Psychiatrists in Los Angeles, CA

Photo of Catalina Villa, Psychiatrist in Los Angeles, CA
Catalina Villa
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90036  (Online Only)
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, OCD, and gender dysphoria.
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, OCD, and gender dysphoria.
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
(323) 676-2665 View (323) 676-2665
Photo of Jaswinder (Jesse) Kumar, Psychiatrist in Los Angeles, CA
Jaswinder (Jesse) Kumar
Psychiatrist, MD, PhD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90025
I offer both medication and psychotherapy to individuals struggling with depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, substance use disorders, stress and burnout, and emotional dysregulation.
It’s hard finding access to good mental health care. Whether it's due to long wait times to see someone, or feeling like you're not being heard, it seems that the mental health care system just isn't optimized to deliver effective treatment. With that in mind, I have developed a practice designed to deliver treatment that, at its core, is convenient, comprehensive, and compassionate.
I offer both medication and psychotherapy to individuals struggling with depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, substance use disorders, stress and burnout, and emotional dysregulation.
It’s hard finding access to good mental health care. Whether it's due to long wait times to see someone, or feeling like you're not being heard, it seems that the mental health care system just isn't optimized to deliver effective treatment. With that in mind, I have developed a practice designed to deliver treatment that, at its core, is convenient, comprehensive, and compassionate.
(310) 706-2042 View (310) 706-2042
Photo of Kenneth Saldua, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Los Angeles, CA
Kenneth Saldua
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90008  (Online Only)
I specialize in treating ADHD, depression, and bipolar disorders using a humanistic, goal-oriented approach.
Hello, my name is Kenneth and I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. I have extensive experience treating ADHD, depression, anxiety, trauma, and psychosis as well as personal experience with mental health challenges. I believe that building a strong foundation of trust between clinician and client is crucial and that combining a humanitarian approach with evidence-based practice leads to better outcomes. My goal is to provide safe, comprehensive, and goal-oriented clinical care.
I specialize in treating ADHD, depression, and bipolar disorders using a humanistic, goal-oriented approach.
Hello, my name is Kenneth and I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. I have extensive experience treating ADHD, depression, anxiety, trauma, and psychosis as well as personal experience with mental health challenges. I believe that building a strong foundation of trust between clinician and client is crucial and that combining a humanitarian approach with evidence-based practice leads to better outcomes. My goal is to provide safe, comprehensive, and goal-oriented clinical care.
(951) 467-4146 View (951) 467-4146
Photo of Michael Mahgerefteh, Psychiatrist in Los Angeles, CA
Michael Mahgerefteh
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Meet Michael Mahgerefteh, MD - better known to his patients as Dr. Mike Mah. Through training and active treatment, Dr. Mike has honed his expertise in providing comprehensive psychiatric care for a variety of mental illnesses including, but not limited to: depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, ADHD, psychosis, addiction, and personality disorders.
Meet Michael Mahgerefteh, MD - better known to his patients as Dr. Mike Mah. Through training and active treatment, Dr. Mike has honed his expertise in providing comprehensive psychiatric care for a variety of mental illnesses including, but not limited to: depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, ADHD, psychosis, addiction, and personality disorders.
(323) 379-1237 View (323) 379-1237
Photo of Ascher Medical Group, Psychiatrist in Los Angeles, CA
Ascher Medical Group
Psychiatrist, DO, MFT
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Dr. Parisi takes a proactive, detail-oriented approach, working with patients in a direct and supportive fashion. He treats people who struggle with depression, anxiety, ADHD, panic attacks, bipolar disorder, insomnia, addiction, and relationship issues, working with adolescents, adults, individuals, and couples. Dually educated and trained as a psychiatrist, as well as a psychotherapist, he offers psychiatric medication management and extensive psychotherapy expertise. He offers complete, whole-person, mental health services and looks forward to collaborating with you toward a personalized plan based on your goals.
Dr. Parisi takes a proactive, detail-oriented approach, working with patients in a direct and supportive fashion. He treats people who struggle with depression, anxiety, ADHD, panic attacks, bipolar disorder, insomnia, addiction, and relationship issues, working with adolescents, adults, individuals, and couples. Dually educated and trained as a psychiatrist, as well as a psychotherapist, he offers psychiatric medication management and extensive psychotherapy expertise. He offers complete, whole-person, mental health services and looks forward to collaborating with you toward a personalized plan based on your goals.
(424) 351-9228 View (424) 351-9228
Photo of Jasmine Sawhne, Psychiatrist in Los Angeles, CA
Jasmine Sawhne
Psychiatrist, MD, MBA
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90004  (Online Only)
Sawhne specializes in mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, psychosis and ADHD through diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
Mental health is just as important as physical health. Your psychological state affects every aspect of your life, including your relationships, work, and overall wellbeing.
Sawhne specializes in mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, psychosis and ADHD through diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
Mental health is just as important as physical health. Your psychological state affects every aspect of your life, including your relationships, work, and overall wellbeing.
