 View (240) 209-9886

See more therapy options for Havre De Grace

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.