Psychiatrists in Brooklyn, NY
Christelle Dubic
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11211
Christelle Dubic is an experienced Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with years of experience treating children and adults with various mental health conditions. She specializes in treating depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, schizophrenia, and other mental health conditions. She provides quality mental healthcare to people of diverse backgrounds. After each session, her patients will walk away feeling heard and valued.
Christelle Dubic is an experienced Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with years of experience treating children and adults with various mental health conditions. She specializes in treating depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, schizophrenia, and other mental health conditions. She provides quality mental healthcare to people of diverse backgrounds. After each session, her patients will walk away feeling heard and valued.
Insightful Psychiatry, PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP, FNP-C
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Our Telehealth Psychiatric Mental Health Services specializes in the treatment of children, adolescents, and adults for conditions such as, but not limited to, Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia, Bipolar Disorders, and ADHD.
Appointments Available! We are Insightful Psychiatry, a growing, and innovative Psychiatric office with the goal of providing treatment for mental health problems in the comfort of home. Evening and Weekend appointments available.
Our Telehealth Psychiatric Mental Health Services specializes in the treatment of children, adolescents, and adults for conditions such as, but not limited to, Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia, Bipolar Disorders, and ADHD.
Appointments Available! We are Insightful Psychiatry, a growing, and innovative Psychiatric office with the goal of providing treatment for mental health problems in the comfort of home. Evening and Weekend appointments available.
Alexis Sciarrino
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11202
Alexis Sciarrino, PMHNP-BC is a Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner specializing in psychiatry across the lifespan. Ms. Sciarrino received her Masters of Science degree from Hunter College. She has dedicated her life and her career to psychiatry. She strives to provide the most up to date evidence based care. She utilizes psychopharmacology and psychotherapy to ensure positive treatment outcomes and long term success. She has successful experience working with patients diagnosed with anxiety and depressive disorders as well as OCD, PTSD, Bipolar and ADHD diagnoses.
Alexis Sciarrino, PMHNP-BC is a Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner specializing in psychiatry across the lifespan. Ms. Sciarrino received her Masters of Science degree from Hunter College. She has dedicated her life and her career to psychiatry. She strives to provide the most up to date evidence based care. She utilizes psychopharmacology and psychotherapy to ensure positive treatment outcomes and long term success. She has successful experience working with patients diagnosed with anxiety and depressive disorders as well as OCD, PTSD, Bipolar and ADHD diagnoses.
Shirley Duane
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11201 (Online Only)
Shirley Duane, FNP, PMHNP is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certified throughout the Lifespan. She received her Post Master degree in Psychiatric Nursing at D'Youville University and her Family Nurse Practitioner Degree through SUNY Buffalo. She is also certified as a Geriatric Specialist. Shirley has practiced in a variety of settings and specialties allowing her to work with adolescents and adults with a wide range of disorders, including addictions, ADHD, anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, OCD and PTSD.
Shirley Duane, FNP, PMHNP is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certified throughout the Lifespan. She received her Post Master degree in Psychiatric Nursing at D'Youville University and her Family Nurse Practitioner Degree through SUNY Buffalo. She is also certified as a Geriatric Specialist. Shirley has practiced in a variety of settings and specialties allowing her to work with adolescents and adults with a wide range of disorders, including addictions, ADHD, anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, OCD and PTSD.
Stella O Okobi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11236 (Online Only)
Her specialties include but are not limited to PTSD, anxiety, bipolar, and depression.
Stella enjoys communicating and educating her clients about the importance of taking an active role in their health and mental health. Sometimes this is easier said than done; but she believes as an advocate of mental health, building a trusting relationship with her clients will encourage them to not just simply ask questions but engage in a dialogue that will promote better health related decisions. She believes that creating a safe space exudes comfort, patience, and trust. Moreover, it will lead her clients to have better health outcomes. Having the will to make a change is pivotal. So she is ready when you are!
Her specialties include but are not limited to PTSD, anxiety, bipolar, and depression.
Stella enjoys communicating and educating her clients about the importance of taking an active role in their health and mental health. Sometimes this is easier said than done; but she believes as an advocate of mental health, building a trusting relationship with her clients will encourage them to not just simply ask questions but engage in a dialogue that will promote better health related decisions. She believes that creating a safe space exudes comfort, patience, and trust. Moreover, it will lead her clients to have better health outcomes. Having the will to make a change is pivotal. So she is ready when you are!
