About bipolar
Find local and online therapists who list bipolar among their specialties on this page. Each listing highlights approaches, credentials, languages and focus areas to help you compare options. Browse the therapist listings below to learn more and refine your search.
What to compare in entries
| Credentials | A US state licence, or membership of a professional body such as BACP or NCPS. They are different kinds of thing; each profile shows what was supplied. |
|---|---|
| Focus | Whether bipolar is listed as a main focus or among the wider list of areas. Entries show both. |
| Way of working | The approaches named on the entry. Two people working with the same concern can describe very different sessions. |
| Time in practice | Years in practice, as supplied. A fact to weigh, not a ranking. |
| Language | The languages sessions can be held in, where that matters to you. |
Common questions
How were these entries chosen?
Everyone listed on this page has bipolar among the areas they told the platform they work with. They are not ranked, rated or endorsed by this directory, and the order is not a recommendation.
Do I need a referral to start?
No. You can contact a therapist through their entry directly. A GP referral is not required for independent online therapy.
What if the first therapist is not right?
Changing therapist is normal and expected, and can be done at any point. One session is a small sample of how someone works.
Entries for bipolar
Angela Neary, BACP
Ref 109659
Experienced person-centred counsellor with practical support
Works with: Bipolar, Addictions, Relationship Languages: English
View listingRoseanne Jackson, LCSW, LCSW-R
Ref 54688
Compassionate, practical help for big life stressors
Works with: Bipolar, Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingApril Lacey, LCPC
Ref 94106
Helping people find steady change and clearer paths
Works with: Bipolar, Relationship, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingMark Dexter, BACP
Ref 188313
Practical therapy for mood and life changes
Works with: Bipolar, Stress, Anxiety, LGBT Languages: English
View listingSiyue Zhang, AASW
Ref 243585
Calm, practical therapy focused on real-life change
Works with: Bipolar, Stress, Anxiety, Relationship Languages: English, Mandarin
View listingAnn Keith, LCSW
Ref 103213
Compassionate, practical therapy for life changes
Works with: Bipolar, Stress, Anxiety, Relationship Languages: English
View listingMelody Hatter, LCSW, CSW, LISW
Ref 123632
Practical support for anxiety and life changes
Works with: Bipolar, Stress, Anxiety, Relationship Languages: English
View listingJanet Hardin, LCSW
Ref 55726
Practical, compassionate support for life challenges
Works with: Bipolar, Stress, Anxiety, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingSydney Fisher, LPC
Ref 187550
Compassionate counselor guiding practical growth
Works with: Bipolar, Stress, Anxiety, Addictions Languages: English
View listingThomas Dukes, LMHC
Ref 44134
Experienced counselor with practical focus
Works with: Bipolar, Stress, Anxiety, Addictions Languages: English
View listingLaMeshia Lipscomb, LPC
Ref 106169
Warm, practical counseling focused on goals
Works with: Bipolar, Stress, Anxiety, Addictions Languages: English
View listingCynthia Rumford-Jones, LCSW
Ref 101833
Calm practical therapist focused on progress
Works with: Bipolar, Stress, Anxiety, Anger Languages: English
View listingBrittany Elledge, LPCC, LMHC
Ref 11729
Practical, client-centered support for life changes
Works with: Bipolar, Stress, Anxiety, Relationship Languages: English
View listingDawn Nunney, NCPS
Ref 97317
Compassionate person-centred counselling with practical tools
Works with: Bipolar, Stress, Anxiety, Relationship Languages: English
View listingWendi Makus, LPC
Ref 48129
Practical therapy for stress and relationships
Works with: Bipolar, Stress, Anxiety, Relationship Languages: English
View listingJoseph Setchel, LMHC, LCMHC
Ref 58744
Practical, collaborative counseling for everyday struggles
Works with: Bipolar, Stress, Anxiety, Depression Languages: English
View listingLatrice Scott, LMHC, LPC
Ref 15171
Supportive counselor for life changes
Works with: Bipolar, Stress, Anxiety, Anger Languages: English
View listingShannon Mott, LCSW
Ref 108724
Compassionate, practical therapy for life transitions
Works with: Bipolar, Stress, Anxiety, Relationship Languages: English
View listingJessica Sullivan, BACP
Ref 94142
Compassionate counsellor focused on practical change
Works with: Bipolar, Relationship, Family Languages: English
View listingShawn Alyea, LPC
Ref 14872
Compassionate counselor guiding practical change
Works with: Bipolar, Stress, Anxiety, Grief Languages: English
View listingKendall Jones, LCSW
Ref 106192
Compassionate LCSW focused on practical support
Works with: Bipolar, Stress, Anxiety, LGBT Languages: English
View listingTammy Russell, LMHC
Ref 181426
Compassionate, practical therapy for real-life struggles
Works with: Bipolar, Stress, Anxiety, Addictions Languages: English
View listingCory Nelson, LPC
Ref 77586
A steady, practical counselor focused on goals
Works with: Bipolar, Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingDarwin Allen, LCPC
