Bipolar Disorder Treatment Centers in North Carolina

Photo of Certus Psychiatry and Integrated Care, Treatment Center in North Carolina
Certus Psychiatry and Integrated Care
Treatment Center, MD
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27607
Believe in WE, and together we will work to help you realize a better quality of life and improved mental wellness for anyone seeking relief from depression, anxiety, and bipolar and other mood disorders,.
Certus is Latin for determined. At Certus Psychiatric & Integrated Care in Raleigh, we are determined to help our patients emotionally and physically to achieve balance by being active participants in their own care. At Certus, we are a "stigma-free zone." You can come to us with peace of mind in knowing no one will stand in judgment of you. Our primary objectives are to evaluate your symptoms and develop strategies to help put you on a path to recovery and wellness.
Believe in WE, and together we will work to help you realize a better quality of life and improved mental wellness for anyone seeking relief from depression, anxiety, and bipolar and other mood disorders,.
Certus is Latin for determined. At Certus Psychiatric & Integrated Care in Raleigh, we are determined to help our patients emotionally and physically to achieve balance by being active participants in their own care. At Certus, we are a "stigma-free zone." You can come to us with peace of mind in knowing no one will stand in judgment of you. Our primary objectives are to evaluate your symptoms and develop strategies to help put you on a path to recovery and wellness.
(984) 223-9185 View (984) 223-9185
Photo of HopeWay, Treatment Center in North Carolina
HopeWay
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28210
HopeWay treats adults 18 and older with a mental health diagnosis such as anxiety, depression, bipolar, schizophrenia spectrum & other psychotic disorders, trauma and stress disorders, substance use disorders with primary psychiatric diagnosis and complex co-occurring disorders.
HopeWay is a premier accredited residential mental health treatment facility for adults in Charlotte, North Carolina. We offer a continuum of care that includes PHP and IOP in addition to residential services. Our holistic behavioral health home model focuses on complete psychiatric, medical and spiritual wellness with access to full psychiatric diagnostic and assessment services and psychological testing. In addition to traditional and group therapy (CBT based), we also offer integrative therapies including art, music, recreation, horticulture, health & wellness, pet and pastoral care.
HopeWay treats adults 18 and older with a mental health diagnosis such as anxiety, depression, bipolar, schizophrenia spectrum & other psychotic disorders, trauma and stress disorders, substance use disorders with primary psychiatric diagnosis and complex co-occurring disorders.
HopeWay is a premier accredited residential mental health treatment facility for adults in Charlotte, North Carolina. We offer a continuum of care that includes PHP and IOP in addition to residential services. Our holistic behavioral health home model focuses on complete psychiatric, medical and spiritual wellness with access to full psychiatric diagnostic and assessment services and psychological testing. In addition to traditional and group therapy (CBT based), we also offer integrative therapies including art, music, recreation, horticulture, health & wellness, pet and pastoral care.
(980) 321-0989 View (980) 321-0989
Photo of Pasadena Villa Outpatient - Raleigh, Treatment Center in North Carolina
Pasadena Villa Outpatient - Raleigh
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Cary, NC 27513
Pasadena Villa, one of America's premier residential psychiatric treatment providers for adults with complex psychiatric disorders, has now opened an outpatient center offering Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient programs. As recognized visionaries in mental health treatment and transitional living services, we offer compassionate, comprehensive, individualized psychiatric and psychotherapeutic care. Pasadena Villa Outpatient Centers specialize in treating adults (18 years or older) who struggle with various mental illnesses including, but not limited to depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Our treatment programs provide a supportive environment to discover ways to recognize and manage psychiatric symptoms. We place a strong emphasis on building and practicing new self-management strategies, in real-time to promote independence and autonomy.
Pasadena Villa, one of America's premier residential psychiatric treatment providers for adults with complex psychiatric disorders, has now opened an outpatient center offering Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient programs. As recognized visionaries in mental health treatment and transitional living services, we offer compassionate, comprehensive, individualized psychiatric and psychotherapeutic care. Pasadena Villa Outpatient Centers specialize in treating adults (18 years or older) who struggle with various mental illnesses including, but not limited to depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Our treatment programs provide a supportive environment to discover ways to recognize and manage psychiatric symptoms. We place a strong emphasis on building and practicing new self-management strategies, in real-time to promote independence and autonomy.
