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Bipolar Disorder Therapists in Austin, TX

Photo of Rebecca Furini, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Rebecca Furini
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78705  (Online Only)
Hello. I’m Rebecca a licensed mental-health therapist with 18 years + experience. Overtime I developed skills working with clients in the areas of depression, anxiety, trauma, anger management, Bipolar Disorder and ADHD to name several. My 11 years spent working in a behavioral health clinic in the past included working clients age 4 to 65+ years with many different kinds of problems and situations and now I am very proud to be doing teletherapy on the Sondermind platform with adults and adolescent clients of various backgrounds and life situations. My educational background includes obtaining my MS from Texas Woman’s University.
Hello. I’m Rebecca a licensed mental-health therapist with 18 years + experience. Overtime I developed skills working with clients in the areas of depression, anxiety, trauma, anger management, Bipolar Disorder and ADHD to name several. My 11 years spent working in a behavioral health clinic in the past included working clients age 4 to 65+ years with many different kinds of problems and situations and now I am very proud to be doing teletherapy on the Sondermind platform with adults and adolescent clients of various backgrounds and life situations. My educational background includes obtaining my MS from Texas Woman’s University.
(737) 367-2556 View (737) 367-2556
Photo of Vicki Ray, MBA, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Vicki Ray
Licensed Professional Counselor, MBA, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78759
My specialties include Dual Diagnosis (co-occurring addiction & mental health issues); support for family and friends of those with addiction and/or mental health issues; Anxiety; Bipolar; Trauma and PTSD; career challenges; major life transitions; and corporate, military, missionary and internationally mobile individuals (global nomads or TCKs).
I believe the best counseling is done in a safe, confidential and collaborative environment. It can be difficult to reach out, so it is important to find a counselor with whom you feel comfortable.
My specialties include Dual Diagnosis (co-occurring addiction & mental health issues); support for family and friends of those with addiction and/or mental health issues; Anxiety; Bipolar; Trauma and PTSD; career challenges; major life transitions; and corporate, military, missionary and internationally mobile individuals (global nomads or TCKs).
I believe the best counseling is done in a safe, confidential and collaborative environment. It can be difficult to reach out, so it is important to find a counselor with whom you feel comfortable.
(512) 663-6368 View (512) 663-6368
Photo of Dr. Daniela Krotzer, PhD, LCSW, EMDR-C, IFS-C, CDBT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Dr. Daniela Krotzer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW, EMDR-C, IFS-C, CDBT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78746
She specializes in trauma and PTSD, grief, relationship issues, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, suicidal ideation, self-harm, depression, anxiety, and more.
The last years have been trying years for everyone. Perhaps they brought new behaviors from your partner, family member, or yourself. Maybe they reminded you of past traumas. Many have "big T" traumas like abuse or near-death experiences. We all have some "little t" traumas, like feeling rejected by others. Part of us gets stuck back to when we experienced the trauma. But you don't have to stay there! You can be free of the grip of both "big T" & "little t" traumas. These no longer have to affect you, your relationships, or many other things. Sign up today for a consultation at drdanielakrotzer.com.
She specializes in trauma and PTSD, grief, relationship issues, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, suicidal ideation, self-harm, depression, anxiety, and more.
The last years have been trying years for everyone. Perhaps they brought new behaviors from your partner, family member, or yourself. Maybe they reminded you of past traumas. Many have "big T" traumas like abuse or near-death experiences. We all have some "little t" traumas, like feeling rejected by others. Part of us gets stuck back to when we experienced the trauma. But you don't have to stay there! You can be free of the grip of both "big T" & "little t" traumas. These no longer have to affect you, your relationships, or many other things. Sign up today for a consultation at drdanielakrotzer.com.
(817) 396-7384 View (817) 396-7384
Photo of Lee Rogers, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lee Rogers
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78731  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I focus my work on anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, trauma, and life transitions in middle age.
I believe in creating a unique and supportive environment where no topic is off limits. My approach in therapy is centered around each person’s individual needs. I focus energy in sessions on empowering clients through their process of self-transformation. You can rely on my authentic, interactive, and curious self to be with you as you navigate your own path of healing. I am here to talk with you, explore with you, feel with you, and at times, challenge you.
I focus my work on anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, trauma, and life transitions in middle age.
