Bipolar Disorder Treatment
What you will learn:
- Symptoms of manic and depressive episodes associated with bipolar disorder.
- How medication management, therapy, and intensive treatment can work together to foster true transformation.
- Why Guardian Recovery’s coordinated care and comprehensive treatment options offer better outcomes for bipolar disorder treatment.
What if mental health treatment didn’t just manage symptoms but actually transformed lives? At Guardian Recovery, we’ve pioneered a different approach to bipolar disorder treatment—one that combines the structure of our innovative intensive outpatient program (IOP) with the personalization of individual therapy, the precision of expert psychiatric care, and the promise of cutting-edge treatments like TMS therapy.
Seeking help for bipolar disorder isn’t just about finding treatment; it’s about finding answers.
Why do medications that work for others fail to help you? Why do traditional therapy approaches sometimes fall short?
Our coordinated care team doesn’t just treat bipolar disorder. We help solve these puzzles, creating personalized treatment plans that address not just symptoms, but the whole person behind the diagnosis.
What Is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition characterized by dramatic shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. These shifts can significantly impact a person’s ability to carry out daily tasks and maintain relationships. Unlike normal ups and downs, the mood changes in bipolar disorder are severe and can last for days, weeks, or even months. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the condition affects approximately 4.4% of U.S. adults during their lifetimes, and its impact reaches far beyond the individual to affect families, relationships, and careers.1
Bipolar disorder often emerges in late adolescence or early adulthood. While the exact cause remains unknown, research suggests a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors contribute to its development.2
Understanding bipolar disorder as a medical condition, rather than a personal failing, is crucial for seeking and accepting treatment. With proper medical care and support, individuals with bipolar disorder can lead fulfilling, productive lives and achieve their personal and professional goals. Plus, with Guardian Recovery’s comprehensive and coordinated approach to care, you can move beyond symptom management to experience lasting change and true transformation.
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Types of Bipolar Disorder
While the following three types of bipolar disorder feature defining characteristics, they all involve clear changes in mood, energy, and activity levels, which can range from manic to depressive.3
- Bipolar I disorder is characterized by manic episodes that last at least 7 days or severe manic symptoms requiring immediate hospital care. It also involves depressive episodes typically lasting at least 2 weeks. Some people may experience both manic and depressive symptoms in rapid succession. The intensity of these episodes can be severe enough to disrupt daily life significantly, often requiring intensive treatment and support to manage effectively.
- Bipolar II disorder involves a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, but not the full-blown manic episodes that are typical of Bipolar I. While sometimes considered a “milder” form of bipolar, the depressive episodes can be severe and debilitating.
- Cyclothymic disorder presents as a milder form of bipolar disorder, characterized by chronic fluctuating moods with both hypomanic and depressive symptoms that last for at least 2 years in adults.
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Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder: Manic and Depressive Episodes
Bipolar disorder is characterized by distinct mood episodes that dramatically alter a person’s emotions, behaviors, and daily functioning, often without their awareness of these changes. Here are the key symptoms that manifest during manic and depressive episodes:
Manic Episodes
- Increased energy and agitation
- Decreased need for sleep
- Racing thoughts
- Rapid speech
This phase often includes risky behavior, poor judgment, and an inflated sense of self-importance. Many also report feeling invincible or unusually creative during these periods, which can lead to impulsive decisions with long-lasting consequences. The heightened state of mania can be both exhilarating and dangerous, often requiring immediate medical intervention.
Depressive Episodes
- Profound sadness
- Hopelessness
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Significant changes in sleep patterns, appetite, and energy levels
- Difficulty concentrating
- Thoughts of death or suicide
The depressive phase can be particularly challenging because it often follows the elevated mood of mania, making the contrast even more stark and difficult to handle. Both phases require professional intervention and support to manage effectively and safely.
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Bipolar Disorder Treatment at Guardian Recovery
At Guardian Recovery, we’ve revolutionized bipolar disorder treatment by creating a seamlessly integrated system of care. Our comprehensive approach is delivered by a coordinated team of specialists who work together to create personalized treatment plans, ensuring that every aspect of your care—from medication management to therapeutic support—works in harmony to promote lasting recovery and transformation.
