Bipolar Disorder Treatment Centers in Snohomish County, WA

Photo of Hazelden Betty Ford In Bellevue WA - Hazelden Betty Ford in Bellevue, WA, Treatment Center
Hazelden Betty Ford in Bellevue, WA
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Dual diagnosis specialists at Hazelden Betty Ford’s outpatient center in Bellevue, Washington, get to the root of mental health (trauma, anxiety, clinical depression, bipolar disorder, personality disorders) and substance use challenges, providing psychological counseling and evidence-based addiction treatment to guide you on a healthy, resilient path forward.
Most Hazelden Betty Ford patients experience a mix of mental health and substance use challenges. Our care teams address all complexities at the same time and in a holistic way because symptoms are typically interrelated. We specialize in trauma-informed treatment, with a focus on safety strategies and skills to strengthen emotion regulation and resilience.
Dual diagnosis specialists at Hazelden Betty Ford’s outpatient center in Bellevue, Washington, get to the root of mental health (trauma, anxiety, clinical depression, bipolar disorder, personality disorders) and substance use challenges, providing psychological counseling and evidence-based addiction treatment to guide you on a healthy, resilient path forward.
Most Hazelden Betty Ford patients experience a mix of mental health and substance use challenges. Our care teams address all complexities at the same time and in a holistic way because symptoms are typically interrelated. We specialize in trauma-informed treatment, with a focus on safety strategies and skills to strengthen emotion regulation and resilience.
(425) 230-3137 View (425) 230-3137
Photo of Samantha Finnie - Mission Connection- Mental Health Treatment, Treatment Center
Mission Connection- Mental Health Treatment
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Mission Connection serves adults facing a variety of mental health challenges, including trauma, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders.
At Mission Connection, we provide tailored, evidence-based treatment programs designed to meet your specific needs. Our offerings include Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) that incorporate a range of therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Trauma-Focused therapies. Whether you need in-person, virtual, or hybrid care, our team works with you to develop a personalized treatment plan aimed at promoting lasting recovery and mental wellness.
Mission Connection serves adults facing a variety of mental health challenges, including trauma, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders.
At Mission Connection, we provide tailored, evidence-based treatment programs designed to meet your specific needs. Our offerings include Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) that incorporate a range of therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Trauma-Focused therapies. Whether you need in-person, virtual, or hybrid care, our team works with you to develop a personalized treatment plan aimed at promoting lasting recovery and mental wellness.
(425) 472-4177 View (425) 472-4177
Photo of Newport Young Adults - Newport Institute Young Adult Treatment, Treatment Center
Newport Institute is the leading provider of behavioral health treatment for young adults ages 18–35. Our family-centered, integrated approach fosters sustainable healing from mental health and co-occurring disorders such as anxiety, depression, trauma, psychosis, eating disorders, and substance use. Individualized treatment plans include medical and psychiatric care, life skills and career development, and experiential modalities including, creative arts, music, yoga, and outdoor adventure therapy. With residential and outpatient locations nationwide and partnerships with major insurance providers, we make quality care accessible.
Newport Institute is the leading provider of behavioral health treatment for young adults ages 18–35. Our family-centered, integrated approach fosters sustainable healing from mental health and co-occurring disorders such as anxiety, depression, trauma, psychosis, eating disorders, and substance use. Individualized treatment plans include medical and psychiatric care, life skills and career development, and experiential modalities including, creative arts, music, yoga, and outdoor adventure therapy. With residential and outpatient locations nationwide and partnerships with major insurance providers, we make quality care accessible.
(360) 404-7541 View (360) 404-7541
Photo of Shifa Support Staff - Shifa Health, Treatment Center
Shifa Health
Treatment Center
Everett, WA 98208
MISSION: At Shifa health, our mission is to prevent and decrease suffering, improve functioning and enhance mental wellbeing by providing cutting-edge, highest quality, and evidence-based mental health services.
MISSION: At Shifa health, our mission is to prevent and decrease suffering, improve functioning and enhance mental wellbeing by providing cutting-edge, highest quality, and evidence-based mental health services.