I believe in creating a unique and supportive environment where no topic is off limits. My approach in therapy is centered around each person’s individual needs. I focus energy in sessions on empowering clients through their process of self-transformation. You can rely on my authentic, interactive, and curious self to be with you as you navigate your own path of healing. I am here to talk with you, explore with you, feel with you, and at times, challenge you.
(737) 302-5714 View (737) 302-5714
Photo of Anne Marie Jennings, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Anne Marie Jennings
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78746
My specialties include depression, anxiety, marital counseling, parent-child relationships, families, bipolar disorder, and anger management.
I approach therapy as a partnership with my clients in which you are the ultimate decision maker and I work with you to clear away obstacles and identify opportunities. My clients have successfully overcome or managed depression, anxiety, OCD, trauma, marital stress, parent-child difficulties, domestic violence, substance abuse, bipolar disorder, and anger issues.
My specialties include depression, anxiety, marital counseling, parent-child relationships, families, bipolar disorder, and anger management.
I approach therapy as a partnership with my clients in which you are the ultimate decision maker and I work with you to clear away obstacles and identify opportunities. My clients have successfully overcome or managed depression, anxiety, OCD, trauma, marital stress, parent-child difficulties, domestic violence, substance abuse, bipolar disorder, and anger issues.
(512) 430-4524 View (512) 430-4524
Photo of Patrick Beck, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Patrick Beck
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78705  (Online Only)
He is a National Board Certified LPC with the State of Texas, providing mental health counseling to persons 13 y/o to silver seniors. He received his Bachelors in Psychology and Masters in Counseling at LeTourneau University of Longview, Texas. He has served in the mental health field since 2013 in various settings. He has been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution Focused Brief Therapy; he has spent several years studying and utilizing Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. He has treated a wide range of mental health issues, including Depressive Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Bipolar Disorders, and Schizophrenia.
He is a National Board Certified LPC with the State of Texas, providing mental health counseling to persons 13 y/o to silver seniors. He received his Bachelors in Psychology and Masters in Counseling at LeTourneau University of Longview, Texas. He has served in the mental health field since 2013 in various settings. He has been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution Focused Brief Therapy; he has spent several years studying and utilizing Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. He has treated a wide range of mental health issues, including Depressive Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Bipolar Disorders, and Schizophrenia.
(737) 367-3984 View (737) 367-3984
Photo of January Martin, LCSW, LCDC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
January Martin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCDC
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78735
Waitlist for new clients
I work well with adults coping with bipolar disorder, psychosis, depression, grief, and trauma.
I believe that people should not be limited to a label. We are so much more than problems or disorders; we are strengthened by our flaws and our most difficult experiences can transform us. I am direct, interactive, and strongly believe that people change through healing relationships. In sessions we will work together at a pace that feels right for you. We will identify and prioritize your goals, address problems that get in the way of your happiness, and collaboratively build lasting solutions. I will listen to and accept your feedback about how we are working together.
I work well with adults coping with bipolar disorder, psychosis, depression, grief, and trauma.
I believe that people should not be limited to a label. We are so much more than problems or disorders; we are strengthened by our flaws and our most difficult experiences can transform us. I am direct, interactive, and strongly believe that people change through healing relationships. In sessions we will work together at a pace that feels right for you. We will identify and prioritize your goals, address problems that get in the way of your happiness, and collaboratively build lasting solutions. I will listen to and accept your feedback about how we are working together.
(512) 948-3370 View (512) 948-3370
Photo of Paul DeLew, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Paul DeLew
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78759  (Online Only)
Paul DeLew is a Licensed Professional Counselor and graduated from National Louis University in Chicago. He has experience in treating a wide range of mental Illnesses, including panic disorder, ADHD, generalized anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, substance abuse, addiction, trauma, and sexual abuse. He treats adolescents, young adults, and adults, creating a specialized treatment to best help each client.
Paul DeLew is a Licensed Professional Counselor and graduated from National Louis University in Chicago. He has experience in treating a wide range of mental Illnesses, including panic disorder, ADHD, generalized anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, substance abuse, addiction, trauma, and sexual abuse. He treats adolescents, young adults, and adults, creating a specialized treatment to best help each client.