Mental Health IOP
Guardian Recovery’s intensive outpatient program (IOP) for mental health represents a unique approach to bipolar disorder treatment, offering structured support while allowing you to maintain your daily responsibilities. The program features individual counseling once a week, psychiatry and medication management services monthly, and 3-hour group therapy sessions that meet 3 or 4 times per week. Our IOP stands out in the industry for its comprehensive approach to bipolar disorder treatment. The program’s structure allows for real-world application of learned skills while providing the safety net of professional support, creating a robust healing environment that promotes lasting recovery.
One-on-One Therapy
Individual therapy sessions form the cornerstone of our treatment approach. Our experienced therapists use evidence-based methods like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and other proven modalities to help you understand your triggers, develop coping strategies, and build resilience. These sessions provide a safe space to explore personal challenges and develop individualized solutions. Through regular one-on-one sessions, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of your condition, learn to recognize early warning signs of mood episodes, and master techniques for maintaining stability. Our therapists work collaboratively with you to create and adjust treatment plans as your needs evolve.
Psychiatry and Medication Management
Our psychiatric team provides expert diagnosis and medication management, carefully selecting and adjusting medications to achieve optimal results while minimizing side effects. Our team also takes a holistic approach to medication management. We consider factors such as your lifestyle, other medical conditions, and personal preferences when developing your medication plan. Plus, we communicate your medication plan to other members of your care team. Regular monitoring and adjustment ensure that your treatment remains effective over time.
Cutting-Edge Care for Treatment-Resistant Disorders
For clients who haven’t found success with traditional treatments, Guardian Recovery offers innovative options like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). This FDA-approved treatment has shown remarkable results in some treatment-resistant mental health disorders, providing hope for those who haven’t responded well to conventional therapies. This forward-thinking approach, combined with our deep understanding of traditional treatment methods, allows us to offer truly comprehensive care for even the most challenging cases.
Coordinated Care Team
At Guardian Recovery, we believe in the power of collaborative care. Our providers meet regularly to discuss patient progress and adjust treatment plans as needed, ensuring that all aspects of your care work together seamlessly. This team approach includes psychiatrists, therapists, group facilitators, and other specialists who coordinate their efforts to provide the most effective treatment possible.
The benefits of our coordinated care model extend beyond traditional treatment boundaries. Our team maintains open communication channels with primary care physicians, family members (with consent), and other support systems in your life. This comprehensive network of care ensures that all aspects of your health—physical, mental, and emotional—are addressed in a cohesive and effective manner.
Virtual Treatment
Guardian Recovery’s virtual mental health therapy allows you to receive professional treatment from the comfort and privacy of your own home. Our virtual offerings include online individual counseling, virtual intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) for mental health, and a hybrid in-person/virtual IOP option at some locations. Using secure, HIPAA-compliant technology, you can engage in group sessions, individual therapy, and skill-building workshops. Online mental health care is convenient, accessible, and just as effective as traditional in-person therapy. Plus, there’s no travel time to and from a counseling office or treatment center. With Guardian Recovery, healing is just a click away.
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Portland, Maine
Saddle Brook, NJ
Guardian IOP – New Brunswick
New Brunswick, NJ
Delray Beach, Florida
Hoboken, New Jersey
Bipolar Disorder and Substance Use
Many individuals with bipolar disorder struggle with co-occurring substance use disorders, often as an attempt to self-medicate their symptoms. This combination can create a dangerous cycle that complicates treatment and recovery.
At Guardian Recovery, we specialize in treating co-occurring disorders (aka dual diagnoses), addressing both mental health and substance use challenges simultaneously. Our integrated approach ensures that all aspects of your health are considered and treated effectively. We understand that substance use often serves as a coping mechanism for underlying bipolar symptoms, and we work to replace these harmful patterns with healthy coping strategies while providing comprehensive support for both conditions.
