"My family and I have benefited a great deal from Dr. Galynker’s expertise, availability and compassion. You taught me and my daughter, who lives closest to me and has accepted responsibility, when to alert me to any questionable changes. This has resulted in a functional and happy relationship for us regarding our situation. Patients and their families have a great need for a Bipolar Family Center."

"If it weren’t for Dr. Galynker and my sister E, I would not be here to tell my story. With medication, a very, very good doctor, and therapy sessions, this condition (not disease) can be cured or kept under control. I, as a bipolar patient, am living proof."

"I am a sister of a Bipolar patient for a good many years. I love my sister very much and I support her 100% in her need to cope with everyday problems. Years ago we were not knowledgeable to understand the need for family support. Today, I thatnk God for doctors like Dr. Galynker, who has been there for my sister and me."

A sister of a patient

"I wasn’t until 2000 when my Bipolar Disorder manifested itself. I was a real mess; even I didn’t recognize myself. All I needed was someone who has an enormous understanding of Bipolar Disorder. And that someone was Dr. Galynker. His patience and understanding of this illness has helped me and my sister through many tough moments. My family and friends have been my support group. They are a shield against the world as we know it. I think it would be a good thing to have a support group for families and friends of patients who have Bipolar disorder, so we can all better understand each other."

"My sister was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder 6 years ago. We sometimes feel as if we’ve been on a roller coaster ride. The first couple of years were the most difficult, just trying to adjust to the diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder, the many mood changes, and trying to find the right meds and doses. The doctors at the The Family Center for Bipolar Disorder have been there right from the beginning. They have helped guide us through the tough times. Helping us to recognize the signs of mania and depression. I feel lucky that doctors at the Beth Israel Medical Center have managed my sister’s care and that they and I have been able to be positive people in her life."

"Before meeting Dr. Galynker, I never went to a doctor’s appointment with my husband, or knew of the medications he was taking, or had a good understanding of his illness. Now, I attend most of my husband’s appointments. He listens to how my husband is feeling and asks me for my opinion. I feel I can always get in touch with him. There have been times when I needed to talk to him, and he has immediately called me back. Doctors at the Bipolar Family Treatment Center believe in treating a patient with full family knowledge, and, if possible, whole family involvement. This has made a tremendous difference; because I feel for the first time I have good communication with a doctor. A week ago was the anniversary of my first visit, and I would like to express my deepest appreciation for the professional, selfless and scientific help that was given my family and me on our road to a better life."

"I am the boy friend (and the only loved one) of a beautiful young Bipolar woman. Before meeting Dr. Galynker, we were in a frightening and out of control spiral downward. The ‘system was failing us’. I did not know where to turn. In a relatively short period of time, after years of suffering, he has given us our lives back. We can once again enjoy the things we both began to forget even existed. I firmly believe that we have been successful in this endeavor only as a result of working with him and his team in an "open family approach" - where I have been "empowered" to take an active participating role in her treatment and rehabilitation."