Psychiatrists in Philadelphia, PA
Soroosh Hashemi
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19103 (Online Only)
I am particularly good at managing Bipolar Disorder (which I believe is an underrepresented condition in medicine), as well as Depression, Anxiety, and Substance Use Disorders.
I am Board Certified in Family Medicine and hold additional credentials in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Yoga, and Meditation. My background gives me a unique advantage at balancing the treatment of physical as well as psychiatric conditions. Sessions with me are longer than with the average Psychiatrist or Family Physician and I believe a strong partnership between doctor and patient is the key to success. I have become an expert at medication management as well as various types of talk therapy. If you're feeling lost, you've come to the right place.
I am particularly good at managing Bipolar Disorder (which I believe is an underrepresented condition in medicine), as well as Depression, Anxiety, and Substance Use Disorders.
I am Board Certified in Family Medicine and hold additional credentials in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Yoga, and Meditation. My background gives me a unique advantage at balancing the treatment of physical as well as psychiatric conditions. Sessions with me are longer than with the average Psychiatrist or Family Physician and I believe a strong partnership between doctor and patient is the key to success. I have become an expert at medication management as well as various types of talk therapy. If you're feeling lost, you've come to the right place.
Cyndia Choi
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19125 (Online Only)
She has treated a broad spectrum of diagnoses including Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, adjustment difficulties, panic and anxiety disorders.
Dr. Cyndia Choi has been board certified in psychiatry since 1991. Her specialty is medication management, however she believes that a therapeutic relationship is crucial to treatment. Dr. Choi values the privilege of getting to know each patient personally to develop a patient-centered plan of care. Follow-up appointments with Dr. Choi are 30 minutes to check on medication effects and provide supportive therapy. If she believes that you may benefit from additional therapy, Dr. Choi may recommend including a therapist to your treatment team. Dr. Choi also believes in a holistic approach toward helping you achieve a healthy life.
She has treated a broad spectrum of diagnoses including Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, adjustment difficulties, panic and anxiety disorders.
Dr. Cyndia Choi has been board certified in psychiatry since 1991. Her specialty is medication management, however she believes that a therapeutic relationship is crucial to treatment. Dr. Choi values the privilege of getting to know each patient personally to develop a patient-centered plan of care. Follow-up appointments with Dr. Choi are 30 minutes to check on medication effects and provide supportive therapy. If she believes that you may benefit from additional therapy, Dr. Choi may recommend including a therapist to your treatment team. Dr. Choi also believes in a holistic approach toward helping you achieve a healthy life.
Dr. Michael Rosen
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19103
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.
Karen Bendak
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19125 (Online Only)
I am trained in all areas of adult psychiatry including depression, anxiety, Bipolar, schizoaffective, OCD and personality disorders.
Hello! My name is Karen Bendak and I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I received my Diploma in Nursing at Aria Health School of Nursing. This extensive three-year program provided me with comprehensive clinical knowledge. I then received my bachelor’s degree in nursing at Pennsylvania State University. After over a decade serving the mental health population I obtained my master's degree as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Wilkes University. I provide psychiatric evaluations, supportive therapy and medication management within a safe space to foster a trusting therapeutic relationship.
I am trained in all areas of adult psychiatry including depression, anxiety, Bipolar, schizoaffective, OCD and personality disorders.
Hello! My name is Karen Bendak and I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I received my Diploma in Nursing at Aria Health School of Nursing. This extensive three-year program provided me with comprehensive clinical knowledge. I then received my bachelor’s degree in nursing at Pennsylvania State University. After over a decade serving the mental health population I obtained my master's degree as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Wilkes University. I provide psychiatric evaluations, supportive therapy and medication management within a safe space to foster a trusting therapeutic relationship.
Dr. Arif Noorbaksh
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Are you struggling with depressive, anxiety, and/or bipolar and related disorders? I strongly believe in meeting patients where they are in their individual journeys. The ideal client is the one who attends their initial evaluation to talk through their experience and potential treatment options. I approach patient care holistically and attempt to develop an understanding of the patient’s lived experience and current symptoms.
Are you struggling with depressive, anxiety, and/or bipolar and related disorders? I strongly believe in meeting patients where they are in their individual journeys. The ideal client is the one who attends their initial evaluation to talk through their experience and potential treatment options. I approach patient care holistically and attempt to develop an understanding of the patient’s lived experience and current symptoms.
Rachel Reis
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Providers at Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates evaluate and treat Children, Adolescents and Adults for Anxiety disorders, Mood Disorders, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, And Attention Disorders (like ADHD).
Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates offers virtual and in-office appts. As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, my goal is to facilitate overall wellness and quality of life for those struggling with their mental health, through the application of evidence-based interventions including medication management and supportive psychotherapy. Fundamental to my practice is truly listening to what an individual is communicating, relieving them of their burden of struggling alone. I strive for a genuine partnership in treatment, encouraging individuals to take an active role in their care, facilitating resilience and growth.
Providers at Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates evaluate and treat Children, Adolescents and Adults for Anxiety disorders, Mood Disorders, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, And Attention Disorders (like ADHD).
Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates offers virtual and in-office appts. As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, my goal is to facilitate overall wellness and quality of life for those struggling with their mental health, through the application of evidence-based interventions including medication management and supportive psychotherapy. Fundamental to my practice is truly listening to what an individual is communicating, relieving them of their burden of struggling alone. I strive for a genuine partnership in treatment, encouraging individuals to take an active role in their care, facilitating resilience and growth.
Ashley Womack
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19102
I'm Ashley, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I have experience treating various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and sleep disorders. I have been working in the mental health field for eight years. I started my career as an Associate degree registered nurse in geriatric psychiatry. Later, I completed my undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at Wilmington University. I have worked in the crisis and inpatient adult behavioral healthcare settings at my local community hospital, providing acute psychiatric care to patients across the lifespan.
I'm Ashley, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I have experience treating various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and sleep disorders. I have been working in the mental health field for eight years. I started my career as an Associate degree registered nurse in geriatric psychiatry. Later, I completed my undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at Wilmington University. I have worked in the crisis and inpatient adult behavioral healthcare settings at my local community hospital, providing acute psychiatric care to patients across the lifespan.
Fitz Martin
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19102 (Online Only)
I have experience treating various diagnoses, including depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, bipolar, and schizophrenia.
tion Hello, feeling sad, anxious, or having difficulty concentrating and focusing? I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Practitioner focused on delivering Client-Centered, Caring, Compassionate, and Dedicated Care. I can help you through this trying time if the symptoms impact your daily living. Sometimes we fall into a rut and can not pull ourselves out. I treat individuals ages 14 to 70.
I have experience treating various diagnoses, including depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, bipolar, and schizophrenia.
tion Hello, feeling sad, anxious, or having difficulty concentrating and focusing? I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Practitioner focused on delivering Client-Centered, Caring, Compassionate, and Dedicated Care. I can help you through this trying time if the symptoms impact your daily living. Sometimes we fall into a rut and can not pull ourselves out. I treat individuals ages 14 to 70.
Millmark Health Inc
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19124
Dr. Asif is a licensed physician and board certified psychiatrist by The American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He provides medication management and psychotherapy via telemedicine for adults across the State of Pennsylvania. He treats patients with a wide variety of psychiatric diagnoses including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and others.
Dr. Asif is a licensed physician and board certified psychiatrist by The American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He provides medication management and psychotherapy via telemedicine for adults across the State of Pennsylvania. He treats patients with a wide variety of psychiatric diagnoses including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and others.
Thomas Scary
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19102
I offer psychiatric evaluations and medication management for anxiety, depression, bipolar/mood disorders, OCD, and ADHD.
I am currently scheduling patients for both in-person (PA/NJ) and telehealth (PA/NJ/MA) appointments. I welcome patients who are looking for medication management, therapy, a second opinion, or any combination of the above. My interests include diagnostic clarification of mood/anxiety/attention disorders, evaluation of young adults who may be seeking help for the first time, and treatment of substance use disorders that often present with other common diagnoses.
I offer psychiatric evaluations and medication management for anxiety, depression, bipolar/mood disorders, OCD, and ADHD.
I am currently scheduling patients for both in-person (PA/NJ) and telehealth (PA/NJ/MA) appointments. I welcome patients who are looking for medication management, therapy, a second opinion, or any combination of the above. My interests include diagnostic clarification of mood/anxiety/attention disorders, evaluation of young adults who may be seeking help for the first time, and treatment of substance use disorders that often present with other common diagnoses.
John O'Reardon MD
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19103
I specialize in the treatment of depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety disorders. I especially focus on treatment resistant cases where often you may feel hopeless and despairing. I emphasize a combination of medication and therapy approaches. I collaborate closely with therapists. I also administer transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) (TMS) to treat severe depression, along with the best medications have to offer. All of this happens within a supportive therapeutic relationship.
I specialize in the treatment of depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety disorders. I especially focus on treatment resistant cases where often you may feel hopeless and despairing. I emphasize a combination of medication and therapy approaches. I collaborate closely with therapists. I also administer transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) (TMS) to treat severe depression, along with the best medications have to offer. All of this happens within a supportive therapeutic relationship.