The Brain, Neurotransmitters, & Bipolar Disorder
Research has shown that bipolar disorder involves complex imbalances in brain chemistry, particularly affecting neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. These chemical messengers play crucial roles in mood regulation, energy levels, and cognitive function.
At Guardian Recovery, we leverage this understanding to implement treatments that not only address immediate symptoms but also promote long-term brain health. Our comprehensive approach includes therapies that can help regulate neurotransmitter function and promote healthy neural pathway development, leading to more stable mood patterns over time.
Your Transformation Starts Today
Taking the first step toward mental health treatment can be daunting. But you don’t have to face bipolar disorder alone. Guardian Recovery offers comprehensive support, evidence-based treatments, and a compassionate team ready to help you begin your journey to stability and wellness. Our admissions process is straightforward and supportive, designed to make your transition into treatment as smooth as possible.
Reach out now to talk with a treatment advisor. They can answer your questions, discuss all of your treatment options, and even verify your insurance benefits and discuss self-pay options if needed. The call is free and confidential, and you’re under no obligation to enter care with us.
Transform your tomorrow by reaching out to Guardian Recovery today. Our cutting-edge treatment turns hope into healing.
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FAQs
Unlike traditional mental health settings where providers work independently, our coordinated care model ensures all your providers—therapists, psychiatrists, and other specialists—work together as a unified team. They talk regularly to discuss your progress, adjust treatment plans, and ensure all aspects of your care are working in harmony. This approach eliminates the common frustration of having to coordinate between different providers or repeat your story multiple times. Many clients tell us this integrated approach helps them feel truly supported and understood for the first time in their treatment journey.
While many people with bipolar disorder benefit from long-term medication, treatment plans are highly individualized. Our psychiatric team works closely with each client to determine the most appropriate course of treatment, which may evolve over time. We focus on finding the right balance of medications and therapeutic interventions for sustainable stability.
Yes! Our IOP and flexible scheduling options are specifically designed to accommodate work and other life commitments. Many clients successfully maintain their jobs while participating in treatment.
Most insurance plans cover treatment for bipolar disorder either partially or in full. Our dedicated insurance specialists will work with your provider to maximize your benefits and explain any out-of-pocket costs before treatment begins.
At Guardian Recovery, we pride ourselves on our truly integrated approach to care. Your primary therapist, psychiatrist, and any specialists involved in your treatment (such as TMS providers or group therapy facilitators) regularly communicate about your progress and treatment plan. They discuss client care, ensure treatment alignment, and make any necessary adjustments to your plan. This collaborative approach ensures that all aspects of your treatment work together seamlessly, maximizing the effectiveness of your care.
Our IOP provides a higher level of support than traditional outpatient therapy while allowing you to maintain your daily responsibilities. The program includes structured group therapy comprising 3-hour sessions 3 or 4 three times per week, individual therapy sessions, and psychiatric care and medication management when needed. Many clients find that the combination of individual attention and group work accelerates their recovery, providing both professional guidance and the valuable experience of connecting with others facing similar challenges.
Research consistently shows that virtual treatment can be as effective as in-person care for many individuals. Our virtual program maintains the same evidence-based approaches and quality standards as our in-person services. Some clients actually prefer virtual treatment, finding it easier to engage from the safety and comfort of their own space. We carefully assess each client’s situation to determine if virtual treatment is appropriate and make adjustments as needed.
Sources
- National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Bipolar Disorder.
- National Institute of Mental Health. (2022). Bipolar Disorder.
Reviewed professionally for accuracy by:
Ryan Soave
L.M.H.C.
Ryan Soave brings deep experience as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, certified trauma therapist, program developer, and research consultant for Huberman Lab at Stanford University Department of Neurobiology. Post-graduation from Wake Forest University, Ryan quickly discovered his acumen for the business world. After almost a decade of successful entrepreneurship and world traveling, he encountered a wave of personal and spiritual challenges; he felt a calling for something more. Ryan returned to school and completed his Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling. When he started working with those suffering from addiction and PTSD, he found his passion. He has never looked back.