(323) 991-7595 View (323) 991-7595
Photo of Peyman Tashkandi, Psychiatrist in Los Angeles, CA
Peyman Tashkandi
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90045
I love helping clients live their best lives. My ideal client is willing to work with me to achieve their goals. I specialize in treating various forms of depression, such as unipolar, bipolar, postpartum, etc., and especially treatment-resistant cases. I also treat anxiety disorders, PTSD, and attention disorders such as ADHD. I primarily treat patients in the age range of 18-65.
I love helping clients live their best lives. My ideal client is willing to work with me to achieve their goals. I specialize in treating various forms of depression, such as unipolar, bipolar, postpartum, etc., and especially treatment-resistant cases. I also treat anxiety disorders, PTSD, and attention disorders such as ADHD. I primarily treat patients in the age range of 18-65.
(424) 459-7441 View (424) 459-7441
Photo of Aryeh L Goldberg, Psychiatrist in Los Angeles, CA
Aryeh L Goldberg
Psychiatrist, MD, MA
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90048
Dr. Goldberg is a board-certified adult psychiatrist and forensic psychiatrist practicing in Southern California. He treats a variety of psychiatric conditions, including Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Schizophrenia-Spectrum Disorders, and personality disorders as well as disorders of sleep, attention and focus. Dr. Goldberg specializes in marital therapy and marital interventions as a treatment for psychiatric disorders. His further interests include spirituality and the unique mental health concerns of religious and spiritual communities.
Dr. Goldberg is a board-certified adult psychiatrist and forensic psychiatrist practicing in Southern California. He treats a variety of psychiatric conditions, including Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Schizophrenia-Spectrum Disorders, and personality disorders as well as disorders of sleep, attention and focus. Dr. Goldberg specializes in marital therapy and marital interventions as a treatment for psychiatric disorders. His further interests include spirituality and the unique mental health concerns of religious and spiritual communities.
(310) 363-0765 View (310) 363-0765
Photo of Riz Ahmad, Psychiatrist in Los Angeles, CA
Riz Ahmad
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90002  (Online Only)
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, and OCD.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS - Bonmente knows asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, and OCD.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS - Bonmente knows asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
(213) 221-6701 View (213) 221-6701
Photo of Carolina Covarrubias, Psychiatrist in Los Angeles, CA
Carolina Covarrubias
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90064
I have worked with those who represent the full range of mental health issues including Depression, Bipolar disorder, Trauma, Anxiety/OCD, and difficulty with Grief/Loss and Relationship Challenges.
I am a UCLA Board Certified Psychiatrist and Psychotherapist who specializes in providing a holistic approach to mental health. I believe that some people benefit greatly from medications and others may need different treatments to recover, such as supplements, therapy, and lifestyle changes. I pride myself in not over-prescribing medications and I enjoy educating patients and letting them play a part in developing a well rounded treatment plan. The people I treat would tell you that I have a warm and caring personality and that I always have their best interest in mind.
I have worked with those who represent the full range of mental health issues including Depression, Bipolar disorder, Trauma, Anxiety/OCD, and difficulty with Grief/Loss and Relationship Challenges.
I am a UCLA Board Certified Psychiatrist and Psychotherapist who specializes in providing a holistic approach to mental health. I believe that some people benefit greatly from medications and others may need different treatments to recover, such as supplements, therapy, and lifestyle changes. I pride myself in not over-prescribing medications and I enjoy educating patients and letting them play a part in developing a well rounded treatment plan. The people I treat would tell you that I have a warm and caring personality and that I always have their best interest in mind.
(310) 933-5057 View (310) 933-5057
Photo of Shervin Parvizi Ravan, Psychiatrist in Los Angeles, CA
Shervin Parvizi Ravan
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90039  (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.
(347) 514-9562 View (347) 514-9562
Photo of Jordan Blaine, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Los Angeles, CA
Jordan Blaine
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90025  (Online Only)
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, OCD, and gender dysphoria.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS - We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, OCD, and gender dysphoria.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS - We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
(562) 203-0476 View (562) 203-0476
Photo of Mottsin Thomas, Psychiatrist in Los Angeles, CA
Mottsin Thomas
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90025  (Online Only)
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, and OCD.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS-Bonmente knows asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, and OCD.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS-Bonmente knows asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
(818) 369-3592 View (818) 369-3592
Photo of Ingrid L. Montgomery, MD, MPH, PLLC, Psychiatrist in Los Angeles, CA
Ingrid L. Montgomery, MD, MPH, PLLC
Psychiatrist, MD, MPH
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90034
I am a board certified psychiatrist treating adolescents and adults suffering from stress related issues that are causing dysfunction in your life. Some issues are as simple as learning healthy coping skills and having a support system that understands you. If you are suffering from a new onset or chronic illness such as bipolar, depression, substance use disorder, or anxiety, our practice will provide both medication and therapy to help in certain cases. You will receive an individualized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. We provide concierge service (travel) to you in the comfort of your home or office-(postponed).
I am a board certified psychiatrist treating adolescents and adults suffering from stress related issues that are causing dysfunction in your life. Some issues are as simple as learning healthy coping skills and having a support system that understands you. If you are suffering from a new onset or chronic illness such as bipolar, depression, substance use disorder, or anxiety, our practice will provide both medication and therapy to help in certain cases. You will receive an individualized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. We provide concierge service (travel) to you in the comfort of your home or office-(postponed).