(919) 297-8967 View (919) 297-8967
Photo of Mindpath Health - Cary, Treatment Center in North Carolina
Mindpath Health - Cary
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Cary, NC 27518
Mindpath Health helps patients of all ages with anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, depression, grief, life changes, OCD, postpartum depression, PTSD, and trauma.
Mindpath Health is a leading provider of high-quality outpatient mental health care, offering in-person and online visits. We provide psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and therapy.
Mindpath Health helps patients of all ages with anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, depression, grief, life changes, OCD, postpartum depression, PTSD, and trauma.
Mindpath Health is a leading provider of high-quality outpatient mental health care, offering in-person and online visits. We provide psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and therapy.
(855) 698-1551 View (855) 698-1551
Photo of Mindpath Health - Wilmington, Treatment Center in North Carolina
Mindpath Health - Wilmington
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Wilmington, NC 28405  (Online Only)
Mindpath Health helps patients of all ages with anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, depression, grief, life changes, OCD, postpartum depression, PTSD, and trauma.
Mindpath Health is a leading provider of high-quality outpatient mental health care, offering in-person and online visits. We provide psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and therapy.
Mindpath Health helps patients of all ages with anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, depression, grief, life changes, OCD, postpartum depression, PTSD, and trauma.
Mindpath Health is a leading provider of high-quality outpatient mental health care, offering in-person and online visits. We provide psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and therapy.
(855) 698-1551 View (855) 698-1551
Photo of Mindpath Health - Chapel Hill, Treatment Center in North Carolina
Mindpath Health - Chapel Hill
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Mindpath Health helps patients of all ages with anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, depression, grief, life changes, OCD, postpartum depression, PTSD, and trauma.
Mindpath Health is a leading provider of high-quality outpatient mental health care, offering in-person and online visits. We provide psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and therapy.
Mindpath Health helps patients of all ages with anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, depression, grief, life changes, OCD, postpartum depression, PTSD, and trauma.
Mindpath Health is a leading provider of high-quality outpatient mental health care, offering in-person and online visits. We provide psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and therapy.
(855) 698-1551 View (855) 698-1551
Photo of Mindpath Health - Charlotte, Treatment Center in North Carolina
Mindpath Health - Charlotte
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28287
Mindpath Health helps patients of all ages with anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, depression, grief, life changes, OCD, postpartum depression, PTSD, and trauma.
Mindpath Health is a leading provider of high-quality outpatient mental health care, offering in-person and online visits. We provide psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and therapy.
Mindpath Health helps patients of all ages with anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, depression, grief, life changes, OCD, postpartum depression, PTSD, and trauma.
Mindpath Health is a leading provider of high-quality outpatient mental health care, offering in-person and online visits. We provide psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and therapy.
(855) 698-1551 View (855) 698-1551
Photo of Mindpath Health - Raleigh, Treatment Center in North Carolina
Mindpath Health - Raleigh
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27609
Mindpath Health helps patients of all ages with anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, depression, grief, life changes, OCD, postpartum depression, PTSD, and trauma.
Mindpath Health is a leading provider of high-quality outpatient mental health care, offering in-person and online visits. We provide psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and therapy.
Mindpath Health helps patients of all ages with anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, depression, grief, life changes, OCD, postpartum depression, PTSD, and trauma.
Mindpath Health is a leading provider of high-quality outpatient mental health care, offering in-person and online visits. We provide psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and therapy.
(855) 698-1551 View (855) 698-1551
Photo of Mindpath Health - Wilson, Treatment Center in North Carolina
Mindpath Health - Wilson
Treatment Center
Not Verified Not Verified
Wilson, NC 27896
Mindpath Health helps patients of all ages with anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, depression, grief, life changes, OCD, postpartum depression, PTSD, and trauma.
Mindpath Health is a leading provider of high-quality outpatient mental health care, offering in-person and online visits. We provide psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and therapy.
Mindpath Health helps patients of all ages with anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, depression, grief, life changes, OCD, postpartum depression, PTSD, and trauma.
Mindpath Health is a leading provider of high-quality outpatient mental health care, offering in-person and online visits. We provide psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and therapy.
(855) 698-1551 View (855) 698-1551
Photo of Mindpath Health - Shannon Road, Durham, Treatment Center in North Carolina
Mindpath Health - Shannon Road, Durham
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Durham, NC 27707
Mindpath Health helps patients of all ages with anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, depression, grief, life changes, OCD, postpartum depression, PTSD, and trauma.