15 Second Videos
Rachel Reis
Thomas Scary
Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates
Chris Pagnani MD PC
Karen (Yang) Chen
Richard M D'Amato
Elizabeth Milburn
Bright Mind Wellness
DUO Mental Health
Michelle McCarthy
Paula Bu
Andrea Papa-Molter
Robert F. McFadden
Allen Masry
Chenhang Zou
michaelsumdpc
Samantha O'Donnell
Aviva Zohar
Melissa Lopez-Larson
Ife Ajuwon
Theresa Webster
Conboy Psychiatry, LLC
Breeze Mental Health, specializing in stress
Sheil Jourdain
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19103 (Online Only)
Now offering “Virtual ADHD Assessments for All of Pennsylvania". I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. I specialize in the treatment of adults with Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, ADHD, Pre-pregnancy and Postpartum issues, Female Sexual Issues, Depression, Medication Management including discontinuation of current medication. I provide motivational talk psychotherapy and I am excited to assist patients decide the best treatment options for their diagnosis. Don't forget to ask about our new, in-office non-medication treatment for depression called "TMS" Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation.
Now offering “Virtual ADHD Assessments for All of Pennsylvania". I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. I specialize in the treatment of adults with Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, ADHD, Pre-pregnancy and Postpartum issues, Female Sexual Issues, Depression, Medication Management including discontinuation of current medication. I provide motivational talk psychotherapy and I am excited to assist patients decide the best treatment options for their diagnosis. Don't forget to ask about our new, in-office non-medication treatment for depression called "TMS" Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation.
Malika Abdurakhmanova
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19130 (Online Only)
I am experienced in providing care to clients suffering from many psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia, mood disorders, including bipolar disorder, depression and anxiety, trauma, substance use disorders, as well as various childhood psychiatric disorders.
As a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I am prepared to provide holistic, patient-centered care for clients needing mental health services and treatments. Through utilization of evidence-based practices, I continuously make efforts to achieve higher levels of clients’ mental wellbeing. Utilizing the integrated approaches to healing and wellness, the holistic healing is achieved when mind, body, and spirit are addressed as a single unit.
I am experienced in providing care to clients suffering from many psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia, mood disorders, including bipolar disorder, depression and anxiety, trauma, substance use disorders, as well as various childhood psychiatric disorders.
As a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I am prepared to provide holistic, patient-centered care for clients needing mental health services and treatments. Through utilization of evidence-based practices, I continuously make efforts to achieve higher levels of clients’ mental wellbeing. Utilizing the integrated approaches to healing and wellness, the holistic healing is achieved when mind, body, and spirit are addressed as a single unit.
Jenika Miles
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP , APN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19114 (Online Only)
Specializing in: Bipolar, Schizophrenia , Major Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Attention Deficit .
I have a Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Temple University where I graduated with honors. I've worked as a family nurse practitioner caring for at-risk, underserved patient populations in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. When I recognized that there was a great need for psychiatric services in my area, I decided to attend Wilkes University and became a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner to expand upon the clinical care I could provide. My goal is to provide a personalized psychiatric medication management experience for every patient in my practice.
Specializing in: Bipolar, Schizophrenia , Major Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Attention Deficit .
I have a Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Temple University where I graduated with honors. I've worked as a family nurse practitioner caring for at-risk, underserved patient populations in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. When I recognized that there was a great need for psychiatric services in my area, I decided to attend Wilkes University and became a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner to expand upon the clinical care I could provide. My goal is to provide a personalized psychiatric medication management experience for every patient in my practice.
Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates
Psychiatrist
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates is a private practice of Psychiatry, comprised of Johns Hopkins, University of Pennsylvania and similarly trained Physicians, Nurse Practitioners and therapists who treat Children, Adolescents & Adults for Depression, Bipolar Affective Disorder, Anxiety Disorders (GAD, OCD and Panic) and psychotherapy. We offer in-office and virtual Telehealth Psychiatric appointments for patients in the Philadelphia and Main Line areas, and Telehealth for patients in New Jersey, New York and Florida. Evidence based medicine from academically oriented providers, many of whom teach or have taught at academic centers
Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates is a private practice of Psychiatry, comprised of Johns Hopkins, University of Pennsylvania and similarly trained Physicians, Nurse Practitioners and therapists who treat Children, Adolescents & Adults for Depression, Bipolar Affective Disorder, Anxiety Disorders (GAD, OCD and Panic) and psychotherapy. We offer in-office and virtual Telehealth Psychiatric appointments for patients in the Philadelphia and Main Line areas, and Telehealth for patients in New Jersey, New York and Florida. Evidence based medicine from academically oriented providers, many of whom teach or have taught at academic centers
Domonique Louis
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19103 (Online Only)
Domonique remains deeply versed in general psychiatry, guiding treatment of general mental health disorders, substance use disorders (stimulant, alcohol, sedative, cannabis, and opioids), severe mental illnesses, bipolar disorders, and non-substance use addictions.
