Treatment for Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a complex disorder, and each person’s experience with it is unique. For this reason, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to treatment. Each individual needs a personalized treatment plan that specifically addresses the subtype of the disorder that they’re living with and what symptoms affect them most significantly.

While exact treatment plans vary from one person to the next, most plans include a mix of bipolar counseling and medication therapy. In some cases, lifestyle changes or self-management strategies can be used effectively alongside more traditional treatment methods to manage and relieve symptoms. There are various bipolar disorder therapies and bipolar counseling approaches to consider.

Are you or a loved one ready for FHE’s Treatment for Bipolar Disorder?

Our compassionate and judgment-free environment has helped many overcome their addictions. Learn more about our Treatment for Bipolar Disorder.

Contact Us

The Role of Counseling in Managing Bipolar Disorder

Counseling is a key component in treating mental health disorders, including bipolar disorder. Everyone experiences ups and downs throughout their lives, and unfortunately, these kinds of circumstances are often unavoidable. While external stressors and life events such as workplace stress or moving to a new city are not the root causes of manic and depressive episodes, they can trigger them.

Because stress often can’t be avoided, those with mental health conditions like bipolar disorder must learn to overcome obstacles and process their emotions in healthy, constructive ways. By learning coping mechanisms and understanding the nature of bipolar disorder, those who live with this condition may be able to avoid unnecessary episodes of mania and depression. Counseling is an essential tool for those learning to navigate this condition.

Need Help?

Treatment can begin quickly and discreetly, get started now

Contact Us

Counseling Options for Bipolar Disorder Treatment

Regular counseling sessions give individuals the opportunity to proactively confront triggers as they arise. During these sessions, the individual can talk through concerns and coping strategies that they’ve developed to handle stress, share progress and track how lifestyle changes may be affecting the symptoms of bipolar disorder.

There are several types of counseling for bipolar disorder. Some counselors may favor one method for treating a client living with this disorder, while other counselors may employ multiple approaches for a more holistic approach. The most common forms of counseling include:

• Family-Focused Therapy: Bipolar disorder can have a profound impact on the individual’s relationships, particularly their relationships with family members. FFT is a therapeutic technique that involves family members, such as parents, spouses, and children, in counseling sessions to help them understand the condition and learn to communicate and manage symptoms effectively.
• Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy for Bipolar Disorder: This form of therapy is designed to help people avoid episodes of mania and depression by identifying how biological and social factors affect their moods. As part of this bipolar disorder therapy, clients may document their social routines, sleeping habits, and interpersonal triggers to help them recognize the events that may trigger an episode.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT has demonstrated effectiveness for a wide range of mental health conditions, including as a therapy for bipolar disorder. It’s based on the philosophy that psychological problems are largely due to a combination of unhelpful ways of thinking and unhelpful patterns of behavior and that by changing these thinking and behavior patterns, clients can improve their functioning and quality of life.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT is a form of cognitive-behavioral treatment that teaches therapeutic skills in four key areas, including mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Through this type of therapy for bipolar disorder, which teaches people how to accept challenges and change thinking patterns and behavior, individuals with bipolar disorder can learn coping strategies for stress and intense emotions and improve their interpersonal interactions.

Counseling may be provided in a one-on-one or group setting, either in an office or as part of an inpatient or outpatient treatment program.

Verify Insurance

Find out what is covered.

Verify Now

Is There Medical Integration for Bipolar Disorder Treatment?

In some cases, in order to effectively address episodes of mania and depression, treating the body is equally important as treating the mind. Doctors and therapists often integrate physical evaluations with psychiatric care to better understand the root cause of symptoms and determine the best approach to care.

There’s no denying the very real presence of mental health disorders. However, it’s essential to note that symptoms that appear to be entirely mental may actually be caused by underlying biological conditions. For example, about 30 percent of people with untreated syphilis develop neurosyphilis—a condition that closely mimics the symptoms of bipolar disorder.

Before moving forward with bipolar disorder therapy and medication, a full medical exam is a necessary step to rule out other possible explanations.

More Questions about Treatment?

We offer 100% confidential and individualized treatment

Contact Us

What Are Medication Options for Treating Bipolar Disorder?

For most people, an effective treatment plan for bipolar disorder includes both counseling and medication therapy. Bipolar disorder can be a challenge to treat because its two defining characteristics—mania and depression—have virtually no overlap. Even so, there are some medications that can be effective for managing symptoms. These include:

• Mood stabilizers to address manic and hypomanic episodes, like lithium, valproic acid and lamotrigine
• Antidepressants, which are most commonly prescribed in conjunction with mood stabilizers
• Antidepressant-antipsychotic medications like Symbyax, which combines the antidepressant fluoxetine with the antipsychotic olanzapine
• Anti-anxiety medications, like benzodiazepines
• Antipsychotics, like olanzapine, risperidone and lurasidone, should mania still persist despite the use of mood stabilizers

What works for one person may not work for another, so individuals may need to try out different medications to find one that treats their symptoms. In many cases of bipolar disorder, individuals may have to take several medications.

What Are Natural Options for Bipolar Disorder Treatment?