(425) 428-4570 View (425) 428-4570
Photo of The Center • A Place Of Hope Admissions - The Center • A Place of HOPE, Treatment Center, PhD, CEDS
The Center • A Place of HOPE
Treatment Center
Edmonds, WA 98020
The Center • A Place of HOPE is a nationally recognized mental health treatment center founded over 40 years ago by Dr. Gregory Jantz. We help individuals reclaim their lives through compassionate, clinically grounded, personalized care. Our Whole Person Care approach addresses emotional, physical, relational, and spiritual health - because lasting recovery treats the whole person, not just symptoms. We provide specialized care for depression, anxiety, trauma, eating disorders, substance use, and co-occurring conditions in a safe, supportive, and confidential setting where clients can focus fully on healing.
The Center • A Place of HOPE is a nationally recognized mental health treatment center founded over 40 years ago by Dr. Gregory Jantz. We help individuals reclaim their lives through compassionate, clinically grounded, personalized care. Our Whole Person Care approach addresses emotional, physical, relational, and spiritual health - because lasting recovery treats the whole person, not just symptoms. We provide specialized care for depression, anxiety, trauma, eating disorders, substance use, and co-occurring conditions in a safe, supportive, and confidential setting where clients can focus fully on healing.
(888) 997-3812 View (888) 997-3812
Photo of Katie S Kapugi - Dream Big Wellness 501(c) 3, Treatment Center, MA, LMHC, ATR
Dream Big Wellness 501(c) 3
Treatment Center
Edmonds, WA 98020
We serve individuals, couples, teens, and families across the lifespan. Our clients come to us navigating anxiety, depression, complex trauma, grief, loss, life transitions, and emotional dysregulation. We have a special focus on supporting those living with chronic illness, chronic pain, and cancer — including caregivers and those in medical recovery. We are proudly neurodivergent affirming, BIPOC and LGBTQIA2S allied, and HAES-informed, welcoming all backgrounds and identities seeking compassionate, inclusive care.
We serve individuals, couples, teens, and families across the lifespan. Our clients come to us navigating anxiety, depression, complex trauma, grief, loss, life transitions, and emotional dysregulation. We have a special focus on supporting those living with chronic illness, chronic pain, and cancer — including caregivers and those in medical recovery. We are proudly neurodivergent affirming, BIPOC and LGBTQIA2S allied, and HAES-informed, welcoming all backgrounds and identities seeking compassionate, inclusive care.
(425) 541-1025 View (425) 541-1025
Photo of Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital - Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital, Treatment Center
Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital
Treatment Center
Marysville, WA 98271
Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital (SPBH) is 145-bed behavioral health hospital, built in 2017. SPBH provides Inpatient and Intensive Outpatient Programs for adults and adolescents. Inpatient treatment focuses on mental health crisis stabilization, treatment typically last 7-10 days. Inpatient, also offer co-occurring treatment and detox. IOP treatment, is in-person or virtual. IOP sessions are 3 hours 3-5 days/week and can last up to 8 weeks. IOP groups offered are: Adult Women's Group, Co-Ed, Military and Adolescent groups.
Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital (SPBH) is 145-bed behavioral health hospital, built in 2017. SPBH provides Inpatient and Intensive Outpatient Programs for adults and adolescents. Inpatient treatment focuses on mental health crisis stabilization, treatment typically last 7-10 days. Inpatient, also offer co-occurring treatment and detox. IOP treatment, is in-person or virtual. IOP sessions are 3 hours 3-5 days/week and can last up to 8 weeks. IOP groups offered are: Adult Women's Group, Co-Ed, Military and Adolescent groups.
(360) 548-6997 View (360) 548-6997
Photo of Amy Lathrop - New Story Integrated Mental Health, Treatment Center, LMHC
New Story Integrated Mental Health
Treatment Center
1 Endorsed
Edmonds, WA 98020
At New Story Integrated Mental Health we believe in a holistic approach to healing, wellness, trauma recovery, and better relationships. As a mental health collective, we provide counseling, coaching (ADHD), and functional nutrition. We’ll help you connect with one of our providers who meets your needs, and is available to see you, online or in-person. We provide services for teens, adults, and couples experiencing a spectrum of complex mental health challenges.