Beata Bliss Lewis
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Brooklyn, NY 11217
You deserve to live your best life, and I would like to help. I am an experienced, compassionate psychiatrist and psychotherapist serving the Brooklyn community. I utilize a balanced blend of psychotherapy, medication, and complementary approaches to help you find lasting solutions for both your mental health and your overall well-being. While I can assist with many concerns, I specialize in anxiety, depression, bipolar disorders, ADHD, trauma, life transitions, and relationship issues. I am experienced in treating children, adolescents, adults, and individuals of all sexual orientations. We'll take a collaborative approach to help you achieve your goals.
You deserve to live your best life, and I would like to help. I am an experienced, compassionate psychiatrist and psychotherapist serving the Brooklyn community. I utilize a balanced blend of psychotherapy, medication, and complementary approaches to help you find lasting solutions for both your mental health and your overall well-being. While I can assist with many concerns, I specialize in anxiety, depression, bipolar disorders, ADHD, trauma, life transitions, and relationship issues. I am experienced in treating children, adolescents, adults, and individuals of all sexual orientations. We'll take a collaborative approach to help you achieve your goals.
Fadekemi Olude
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP, MSN
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11234 (Online Only)
Currently accepting patients with appointments within A WEEK, with flexible scheduling. Are you struggling to find your way out of a dark place? Fighting to overcome feelings of grief, ADHD, addiction, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, Bipolar disorder or major life transitions? Have a history of physical, emotional, or sexual trauma? Feeling like you’ve exhausted all options for treatment and given up hope on finding a solution? I am here to provide light at the end of the tunnel for you. Offerring comprehensive evaluations, diagnosis and med management for conditions such as ADHD, depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder
Currently accepting patients with appointments within A WEEK, with flexible scheduling. Are you struggling to find your way out of a dark place? Fighting to overcome feelings of grief, ADHD, addiction, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, Bipolar disorder or major life transitions? Have a history of physical, emotional, or sexual trauma? Feeling like you’ve exhausted all options for treatment and given up hope on finding a solution? I am here to provide light at the end of the tunnel for you. Offerring comprehensive evaluations, diagnosis and med management for conditions such as ADHD, depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder
Shervin Parvizi Ravan
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brooklyn, NY 11249 (Online Only)
My specialties include anxiety, depression, social phobia, performance anxiety, panic, ADHD, OCD, health anxiety, chronic dissatisfaction, bipolar disorder, trauma, grief, relationships, depersonalization, career/academic support, and life transitions such as career changes, divorce, breakups, and parenting.
I am a Columbia University trained psychiatrist and psychotherapist and the Medical Director of Greene Clinic. My treatment model combines evidence based psychotherapies, medications, nutrition and complementary/alternative interventions with the goal of providing comprehensive, well rounded, and individually focused care. Psychotherapy is central to my work and I utilize a variety of modalities including interpersonal psychoanalysis, psychodynamic psychotherapy, mindfulness, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). My approach is collaborative and non-authoritarian. OUT of network for all insurances.
My specialties include anxiety, depression, social phobia, performance anxiety, panic, ADHD, OCD, health anxiety, chronic dissatisfaction, bipolar disorder, trauma, grief, relationships, depersonalization, career/academic support, and life transitions such as career changes, divorce, breakups, and parenting.
I am a Columbia University trained psychiatrist and psychotherapist and the Medical Director of Greene Clinic. My treatment model combines evidence based psychotherapies, medications, nutrition and complementary/alternative interventions with the goal of providing comprehensive, well rounded, and individually focused care. Psychotherapy is central to my work and I utilize a variety of modalities including interpersonal psychoanalysis, psychodynamic psychotherapy, mindfulness, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). My approach is collaborative and non-authoritarian. OUT of network for all insurances.