Lifestyle habits can have a significant impact on mental health. While a poor diet and lack of exercise don’t cause conditions like bipolar disorder, these lifestyle factors can often cause symptoms to worsen. Many doctors and mental healthcare professionals recommend changes in lifestyle habits as a natural way to address mental illness. Complementary health approaches like aerobic exercise, meditation, and maintaining a balanced, nutrient-dense diet can’t replace treatment, but they can support it and optimize its effectiveness.

Can Bipolar Disorder Be Cured?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for bipolar disorder. Unlike physical illnesses like sinus infections or strep throat, mental illnesses typically can’t be cured with treatment; they can only be managed. In most cases, managing the symptoms and triggers of bipolar disorder is a lifelong process for those with this condition.

There’s no cure for bipolar disorder, but that doesn’t mean that there’s no hope. With the right balance of counseling, medication therapy, and lifestyle changes, those living with bipolar disorder can lead normal, productive lives with minimal symptoms.

How to Live With Bipolar Disorder

Receiving a diagnosis of bipolar disorder can feel life-changing, but it doesn’t have to be. Millions of Americans live with mental health conditions like bipolar disorder and are able to enjoy rich, healthy, and fulfilling lives. These tips can help manage symptoms, reduce the severity of episodes, and encourage a sustainable lifestyle:

• Stay informed. Monitoring moods and symptoms, evaluating triggers, and assessing one’s mental state regularly can provide a better understanding of what to expect and how to self-regulate.
• Stick to routines. Go to bed at the same time every night, wake up at the same time every morning, and set times for things like work, socializing, and exercise. This self-discipline around a routine can help regulate mood and avoid the likelihood of surprises.
• Create a support system. Living with any illness, whether physical or mental, often requires a strong support system. Individuals who partner with friends and family who can help them find strength or openly communicate about what they’re experiencing are more likely to see success.
• Be patient. Treating any mental illness takes time and patience to find the right approach to therapy and medication.

Contact Our Bipolar Treatment Center in Florida

If you or someone you love is living with bipolar disorder, help is available. There are many bipolar disorder therapies and bipolar counseling approaches to consider. Please contact FHE Health today to learn more about our bipolar counseling and treatment center in Florida.

Begin your recovery today

Ready to start? More questions about treatment?

Contact Us

Frequently Asked Questions About Bipolar Disorder

Q: What are my options for treating bipolar disorder?

A: It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed, but remember that you have good options and a clear path forward. The most effective treatment for bipolar disorder usually involves a combination of things:

• Medication to help stabilize your moods.
• Therapy to give you the skills to manage your emotions and relationships.
• Lifestyle adjustments like regular exercise and mindfulness can make a big difference, too.

The key is working closely with a doctor to create a plan that’s just for you.

Q: Can bipolar disorder be completely cured?

A: That’s a question a lot of people ask, and it’s natural to hope for a cure. While there isn’t one, it’s absolutely a condition you can learn to manage. With the right mix of medication, therapy, and healthy habits, millions of people live full, meaningful lives. The goal isn’t to make the condition disappear; it’s to understand your symptoms and triggers so they don’t control your life.

Q: With so many kinds of mental health therapy, how do I know which one is right for me?

A: It’s true, there are a lot of choices out there, and there’s no single “best” one. It’s all about finding what works for you. Some of the most helpful types for bipolar disorder include:

• Family-Focused Therapy (FFT): This involves your loved ones, so everyone can understand and navigate the condition together.
• Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT): This helps you stabilize your moods by getting your daily routines in sync.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This helps you identify and change unhelpful thought patterns.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): This focuses on learning skills to better manage intense emotions and relationships.

Q: I’m worried about taking medication. Is it really necessary?

A: It’s a valid concern to have, and it’s something you should discuss openly with your doctor. For most people, medication is a crucial part of the treatment plan. Bipolar disorder causes extreme highs and lows, and medication acts as a stabilizing force to even out those powerful mood swings. Finding the right medication or combination often takes some time and patience as you and your doctor work together to figure out what’s best.

Q: Can I use natural options to help manage my bipolar disorder?

A: Think of natural methods as a way to support your main treatment plan, not replace it. Healthy habits can make a huge difference in your mental health. Things like aerobic exercise, a balanced diet, and practices like meditation or yoga can help make your other treatments more effective and give you a greater sense of well-being.

Q: Can I live a normal, happy life with this diagnosis?

A: It’s completely understandable to feel this way. A bipolar diagnosis doesn’t mean you have to stop living the life you want. You can absolutely have a rich and fulfilling life. By being proactive, you can manage your symptoms more effectively. This means educating yourself about the condition, sticking to a routine, building a strong support system, and being kind to yourself throughout your journey. Regularly tracking your moods and triggers, and keeping a consistent sleep and exercise schedule, can be life-changing.

Q: My doctor wants me to get a full medical exam. Why is that necessary?

A: This is a very important step. Before you can start treatment, it’s crucial to get a thorough medical evaluation. This helps your doctor rule out other physical health issues that can sometimes mimic the symptoms of bipolar disorder. For example, a thyroid condition can cause mood swings that look a lot like a mental health issue, but treating the root physical problem is the only way to get better.