At New Story Integrated Mental Health we believe in a holistic approach to healing, wellness, trauma recovery, and better relationships. As a mental health collective, we provide counseling, coaching (ADHD), and functional nutrition. We’ll help you connect with one of our providers who meets your needs, and is available to see you, online or in-person. We provide services for teens, adults, and couples experiencing a spectrum of complex mental health challenges.
(425) 728-2117 View (425) 728-2117
Photo of Lisa Tomsak - Royal Life Centers | Washington, Treatment Center
Royal Life Centers | Washington
Treatment Center
Serves Area
At Royal Life Centers Detox we believe in quality guest centered care. We have developed an effective and systematic approach to the detox and stabilization process, and have been a leader in the drug detox and addiction treatment field for years. Our Detox treatment center is staffed by medical professionals, certified addiction therapists, and drug treatment team members. If you or a loved one is currently struggling with addiciton, we have the experience, resources, and drug detox program that can help. The most difficult part of the journey is simply admitting the need for treatment and walking through the doors of our detox center. It is often said that a thousand mile journey starts with just one initial step, and once you've started the hardest part is over. Going through our detox program is not easy, but you are not alone and we will be with you every step of the way. Our detox program is based on a clinical assessment and medical protocol, and we make sure to tailor the specifics of the program to each individual's personal needs and requirements.
At Royal Life Centers Detox we believe in quality guest centered care. We have developed an effective and systematic approach to the detox and stabilization process, and have been a leader in the drug detox and addiction treatment field for years. Our Detox treatment center is staffed by medical professionals, certified addiction therapists, and drug treatment team members. If you or a loved one is currently struggling with addiciton, we have the experience, resources, and drug detox program that can help. The most difficult part of the journey is simply admitting the need for treatment and walking through the doors of our detox center. It is often said that a thousand mile journey starts with just one initial step, and once you've started the hardest part is over. Going through our detox program is not easy, but you are not alone and we will be with you every step of the way. Our detox program is based on a clinical assessment and medical protocol, and we make sure to tailor the specifics of the program to each individual's personal needs and requirements.
(360) 776-6802 View (360) 776-6802
Photo of Jesse Mcclelland - TMS Washington, Treatment Center, MD, MPH
TMS Washington
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) provides safe and effective treatment for depression. It is a technique that uses powerful, focused magnetic field pulses to stimulate the neurons of the brain. TMS stimulates areas of the brain that are underactive because of depression. It is a safe, non-invasive procedure that uses electromagnetic energy.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) provides safe and effective treatment for depression. It is a technique that uses powerful, focused magnetic field pulses to stimulate the neurons of the brain. TMS stimulates areas of the brain that are underactive because of depression. It is a safe, non-invasive procedure that uses electromagnetic energy.
(206) 538-2735 View (206) 538-2735
Photo of Kelly Frost - Clarity Mental Health & Recovery , Treatment Center, SUD, MH, DV
Clarity Mental Health & Recovery
Treatment Center
Serves Area
The human condition is one that is difficult for everyone. When these difficulties feel insurmountable it may be time to connect with a counselor that can help guide you, and support you through these challenges. We utilize a compassionate and humanistic approach to helping clients with a variety of services to offer including individual, couples, group therapy and a very popular eastern mindfulness course. Our counselors are fun and energetic, utilizing humanistic, cognitive, somatic and trauma informed therapeutic techniques.
The human condition is one that is difficult for everyone. When these difficulties feel insurmountable it may be time to connect with a counselor that can help guide you, and support you through these challenges. We utilize a compassionate and humanistic approach to helping clients with a variety of services to offer including individual, couples, group therapy and a very popular eastern mindfulness course. Our counselors are fun and energetic, utilizing humanistic, cognitive, somatic and trauma informed therapeutic techniques.
(360) 523-1254 View (360) 523-1254
Photo of Matthew Mueller - Elevation Behavioral Health, Treatment Center
Elevation Behavioral Health
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Most common include depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, OCD, and most other conditions.
Elevation Behavioral Health is one of the few private inpatient mental health facilities that focuses on assessing and effectively treating primary mental health conditions. We are proud to offer a robust clinical program that provides the most individual therapy sessions in the industry and while respecting and honoring each client's journey. We are committed to providing clients with exceptional treatment in a compassionate environment. We make a positive, measurable difference in the physical, emotional and spiritual health of the people we serve while building up their confidence and respecting their dignity.
