Psychiatrists in Santa Monica, CA
Bernadette Grosjean
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Specific areas of expertise are Borderline Personality Disorder, PTSD, Bipolar Disorders and Adult Autism.
I have practiced psychiatry for over 30 years including 11 years as a professor of psychiatry at Harbor UCLA and 19 years in a NGO based in the Asian community. Working with individuals with wide-ranging diagnoses and very different life journeys, I learned the value of flexibility and use different modes of psychotherapy based on my assessment of the patient's needs. I have a strong psychopharmacology background and prescribe medication when appropriate. I believe in a candid, respectful and collaborative relationship with the patient as well as with his or her family if appropriate, and referring healthcare professional always.
Specific areas of expertise are Borderline Personality Disorder, PTSD, Bipolar Disorders and Adult Autism.
I have practiced psychiatry for over 30 years including 11 years as a professor of psychiatry at Harbor UCLA and 19 years in a NGO based in the Asian community. Working with individuals with wide-ranging diagnoses and very different life journeys, I learned the value of flexibility and use different modes of psychotherapy based on my assessment of the patient's needs. I have a strong psychopharmacology background and prescribe medication when appropriate. I believe in a candid, respectful and collaborative relationship with the patient as well as with his or her family if appropriate, and referring healthcare professional always.
Riz Ahmad
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90404 (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.
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.
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.
Elana Miller
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
22 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90404 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
To request a consultation, please submit a request via my website at: zenpsychiatry.com/private-practice. I am not able to respond to requests via phone or my Psychology Today profile. Thank you! I am a functional and integrative psychiatrist who will treat you as a whole person— mind, brain, body, and soul. I combine holistic approaches like nutritional supplementation, herbal/plant-based medicine, advanced laboratory testing, and mind-body medicine with traditional psychiatric approaches like medication and solution-oriented psychotherapy. I specialize in anxiety, depression, bipolar spectrum illness, and PTSD/Trauma.
To request a consultation, please submit a request via my website at: zenpsychiatry.com/private-practice. I am not able to respond to requests via phone or my Psychology Today profile. Thank you! I am a functional and integrative psychiatrist who will treat you as a whole person— mind, brain, body, and soul. I combine holistic approaches like nutritional supplementation, herbal/plant-based medicine, advanced laboratory testing, and mind-body medicine with traditional psychiatric approaches like medication and solution-oriented psychotherapy. I specialize in anxiety, depression, bipolar spectrum illness, and PTSD/Trauma.
Carolina Covarrubias
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90402
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.
Patrick Sassoon
Psychiatrist, MD, MS
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90404
My approach is based on integrative psychiatry, which uses medications, therapy and complementary medicine to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms. I address the combined impact of sleep, lifestyle, relationships, nutrition and chronic medical conditions on well-being, and use cutting edge tools like genetic testing to guide personalized treatment with medication and supplements. I consider the patient’s cultural background in my assessments and I can provide treatment in Spanish, Portuguese, French and Italian. My goal is to help my patients create lasting changes and build vitality, resilience and purpose in life.
My approach is based on integrative psychiatry, which uses medications, therapy and complementary medicine to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms. I address the combined impact of sleep, lifestyle, relationships, nutrition and chronic medical conditions on well-being, and use cutting edge tools like genetic testing to guide personalized treatment with medication and supplements. I consider the patient’s cultural background in my assessments and I can provide treatment in Spanish, Portuguese, French and Italian. My goal is to help my patients create lasting changes and build vitality, resilience and purpose in life.
Dan Begel
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Dr. Begel received his undergraduate and medical degrees from Yale University, where he also completed his residency in psychiatry. At Yale he studied the conceptual foundations of psychiatry and the core principles of diverse treatment methods. Today he treats people for a wide variety of issues, from the seemingly mild to the severe. He is up to date on psychiatric research and treatment, and utilizes the full range of methods in his work, including genetic analysis, psychotherapy, and medication management.
Dr. Begel received his undergraduate and medical degrees from Yale University, where he also completed his residency in psychiatry. At Yale he studied the conceptual foundations of psychiatry and the core principles of diverse treatment methods. Today he treats people for a wide variety of issues, from the seemingly mild to the severe. He is up to date on psychiatric research and treatment, and utilizes the full range of methods in his work, including genetic analysis, psychotherapy, and medication management.
Emil Soorani MD
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
I have over 38 yrs of experience using psychopharmacology to treat depression, bi-polar, anxiety, dementias, ADHD, traumatic injuries, PTSD, and complex psychiatric disorders compounded by medical illnesses. I believe a holistic approach to treatment offers optimal outcomes. I also offer home consultations and Concierge Service.
I have over 38 yrs of experience using psychopharmacology to treat depression, bi-polar, anxiety, dementias, ADHD, traumatic injuries, PTSD, and complex psychiatric disorders compounded by medical illnesses. I believe a holistic approach to treatment offers optimal outcomes. I also offer home consultations and Concierge Service.
Eva Altobelli - Home-LA
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90401
I find that life is a challenge for most of us. The allure of self medication to deal with life's stressors is often a temptation. Just being human and living within our society creates obstacles to stress free living. We are complicated creatures and it has taken us many years of experiences and usually some trauma to become who we are now. I believe there is not one path to healing and each of us have the capacity to heal.
