Photo of Dr. Stephanie Cross, Psychiatrist in Philadelphia, PA
Dr. Stephanie Cross
Psychiatrist, MD, PhD
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19103
She is highly qualified in treating depressive and anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and PTSD, among other conditions.
The journey to emotional well-being can be a challenge, is an ever evolving process, and our goals for treatment vary over the lifespan. Dr. Cross is a UPenn trained adult psychiatrist, with a private practice located in Philadelphia, and is available to help you on your mental health journey. She has an exceptional training background, with additional experience working with older adults and medically complex individuals. She takes a holistic mind-body approach to treatment, and works to build a safe space for exploration and healing.
She is highly qualified in treating depressive and anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and PTSD, among other conditions.
The journey to emotional well-being can be a challenge, is an ever evolving process, and our goals for treatment vary over the lifespan. Dr. Cross is a UPenn trained adult psychiatrist, with a private practice located in Philadelphia, and is available to help you on your mental health journey. She has an exceptional training background, with additional experience working with older adults and medically complex individuals. She takes a holistic mind-body approach to treatment, and works to build a safe space for exploration and healing.
(484) 755-3946 View (484) 755-3946
Photo of Linn Mental Health and Wellness, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Philadelphia, PA
Linn Mental Health and Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19103
I treat ADHD, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and other mental health disorders.
Welcome, my name is Courtney. I am board certified as a family nurse practitioner and a psychiatric nurse practitioner. My passion is to create better access to mental health care for all ages and with 16 years' of nursing experience in both family and mental health care, I can offer clients a comprehensive and holistic approach to identify their mental health conditions and provide treatment based on an individuals unique needs.
I treat ADHD, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and other mental health disorders.
Welcome, my name is Courtney. I am board certified as a family nurse practitioner and a psychiatric nurse practitioner. My passion is to create better access to mental health care for all ages and with 16 years' of nursing experience in both family and mental health care, I can offer clients a comprehensive and holistic approach to identify their mental health conditions and provide treatment based on an individuals unique needs.
(570) 595-1239 View (570) 595-1239
Photo of VirtualPsychiatricCare.com, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Philadelphia, PA
VirtualPsychiatricCare.com
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, CRNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19119  (Online Only)
We are board-certified to treat Children and Adults. Accepting new patients in Pennsylvania via telehealth visits for psychiatric evaluations and medication management. Our clients are looking to be properly diagnosed and treated using the safest prescribing principles. Make an appointment on our website for a video/phone visit today. Evening and weekend hours available. Affordable rates-Initial Psychiatric Eval $199, Follow-ups are $99. Also accepting Insurances.
We are board-certified to treat Children and Adults. Accepting new patients in Pennsylvania via telehealth visits for psychiatric evaluations and medication management. Our clients are looking to be properly diagnosed and treated using the safest prescribing principles. Make an appointment on our website for a video/phone visit today. Evening and weekend hours available. Affordable rates-Initial Psychiatric Eval $199, Follow-ups are $99. Also accepting Insurances.
(267) 440-7825 View (267) 440-7825
Photo of Huma Mahmood, Psychiatrist in Philadelphia, PA
Huma Mahmood
Psychiatrist
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Double Board Certified Child, Adolescent & Adult Psychiatrist providing psychotherapy, Medication Management and compassionate care to patients in the Greater Philadelphia Area. Two practice locations: Mainline Mental Health, LLC www.mainlinemh.com in Narberth, PA & Supreme Wellness, LLC www.supremewellnessrecovery.com in Newtown, PA which also provided Intensive Outpatient Treatment and Addiction Counseling to teens and adults. Our staff includes highly skilled licensed therapists who specialize in anxiety, depression and trauma-focused treatment.
Double Board Certified Child, Adolescent & Adult Psychiatrist providing psychotherapy, Medication Management and compassionate care to patients in the Greater Philadelphia Area. Two practice locations: Mainline Mental Health, LLC www.mainlinemh.com in Narberth, PA & Supreme Wellness, LLC www.supremewellnessrecovery.com in Newtown, PA which also provided Intensive Outpatient Treatment and Addiction Counseling to teens and adults. Our staff includes highly skilled licensed therapists who specialize in anxiety, depression and trauma-focused treatment.
