Mood Stabilizers: What They Are and How Crossroads Counseling Services Supports You

Mental health isn’t linear—it’s a journey of discovery, healing, and resilience that looks different for every individual. Some days bring clarity and strength; others may feel uncertain or overwhelming. At Crossroads Counseling Services, we honor that complexity. We believe in meeting you exactly where you are, offering a path forward grounded in empathy, education, and trusted care.

For many navigating mood disorders, understanding treatment options—especially when it comes to psychiatric medications like mood stabilizers—can offer a powerful turning point. These medications aren’t about changing who you are—they’re about helping you reconnect with stability, manage emotional extremes, and reclaim your quality of life.

Whether you’re newly diagnosed, exploring long-term treatment, or simply looking for answers, our team is here to support you. And suppose you’ve been searching for psychiatric medication management near me, a therapist who can prescribe medication, or a psychiatrist near me. In that case, this guide will help illuminate your options and explain how Crossroads Counseling Services can walk alongside you throughout your mental health journey.

Let’s explore what mood stabilizers are, how they work, and what compassionate, collaborative care can look like—because you deserve support that empowers you, not just treats you.

What Are Mood Stabilizers?

Mood stabilizers are a category of psychiatric medications used to help regulate emotional extremes—specifically by reducing the intensity, frequency, and unpredictability of mood swings. These medications are essential tools in the treatment of various mood disorders, where individuals may experience fluctuating episodes of depression, mania, or hypomania that significantly impact daily life.

They are most commonly prescribed for:

• Bipolar disorder – To manage the highs of mania/hypomania and the lows of depression
• Schizoaffective disorder – As a part of a combination treatment plan, alongside antipsychotics and/or antidepressants depending on symptom presentation of mood disorder and schizophrenia
• Cyclothymia – A milder but chronic form of bipolar disorder with cyclical mood changes that can be managed with mood stabilizers if symptoms are impairing daily life
• Treatment-resistant depression – In some cases, mood stabilizers are used alongside antidepressants when depression is persistent or poorly managed on monotherapy

By helping the brain regulate mood more consistently, mood stabilizers offer many people a renewed sense of emotional balance, stability, and clarity—making day-to-day functioning and long-term recovery more attainable.

Common Types of Mood Stabilizers

Different types of mood stabilizers work in distinct ways, and prescribing decisions are based on the individual’s diagnosis, symptom presentation, medical history, and treatment response. Below are three primary categories commonly used in psychiatric care:

1. Lithium

Lithium is considered the gold standard in the treatment of bipolar disorder. It is one of the oldest and most well-researched mood stabilizers and is particularly effective in:

• Reducing the frequency and severity of manic and depressive episodes
• Lowering the risk of suicide in individuals with bipolar disorder
• Supporting long-term mood stabilization over the course of years

However, lithium requires regular blood monitoring due to its narrow therapeutic range and potential effects on thyroid and kidney function. Despite these considerations, it remains one of the most proven and trusted medications in mood disorder management.

2. Anticonvulsants

Originally developed to treat epilepsy, several anticonvulsant medications have also demonstrated powerful mood-stabilizing effects—especially for those with bipolar disorder, rapid cycling, or mixed episodes.

Commonly prescribed anticonvulsants include:

• Valproate (Depakote) – Particularly effective in managing mania and mixed episodes
• Lamotrigine (Lamictal) – Often used for bipolar depression and long-term maintenance
• Carbamazepine (Tegretol) – Sometimes used in treatment-resistant bipolar cases or when other options are not tolerated

While not first-line treatments, these medications may also benefit individuals with co-occurring conditions such as anxiety disorders or PTSD, depending on their profile. 

3. Atypical Antipsychotics

Some atypical antipsychotic medications also possess mood-stabilizing properties and are used either alone or in combination with other stabilizers. These medications are especially helpful when symptoms include:

• Severe mood dysregulation
• Psychotic features (delusions or hallucinations)
• Poor response to traditional stabilizers alone

Examples include:

• Quetiapine (Seroquel)
• Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
• Lurasidone (Latuda)
• Aripiprazole (Abilify) – FDA-approved for both bipolar disorder and treatment-resistant depression, this medication is widely prescribed due to its favorable side effect profile and versatility in managing mood and psychotic symptoms

Though not all atypical antipsychotics are equally effective for mood stabilization, these drugs may help treat acute episodes of mania or depression but may also help prevent recurrence. Certain antipsychotics, like quetiapine, are FDA-approved specifically for bipolar depression, while others are often used off-label for mood regulation.

Why This Matters

Choosing the right mood stabilizer—and ensuring it works well within the broader context of therapy, support, and medical monitoring—is a deeply individualized process. That’s why psychiatric medication management near me is more than just a search term—it’s a critical step toward creating a sustainable, effective treatment plan.

At Crossroads Counseling, we help clients understand these options, connect with licensed prescribers, and integrate medication into a full spectrum of therapeutic and community-based support.