(347) 658-1169 View (347) 658-1169
Photo of Dr. Roberto Montenegro, Psychiatrist in Los Angeles, CA
Dr. Roberto Montenegro
Psychiatrist, MD, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90024  (Online Only)
I specialize in addressing a broad spectrum of psychiatric conditions, offering support for concerns such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, behavioral challenges, attention deficit disorders, low self-esteem, "impostor syndrome," and the unique stress of physician burnout.
Accepting new patients in WA, CA, and AK! I'm a board-certified psychiatrist who treats children, adolescents, and adults. I use various treatment approaches, such as therapy, medication management, or a combination of both, to help my patients achieve their mental health goals. I specialize in treating high-stakes professionals and was trained at Yale University and the University of Washington (UW). In addition to my clinical work, I teach and conduct research at the UW School of Medicine and Seattle Children's Hospital. I'm dedicated to providing you with the highest quality care.
I specialize in addressing a broad spectrum of psychiatric conditions, offering support for concerns such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, behavioral challenges, attention deficit disorders, low self-esteem, "impostor syndrome," and the unique stress of physician burnout.
Accepting new patients in WA, CA, and AK! I'm a board-certified psychiatrist who treats children, adolescents, and adults. I use various treatment approaches, such as therapy, medication management, or a combination of both, to help my patients achieve their mental health goals. I specialize in treating high-stakes professionals and was trained at Yale University and the University of Washington (UW). In addition to my clinical work, I teach and conduct research at the UW School of Medicine and Seattle Children's Hospital. I'm dedicated to providing you with the highest quality care.
(206) 202-3435 View (206) 202-3435
Photo of Steven Goldsmith, Psychiatrist in Los Angeles, CA
Steven Goldsmith
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Greetings. I am a different kind of psychiatrist. I can prescribe medication. But I also help people become well through psychotherapy and other natural treatment methods so they can avoid or get off medications. If you are interested, I will collaborate with you to heal your mind and body by strengthening your own inner, self-healing resources, for that is the only way that any treatment can help you get well.
Greetings. I am a different kind of psychiatrist. I can prescribe medication. But I also help people become well through psychotherapy and other natural treatment methods so they can avoid or get off medications. If you are interested, I will collaborate with you to heal your mind and body by strengthening your own inner, self-healing resources, for that is the only way that any treatment can help you get well.
(424) 364-1772 View (424) 364-1772
Photo of Maryam Gulraiz, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Los Angeles, CA
Maryam Gulraiz
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP-C, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90014
I am a provider with several years of experience in treating mental health. I've worked in variety of settings including internal medicine, urgent care, nephrology, and various mental health settings. I'm here to support your needs for mental health, its a journey towards self growth and healing. I enjoy working with diverse people from different cultures.
I am a provider with several years of experience in treating mental health. I've worked in variety of settings including internal medicine, urgent care, nephrology, and various mental health settings. I'm here to support your needs for mental health, its a journey towards self growth and healing. I enjoy working with diverse people from different cultures.
(949) 776-4891 View (949) 776-4891
Photo of Chinenye Loveth Chukwu, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Los Angeles, CA
Chinenye Loveth Chukwu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90002
Working with people who struggle to be heard and understood is my specialty. If you need help getting back on track, we’ve all been there at some point in life. I’m here to help you through it.
Working with people who struggle to be heard and understood is my specialty. If you need help getting back on track, we’ve all been there at some point in life. I’m here to help you through it.
(803) 658-1108 View (803) 658-1108
Photo of Ahila Muthaiya, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Los Angeles, CA
Ahila Muthaiya
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90041  (Online Only)
As a compassionate and faith-driven mental health provider, my approach to care is deeply rooted in the belief that healing encompasses more than just the alleviation of symptoms. My name is Ahila, and I am committed to offering holistic support that recognizes the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit.
As a compassionate and faith-driven mental health provider, my approach to care is deeply rooted in the belief that healing encompasses more than just the alleviation of symptoms. My name is Ahila, and I am committed to offering holistic support that recognizes the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit.
(213) 682-2674 View (213) 682-2674
Photo of Adel Mostafavi, Psychiatrist in Los Angeles, CA
Adel Mostafavi
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90025  (Online Only)
Are you struggling to balance your physical and mental health? Are things becoming unmanageable? Is your time limited? Then welcome to WellPsyche! WellPsyche Medical Group provides experts in the field of Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry. Our practice offers the latest in psychiatry including Telemedicine! Now you can visit with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of your home or work. Our providers take a Conservative and Effective approach to medication management and can help you balance your life.
Are you struggling to balance your physical and mental health? Are things becoming unmanageable? Is your time limited? Then welcome to WellPsyche! WellPsyche Medical Group provides experts in the field of Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry. Our practice offers the latest in psychiatry including Telemedicine! Now you can visit with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of your home or work. Our providers take a Conservative and Effective approach to medication management and can help you balance your life.
(424) 256-0753 View (424) 256-0753

See more therapy options for Los Angeles

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.