I find that life is a challenge for most of us. The allure of self medication to deal with life's stressors is often a temptation. Just being human and living within our society creates obstacles to stress free living. We are complicated creatures and it has taken us many years of experiences and usually some trauma to become who we are now. I believe there is not one path to healing and each of us have the capacity to heal.
Jacob Moussai
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90404
Do you suffer from anxiety, depression, ADHD or low self-esteem? Are you stuck in an unwanted repetitive pattern or struggling to find a healthy relationship? I will work with you to shift gears and overcome the obstacles which are holding you back. I use the appropriate treatment for your needs, i.e. psychotherapy and/or medications. I am a board-certified psychiatrist who completed my training at Yale School of Medicine. I provide a comprehensive evaluation using an integrated approach to care, and build on your strengths.
Do you suffer from anxiety, depression, ADHD or low self-esteem? Are you stuck in an unwanted repetitive pattern or struggling to find a healthy relationship? I will work with you to shift gears and overcome the obstacles which are holding you back. I use the appropriate treatment for your needs, i.e. psychotherapy and/or medications. I am a board-certified psychiatrist who completed my training at Yale School of Medicine. I provide a comprehensive evaluation using an integrated approach to care, and build on your strengths.
Salim El Sabbagh
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403 (Online Only)
I am a board-certified psychiatrist and graduate of the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) and New York University (NYU). After graduating as chief resident, I went on to pursue a fellowship and work in the public sector serving those most in need. My clients often include those that have been struggling with difficulties that impair their day to day function, leaving them unsatisfied, unhappy or struggling with inner turmoil or anxiety. My clients will often seek out and benefit from therapy, coaching, medication or a combination of the above. Please don’t hesitate to reach our for a free initial phone consultation.
I am a board-certified psychiatrist and graduate of the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) and New York University (NYU). After graduating as chief resident, I went on to pursue a fellowship and work in the public sector serving those most in need. My clients often include those that have been struggling with difficulties that impair their day to day function, leaving them unsatisfied, unhappy or struggling with inner turmoil or anxiety. My clients will often seek out and benefit from therapy, coaching, medication or a combination of the above. Please don’t hesitate to reach our for a free initial phone consultation.
Joshua Flatow
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Pacific Mind Health approaches mental health using a variety of evidence-based treatments including medication, psychotherapy, telemedicine, Spravato and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). We are excited to offer Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS) - a revolutionary 3-minute procedure with equal or better efficacy to standard 40+ minute TMS protocols. We provide a thorough diagnostic evaluation to create a personalized treatment plan that will help guide you towards wellness. Please use this link for a free informational TMS session https://www.pacificmindhealth.com/tmsinfo.html
Pacific Mind Health approaches mental health using a variety of evidence-based treatments including medication, psychotherapy, telemedicine, Spravato and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). We are excited to offer Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS) - a revolutionary 3-minute procedure with equal or better efficacy to standard 40+ minute TMS protocols. We provide a thorough diagnostic evaluation to create a personalized treatment plan that will help guide you towards wellness. Please use this link for a free informational TMS session https://www.pacificmindhealth.com/tmsinfo.html
Hope Integrative Psychiatry
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
If you would like to make an appointment or ask further questions you can also email us at admin@hopepsychiatry.com. Hope was founded to offer a more natural and complete way of helping people recover from mental illness. Blending together insights from the emerging sciences of Interpersonal Neurobiology and Evolutionary Psychology with more ancient practices that have evidence like Mindfulness,Breathwork and Yoga, we focus on shifting people’s consciousness from a disease model to one that empowers our innate capacity to heal and find meaning in our struggle towards wholeness and optimal health.
If you would like to make an appointment or ask further questions you can also email us at admin@hopepsychiatry.com. Hope was founded to offer a more natural and complete way of helping people recover from mental illness. Blending together insights from the emerging sciences of Interpersonal Neurobiology and Evolutionary Psychology with more ancient practices that have evidence like Mindfulness,Breathwork and Yoga, we focus on shifting people’s consciousness from a disease model to one that empowers our innate capacity to heal and find meaning in our struggle towards wholeness and optimal health.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
Ana Jimenez
Physician Assistant, PA-C
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90064
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 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. 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 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. Now welcoming new patients!
Riz Ahmad
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
West 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 - 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, and OCD.
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.
Carmela Zaragoza
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90064 (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 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. 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 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. Now welcoming new patients!
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.
Mottsin Thomas
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Venice, CA 90291 (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.
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.
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.
Shahrzad Shadmani
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90025 (Online Only)
As your Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I want you to know that I am here for you every step of the way. You can trust that I am fully committed to your well-being and dedicated to providing you with the highest quality of care.
As your Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I want you to know that I am here for you every step of the way. You can trust that I am fully committed to your well-being and dedicated to providing you with the highest quality of care.
See more therapy options for Santa Monica
Nearby Bipolar Disorder Psychiatrists Searches for Santa Monica
- Beverly Hills
- Century City
- Culver City
- El Segundo
- Inglewood
- Marina Del Rey
- Pacific Palisades
- Playa Del Rey
- Venice
- West Hollywood
- West Los Angeles
- Westchester
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.