(512) 668-7690 View (512) 668-7690
Photo of undefined - Austin City Family Practice and Mental Health , MD
Austin City Family Practice and Mental Health
MD
Not Verified Not Verified
Austin, TX 78702
Hello, I am a Board Certified Family Physician with an interest in Mental Health and Addiction Medicine. I have extensive experience managing Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, and certain Thought Disorders. I also enjoy treating Opioid Addiction with Suboxone. Many of my skills were developed at the Eastern Pennsylvania Institute and the Drexel Medical School. I will be prescribing antidepressants, anxiety medications, and medications for PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, Personality Disorders, and other. I will also share some of the principles I learned at the Institute for Rational Emotive Therapy in NYC.
Hello, I am a Board Certified Family Physician with an interest in Mental Health and Addiction Medicine. I have extensive experience managing Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, and certain Thought Disorders. I also enjoy treating Opioid Addiction with Suboxone. Many of my skills were developed at the Eastern Pennsylvania Institute and the Drexel Medical School. I will be prescribing antidepressants, anxiety medications, and medications for PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, Personality Disorders, and other. I will also share some of the principles I learned at the Institute for Rational Emotive Therapy in NYC.
(631) 540-1307 View (631) 540-1307
Photo of Maeve Larkin, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Maeve Larkin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78759
Maeve has worked with both adolescents and young adults coping with a wide array of mental health diagnoses: Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, and Borderline Personality Disorder, in addition to Autism Spectrum Disorder and LGBTQ+ individuals.
Maeve Larkin (she/her) is a Licensed Master Social Worker. Born and raised in Boston, MA, Maeve received her Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from Boston College, and a Bachelor’s in Human Services from Northeastern University. Maeve’s professional experience with dialectical behavioral therapy began while working as a clinical intern at The Victor School, a therapeutic high school in Acton, MA. While at the school, she created and facilitated a socio-emotional skills group that utilized techniques in mindfulness and emotional regulation in addition to offering one-on-one therapeutic services.
Maeve has worked with both adolescents and young adults coping with a wide array of mental health diagnoses: Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, and Borderline Personality Disorder, in addition to Autism Spectrum Disorder and LGBTQ+ individuals.
Maeve Larkin (she/her) is a Licensed Master Social Worker. Born and raised in Boston, MA, Maeve received her Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from Boston College, and a Bachelor’s in Human Services from Northeastern University. Maeve’s professional experience with dialectical behavioral therapy began while working as a clinical intern at The Victor School, a therapeutic high school in Acton, MA. While at the school, she created and facilitated a socio-emotional skills group that utilized techniques in mindfulness and emotional regulation in addition to offering one-on-one therapeutic services.
(512) 877-7518 View (512) 877-7518
Photo of Gina Antonia Nepa, LCSW, LICSW, LMSW, CTP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Gina Antonia Nepa
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW, LMSW, CTP
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78705  (Online Only)
I'm honored to get to hold space with you. I am primarily offering ADHD assessments at this time. I’m passionate about working with clients to confirm or rule out ADHD, and offer subsequent treatment to support in ADHD management and/or the presence of anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, substance misuse, and trauma impact. I'm particularly passionate about working with LGBTQIA+ folks, and believe that liberation of shame is imperative in a strong therapeutic partnership. I fundamentally believe that each of us is doing our best with the tools that we have.
I'm honored to get to hold space with you. I am primarily offering ADHD assessments at this time. I’m passionate about working with clients to confirm or rule out ADHD, and offer subsequent treatment to support in ADHD management and/or the presence of anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, substance misuse, and trauma impact. I'm particularly passionate about working with LGBTQIA+ folks, and believe that liberation of shame is imperative in a strong therapeutic partnership. I fundamentally believe that each of us is doing our best with the tools that we have.
(206) 558-5483 View (206) 558-5483
Photo of Rica Puazo, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Rica Puazo
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78728  (Online Only)
Rica Puazo is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Registered Art Therapist (LPC, RAT) who holds more than 4 years of experience working in residential treatment facilities and inpatient acute care with children, adolescents, young adults, college students, young professionals, adults, and geriatrics. She has experience working with individuals diagnosed with ADHD, bipolar disorder and mood disorders, schizophrenia, conduct disorders, depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, substance abuse, intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, and neurocognitive disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Rica Puazo is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Registered Art Therapist (LPC, RAT) who holds more than 4 years of experience working in residential treatment facilities and inpatient acute care with children, adolescents, young adults, college students, young professionals, adults, and geriatrics. She has experience working with individuals diagnosed with ADHD, bipolar disorder and mood disorders, schizophrenia, conduct disorders, depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, substance abuse, intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, and neurocognitive disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer’s.