Total Mental Healing, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11213 (Online Only)
Rosario Fernandez is the founder of Total Mental Healing, LLC, a mental health practice. She is a board-certified mental health psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC) specialized in the treatment of Depression, Anxiety/Panic disorders, PTSD, Schizophrenia, Bipolar disorder, ADHD, Insomnia, and Addiction medicine. She has worked in the mental health care field for over 15 years as a psychiatric nurse in outpatient clinics, private practice, and hospital settings. Rosario is a bilingual (fluent in Spanish), multicultural provider who enjoys working with people of diverse ethnic backgrounds and cultures.
Rosario Fernandez is the founder of Total Mental Healing, LLC, a mental health practice. She is a board-certified mental health psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC) specialized in the treatment of Depression, Anxiety/Panic disorders, PTSD, Schizophrenia, Bipolar disorder, ADHD, Insomnia, and Addiction medicine. She has worked in the mental health care field for over 15 years as a psychiatric nurse in outpatient clinics, private practice, and hospital settings. Rosario is a bilingual (fluent in Spanish), multicultural provider who enjoys working with people of diverse ethnic backgrounds and cultures.
Jacquescr Lucien
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11211
I am Jacques Lucien, DNP-PMHNP. In my work with patients, I often incorporate traditional and non-traditional therapeutic approaches based on the needs of the individual patient. My orientation is integrative/holistic, and I typically use a combination of psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, and motivational interviewing techniques in my work. I have worked with patients across the lifespan and have experience treating common diagnoses, such as depression, anxiety, and panic attacks, and serious mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective, and bipolar disorder.
I am Jacques Lucien, DNP-PMHNP. In my work with patients, I often incorporate traditional and non-traditional therapeutic approaches based on the needs of the individual patient. My orientation is integrative/holistic, and I typically use a combination of psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, and motivational interviewing techniques in my work. I have worked with patients across the lifespan and have experience treating common diagnoses, such as depression, anxiety, and panic attacks, and serious mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective, and bipolar disorder.
Mariya Shavulskiy
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Brooklyn, NY 11201
As a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I evaluate and treat psychiatric symptoms such as those associated with ADHD, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, anxiety, shizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. I am currently accepting new clients and provide medication management services, first time consultations to discuss treatment plans, and medication review/ discussion of options.
As a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I evaluate and treat psychiatric symptoms such as those associated with ADHD, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, anxiety, shizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. I am currently accepting new clients and provide medication management services, first time consultations to discuss treatment plans, and medication review/ discussion of options.
15 Second Videos
Insightful Psychiatry, PLLC
Jacquescr Lucien
Carbon Minds Mental Health & Wellness
Faith Ogala
Justin Shaw
Osarugue Blessing Erhunmwunsee
Jessica Parente
Inno Ogbede
TMR Mental Health Care PC
Tejal Kaur
Joe Gallego
DOCTOR IN THE FAMILY
Ruth Alexander
Tempestt Black
Jean Rigaud Cetoute
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Brooklyn, NY 11236 (Online Only)
I am a Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatric-Mental Health. I specialized in several aspects of mental health such as mood disorders, eating disorders, depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, sleep disorders, and anxiety disorders. I Provide comprehensive evaluations and medication management. I have a solid foundation to customize a treatment plan based on your specific needs. In a world where life is so unpredictable, my goal is to assure that I meet your needs to walk you through the dark tunnel. I look forward to helping you in times of uncertainty. Feel free to contact me.
I am a Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatric-Mental Health. I specialized in several aspects of mental health such as mood disorders, eating disorders, depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, sleep disorders, and anxiety disorders. I Provide comprehensive evaluations and medication management. I have a solid foundation to customize a treatment plan based on your specific needs. In a world where life is so unpredictable, my goal is to assure that I meet your needs to walk you through the dark tunnel. I look forward to helping you in times of uncertainty. Feel free to contact me.
Shelley Padgett
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brooklyn, NY 11222 (Online Only)
Shelley Padgett is a warm and compassionate psychiatric provider. Her approach to treatment follows a wholistic model that combines talk therapy and medication as needed. She enjoys getting to know her patients on a personal level. She creates a space that is safe and free of judgement. Shelley is down to earth and through empathy, she forms meaningful connections with her patients. Shelly has over 20 years of nursing experience. She is highly skilled in psychopharmacology. She specializes in the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, PTSD, sleep disorders, and ADHD.