How Mood Stabilizers Work

Mood stabilizers influence brain activity and neurotransmitter systems involved in mood regulation—such as glutamate, GABA, and intracellular signaling pathways. Some also indirectly affect serotonin, dopamine, or norepinephrine depending on the medication.

These medications may:

• Reduce abnormal electrical activity in the brain, especially anticonvulsant-based stabilizers like valproate, which help regulate excessive neuronal firing
• Stabilize neurotransmitter imbalances—especially, glutamate, GABA, and serotonin imbalances
• Minimize extreme emotional highs and lows, associated with disorders such as bipolar disorder among others.

However, the effectiveness of mood stabilizers depends on the individual. Factors such as co-occurring mental health conditions, lifestyle, genetics, and physical health all play a role. That’s why collaborative psychiatric care is crucial.

How Crossroads Counseling Supports You with Medication Management

At Crossroads Counseling, you’re never navigating your mental health journey alone. Our integrated care model offers direct access to trusted psychiatric providers, ensuring your emotional and psychological needs are addressed in a coordinated, compassionate way.

If you’ve Googled phrases like:

• Medication management psychiatrist near me
• Therapist who can prescribe medication
• Mental health provider near me

…you’re already doing the brave work of seeking help. We’ll help you navigate insurance, access telepsychiatry if needed, and ensure your care is seamless.

We offer:

• In-house medication management with licensed professionals, including a board-certified psychiatrist and psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC)
• Therapeutic support tailored for individuals currently on—or considering—medications like mood stabilizers or antidepressants
• Collaborative care, aligning therapy sessions with medication plans to help you meet your mental health goals
• Supportive services, including peer mentorship, empowerment programs, and community groups to strengthen your healing journey

Our goal is to support you from every angle—emotionally, medically, and socially—so you feel understood, empowered, and cared for at every step.

Is a Mood Stabilizer Right for You?

Determining whether a mood stabilizer is the right course of treatment is a highly personal decision—one that should always be guided by a licensed prescriber who understands your unique mental health history and overall health profile. While medication is not a one-size-fits-all solution, it can be a life-changing tool for individuals living with certain mental health conditions.

You may want to explore mood stabilizers as part of your care plan if:

• You’ve experienced recurring episodes of mania, hypomania, or depression that significantly impact your work, relationships, or daily functioning
• You live with intense mood fluctuations—from emotional highs to deep lows—that feel unpredictable or disruptive
• Therapy alone hasn’t provided sufficient relief, and you’re seeking additional support to stabilize symptoms
• There’s a known family history of bipolar disorder, mood disorders, or other psychiatric conditions, which may suggest a genetic component
• You’re managing co-occurring challenges, such as anxiety, trauma, ADHD, or substance use, that complicate your emotional regulation

It’s completely normal to feel uncertain or hesitant about medication. That’s why Crossroads Counseling offers supportive, judgment-free consultations to help you better understand your options. With both in-house psychiatric services and therapy available, we’ll walk with you through each step—helping you make informed decisions that prioritize your safety, comfort, and long-term wellness.

The Crossroads Counseling Difference: Whole-Person Mental Health Care

At Crossroads Counseling Services, we believe mental health care should honor the complexity of who you are—because true healing goes beyond symptom management. Medication may play a key role, but it’s just one part of a much bigger picture.

That’s why our approach centers on whole-person wellness, offering a comprehensive, compassionate support system designed to meet you where you are. We provide:

• A safe, stigma-free space to openly explore your mental health concerns, goals, and questions
• Integrated care teams that include therapists, psychiatrists, and psychiatric nurse practitioners working in close collaboration
• Education and transparency around your treatment options, so you feel confident and informed every step of the way
• Tools for long-term growth, including emotional regulation strategies, self-advocacy techniques, and empowerment-focused programs

Whether you’re newly navigating a diagnosis, adjusting to a new medication, or working toward long-term mental health goals, we’re here to support you with clarity, compassion, and care that sees the full you.

Let’s Walk This Road Together

Medication is not your whole story—it’s a potential tool within a broader journey toward stability and wellness. At Crossroads Counseling Services, we’re committed to providing holistic mental health care that’s grounded in clinical expertise, compassion, and respect for your individual needs.

Whether you’re exploring treatment for the first time or reevaluating your current care plan, our team is here to guide you. We’ll help you understand your options, connect with trusted psychiatric professionals, and move forward with clarity and confidence.

Looking for a psychiatrist or curious about whether a mood stabilizer might be right for you? Contact us today to take the next step—we’re here to support your progress, every step of the way.

Works Cited

Dhingra, S., & Zhang, Y. (2023). Mood Stabilizers. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556141/

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). (n.d.). Mood-stabilizing medication. https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/mood-stabilizing-medication#:~:text=However%2C%20many%20drugs%20that%20were,in%20addition%20to%20other%20medications.

El-Mallakh, R. S., & Bragin, D. E. (2023). Mood Stabilizers in the 21st Century: A Historical Perspective. Brain Sciences, 13(3), 470. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13030470
Full article: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10046525/

Abdallah, C. G., & Sanacora, G. (2023). Pharmacotherapy of Mood Disorders. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK576548/