(724) 374-8626 View (724) 374-8626
Photo of Allison Lyavdansky, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Philadelphia, PA
Allison Lyavdansky
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-C, AGNP-C, MSN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19019  (Online Only)
Imagine feeling more calm and balanced, ready to take on the day! Together we will help you to work toward becoming the best version of you! Our practice takes a holistic view at preserving and promoting mental health. With flexible scheduling and remote access, we are available for appointments long after traditional offices have closed for the day and from whatever location is most comfortable for you! Avoid the commute, lets meet online!
Imagine feeling more calm and balanced, ready to take on the day! Together we will help you to work toward becoming the best version of you! Our practice takes a holistic view at preserving and promoting mental health. With flexible scheduling and remote access, we are available for appointments long after traditional offices have closed for the day and from whatever location is most comfortable for you! Avoid the commute, lets meet online!
(272) 213-3319 View (272) 213-3319
Photo of Christina L Persaud, Psychiatrist in Philadelphia, PA
Christina L Persaud
Psychiatrist, MD, MPH
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19102  (Online Only)
My goal is to help you improve your quality of life through the right combination of medications and therapy. My therapy style combines elements of psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), mindfulness, and supportive therapy…along with the appropriate doses of sensitivity, empathy and humor.
My goal is to help you improve your quality of life through the right combination of medications and therapy. My therapy style combines elements of psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), mindfulness, and supportive therapy…along with the appropriate doses of sensitivity, empathy and humor.
(646) 956-5955 View (646) 956-5955

More Psychiatrists Nearby

Photo of Dr. Michael Rosen, Psychiatrist in Philadelphia, PA
Dr. Michael Rosen
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Haverford, PA 19041
I have extensive experience in treating those with complex disorders, especially individuals with bipolar disorder, OCD, and psychotic disorders, as well as eating disorders, gender and sexual issues, autism spectrum disorder, and other developmental disorders, and perhaps my favorite condition to treat, ADHD.
The ideal client is quite simply someone who truly wants help. Someone who is willing to work where the goal is to live the best life, reach the goals one seeks, and to enjoy the journey. The details of how that is done of course depends on the individual's station at the time one seeks help.
I have extensive experience in treating those with complex disorders, especially individuals with bipolar disorder, OCD, and psychotic disorders, as well as eating disorders, gender and sexual issues, autism spectrum disorder, and other developmental disorders, and perhaps my favorite condition to treat, ADHD.
The ideal client is quite simply someone who truly wants help. Someone who is willing to work where the goal is to live the best life, reach the goals one seeks, and to enjoy the journey. The details of how that is done of course depends on the individual's station at the time one seeks help.
(484) 878-4551 View (484) 878-4551
Photo of Dr. Michael Rosen, Psychiatrist in Philadelphia, PA
Dr. Michael Rosen
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Haverford, PA 19041
I have extensive experience in treating those with complex disorders, especially individuals with bipolar disorder, OCD, and psychotic disorders, as well as eating disorders, gender and sexual issues, autism spectrum disorder, and other developmental disorders, and perhaps my favorite condition to treat, ADHD.
The ideal client is quite simply someone who truly wants help. Someone who is willing to work where the goal is to live the best life, reach the goals one seeks, and to enjoy the journey. The details of how that is done of course depends on the individual's station at the time one seeks help.
I have extensive experience in treating those with complex disorders, especially individuals with bipolar disorder, OCD, and psychotic disorders, as well as eating disorders, gender and sexual issues, autism spectrum disorder, and other developmental disorders, and perhaps my favorite condition to treat, ADHD.
The ideal client is quite simply someone who truly wants help. Someone who is willing to work where the goal is to live the best life, reach the goals one seeks, and to enjoy the journey. The details of how that is done of course depends on the individual's station at the time one seeks help.
(484) 946-3864 View (484) 946-3864
Photo of Jack Castro, Psychiatrist in Philadelphia, PA
Jack Castro
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
com I treat psychiatric disorders such depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, substance abuse, OCD, ADHD, PTSD and psychotic disorders.
I am a psychiatrist who works with patients who are struggling with mental health problems. I provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluations as well as evidenced and empirically-based medication management. I consider my approach to be psychopharmacologically conservative and minimalist. What this means is that I aim to minimize the use of medication, and recommend that my patients have a psychotherapist as well. I have a network of excellent therapists that include social workers, counselors, coaches and psychologists with whom I work closely.
com I treat psychiatric disorders such depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, substance abuse, OCD, ADHD, PTSD and psychotic disorders.