Shelley Padgett is a warm and compassionate psychiatric provider. Her approach to treatment follows a wholistic model that combines talk therapy and medication as needed. She enjoys getting to know her patients on a personal level. She creates a space that is safe and free of judgement. Shelley is down to earth and through empathy, she forms meaningful connections with her patients. Shelly has over 20 years of nursing experience. She is highly skilled in psychopharmacology. She specializes in the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, PTSD, sleep disorders, and ADHD.
Toba Omidiji
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11212 (Online Only)
Toba has experience treating a range of psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar, ADHD, and schizophrenia; in both the inpatient and outpatient setting. He currently renders care to the young adult (17) and older adult population. When treating clients who are experiencing mental health issues it is very important to understand the other elements that may serve as contributing factors for their diagnosis. It takes a level of compassion, integrity, patience, and understanding to work with individuals who are experiencing difficulties managing mental health or the mental health of their loved ones.
Toba has experience treating a range of psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar, ADHD, and schizophrenia; in both the inpatient and outpatient setting. He currently renders care to the young adult (17) and older adult population. When treating clients who are experiencing mental health issues it is very important to understand the other elements that may serve as contributing factors for their diagnosis. It takes a level of compassion, integrity, patience, and understanding to work with individuals who are experiencing difficulties managing mental health or the mental health of their loved ones.
Olanike O Kekere
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, NP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brooklyn, NY 11201
I am a Yale University-trained Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practioner with over 18 years of experience in Mental Health. I am lifespan board-certified to treat ages 5 to 70years old. I have subspecialty training in child and adolescent psychiatry and clinical research. I treat all psychiatric conditions including but not limited to, depression, anxiety, Panic Disorder, ADHD, Bipolar disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Schizophrenia, PTSD and abuse survivors, OCD, Eating Disorders, and ODD. I provide culturally sensitive integrative and holistic psychiatric services that are tailored to each individual patient's needs.
I am a Yale University-trained Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practioner with over 18 years of experience in Mental Health. I am lifespan board-certified to treat ages 5 to 70years old. I have subspecialty training in child and adolescent psychiatry and clinical research. I treat all psychiatric conditions including but not limited to, depression, anxiety, Panic Disorder, ADHD, Bipolar disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Schizophrenia, PTSD and abuse survivors, OCD, Eating Disorders, and ODD. I provide culturally sensitive integrative and holistic psychiatric services that are tailored to each individual patient's needs.
Frances W. Lee
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brooklyn, NY 11249
I have conducted clinical research on a variety of psychiatric illnesses including depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and anxiety disorders.
I am a Harvard and NYU-trained psychiatrist practicing in New York City who treats adults, adolescents, and couples. I have special interests in mood and anxiety disorders, OCD, ADHD, weight and body image issues, relationship issues, and sleep disorders. I also have expertise in perinatal mental health and sexual dysfunction therapy. In my practice I see patients for both psychopharmacology and/or psychotherapy with emphasis on supportive, dynamic, interpersonal, cognitive behavioral, and sex therapy modalities.
I have conducted clinical research on a variety of psychiatric illnesses including depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and anxiety disorders.
I am a Harvard and NYU-trained psychiatrist practicing in New York City who treats adults, adolescents, and couples. I have special interests in mood and anxiety disorders, OCD, ADHD, weight and body image issues, relationship issues, and sleep disorders. I also have expertise in perinatal mental health and sexual dysfunction therapy. In my practice I see patients for both psychopharmacology and/or psychotherapy with emphasis on supportive, dynamic, interpersonal, cognitive behavioral, and sex therapy modalities.
Felicia Hassan
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Brooklyn, NY 11201
We treats those with anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, depression,.
At Helping Hand psychiatric Np P.C, we are a private practice that offers psychiatric assessment and diagnosing that takes place on an individual basis. our mission is to offer innovative and convenient care via face to face and virtual, we also offer home visit on case-by-case basis. (medication management) and home/tele-therapy (talk therapy). Note: WE accept all insurances and treat all ages from 3 years old to 99 years old. we service all of New York state, NJ and CT. Psychiatric evaluations and offers individual, group, and family therapy. We also provides care to those with chronic diseases associated with mental illness
We treats those with anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, depression,.