Most common include depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, OCD, and most other conditions.
Elevation Behavioral Health is one of the few private inpatient mental health facilities that focuses on assessing and effectively treating primary mental health conditions. We are proud to offer a robust clinical program that provides the most individual therapy sessions in the industry and while respecting and honoring each client's journey. We are committed to providing clients with exceptional treatment in a compassionate environment. We make a positive, measurable difference in the physical, emotional and spiritual health of the people we serve while building up their confidence and respecting their dignity.
(424) 346-8748 View (424) 346-8748
Photo of Samantha Finnie - Mission Connection, Treatment Center
Mission Connection
Treatment Center
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
At Mission Connection, we specialize in helping adults overcome various mental health challenges, including trauma, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders.
At Mission Connection, our team designs personalized treatment programs tailored to your unique needs. We offer a range of services, including group therapy, individual therapy, and medication management, as part of our Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP). Utilizing evidence-based therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Trauma-Focused interventions, we ensure a comprehensive approach to care. Whether you choose in-person, virtual, or hybrid options, our flexible support system is designed to help you achieve lasting recovery and mental wellness.
At Mission Connection, we specialize in helping adults overcome various mental health challenges, including trauma, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders.
At Mission Connection, our team designs personalized treatment programs tailored to your unique needs. We offer a range of services, including group therapy, individual therapy, and medication management, as part of our Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP). Utilizing evidence-based therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Trauma-Focused interventions, we ensure a comprehensive approach to care. Whether you choose in-person, virtual, or hybrid options, our flexible support system is designed to help you achieve lasting recovery and mental wellness.
(425) 671-3496 View (425) 671-3496
Photo of Newport Newport - Newport Academy Teen and Adolescent Residential, Treatment Center
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.
(425) 242-3464 View (425) 242-3464
Photo of Free By The Sea - Free by the Sea, Treatment Center
Free by the Sea
Treatment Center
Serves Area
Free by the Sea is a dual diagnosis addiction treatment center located on the Washington Coast. We provide a continuum of care including residential, partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), and outpatient services (OP). Our peaceful setting has inspired a program of holistic healing, designed to meet your individualized needs. Our sober living accommodations provide a safe and supportive environment to further establish and reinforce a routine in recovery while utilizing specific coping skills to thrive in your daily life. The campus is just steps away from the beach, offering an abundance of recreational activities such as pickleball and volleyball. Mindfulness skills are incorporated throughout the program to deepen attunement with self and others, and to emphasize the importance of being present in each moment life. A meditation room is available to those who want to deepen their meditation practice, or to simply have some moments of silence. Yoga and sound baths are optionally available for those interested in deepening their mind, body, and spirit connection.
Free by the Sea is a dual diagnosis addiction treatment center located on the Washington Coast. We provide a continuum of care including residential, partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), and outpatient services (OP). Our peaceful setting has inspired a program of holistic healing, designed to meet your individualized needs. Our sober living accommodations provide a safe and supportive environment to further establish and reinforce a routine in recovery while utilizing specific coping skills to thrive in your daily life. The campus is just steps away from the beach, offering an abundance of recreational activities such as pickleball and volleyball. Mindfulness skills are incorporated throughout the program to deepen attunement with self and others, and to emphasize the importance of being present in each moment life. A meditation room is available to those who want to deepen their meditation practice, or to simply have some moments of silence. Yoga and sound baths are optionally available for those interested in deepening their mind, body, and spirit connection.
(360) 665-7112 View (360) 665-7112
Photo of Newport Newport - Newport Academy Teen and Adolescent Residential, Treatment Center
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.
(360) 382-2379 View (360) 382-2379
Photo of Fairfax Admissions - Adult & Adolescent Outpatient | Fairfax Behavioral, Treatment Center, MD, LMHC
Using CBT and ACT programming, medication management, nursing groups, rec and music therapy, the Partial Hospitalization Program provides treatment for people struggling with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD and other mood disorders.