I am a psychiatrist who works with patients who are struggling with mental health problems. I provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluations as well as evidenced and empirically-based medication management. I consider my approach to be psychopharmacologically conservative and minimalist. What this means is that I aim to minimize the use of medication, and recommend that my patients have a psychotherapist as well. I have a network of excellent therapists that include social workers, counselors, coaches and psychologists with whom I work closely.
(302) 231-0317 View (302) 231-0317
Photo of Steven S Rolfe, Psychiatrist in Philadelphia, PA
Steven S Rolfe
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010  (Online Only)
I am trained as a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst with over 25 years experience treating adolescents,young adults, and adults. My practice is divided between intensive psychotherapy and psychoanalysis, and leadership consulting for executives and family enterprises. Approximately half of my professional time is spent in my consulting practice, advising CEOs, boards, and executive teams on psychological aspects of managing and leading their organizations. I work with companies and family businesses to address a leader's personal crises that is affecting their company.
I am trained as a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst with over 25 years experience treating adolescents,young adults, and adults. My practice is divided between intensive psychotherapy and psychoanalysis, and leadership consulting for executives and family enterprises. Approximately half of my professional time is spent in my consulting practice, advising CEOs, boards, and executive teams on psychological aspects of managing and leading their organizations. I work with companies and family businesses to address a leader's personal crises that is affecting their company.
(610) 628-2177 View (610) 628-2177
Photo of Michael Silver, Psychiatrist in Philadelphia, PA
Michael Silver
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Wynnewood, PA 19096
Trained at Harvard, Johns Hopkins, and the University of Pennsylvania, I have been in the clinical practice of psychiatry, psychotherapy, and psychopharmacology in the Philadelphia area for over forty years, and provide crisis-intervention, consultation and short- and long-term therapy for children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. I have extensive experience in the treatment of psychosomatic and eating disorders, depression and suicidal behavior, anxiety, psychosis, sexual and physical abuse, and addictions, among other problems, and also provide consultation and ongoing clinical supervision for mental health professionals of all disciplines.
Trained at Harvard, Johns Hopkins, and the University of Pennsylvania, I have been in the clinical practice of psychiatry, psychotherapy, and psychopharmacology in the Philadelphia area for over forty years, and provide crisis-intervention, consultation and short- and long-term therapy for children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. I have extensive experience in the treatment of psychosomatic and eating disorders, depression and suicidal behavior, anxiety, psychosis, sexual and physical abuse, and addictions, among other problems, and also provide consultation and ongoing clinical supervision for mental health professionals of all disciplines.
(610) 364-5269 View (610) 364-5269

Online Psychiatrists

Photo of Dr. Michael Rosen, Psychiatrist in Philadelphia, PA
Dr. Michael Rosen
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Emmaus, PA 18049
I have extensive experience in treating those with complex disorders, especially individuals with bipolar disorder, OCD, and psychotic disorders, as well as eating disorders, gender and sexual issues, autism spectrum disorder, and other developmental disorders, and perhaps my favorite condition to treat, ADHD.
The ideal client is quite simply someone who truly wants help. Someone who is willing to work where the goal is to live the best life, reach the goals one seeks, and to enjoy the journey. The details of how that is done of course depends on the individual's station at the time one seeks help.
I have extensive experience in treating those with complex disorders, especially individuals with bipolar disorder, OCD, and psychotic disorders, as well as eating disorders, gender and sexual issues, autism spectrum disorder, and other developmental disorders, and perhaps my favorite condition to treat, ADHD.
The ideal client is quite simply someone who truly wants help. Someone who is willing to work where the goal is to live the best life, reach the goals one seeks, and to enjoy the journey. The details of how that is done of course depends on the individual's station at the time one seeks help.
(484) 532-8041 View (484) 532-8041
Photo of Joseph Gagnon Jr., Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Philadelphia, PA
Joseph Gagnon Jr.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, PMHNP, MSN, BS, RN-BC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Collegeville, PA 19426  (Online Only)
Joe specializes in the treatment of ADHD (including adult-onset ADHD), Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Movement Disorders (specifically Tardive Dyskinesia), Psychotic Disorders (including early onset Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder), Bipolar Disorder, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. He has extensive experience in treating both children and adolescents. Additionally, he holds a waiver for utilizing Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT) in assisting individuals struggling with Substance Use Disorders.