At Helping Hand psychiatric Np P.C, we are a private practice that offers psychiatric assessment and diagnosing that takes place on an individual basis. our mission is to offer innovative and convenient care via face to face and virtual, we also offer home visit on case-by-case basis. (medication management) and home/tele-therapy (talk therapy). Note: WE accept all insurances and treat all ages from 3 years old to 99 years old. we service all of New York state, NJ and CT. Psychiatric evaluations and offers individual, group, and family therapy. We also provides care to those with chronic diseases associated with mental illness
Cecilia M Lipira
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11215 (Online Only)
I have expertise in treating depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, tic, ADHD, ODD, personality disorders, and eating disorders in children, teens, adults, and in pregnant and breastfeeding women.
I am a board-certified, Cornell and Mount Sinai-trained adult and child psychiatrist in New York and California. My approach to treatment is holistic and firmly rooted in the science of the brain, combining psychotherapy (for individuals, families, and couples) with nutrition, lifestyle modification, as well as state-of-the-art medication treatment, when helpful. I view each person as a complex individual with a unique story to tell, so I take time getting to know my clients and work collaboratively to develop a targeted plan to achieve their treatment goals.
I have expertise in treating depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, tic, ADHD, ODD, personality disorders, and eating disorders in children, teens, adults, and in pregnant and breastfeeding women.
I am a board-certified, Cornell and Mount Sinai-trained adult and child psychiatrist in New York and California. My approach to treatment is holistic and firmly rooted in the science of the brain, combining psychotherapy (for individuals, families, and couples) with nutrition, lifestyle modification, as well as state-of-the-art medication treatment, when helpful. I view each person as a complex individual with a unique story to tell, so I take time getting to know my clients and work collaboratively to develop a targeted plan to achieve their treatment goals.
Jordana Michele Cotton
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, PMHCNS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Brooklyn, NY 11242
I have expertise in treating insomnia, depression, generalized anxiety (worry), panic disorder, OCD, specific phobias, attentional disorders (ADHD), addictions, disordered eating, bipolar I and II disorders, and long covid (PASC).
I am a Doctoral trained Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with 20+ years of health care experience and 16 years of psychopharmacology and psychotherapy expertise. I received my Doctorate and Master’s degrees from the prestigious Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) IHP in Boston. I provide a safe environment and partnership with my clients. I customize pharmaceutical and therapy solutions based on individual needs.
I have expertise in treating insomnia, depression, generalized anxiety (worry), panic disorder, OCD, specific phobias, attentional disorders (ADHD), addictions, disordered eating, bipolar I and II disorders, and long covid (PASC).
I am a Doctoral trained Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with 20+ years of health care experience and 16 years of psychopharmacology and psychotherapy expertise. I received my Doctorate and Master’s degrees from the prestigious Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) IHP in Boston. I provide a safe environment and partnership with my clients. I customize pharmaceutical and therapy solutions based on individual needs.
Daniel L. Kimmel
Psychiatrist, MD, PhD
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11215
I am a board-certified Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and neuroscientist at Columbia University with expertise in treating a range of mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, adult ADHD, substance use, and psychosis. I work collaboratively with patients to develop a treatment approach that incorporates psychotherapy and/or medications. My specializations include psychodynamic psychotherapy balanced with pragmatic and behavioral approaches. In addition, I specialize in managing multiple medications, providing a careful assessment of each medication and coordinating their interactions.
I am a board-certified Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and neuroscientist at Columbia University with expertise in treating a range of mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, adult ADHD, substance use, and psychosis. I work collaboratively with patients to develop a treatment approach that incorporates psychotherapy and/or medications. My specializations include psychodynamic psychotherapy balanced with pragmatic and behavioral approaches. In addition, I specialize in managing multiple medications, providing a careful assessment of each medication and coordinating their interactions.
See more therapy options for Brooklyn
Nearby Bipolar Disorder Psychiatrists Searches for Brooklyn
- Astoria
- Bayside
- Bronx
- Corona
- Elmhurst
- Flushing
- Forest Hills
- Glendale
- Jamaica
- Long Island City
- New York
- Staten Island
Bipolar Disorder Psychiatrists
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.