Bipolar

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by episodes of mood swings ranging from depressive lows to manic highs. Formally known as manic depression, bipolar is a serious condition that can cause dangerous behavior, including suicidal tendencies. The manic and depressive periods can be brief (hours or days) or last several weeks or even months. Bipolar disorder is typically treated with a combination of therapy and medication. If you are suffering from bipolar disorder (or suspect you might be), contact one of TherapyDen’s specialists to get help today.

Need help finding the right therapist?
Find Your Match

Meet the specialists

 

Bipolar can be a difficult experience, but it does not have to be a negative one. Together I help my clients understand the way their cycles and symptoms effect their lives, create interventions to reduce vulnerabilities and increase protective factors, and see themselves as the whole person they are.

— Nicole Depasquale, Licensed Professional Counselor in Beachwood, NJ

Diagnosis involves thorough clinical evaluation, considering the presence and duration of mood episodes as well as other non-symptom markers of bipolarity. Treatment should prioritize mood-stabilizing medications such as lithium and lamotrigine. People who have insulin resistance and bipolar disorder may benefit from lifestyle or medication to reduce insulin resistance and improve mood. Psychotherapy helps individuals develop self-management skills and cope with the impact of bipolar illness.

— Jonathan Yoder, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Fredericksburg, VA
 

I have worked with many clients recently diagnosed with bipolar, and I also work with clients that are experiencing a manic or depressive episode. Bipolar can disrupt life and cause chaos and suffering. My goal in working with clients is to help them understand what bipolar looks like in their life. Just because you are diagnosed as bipolar it does not have to define your life. You are more than your diagnosis.

— Cori Ross, Therapist in Alpharetta, GA

I have a strong interest and background working with people with bipolar disorder. I do so under the recommendations of the APA which is to offer weekly therapy in combination with medications. Because I am working online, I may refer some clients with severe cases to in person therapy. This is to provide them with the best protection possible.

— Patricia Ellis Christensen, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in , CA
 

Being a dual diagnosis clinician, I have built specific skills to help patients of all ages challenge their mental health symptoms from bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression, among others. Working openly and honestly with patients they learn new techniques to manage their symptoms effectively.

— Dawn Ginestra, Licensed Professional Counselor in Austin, TX

Bipolar disorders can be viewed as mood disorders with various types of manic behaviors and depressive episodes with behaviors lacking in supportive functioning in the everyday.

— Sarah Padelski, Licensed Professional Counselor in Spring, TX
 

Whether you are looking for an accurate diagnosis or help managing runaway moods, bipolar can leave you feeling unstable, hopeless, or even suicidal. Through education and practical skill-building, I can help you figure out what is going on with your moods, detect early warning signs, amass your supports, and apply effective coping skills. It is possible to regain a sense of grounded stability and repair areas of life that have been shaken by dysregulated moods, and I can help get you there.

— Rebecca Lomeland, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Vancouver, WA

With a focus on Bipolar Disorder, I bring a nuanced understanding of the complexities associated with mood dysregulation. My expertise lies in conducting thorough evaluations, formulating personalized treatment plans, and providing ongoing support for individuals with bipolar I and II disorders. I am well-versed in the use of mood stabilizers, atypical antipsychotics, and psychoeducation to manage mood episodes effectively.

— Davonna Wilson, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Portland, OR
 

Bipolar disorder presents with high or low moods, described as mood swings. These mood swings can affect sleep, energy, activity, judgement, behavior and the ability to think clearly.

— Mariam Odu-onikosi, Mental Health Practitioner in Euless, TX

I enjoy working with people who have bipolar disorder and other mood disorders. I ran groups for people with bipolar disorder for more than eight years in a previous position. When I work with mood issues, usually we focus on a combination of things like improving your self care, using mindfulness based therapies/DBT, and sometimes considering medications. Together we learn about your key warning signs for depression or hypomania and what to do if you start feeling that way.

— Lisette Lahana, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Oakland, CA
 

My clients often experience deep depressions and have emotional reactions that they feel are uncontrollable and out of character. They also often have distressing thoughts which move too fast and which they can’t get to slow down. We will work towards exploring the patterns of the mood states and the accompanying emotions that you have experienced. We will strive towards helping you gain control over your mood and emotions, instead of your mood and emotions controlling you.

— Nancy Burns, Counselor

I have worked with people with Bipolar Disorders for 3 years and believe a collaborative approach towards a treatment plan works best.

— Samantha Fitzgerald, Mental Health Counselor in New York, NY
 

I identify as a "Wounded Healer." I was diagnosed with Bipolar One Disorder in my teenage years. My experiences within the mental health field led me to choose to become a counselor. I have a tremendous amount of empathy and compassion for those who have mood disorders. I understand the importance of regularly checking in with a therapist when managing one's ups and downs. I utilize Social and Interpersonal Rhythms, Strength-Based and Solution Focused techniques when treating bipolar disorder.

— Alia Cross, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Buffalo, NY

I spent the majority of my education exploring bipolar disorder. My master's thesis was on the connection between artistic genius and bipolar disorder. I can offer bipolar clients a nuanced understanding of their symptoms, and the multitude of ways bipolar can interact with their life and identity. Many of my clients who identify as bipolar have intersecting creative talents and/or exceptional abilities that sometimes dance with the various mood states of bipolar.

— Caitlin Miller, Counselor in Chicago, IL
 

I enjoy supporting people with new diagnoses and established diagnoses alike, and approach bipolar from a social rhythm stand-point. The kinds of ways we set up our lives, sleeping, , taking medications, eating, schedules, rituals, all help to facilitate a greater evenness in our lives. This is the primary way folks with a bipolar diagnoses can manage moods and avoid episodes.

— Molz Wirtz-Wold, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Portland, OR

I work to help you stabilize bipolar disorder, with a reminder- You aren't bipolar; you have bipolar disorder. I find it important to help my clients separate disorder from who they are as a person You are not a disorder.

— Angelique Gutekunst, Licensed Professional Counselor in Bethlehem, PA
 

I have a strong interest and background working with people with bipolar disorder. I do so under the recommendations of the APA which is to offer weekly therapy in combination with medications. Because I am working online, I may refer some clients with severe cases to in person therapy. This is to provide them with the best protection possible.

— Patricia Ellis Christensen, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in , CA

I have spent the last three years working specifically with adults with severe mental illness including bipolar disorders in varying stages of recovery. I also have lived experience with bipolar disorder that I can draw from when it is helpful to relate, while also recognizing that everyone's experience is unique.

— Nick Vaske, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Portland, OR