Joe specializes in the treatment of ADHD (including adult-onset ADHD), Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Movement Disorders (specifically Tardive Dyskinesia), Psychotic Disorders (including early onset Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder), Bipolar Disorder, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. He has extensive experience in treating both children and adolescents. Additionally, he holds a waiver for utilizing Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT) in assisting individuals struggling with Substance Use Disorders.
(267) 209-6722 View (267) 209-6722
Photo of Dr. Michael Rosen, Psychiatrist in Philadelphia, PA
Dr. Michael Rosen
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
West Chester, PA 19380
I have extensive experience in treating those with complex disorders, especially individuals with bipolar disorder, OCD, and psychotic disorders, as well as eating disorders, gender and sexual issues, autism spectrum disorder, and other developmental disorders, and perhaps my favorite condition to treat, ADHD.
The ideal client is quite simply someone who truly wants help. Someone who is willing to work where the goal is to live the best life, reach the goals one seeks, and to enjoy the journey. The details of how that is done of course depends on the individual's station at the time one seeks help.
I have extensive experience in treating those with complex disorders, especially individuals with bipolar disorder, OCD, and psychotic disorders, as well as eating disorders, gender and sexual issues, autism spectrum disorder, and other developmental disorders, and perhaps my favorite condition to treat, ADHD.
The ideal client is quite simply someone who truly wants help. Someone who is willing to work where the goal is to live the best life, reach the goals one seeks, and to enjoy the journey. The details of how that is done of course depends on the individual's station at the time one seeks help.
(484) 559-6648 View (484) 559-6648
Photo of Dr. Michael Rosen, Psychiatrist in Philadelphia, PA
Dr. Michael Rosen
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Quakertown, PA 18951
I have extensive experience in treating those with complex disorders, especially individuals with bipolar disorder, OCD, and psychotic disorders, as well as eating disorders, gender and sexual issues, autism spectrum disorder, and other developmental disorders, and perhaps my favorite condition to treat, ADHD.
The ideal client is quite simply someone who truly wants help. Someone who is willing to work where the goal is to live the best life, reach the goals one seeks, and to enjoy the journey. The details of how that is done of course depends on the individual's station at the time one seeks help.
I have extensive experience in treating those with complex disorders, especially individuals with bipolar disorder, OCD, and psychotic disorders, as well as eating disorders, gender and sexual issues, autism spectrum disorder, and other developmental disorders, and perhaps my favorite condition to treat, ADHD.
The ideal client is quite simply someone who truly wants help. Someone who is willing to work where the goal is to live the best life, reach the goals one seeks, and to enjoy the journey. The details of how that is done of course depends on the individual's station at the time one seeks help.
(215) 372-8108 View (215) 372-8108
Photo of Eileen Ruth Teyim, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Philadelphia, PA
Eileen Ruth Teyim
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
Allentown, PA 18106
Dr Eileen Teyim is an ANCC board certified psychiatric Nurse practitioner and is a graduate of Desales University, Center Valley, Pa. She strives to provide culturally informed and patient centered care tailored to each individual and values the meaningful connections made with her patients. She is dual certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner and a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. This allows her to treat each patient with a holistic approach. She has extensive experience in dealing with diagnosis such as ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, Schizophrenia, Insomnia. We are an approved center for Spravato (Ketamine).
Dr Eileen Teyim is an ANCC board certified psychiatric Nurse practitioner and is a graduate of Desales University, Center Valley, Pa. She strives to provide culturally informed and patient centered care tailored to each individual and values the meaningful connections made with her patients. She is dual certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner and a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. This allows her to treat each patient with a holistic approach. She has extensive experience in dealing with diagnosis such as ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, Schizophrenia, Insomnia. We are an approved center for Spravato (Ketamine).
(610) 421-0243 View (610) 421-0243
Photo of Danielle M Trenelli, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Philadelphia, PA
Danielle M Trenelli
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Not Verified Not Verified
Allentown, PA 18109  (Online Only)
Our expertise covers behavioral health, addiction treatment, weight management, and conditions like depression and bipolar disorder.
Hello, I'm Dani, a Family Nurse Practitioner with certifications in Geriatrics and Counseling. My goal is to ensure that patients have easy and immediate access to healthcare. When requested by my patients, I combine conventional medications with functional and integrative medicine approaches to address concerns like anxiety, depression, and ADHD. I'm passionate about empowering individuals to find their own motivation for a healthy life. In addition to addressing behavioral health, I am capable of treating a wide range of conditions, both acute (skin and respiratory infections) and chronic (pre-diabetes, diabetes, HTN, and pain)
Our expertise covers behavioral health, addiction treatment, weight management, and conditions like depression and bipolar disorder.