Ref 125869
Direct, practical counseling for everyday challenges
Works with: Bipolar, Stress, Anxiety, Family Languages: English
View listingAnnie Taylor, NCPS
Ref 153305
Experienced client-centred counsellor
Works with: Bipolar, Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingAnna Gilmore, BACP
Ref 109642
Compassionate counsellor for complex life challenges
Works with: Bipolar, Trauma and abuse, Grief Languages: English
View listingNicholas Taylor, BACP
Ref 242465
Practical person-centred counselling for everyday challenges
Works with: Bipolar, Stress, Anxiety, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingKeith Chilton, LMFT
Ref 106189
Experienced marriage and family therapist
Works with: Bipolar, Stress, Anxiety, Addictions Languages: English
View listingMatt Lightfoot, NCPS
Ref 193161
Person-centred counsellor who values meaning and choice
Works with: Bipolar, Stress, Anxiety, LGBT Languages: English
View listingMark McConnell, BACP
Ref 208651
Practical support for stress and change
Works with: Bipolar, Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingDawn Redwood, NCPS
Ref 137085
Client-centred counsellor focusing on practical change
Works with: Bipolar, Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingDiane Trosch, LPC
Ref 80275
Simple practical help for life transitions
Works with: Bipolar, Stress, Anxiety, Relationship Languages: English
View listingKatherine Afuola, LMHC
Ref 188375
Therapist focused on mood, trauma, and purpose
Works with: Bipolar, Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingDarla McAdams, LPC
Ref 58935
Practical, person-focused counseling in Missouri
Works with: Bipolar, Stress, Anxiety, Addictions Languages: English
View listingSuzanne Gregory, BACP
Ref 161266
Experienced UK counsellor focused on practical support
Works with: Bipolar, Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingFaith Beaulieu, LCMHC
Ref 23986
Somatic-minded counselor for focused change
Works with: Bipolar, Stress, Anxiety, LGBT Languages: English
View listingFarah Southwell, LPC
Ref 203059
Practical, experienced therapist for life’s hard moments
Works with: Bipolar, Stress, Anxiety, Relationship Languages: English, Haitian Creole
View listingApril Vandiver, LPC
Ref 229121
Compassionate counselor helping people move forward
Works with: Bipolar, Stress, Anxiety, Relationship Languages: English
View listingSandra Johnson, LMFT, LPC
Ref 16121
Practical, skill-focused therapy for everyday struggles
Works with: Bipolar, Stress, Anxiety, Relationship Languages: English
View listingRutanya Simon, LICSW, LCSW
Ref 124510
Practical, compassionate therapy for real-life challenges
Works with: Bipolar, Stress, Anxiety, Addictions Languages: English
View listingHarjit Kundi, BACP
Ref 183353
Practical, compassionate support for complex issues
Works with: Bipolar, Stress, Anxiety, Addictions Languages: English, Punjabi
View listingKerrie McCabe, BACP
Ref 128546
Compassionate counsellor blending listening with practical tools
Works with: Bipolar, Stress, Anxiety, Addictions Languages: English
View listingDonna Khan, LMSW
Ref 29669
Experienced social worker focused on practical change
Works with: Bipolar, Stress, Anxiety, Family Languages: English
View listingPamela Greenwood, BACP
Ref 217660
Practical support for stress and focus issues
Works with: Bipolar, Stress, Anxiety, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingEbony McCray-Holmes, LMFT
Ref 94874
Compassionate therapist focused on practical change
Works with: Bipolar, Relationship, Family Languages: English
View listingBruce Wlosinski, LCSW
Ref 182237
Practical, strength-based help for life's challenges
Works with: Bipolar, Self esteem, Career Languages: English
View listingLoire Bennett, LMHC
Ref 25344
Experienced Florida LMHC focused on practical growth
Works with: Bipolar, Stress, Anxiety, Addictions Languages: English
View listingDeborah Youngblood, LCSW
Ref 229
Compassionate LCSW offering practical tools
Works with: Bipolar, Stress, Anxiety, Relationship Languages: English
View listingMore about bipolar
Understanding bipolar disorder and how it can affect you
What bipolar typically looks like
Bipolar is a mood condition characterized by shifts in mood, energy and activity levels that can affect your ability to function day to day. Some people experience periods of elevated mood or high energy that may include increased activity, faster thoughts or reduced need for sleep. Others experience low mood, slowed thinking and low energy that can make routine tasks feel overwhelming. These mood periods can vary in intensity and duration from person to person, and they may change across weeks, months or years.
The condition often affects relationships, work or school performance and overall quality of life. You might notice changes in sleep patterns, appetite, concentration or impulsive decision-making during mood shifts. It is common for people to describe feeling like they are not themselves during these periods, and that can create confusion and emotional strain for both you and those close to you. Understanding the typical patterns of your own moods can be an important first step toward managing symptoms and finding helpful strategies.