Mindpath Health is a leading provider of high-quality outpatient mental health care, offering in-person and online visits. We provide psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and therapy.
Mindpath Health helps patients of all ages with anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, depression, grief, life changes, OCD, postpartum depression, PTSD, and trauma.
Mindpath Health is a leading provider of high-quality outpatient mental health care, offering in-person and online visits. We provide psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and therapy.
(855) 698-1551 View (855) 698-1551
Photo of Mindpath Health - Greenville, NC, Treatment Center in North Carolina
Mindpath Health - Greenville, NC
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Greenville, NC 27858  (Online Only)
Mindpath Health helps patients of all ages with anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, depression, grief, life changes, OCD, postpartum depression, PTSD, and trauma.
Mindpath Health is a leading provider of high-quality outpatient mental health care, offering in-person and online visits. We provide psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and therapy.
Mindpath Health helps patients of all ages with anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, depression, grief, life changes, OCD, postpartum depression, PTSD, and trauma.
Mindpath Health is a leading provider of high-quality outpatient mental health care, offering in-person and online visits. We provide psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and therapy.
(855) 698-1551 View (855) 698-1551
Photo of Mindpath Health - Greensboro, Treatment Center in North Carolina
Mindpath Health - Greensboro
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Greensboro, NC 27401  (Online Only)
Mindpath Health helps patients of all ages with anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, depression, grief, life changes, OCD, postpartum depression, PTSD, and trauma.
Mindpath Health is a leading provider of high-quality outpatient mental health care, offering in-person and online visits. We provide psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and therapy.
Mindpath Health helps patients of all ages with anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, depression, grief, life changes, OCD, postpartum depression, PTSD, and trauma.
Mindpath Health is a leading provider of high-quality outpatient mental health care, offering in-person and online visits. We provide psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and therapy.
(855) 698-1551 View (855) 698-1551
Photo of Pasadena Villa Outpatient - Charlotte, Treatment Center in North Carolina
Pasadena Villa Outpatient - Charlotte
Treatment Center, MEd, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28226
Pasadena Villa, one of America's premier residential psychiatric treatment providers for adults with complex psychiatric disorders, offers a number of outpatient locations offering Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient programs. As recognized visionaries in mental health treatment and transitional living services, we offer compassionate, comprehensive, individualized psychiatric, and psychotherapeutic care. Pasadena Villa Outpatient specializes in treating adults (18 years or older) who struggle with various mental illnesses including, but not limited to depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizo-affective disorders, and adults on the autism spectrum. Our treatment programs provide a supportive environment to discover ways to recognize and manage psychiatric symptoms. We place a strong emphasis on building and practicing new self-management strategies, in real-time to promote independence and autonomy.
Pasadena Villa, one of America's premier residential psychiatric treatment providers for adults with complex psychiatric disorders, offers a number of outpatient locations offering Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient programs. As recognized visionaries in mental health treatment and transitional living services, we offer compassionate, comprehensive, individualized psychiatric, and psychotherapeutic care. Pasadena Villa Outpatient specializes in treating adults (18 years or older) who struggle with various mental illnesses including, but not limited to depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizo-affective disorders, and adults on the autism spectrum. Our treatment programs provide a supportive environment to discover ways to recognize and manage psychiatric symptoms. We place a strong emphasis on building and practicing new self-management strategies, in real-time to promote independence and autonomy.
(704) 327-0442 View (704) 327-0442
Photo of Mindpath Health - Clayton, Treatment Center in North Carolina
Mindpath Health - Clayton
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Clayton, NC 27520
Mindpath Health helps patients of all ages with anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, depression, grief, life changes, OCD, postpartum depression, PTSD, and trauma.
Mindpath Health is a leading provider of high-quality outpatient mental health care, offering in-person and online visits. We provide psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and therapy.
Mindpath Health helps patients of all ages with anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, depression, grief, life changes, OCD, postpartum depression, PTSD, and trauma.
Mindpath Health is a leading provider of high-quality outpatient mental health care, offering in-person and online visits. We provide psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and therapy.
(855) 698-1551 View (855) 698-1551
Photo of Mindpath Health - Huntersville, Treatment Center in North Carolina
Mindpath Health - Huntersville
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Huntersville, NC 28078
Mindpath Health helps patients of all ages with anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, depression, grief, life changes, OCD, postpartum depression, PTSD, and trauma.
Mindpath Health is a leading provider of high-quality outpatient mental health care, offering in-person and online visits. We provide psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and therapy.
