Bipolar Disorder Therapies: CBT, IPSRT, DBT, and More
Updated: 10/30/2025
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TL;DR
Bipolar disorder therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy are proven to help people with bipolar disorder stabilize mood.
These bipolar treatments can also reduce relapse, improve sleep, and strengthen coping skills.
The right therapy depends on your bipolar type and symptoms.
When it’s not treated appropriately, bipolar disorder can wreak havoc on your social, emotional, and physical well-being. The good news is that the right bipolar disorder treatments can transform your life. In general, treatment for bipolar disorder involves medications plus psychotherapy (talk therapy).
So, how do you know what will be most effective for you? In short, there’s no one-size-fits-all therapy for bipolar disorder. The specific treatment plan for you depends on the type of bipolar disorder you have (bipolar 1 vs bipolar 2) and your symptoms. Here’s an overview of the different types of psychotherapies for bipolar disorder.
Learn more about bipolar medications.
Bipolar Disorder Therapies
There are a variety of different therapies for bipolar disorder. The most supportive therapy type depends on your specific needs.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based psychotherapy that is used for a range of mental health conditions. Besides medication, CBT is the most effective bipolar treatment. It is considered the “gold standard” therapy for bipolar disorder. Research has shown that it’s beneficial for all types of bipolar disorder. It helps in many ways, specifically by:
Reducing the risk of relapse
Decrease mania severity
Improving depressive symptoms
However, CBT may not be helpful if a person is experiencing acute mania. That’s because memory and cognitive deficits are common during acute mania, which interferes with the ability to participate in cognitive behavioral therapy for bipolar disorder.
CBT for bipolar disorder is focused on changing negative thoughts and behaviors. It helps you recognize and change negative thought patterns that can affect behavior. CBT can teach you skills needed to cope with the intense emotions that can occur during mood episodes. This therapy method also teaches you the cognitive strategies and skills needed to better cope with whatever life throws your way.
For most people, CBT works pretty quickly. The number of sessions will depend on your specific treatment goals.
Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT)
Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy is a relatively new therapy that is used primarily for bipolar and other mood disorders. IPSRT helps people with bipolar disorder improve their overall mental health by building a regular daily routine and improving interpersonal relationships.
IPSRT was developed by Ellen Frank, PhD, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. She developed this therapy specifically to help with the mood episodes in bipolar disorder. And, research has shown that it’s very effective. A study in JAMA Psychiatry reported that IPSRT led to improved medication adherence, fewer relapses, and enhanced psychosocial functioning in those with bipolar disorder.
Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy for bipolar disorder is built on the idea that changes in routine and interpersonal stressors can trigger symptoms. For instance, you may have noticed that if you sleep poorly, it can trigger hypomania. Similarly, having problems in your relationships can also affect your mood.
Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy helps you build a daily routine that addresses these issues. It focuses on improving sleep, increasing medication adherence, and boosting overall wellness. This therapy also helps you replace toxic relationships with more supportive ones that are better for your mental health.
Some good news!
We’re currently creating a self-guided IPSRT workbook. Keep an eye out—it’s coming soon! Want early access or updates? Sign up below👇.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical behavior therapy is a form of “talk therapy” that’s most commonly used to treat borderline personality disorder (BPD), which is a mental health disorder characterized by intense emotions. DBT has shown promise in treating bipolar disorder, as well. DBT is very effective in reducing chronic suicidal thoughts and behaviors, which many people with bipolar disorder experience.
DBT was first developed in the 1980s by psychologist Marsha Linehan, PhD. She created this therapy to help her cope with her own intense mental health symptoms. With DBT, you can learn to identify what you are feeling and learn skills to cope better with intense emotions. This therapy also helps reduce reckless behaviors and improve relationships.
How to Get Counseling for Bipolar Disorder
The first step in getting help for bipolar disorder is to see a mental health professional or psychiatrist for an evaluation. Look for a psychiatrist or therapist who has experience working with people who have bipolar disorder, as they will understand how to best treat the condition.
Get on the waitlist for our IPSRT Workbook. You’ll be the first to know when it’s released!
FAQS
What therapy is best for bipolar?
There is not one specific therapy that is best for bipolar disorder. What works best for you depends on your needs and specific symptoms.
What is the best therapy for bipolar 1 disorder?
IPRST was developed specifically for bipolar I disorder and has been shown to be very effective in studies for managing bipolar symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been shown to decrease symptoms and lead to fewer mood relapses.
What is the best bipolar depression treatment?
Medications like Latuda, along with bipolar psychotherapies like Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT), can be very helpful for bipolar depression.
References
Özdel, K., Kart, A., & Türkçapar, M. H. (2021). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Treatment of Bipolar Disorder. Noro psikiyatri arsivi, 58(Suppl 1), S66–S76. https://doi.org/10.29399/npa.27419
Chiang, K. J., Tsai, J. C., Liu, D., Lin, C. H., Chiu, H. L., & Chou, K. R. (2017). Efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy in patients with bipolar disorder: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. PloS one, 12(5), e0176849. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0176849
Steardo, L., Jr, Luciano, M., Sampogna, G., Zinno, F., Saviano, P., Staltari, F., Segura Garcia, C., De Fazio, P., & Fiorillo, A. (2020). Efficacy of the interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT) in patients with bipolar disorder: results from a real-world, controlled trial. Annals of general psychiatry, 19, 15. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12991-020-00266-7
Frank E, Kupfer DJ, Thase ME, et al. Two-Year Outcomes for Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy in Individuals With Bipolar I Disorder. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2005;62(9):996–1004. doi:10.1001/archpsyc.62.9.996
Eisner, L., Eddie, D., Harley, R., Jacobo, M., Nierenberg, A. A., & Deckersbach, T. (2017). Dialectical Behavior Therapy Group Skills Training for Bipolar Disorder. Behavior therapy, 48(4), 557–566. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beth.2016.12.006
DeCou, C. R., Comtois, K. A., & Landes, S. J. (2019). Dialectical behavior therapy is effective for the treatment of suicidal behavior: A meta-analysis. Behavior Therapy, 50(1), 60-72. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beth.2018.05.004
