Bipolar disorder, also referred to as manic depression or manic-depressive disorder, is a mental health disease that causes mood swings alternating between mania and depression. According to MayoClinic.com, there are three subtypes of bipolar disorder: bipolar disorder I, bipolar II and cyclothymia. Bipolar I is the most severe form and includes dangerous manic episodes that cause significant impairment in functioning. Bipolar II results in less severe manic episodes, but longer depressive periods. Cyclothymia is the mildest form of bipolar disorder; the manic and depressive episodes are present but less disruptive. Finding a therapist qualified to treat bipolar disorder requires patience and diligence.
Step 1
Consult your primary care physician to obtain a referral to a psychiatrist. If you think you may be suffering from bipolar disorder, it's important to first get an accurate diagnosis. According to the Help Guide website, bipolar disorder can be difficult to diagnose, even for trained professionals. Psychiatrists specialize in mental health disorders and are licensed to prescribe medication. Although most psychiatrists will not be providing you with the psychotherapeutic portion of treatment, you will see them regularly to discuss the effectiveness of your medications and they will collaborate with your psychotherapist to monitor your care.
Step 2
Request referrals from your psychiatrist or health insurance company for therapists who are qualified to treat bipolar disorder patients and who accept new patients. It's possible that some therapists to whom you are referred will have a waiting list, because there are a limited number of therapists who specialize in bipolar disorder. You may need to make several phone calls in order to find a therapist who can see you soon.
Step 3
Inquire about the therapist's credentials. Qualified therapists include psychologists with a Ph.D., licensed social workers with an MSW degree or higher, or licensed counselors with a master's degree or a Ph.D. in counseling.
Step 4
Ask the therapist about their preferred treatment modality. Not all forms of therapy are recommended for bipolar disorder. According to the Help Guide website, the three types of treatment that are generally effective for bipolar disorder are cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy and family-focused therapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy addresses the relationship between thoughts and emotions; it attempts to change negative thought patterns. Interpersonal therapy focuses on improving your current relationships and reducing stress. Family-focused therapy is a form of treatment that includes educating family members and helping them cope with living with someone who has bipolar disorder.
Step 5
Set up an initial consultation with the therapist. It's important to feel comfortable and have a "click" with your therapist in order for treatment to be effective. Having an initial consultation provides you with the opportunity to ask additional questions and get a sense of the style and personality of the therapist to see if you're a good match for each other.