Mindpath Health helps patients of all ages with anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, depression, grief, life changes, OCD, postpartum depression, PTSD, and trauma.
Mindpath Health is a leading provider of high-quality outpatient mental health care, offering in-person and online visits. We provide psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and therapy.
(855) 698-1551 View (855) 698-1551
Photo of Family Center for Recovery, Treatment Center in North Carolina
Family Center for Recovery
Treatment Center, MD, FAPA, FASAM
Verified Verified
Brevard, NC 28712
At FCFR, we provide evidence-based treatment for patients with psychiatric disorders with or without substance use disorder. "We often treat patients that other treatment centers will no or cannot treat." Patients may have been suffering with a treatment-resistant psychiatric disorder such as, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder with suicidality, Schizoaffective Disorder, etc. This patient has travelled many traditional and non-traditional treatment avenues, to no avail. Patients suffering such a lifetime of struggle come to FCFR and have their hope restored, are taught coping skills, and learn to apply everything they are learning therapeutically while practicing every day adult daily living skills while at our transitional living facility. Patients such as these have been known to turn their lives around, purchase vehicles, go back to college, restore relationships with their families, and begin living a new positive, productive lifestyle. That is able to be sustained long-term. The same can be said for someone who is struggling with the chronic and progressive, potentially fatal disease of Substance Use Disorder.
At FCFR, we provide evidence-based treatment for patients with psychiatric disorders with or without substance use disorder. "We often treat patients that other treatment centers will no or cannot treat." Patients may have been suffering with a treatment-resistant psychiatric disorder such as, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder with suicidality, Schizoaffective Disorder, etc. This patient has travelled many traditional and non-traditional treatment avenues, to no avail. Patients suffering such a lifetime of struggle come to FCFR and have their hope restored, are taught coping skills, and learn to apply everything they are learning therapeutically while practicing every day adult daily living skills while at our transitional living facility. Patients such as these have been known to turn their lives around, purchase vehicles, go back to college, restore relationships with their families, and begin living a new positive, productive lifestyle. That is able to be sustained long-term. The same can be said for someone who is struggling with the chronic and progressive, potentially fatal disease of Substance Use Disorder.
(561) 559-7240 View (561) 559-7240
Photo of The Sylvia Brafman Mental Health Center, Treatment Center in North Carolina
The Sylvia Brafman Mental Health Center
Treatment Center, MS, LMHC, CAP
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28202
We treat adults suffering from chronic cases of mild to severe mental disorders ranging from bipolar disorder to acute generalized anxiety disorder, clinical depression, schizophrenia, substance abuse disorder and personality disorders among a number of other disorders.
The Sylvia Brafman Mental Health Center is a brand new, world-class behavioral health treatment center founded by widely recognized thought-leaders in mental health and substance abuse disorders. We put those who suffer on a path to thriving in all areas of life through uniquely tailored clinical, spiritual, and psychiatric support. We are primarily focused on mental health, while also specializing in addiction treatment. Our co-founders Ben Brafman and Jaime Blaustein are regarded as thought-leaders in behavioral health; they are hands-on experts who combine clinical knowledge and practical experience. Ben Brafman was the CEO and founder of Destination Hope, a premier addiction treatment center in Florida, where he met Jaime Blaustein, an addict who attended Ben's treatment center at 21 years old. Jaime went on to recover at 24 years old, sponsor many men, receive his MBA at Duke University, and enter Wall Street as an investment banker. Our approach is passionate and authentic; our treatment design and dynamic is real and genuine, not a cookie-cutter approach. Lastly, we are small and intimate - focused on family, community, and human connection.
We treat adults suffering from chronic cases of mild to severe mental disorders ranging from bipolar disorder to acute generalized anxiety disorder, clinical depression, schizophrenia, substance abuse disorder and personality disorders among a number of other disorders.
The Sylvia Brafman Mental Health Center is a brand new, world-class behavioral health treatment center founded by widely recognized thought-leaders in mental health and substance abuse disorders. We put those who suffer on a path to thriving in all areas of life through uniquely tailored clinical, spiritual, and psychiatric support. We are primarily focused on mental health, while also specializing in addiction treatment. Our co-founders Ben Brafman and Jaime Blaustein are regarded as thought-leaders in behavioral health; they are hands-on experts who combine clinical knowledge and practical experience. Ben Brafman was the CEO and founder of Destination Hope, a premier addiction treatment center in Florida, where he met Jaime Blaustein, an addict who attended Ben's treatment center at 21 years old. Jaime went on to recover at 24 years old, sponsor many men, receive his MBA at Duke University, and enter Wall Street as an investment banker. Our approach is passionate and authentic; our treatment design and dynamic is real and genuine, not a cookie-cutter approach. Lastly, we are small and intimate - focused on family, community, and human connection.
