Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that doesn’t only affect the people who are suffering from it but also affects the lives of others around them. The dramatic shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels can damage relationships, daily performance, and overall quality of life.
Fortunately, bipolar disorder responds well to treatments as long as the patient is committed to ongoing care. Treatment centers are available throughout the US and provide support for all sorts of bipolar disorder issues. However, not all centers are the same, and some are better than others. To streamline your search process, we have listed some of the top bipolar centers you will find in the US and have also prepared a guideline on what to look for.
Table of Contents
- What Bipolar Disorder Looks Like
- Best Treatment Centers for Bipolar Disorder
- What to Look for When Choosing a Bipolar Treatment Center?
- Should You Choose Residential or Outpatient Bipolar Treatment?
- Cost of Bipolar Treatment
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Bipolar Disorder Looks Like
The signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder are largely unique. Everyone is different, and so are their symptoms, so diagnosing also becomes very difficult. However, the most common symptoms patients experience are significant mood swings, impulsive behavior, and increased energy & excitement.
Generally, mood swings are categorized into two types – manic (which includes the feeling of high-level excitement, energy, and overjoyed) and depression (includes extreme loss of interest, feeling sad, hopeless, or losing interest in most activities).
The dramatic shifts in mood can go from extreme lows to extreme highs. But these shifts don’t happen in moments. They usually happen over several days or weeks.
Bipolar disorder can also be seasonal, called seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Individuals with SAD may experience extreme mood swings in the fall and continue into the winter months. The symptoms will generally resolve during spring and summer. Typically, SAD starts and ends at the same time every year.
Regardless of what type of bipolar disorder your loved one is facing; the outcome can be life-threatening if not treated.
Best Treatment Centers for Bipolar Disorder
Getting treatment for bipolar disorder at the earliest possible time is important, but it is also essential to not waste time and money on programs that won’t yield positive outcomes. As we’ve mentioned, not all centers are equal and can’t provide the same level of care. So, before deciding on a treatment center, thoroughly check what they offer, talk to the staff and get your doubts cleared, see their previous history, and make sure they have certified professionals. To help you with your search, we have researched and listed some of the better-known bipolar treatment centers in the US.
What to Look for When Choosing a Bipolar Treatment Center?
Consider your options carefully when you look for bipolar treatment centers. You need to take your time to research and visit the center yourself. Don’t commit to a center before clearing all your doubts and confusions.
The important things you need to consider are the expert and caring staff, evidence-based treatment strategies, and individualized plans. Here are some important aspects you need to consider before deciding on a bipolar treatment center.
Individualized treatment plan
One-size-fits-all doesn’t work for mental health treatment. Each person is different and responds to symptoms and treatments in different ways. The treatment plan needs to take into account the patient’s needs, limitations, abilities, and other essential factors. Even during medical treatment, you may need to try different medications to figure out one with the least side effects. Therapies also have different outcomes for each patient, so make sure the medical center provides individualized plans.
Collaborative care and multi-disciplinary staff
Personalized attention is very important for mental health treatment. The specialists and staff need to dedicate time and should provide personalized care rather than treating as just another patient. It is also important to have multi-disciplinary experts. Best treatment centers will have experts qualified in different types of mental illness treatments. Also, not just therapists, there should be experts from other fields, including physicians, nurses, holistic practitioners, dieticians, and others.
Evidence-based treatment
You will find a wide variety of medications and treatments for bipolar disorder. But they need to be the right treatment in order to be actually effective for the patient. When looking for treatment centers, make sure you know what kind of therapies they use, how they benefit patients, and if they are backed by scientific research. Some of the treatments considered evidence-based are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy, Family-Based Services, Social Skills Training, and Illness Self-Management.
Thorough intake assessment
Even if the patient is already diagnosed with bipolar disorder, new treatment plans should begin with a complete evaluation of mental illness and substance use disorder. The treatment will not be effective if all mental health issues are not addressed accurately. Bipolar disorder can co-occur or be misdiagnosed as other issues. A full assessment will help to diagnose the patient’s mental health issues properly.
Should You Choose Residential or Outpatient Bipolar Treatment?
If your loved one’s symptoms aren’t severe and can function independently, outpatient treatment is better suited. Outpatient treatment can provide structured and effective therapeutic benefits while they continue with their daily lives and live at their own home.
Residential care can provide better outcomes for patients with slightly more serious symptoms. Residential treatment will help your loved ones achieve stability and help them learn to manage their symptoms.
Cost of Bipolar Treatment
Bipolar treatment can be very costly, and the amount will be unique for each patient. Note that high prices don’t mean the services are better; the cost is mainly associated with the program type and healthcare package.
The cost of bipolar treatment varies drastically, based on several factors including, type of treatment, patient condition, health package, and type of programs chosen. A 30-day residential program can range from $6,000 to $20,000 and a 90-day program can range from $12,000 to $60,000. Outpatient treatment options are less expensive ranging from $5,000 to $10,000.
Residential programs are more expensive than outpatient programs. However, residential plans are recommended as they provide a more intensive level of care and have a dedicated team for the patient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does insurance cover bipolar treatment?
Insurance plans can cover all or some treatments for bipolar disorder. Ideally, the coverage should include options for mental health and substance use disorder services, Prescription medications, Preventative and wellness services, and Rehab services.
Should I go to a mental hospital for bipolar disorder?
Hospitalization is typically used for those patients whose behavior can cause serious bodily injury to the patient and others around them.
What is currently the most effective treatment for bipolar disorder?
The most common and effective categories of drugs used for bipolar disorder are mood stabilizers, Anticonvulsant drugs, Antipsychotic medications, and Additional medications.