Adults, Women's, and Adolescent (13-17) IOP, mental health intensive outpatient programs. Morning, afternoon or evening hours available. Virtual. The Intensive Outpatient Program is designed for patients who need more intensive treatment than traditional individual therapy and is offered three days a week for three hours a day. Afternoon and evening groups utilize DBT-based skill building. Morning groups utilize CBT, ACT and other evidenced-based therapies. Substance use disorder IOP for ages 18+ in Bellevue led by licensed substance use counselor utilizing evidenced-based treatments including CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, Living in Balance to build new skills, understand triggers, prevent relapses and live a life in recovery.
Using CBT and ACT programming, medication management, nursing groups, rec and music therapy, the Partial Hospitalization Program provides treatment for people struggling with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD and other mood disorders.
Adults, Women's, and Adolescent (13-17) IOP, mental health intensive outpatient programs. Morning, afternoon or evening hours available. Virtual. The Intensive Outpatient Program is designed for patients who need more intensive treatment than traditional individual therapy and is offered three days a week for three hours a day. Afternoon and evening groups utilize DBT-based skill building. Morning groups utilize CBT, ACT and other evidenced-based therapies. Substance use disorder IOP for ages 18+ in Bellevue led by licensed substance use counselor utilizing evidenced-based treatments including CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, Living in Balance to build new skills, understand triggers, prevent relapses and live a life in recovery.
(425) 517-1895 View (425) 517-1895
Photo of Mehri Moore - THIRA Health, Treatment Center, MD, PhD
THIRA Health
Treatment Center
Serves Area
At THIRA, we specialize in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and have years of experience with the partial hospitalization (PHP) model of care which allows clients to live at their own homes while attending day treatment. DBT is the core of our program and was first designed to treat interpersonal chaos, intense emotional swings, impulsiveness, confusion about the self (identity), and suicidal behavior. DBT is appropriate for a range of additional problems that relate to emotion dysregulation such as depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, anger-related problems, and substance use problems.
At THIRA, we specialize in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and have years of experience with the partial hospitalization (PHP) model of care which allows clients to live at their own homes while attending day treatment. DBT is the core of our program and was first designed to treat interpersonal chaos, intense emotional swings, impulsiveness, confusion about the self (identity), and suicidal behavior. DBT is appropriate for a range of additional problems that relate to emotion dysregulation such as depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, anger-related problems, and substance use problems.
(425) 336-0406 View (425) 336-0406

Online Treatment Centers

Photo of Daniela Del Moral - Imagine by Northpoint - Seattle, Treatment Center
Imagine by Northpoint - Seattle
Treatment Center
Seattle, WA 98133
Imagine by Northpoint is a treatment center for teens ages 12–17 who are struggling with mental health, behavioral issues, or substance use. Located in Seattle, we offer outpatient care that helps teens heal and build healthy coping skills. Our treatment consists of a partial hospitalization program (PHP) and intensive outpatient (IOP) - both which allow teens to get necessary treatment while allowing them to live at home and continue in school.
Imagine by Northpoint is a treatment center for teens ages 12–17 who are struggling with mental health, behavioral issues, or substance use. Located in Seattle, we offer outpatient care that helps teens heal and build healthy coping skills. Our treatment consists of a partial hospitalization program (PHP) and intensive outpatient (IOP) - both which allow teens to get necessary treatment while allowing them to live at home and continue in school.
(425) 310-4597 View (425) 310-4597
Therapeutic Health Services
Treatment Center
Seattle, WA 98101
Therapeutic Health Services serves adults across Seattle community who are seeking compassionate, accessible mental health support. Our clients come from a wide range of backgrounds and life experiences, and many are navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship difficulties, stress, substance use concerns, and major life transitions. Our goal is to provide personalized, culturally responsive treatment in a safe and supportive environment where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered in their path toward healing and stability.
Therapeutic Health Services serves adults across Seattle community who are seeking compassionate, accessible mental health support. Our clients come from a wide range of backgrounds and life experiences, and many are navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship difficulties, stress, substance use concerns, and major life transitions. Our goal is to provide personalized, culturally responsive treatment in a safe and supportive environment where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered in their path toward healing and stability.
(425) 642-4569 View (425) 642-4569

See more therapy options for Snohomish County

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.