Signs you might benefit from therapy for bipolar
When therapy can be useful
You may consider therapy if mood swings are causing distress, interfering with relationships or making it hard to meet work or family responsibilities. Therapy can be helpful when you notice recurring patterns of elevated or depressed mood that are hard to predict or when episodes feel more intense than you can manage on your own. You might seek support if sleep disruption, reckless spending, risky behavior or severe low mood are becoming frequent issues, or if mood changes are accompanied by trouble concentrating, increased irritability or social withdrawal.
Therapy is also often sought when you want to better understand triggers, develop practical skills to reduce the impact of mood shifts, and create routines that support stability. If you find yourself cycling between periods of high energy and low mood and it affects your sense of safety or wellbeing, reaching out to a mental health professional can help you put a plan in place. If you are experiencing thoughts of harming yourself, please contact local emergency services or a crisis hotline right away.
What to expect in therapy sessions focused on bipolar
Initial sessions and assessment
Your early sessions will typically focus on learning about your history, current concerns and how mood changes show up in your life. A therapist will ask about the patterns of highs and lows, triggers you have noticed, your support network and any current strategies you use to cope. You can expect discussions about sleep, routine, medication history if applicable and any previous treatments. The goal of these early conversations is to form a collaborative plan that fits your priorities and daily life.
Ongoing work and goals
As you continue in therapy, sessions often include mood tracking, goal-setting and skill building tailored to the issues you identify. You may work on improving sleep and daily rhythms, recognizing early warning signs, managing stress and learning techniques to cope with intense emotions. Therapy frequently integrates education about mood patterns so you can better predict and respond to shifts. Some people also involve family members or partners in sessions to improve communication and create a shared plan for crisis points. Over time, therapy aims to increase your sense of control over mood swings, reduce impairment and support recovery-oriented goals you set with your therapist.
Common therapeutic approaches used for bipolar
Talk therapies and structured approaches
Therapists often combine several approaches to address different aspects of bipolar. You may find therapists who list cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy or interpersonal approaches among their approaches. Therapists who list cognitive behavioral therapy among their approaches may help you identify thinking patterns that influence mood and teach practical strategies for managing symptoms. Therapists who list interpersonal or social rhythm approaches among their approaches often focus on stabilizing daily routines, sleep and social rhythms because consistent patterns can support mood regulation.
Family and skills-based approaches
Some therapists who work with bipolar also incorporate family-focused methods and skills training to help you and your loved ones develop clearer communication and relapse prevention plans. Therapists who list family-focused approaches among their approaches may work with you to map triggers, create action plans for early warning signs and strengthen support systems. Mindfulness practices and behavioral strategies listed by some clinicians can help you increase awareness of mood shifts and respond in ways that reduce harm. If you take medication as part of your treatment, therapists frequently coordinate with prescribing clinicians to align therapy goals with medication management, always within the limits of their role.
How online therapy works for bipolar and tips for choosing a therapist
How online therapy is delivered
Online therapy typically offers sessions by video, phone or messaging, which can make it easier to fit care into a busy schedule or access clinicians who practice in other areas. When you choose online sessions, expect an initial intake that mirrors in-person visits - gathering history, current concerns and immediate needs. Many clinicians use platforms that include features for text-based messaging, appointment reminders and session notes, and you can often combine remote sessions with in-person care if that suits you better. Online therapy can be especially helpful if travel, mobility or geography make in-person appointments difficult, but it still requires the same attention to boundaries, safety planning and communication with other care providers when needed.
Practical tips for choosing the right therapist
Start by thinking about what matters most to you - whether that is a focus on mood stabilization, family involvement, specific therapeutic approaches, cultural understanding or experience with comorbid issues like anxiety or substance use. Look for therapists whose profiles mention a focus on bipolar or mood disorders and note the approaches they list, such as cognitive behavioral methods, interpersonal approaches or skills training. Consider language needs, cultural competence and whether you prefer a clinician who emphasizes structure and homework or one who takes a more exploratory style.
It is reasonable to ask therapists about their experience working with bipolar and how they typically structure sessions related to mood episodes, medication coordination and crisis planning. You can also inquire about session format - whether they offer video, phone or messaging - and about fees and insurance policies so you have clarity on logistics. Reading therapist biographies and watching introductory videos when available can give you a sense of their style and whether you feel comfortable with them. Ultimately, choosing a therapist is a personal decision and it is okay to try a few conversations to find someone whose approach aligns with your goals.
Finding ongoing support and next steps
Building a plan that fits your life
Therapy for bipolar is often most effective when it is part of a broader plan that includes stable routines, monitoring of mood patterns and coordination with medical care when appropriate. You can work with a therapist to develop relapse prevention strategies, create a list of early warning signs and outline steps to take during different mood states. Building a practical toolbox of strategies - from sleep hygiene and activity scheduling to communication plans with loved ones - can make daily life more manageable.
Moving forward with confidence
When you begin to engage with therapy, give yourself time to find the right fit and build rapport with a clinician who understands your needs. Therapy is a collaborative process that adapts as your circumstances change. By clarifying your priorities, asking about approaches that resonate with you and choosing a therapist who communicates clearly about goals and methods, you can create a supportive path forward for managing bipolar and improving your overall wellbeing.