As a dedicated and compassionate board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Domonique Louis APRN, PMHNP-BC has forged a distinguished career, blending academic excellence, community nursing, and synthesis of groundbreaking research in the field of psychiatry. She began her academic journey at the University of Memphis studying the development, structure and functioning of human society followed by a baccalaureate degree in nursing at Union University in Tennessee, laying the foundation for her passion for healthcare.
Domonique remains deeply versed in general psychiatry, guiding treatment of general mental health disorders, substance use disorders (stimulant, alcohol, sedative, cannabis, and opioids), severe mental illnesses, bipolar disorders, and non-substance use addictions.
As a dedicated and compassionate board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Domonique Louis APRN, PMHNP-BC has forged a distinguished career, blending academic excellence, community nursing, and synthesis of groundbreaking research in the field of psychiatry. She began her academic journey at the University of Memphis studying the development, structure and functioning of human society followed by a baccalaureate degree in nursing at Union University in Tennessee, laying the foundation for her passion for healthcare.
Elizabeth Wray
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Provider within Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates, a network of over 20 Psychiatrists, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners and Psychotherapists offering in-office psychiatric evaluations, medication management and psychotherapy in Philadelphia and on The Main Line, and Virtual Telehealth Psychiatric Appointments to patients in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Florida. Treatment for Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder and ADHD. Call to see which providers are licensed in your location.
Provider within Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates, a network of over 20 Psychiatrists, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners and Psychotherapists offering in-office psychiatric evaluations, medication management and psychotherapy in Philadelphia and on The Main Line, and Virtual Telehealth Psychiatric Appointments to patients in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Florida. Treatment for Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder and ADHD. Call to see which providers are licensed in your location.
Chris Pagnani MD PC
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Founder and Medical Director of Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates - a network of over 20 psychiatric providers that are academically focused and utilize evidence based practice. In-office (Philadelphia, and The Main Line in Paoli, PA) and virtual Telehealth psychiatric appointments. We treat anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and ADHD. Child and adolescent psychiatric appointments. Fee for service practice, treating moderate levels of psychiatric illness for safety purposes (we do not have admitting privileges or a 24 hour emergency line). Board Certified and licensed in PA, NJ, NY, MD, DE, FL, CA. Visit www.RittenhousePA.com.
Founder and Medical Director of Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates - a network of over 20 psychiatric providers that are academically focused and utilize evidence based practice. In-office (Philadelphia, and The Main Line in Paoli, PA) and virtual Telehealth psychiatric appointments. We treat anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and ADHD. Child and adolescent psychiatric appointments. Fee for service practice, treating moderate levels of psychiatric illness for safety purposes (we do not have admitting privileges or a 24 hour emergency line). Board Certified and licensed in PA, NJ, NY, MD, DE, FL, CA. Visit www.RittenhousePA.com.
Angel Marie Augustin
Psychiatrist
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19104 (Online Only)
I am Dr. Angel Augustin, a board-certified psychiatrist based out of Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love! I completed my psychiatric training at the University of Pennsylvania. I have expertise in the treatment of various psychiatric conditions including depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, low self-esteem, grief, cultural identity, and struggles with life transitions. I believe in taking a holistic and collaborative approach to creating a treatment plan that aligns with your goals.
I am Dr. Angel Augustin, a board-certified psychiatrist based out of Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love! I completed my psychiatric training at the University of Pennsylvania. I have expertise in the treatment of various psychiatric conditions including depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, low self-esteem, grief, cultural identity, and struggles with life transitions. I believe in taking a holistic and collaborative approach to creating a treatment plan that aligns with your goals.
Karen (Yang) Chen
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, PMHNP, MSN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates is a network of over 20 psychiatric providers including Psychiatrists, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, and Psychotherapists. We offer in-office and Virtual Telehealth appointments in Philadelphia, The Main Line of Philadelphia and Virtually to NJ, NY and FL. I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specializing in medication management for a variety of mental health conditions in adults ages 18+, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, PMDD, bipolar disorder, and more.
Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates is a network of over 20 psychiatric providers including Psychiatrists, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, and Psychotherapists. We offer in-office and Virtual Telehealth appointments in Philadelphia, The Main Line of Philadelphia and Virtually to NJ, NY and FL. I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specializing in medication management for a variety of mental health conditions in adults ages 18+, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, PMDD, bipolar disorder, and more.
See more therapy options for Philadelphia
Nearby Bipolar Disorder Psychiatrists Searches for Philadelphia
- Ardmore
- Bala Cynwyd
- Bryn Mawr
- Conshohocken
- Drexel Hill
- Gladwyne
- Haverford
- Havertown
- Narberth
- Springfield
- Upper Darby
- Wynnewood
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.