(954) 287-0771 View (954) 287-0771
Photo of Behavioral Health Centers, Treatment Center in North Carolina
Behavioral Health Centers
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Winston Salem, NC 27107
Substance use disorders are closely linked with mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, ADHD, OCD, personality disorders and schizophrenia.
In today's fast-paced society, with substances, experiences and products to stave off boredom everywhere, addiction is more common than ever. Unfortunately, many people who experience compulsive cravings for drugs or other harmful behaviors experience underlying issues that need to be addressed. Many people who turn to substance abuse do so because it fulfills a need. Far from being a moral failing, it's a legitimate reaction to a problem in your life. But whether you use drugs or alcohol to calm down after a hard day, get into the party spirit or ease the symptoms of anxiety, the help it lends is an illusion. And while these solutions seem effective in the short term, they do more harm than good long-term. Substance use disorders are very tricky. If you're in the throes of one, there's a good chance you've minimized the problem or brushed it off as a harmless coping mechanism. The truth is that abusing substances and coping with the perceived stigma of using them can alter brain chemistry, potentially leading to more serious problems. As someone going through this kind of turmoil, the last thing you need is judgment.
Substance use disorders are closely linked with mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, ADHD, OCD, personality disorders and schizophrenia.
In today's fast-paced society, with substances, experiences and products to stave off boredom everywhere, addiction is more common than ever. Unfortunately, many people who experience compulsive cravings for drugs or other harmful behaviors experience underlying issues that need to be addressed. Many people who turn to substance abuse do so because it fulfills a need. Far from being a moral failing, it's a legitimate reaction to a problem in your life. But whether you use drugs or alcohol to calm down after a hard day, get into the party spirit or ease the symptoms of anxiety, the help it lends is an illusion. And while these solutions seem effective in the short term, they do more harm than good long-term. Substance use disorders are very tricky. If you're in the throes of one, there's a good chance you've minimized the problem or brushed it off as a harmless coping mechanism. The truth is that abusing substances and coping with the perceived stigma of using them can alter brain chemistry, potentially leading to more serious problems. As someone going through this kind of turmoil, the last thing you need is judgment.
(772) 758-8647 View (772) 758-8647
Photo of Carolina Dunes Behavioral Health, Treatment Center in North Carolina
Carolina Dunes Behavioral Health
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Leland, NC 28451
When an acute mental, behavioral, or psychiatric issue disrupts daily life, know that you can turn to Carolina Dunes Behavioral Health. Providing quality mental health care is all we do. And with this focus, we provide a full continuum of care including assessment, diagnosis, rapid stabilization and ongoing care and support. Our inpatient acute care option provides patients with a safe place for restoring balance and renewing life as we provide 24/7 care with physician supervision, medication management, and group therapy, seven days a week.
When an acute mental, behavioral, or psychiatric issue disrupts daily life, know that you can turn to Carolina Dunes Behavioral Health. Providing quality mental health care is all we do. And with this focus, we provide a full continuum of care including assessment, diagnosis, rapid stabilization and ongoing care and support. Our inpatient acute care option provides patients with a safe place for restoring balance and renewing life as we provide 24/7 care with physician supervision, medication management, and group therapy, seven days a week.
(910) 541-5951 View (910) 541-5951
Photo of Pasadena Villa Outpatient-Triad, Treatment Center in North Carolina
Pasadena Villa Outpatient-Triad
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Greensboro, NC 27409
Located near the Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro, North Carolina, Pasadena Villa Outpatient – Triad is here to serve our community with high-quality individualized mental health services to adults 18 and older. We are conveniently located on Highway 68 which makes our center easily accessible to High Point, Greensboro, and Winston-Salem.
Located near the Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro, North Carolina, Pasadena Villa Outpatient – Triad is here to serve our community with high-quality individualized mental health services to adults 18 and older. We are conveniently located on Highway 68 which makes our center easily accessible to High Point, Greensboro, and Winston-Salem.
(336) 360-6483 View (336) 360-6483

See more therapy options for North Carolina

Bipolar Disorder Treatment Centers

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.