(339) 218-3090 View (339) 218-3090
Photo of Yassmin Eldouh, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Yassmin Eldouh
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78701  (Online Only)
Hello and welcome! My area of focus is providing culturally competent counseling to individuals of varying mental health difficulties. I work with clients with various presenting issues, including anxiety and depression, OCD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and addictions. In addition to being a licensed therapist, I am completing my PhD in counseling. My intersectional identities as an Arab-Asian woman from a Muslim background allows me to experience understanding and empathy for those from varying backgrounds and identities.
Hello and welcome! My area of focus is providing culturally competent counseling to individuals of varying mental health difficulties. I work with clients with various presenting issues, including anxiety and depression, OCD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and addictions. In addition to being a licensed therapist, I am completing my PhD in counseling. My intersectional identities as an Arab-Asian woman from a Muslim background allows me to experience understanding and empathy for those from varying backgrounds and identities.
(940) 329-2591 View (940) 329-2591
Photo of undefined - Austin City Family Practice and Mental Health, MD
Austin City Family Practice and Mental Health
MD
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78717  (Online Only)
Greetings, I am a Board Certified Family Doctor with an interest in Mental Health and Addiction Medicine. I have extensive experience managing Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, and certain Thought Disorders. I also enjoy treating Opioid Addiction with Suboxone. Many of my skills were developed at the Eastern Pennsylvania Institute and the Medical College of PA. I will be prescribing antidepressants, anxiety medications, and medications for PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, Personality Disorders, and others. I will also share some of the principles I learned at the Institute for Rational Emotive Therapy in NYC.
Greetings, I am a Board Certified Family Doctor with an interest in Mental Health and Addiction Medicine. I have extensive experience managing Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, and certain Thought Disorders. I also enjoy treating Opioid Addiction with Suboxone. Many of my skills were developed at the Eastern Pennsylvania Institute and the Medical College of PA. I will be prescribing antidepressants, anxiety medications, and medications for PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, Personality Disorders, and others. I will also share some of the principles I learned at the Institute for Rational Emotive Therapy in NYC.
(507) 509-2171 View (507) 509-2171
Photo of Heather Teel, LCSW-S, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Heather Teel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78734
I have worked with both couples and individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, trauma recovery, addiction issues, relationship issues, family of origin concerns and sexuality and gender issues.
I believe in therapy. It helps us become unstuck, freeing us to move closer towards our goals and who we want to be. It allows us to begin healing from our past and transforms how we feel and act in our current relationships. It gives us support in times of crisis and stress, allowing us to become even more resilient in the future. And it frees us from habitual patterns that cause suffering in our lives.
I have worked with both couples and individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, trauma recovery, addiction issues, relationship issues, family of origin concerns and sexuality and gender issues.
I believe in therapy. It helps us become unstuck, freeing us to move closer towards our goals and who we want to be. It allows us to begin healing from our past and transforms how we feel and act in our current relationships. It gives us support in times of crisis and stress, allowing us to become even more resilient in the future. And it frees us from habitual patterns that cause suffering in our lives.
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Photo of Sabrina Eads (Enteave Counseling), LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Sabrina Eads (Enteave Counseling)
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78759  (Online Only)
Evening Availability! Therapy doesn’t look the same for every person. Sabrina gets that. She provides an individualized counseling experience that can be received from the comfort of your home, office, or other quiet personal space. Her sessions are 100% telehealth to save you time, frustration, and enhance your personal comfort. She regularly works with clients struggling with depression, bipolar disorder, trauma, grief/loss, chronic pain, and life transitions. She welcomes LGBTQIA+ clients enthusiastically and is polyamory- and kink-friendly. She is also body positive and is informed on health at every size (HAES).
Evening Availability! Therapy doesn’t look the same for every person. Sabrina gets that. She provides an individualized counseling experience that can be received from the comfort of your home, office, or other quiet personal space. Her sessions are 100% telehealth to save you time, frustration, and enhance your personal comfort. She regularly works with clients struggling with depression, bipolar disorder, trauma, grief/loss, chronic pain, and life transitions. She welcomes LGBTQIA+ clients enthusiastically and is polyamory- and kink-friendly. She is also body positive and is informed on health at every size (HAES).