Hello, I'm Dani, a Family Nurse Practitioner with certifications in Geriatrics and Counseling. My goal is to ensure that patients have easy and immediate access to healthcare. When requested by my patients, I combine conventional medications with functional and integrative medicine approaches to address concerns like anxiety, depression, and ADHD. I'm passionate about empowering individuals to find their own motivation for a healthy life. In addition to addressing behavioral health, I am capable of treating a wide range of conditions, both acute (skin and respiratory infections) and chronic (pre-diabetes, diabetes, HTN, and pain)
(570) 526-2394 View (570) 526-2394
Photo of EM&E Health, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Philadelphia, PA
EM&E Health
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Lancaster, PA 17603
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression/bipolar, OCD, PTSD, ADHD, or perhaps addiction to substances? Consider EM&E Health for your care needs.
1 in 5 adults suffers from a mental health condition or substance use disorder. 1 in 5 children, either currently or at some point during their life, have had a seriously debilitating mental illness. Unfortunately, stigma leads to so many individuals not receiving the care they need. Hi, I am Evelyn Mensah and I am here to partner with you to provide you with the needed psychiatric /behavioral health care. Evelyn uses a holistic and person-centered approach to care.
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression/bipolar, OCD, PTSD, ADHD, or perhaps addiction to substances? Consider EM&E Health for your care needs.
1 in 5 adults suffers from a mental health condition or substance use disorder. 1 in 5 children, either currently or at some point during their life, have had a seriously debilitating mental illness. Unfortunately, stigma leads to so many individuals not receiving the care they need. Hi, I am Evelyn Mensah and I am here to partner with you to provide you with the needed psychiatric /behavioral health care. Evelyn uses a holistic and person-centered approach to care.
(717) 923-8183 View (717) 923-8183
Photo of Afanwingong C Lafon, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Philadelphia, PA
Afanwingong C Lafon
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNPBC, AGNP-C
Verified Verified
Allentown, PA 18106
She treats various mental health concerns, including Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Eating Disorders, OCD, and ADHD, among others.
You deserve to live a life that leaves you excited to wake up every morning.” Hi, my name is Afanwingong Lafon, and I am here to support you. I am an ANCC board-certified psychiatric mental health Nurse practitioner and an adult-gerontology Nurse practitioner. She graduated from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and Maryville University. She endeavors to provide individualized, patient-centered and for each individual's mental health goals as well as helping them achieve a full life while incorporating cultural awareness in each individualized care and plan.
She treats various mental health concerns, including Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Eating Disorders, OCD, and ADHD, among others.
You deserve to live a life that leaves you excited to wake up every morning.” Hi, my name is Afanwingong Lafon, and I am here to support you. I am an ANCC board-certified psychiatric mental health Nurse practitioner and an adult-gerontology Nurse practitioner. She graduated from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and Maryville University. She endeavors to provide individualized, patient-centered and for each individual's mental health goals as well as helping them achieve a full life while incorporating cultural awareness in each individualized care and plan.
(610) 801-1970 View (610) 801-1970
Photo of Dr. Michael Rosen, Psychiatrist in Philadelphia, PA
Dr. Michael Rosen
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Yardley, PA 19067
I have extensive experience in treating those with complex disorders, especially individuals with bipolar disorder, OCD, and psychotic disorders, as well as eating disorders, gender and sexual issues, autism spectrum disorder, and other developmental disorders, and perhaps my favorite condition to treat, ADHD.
The ideal client is quite simply someone who truly wants help. Someone who is willing to work where the goal is to live the best life, reach the goals one seeks, and to enjoy the journey. The details of how that is done of course depends on the individual's station at the time one seeks help.
I have extensive experience in treating those with complex disorders, especially individuals with bipolar disorder, OCD, and psychotic disorders, as well as eating disorders, gender and sexual issues, autism spectrum disorder, and other developmental disorders, and perhaps my favorite condition to treat, ADHD.
The ideal client is quite simply someone who truly wants help. Someone who is willing to work where the goal is to live the best life, reach the goals one seeks, and to enjoy the journey. The details of how that is done of course depends on the individual's station at the time one seeks help.
(215) 712-8995 View (215) 712-8995

See more therapy options for Philadelphia

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.