Mood Disorders Treatment in Orange County, CA
Living with a mood disorder can feel like you’re constantly riding an emotional rollercoaster up one day, down the next, or stuck in a low that won’t lift. At Friendly Recovery in Tustin, CA, we specialize in outpatient care for mood disorders designed to help you stabilize your emotions, understand your symptoms, and feel more in control of your life.
Whether you’re experiencing depression, bipolar symptoms, or long-term emotional instability, our team is here to support you with personalized care that fits your goals and your schedule.
What Are Mood Disorders?
Mood disorders are conditions that primarily affect a person’s emotional state. They go far beyond typical mood swings or feeling “off” for a few days. These disorders cause persistent, sometimes severe shifts in mood that interfere with daily life, making it hard to focus, keep up with responsibilities, or stay connected to others.
Many people with mood disorders experience episodes of deep sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness. Others may have elevated mood or energy periods leading to impulsive decisions, racing thoughts, or sleep disturbances.
Without support, these cycles can become overwhelming. But with the right treatment, mood disorders are highly manageable.
“Before coming here, I felt like my emotions ran my life. The support I’ve received here has helped me understand my mood swings and finally feel like I’m in control again.”
Common Symptoms of Mood Disorders
While symptoms vary from person to person, many individuals notice:
- Ongoing sadness or low mood that doesn’t improve with time
- Irritability, anger, or restlessness
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
- Changes in sleep or appetite
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Periods of high energy, fast speech, or impulsivity
- Thoughts of self-harm or hopelessness
If these symptoms are affecting your ability to function or feel well, it may be time to seek care.
Types of Mood Disorders We Treat
At Friendly Recovery, we treat a range of mood disorders, including:
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Persistent feelings of sadness, loss of energy, and lack of motivation. Learn more about our depression treatment.
Bipolar I and II Disorders: Mood swings between extreme highs (mania or hypomania) and deep depressive episodes.
Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia): Chronic low mood lasting two years or more.
Cyclothymic Disorder: Ongoing mood fluctuations that don’t meet full criteria for bipolar disorder but still disrupt daily life.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Depression that comes and goes with seasonal changes, often in winter months.
Mood Disorders Related to Medical Conditions or Substances
Our team will work with you to better understand what you’re experiencing and how to move forward.
"At Friendly Recovery, we approach mood disorders with both clinical precision and compassion. Our goal is to help each individual stabilize their emotions, understand their symptoms, and build a foundation for long-term wellness."
Therapies That Support Emotional Stability
Treating mood disorders takes more than just symptom management, it requires therapy approaches that help stabilize emotions, improve insight, and build healthy coping strategies. Our approach blends clinical and holistic therapies to help you manage symptoms, process emotions, and build healthy routines.
Common therapies include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Identify and shift unhelpful thinking patterns
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Build emotional regulation and interpersonal skills
Trauma-Informed Care: Especially helpful if past trauma affects your mood
Individual & Group Therapy: Support through one-on-one sessions and shared community
Medication Management: When appropriate, coordinated with licensed psychiatric providers
Holistic Therapies: Including mindfulness, movement, and creative expression
Outpatient Treatment for Mood Disorders
We deliver our therapy and support through structured programs that match your current needs, symptoms, and life responsibilities. Our outpatient programs offer flexibility without sacrificing the depth of care. We tailor treatment to support people living with depression, bipolar disorder, and other mood-related conditions.
We offer the following levels of care:
General Outpatient Services: Lower-frequency care and virtual options for those transitioning from higher levels of treatment or seeking long-term support for mood disorders.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): Therapy several days per week in a flexible format, designed for individuals balancing treatment with work, school, or family life. IOP offers continued structure for managing mood swings, depression, or emotional instability.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): A structured, full-day program offering intensive support for mood stabilization while allowing you to return home at night. PHP is ideal for those who need more than weekly therapy but don’t require 24/7 care.
Each plan is customized to help you regulate your mood, restore emotional balance, and improve day-to-day functioning. You’ll have access to a full team of licensed professionals who understand the complexities of mood disorders and work with you to build stability and resilience.
Is This Level of Care Right for Your Mood Disorder?
Treatment may be a good fit if you:
- Feel emotionally unstable or stuck in a cycle of highs and lows
- Have difficulty functioning at work, school, or in relationships
- Experience prolonged sadness, irritability, or lack of motivation
- Want help >understanding your symptoms and learning how to manage them
- Are transitioning from residential care and need continued support
You deserve support that helps you feel more stable, clear-headed, and capable in your daily life.
Why People Choose Friendly Recovery in Orange County?
We know you have options for mental health care in Orange County. What makes Friendly Recovery different is our balance of clinical depth and genuine compassion. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all treatment. Our team works closely with you to create an effective, realistic, and sustainable plan.
Licensed clinicians with extensive experience treating mood disorders in outpatient settings will lead your care. Meet our team to learn more about their credentials and approach to care. Our goal is to help you move beyond survival mode, toward a life where your mood no longer controls your ability to function or feel well.
Take the First Step Toward Mood Stability
Medically Reviewed By: Shahana Ham, LCSW
Shahana Ham, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Southern California. She specializes in client-centered care for individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges, fostering a supportive environment for healing and growth.