(512) 790-6935 View (512) 790-6935
Photo of Amanda Youngblood (Enteave Counseling), LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Amanda Youngblood (Enteave Counseling)
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78759
As a licensed professional counselor, I have helped clients struggling with a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, adjustment, self-esteem, stress management, life transitions, behavior and academic concerns, school refusal, and more. I work with many age groups from children as young as five to the elderly. I have experience working with highly diverse client populations in a variety of mental health settings. I have worked in community-based agencies, a telehealth pediatric program, school districts, and a university counseling center.
As a licensed professional counselor, I have helped clients struggling with a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, adjustment, self-esteem, stress management, life transitions, behavior and academic concerns, school refusal, and more. I work with many age groups from children as young as five to the elderly. I have experience working with highly diverse client populations in a variety of mental health settings. I have worked in community-based agencies, a telehealth pediatric program, school districts, and a university counseling center.
(512) 843-7899 View (512) 843-7899
Photo of Louis Haling, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Louis Haling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78712  (Online Only)
My professional experience is in counseling individuals experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, mood disorders such as Bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and other conditions. Many of my clients have been young people/college students, and I often work with people navigating their relationships. I am a good fit for those struggling with questions of meaning; anyone overburdened with guilt and shame; those who feel they are outsiders or misfits; as well a creative/intellectual types. I encourage you to express yourself authentically in session, and I welcome people of all identities and backgrounds.
My professional experience is in counseling individuals experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, mood disorders such as Bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and other conditions. Many of my clients have been young people/college students, and I often work with people navigating their relationships. I am a good fit for those struggling with questions of meaning; anyone overburdened with guilt and shame; those who feel they are outsiders or misfits; as well a creative/intellectual types. I encourage you to express yourself authentically in session, and I welcome people of all identities and backgrounds.
(512) 714-3226 View (512) 714-3226
Photo of Richard Fulton, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Richard Fulton
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78705  (Online Only)
Hello! I received my Masters Degree in Counseling at the University of North Texas in Denton Texas. I come from a cognitive behavioral orientation although I also use gestalt therapy. I have treated mental health and addiction issues for 29 years. I have worked with a variety of populations including people with grief issues, HIV and AIDS, dual diagnosis (addiction with a mental health disorder), couples, bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression and PTSD. I have experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings. I currently have a private practice in Meridian Texas. I practice exclusively online.
Hello! I received my Masters Degree in Counseling at the University of North Texas in Denton Texas. I come from a cognitive behavioral orientation although I also use gestalt therapy. I have treated mental health and addiction issues for 29 years. I have worked with a variety of populations including people with grief issues, HIV and AIDS, dual diagnosis (addiction with a mental health disorder), couples, bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression and PTSD. I have experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings. I currently have a private practice in Meridian Texas. I practice exclusively online.
(737) 238-6184 View (737) 238-6184
Photo of Audry Steele, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Audry Steele
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78704
My approach combines an interpersonal/relational perspective with over 20 years of experience to address areas of life such as anxiety, stress, depression, relationship issues, codependency, narcissism, parenting problems, grief, postpartum changes, self-esteem issues, bipolar symptoms, anger, and trauma.
Welcome, I currently have a couple of openings for new clients and scheduling a phone consultation is a good way for us to determine if I can be helpful. I specialize in depth-oriented therapy for adults facing personal, professional, and family challenges. I also work with individuals who generally feel resilient and successful but are navigating significant or acute levels of stress.
My approach combines an interpersonal/relational perspective with over 20 years of experience to address areas of life such as anxiety, stress, depression, relationship issues, codependency, narcissism, parenting problems, grief, postpartum changes, self-esteem issues, bipolar symptoms, anger, and trauma.
Welcome, I currently have a couple of openings for new clients and scheduling a phone consultation is a good way for us to determine if I can be helpful. I specialize in depth-oriented therapy for adults facing personal, professional, and family challenges. I also work with individuals who generally feel resilient and successful but are navigating significant or acute levels of stress.
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Bipolar Disorder Therapists

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.