Can bipolar disorder be treated outpatient? Yes, many people with bipolar disorder have made significant progress via outpatient treatment. Some step down to the outpatient level after completing a higher level of care, while others begin in an outpatient program.
At North Atlanta Behavioral Health, our team will work closely with you to identify the right type of outpatient bipolar disorder program for you, then develop a customized treatment plan to ease your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Learn more about outpatient treatment for bipolar disorder in Atlanta or verify your insurance now.
Understanding Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition that is characterized by significant shifts in mood, confidence, and energy.
Types of Symptoms
Bipolar disorder is associated with three types of symptoms, which frequently occur in what clinicians refer to as episodes:
- Manic episodes: Periods of at least one week when you exhibit symptoms such as extra energy, elevated mood, increased confidence, racing thoughts, talkativeness, and impulsivity.
- Hypomanic episodes: Similar to manic episodes but symptoms only persist for four days.
- Major depressive episodes: Periods of at least two weeks that are marked by symptoms such as persistent sadness, lack of energy and motivation, abnormal sleep, appetite changes, diminished confidence, and recurrent thoughts of death.
Types of Bipolar Disorder
There are three types of bipolar disorder, which are differentiated by the types of episodes or symptoms that a person experiences:
- Bipolar I disorder: To be diagnosed with bipolar I disorder, you must have manic episodes. You may also have depressive episodes, but they are not a requirement for this diagnosis
- Bipolar II disorder: If you have bipolar II disorder, you will have major depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes.
- Cyclothymic disorder: People with this condition have depressive symptoms and hypomanic symptoms, but neither persist long enough to qualify as a full episode.
Can Bipolar Disorder Be Treated Outpatient?
Can bipolar disorder be treated outpatient? Yes, it can.
Once you’ve decided to enter an outpatient program for bipolar disorder, your next step will be to determine which type of program is right for you. Two options that have proved to be beneficial for many people are partial hospitalization programs and intensive outpatient programs.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
Treatment at the partial hospitalization level is similar to what residential programs provide.
The primary difference between PHPs and residential programs is that PHPs only require you to be at the center when treatment is in session. In the evenings and on non-treatment days you can spend time at home or, if you need additional structure, in an alternative supported residence.
The PHP level is an optimal environment for people with bipolar disorder who can benefit from full days of treatment but who don’t need round-the-clock support and supervision.
At North Atlanta Behavioral Health our PHP is in session Monday to Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day, including a 90-minute break for lunch. That means you’ll receive 5.5 hours of care per day and 33 hours of care per week.
Some patients step down to this level after completing residential care, but prior treatment is not required for admission to our PHP.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Intensive outpatient programs provide structured clinical support while offering ample time for you to work, attend school, or take care of other personal responsibilities.
IOPs usually consist of about three hours of care per day, with patients having the option to attend treatment sessions two to five days per week. Depending on what’s best for you, you’ll usually receive six to 15 hours of weekly treatment at the IOP level.
Some people step down to an IOP for additional support after completing a residential or partial hospitalization program, but prior participation in either program is not a requirement at North Atlanta Behavioral Health.
How Can I Choose the Best Outpatient Treatment Program for Bipolar Disorder?
There’s no single outpatient program that is perfect for every person with bipolar disorder. The best program for you will be the one whose services and approach to treatment align with your history, needs, and goals.
Personal Factors
Personal factors to think about when you’re evaluating outpatient treatment programs include:
- How severe have your symptoms become and how have they disrupted your life?
- Have you been in treatment before? If so, what type of program were you in and what were the results of your experience?
- Do you need full days of treatment just about every day, or would you prefer partial treatment days a few days a week?
- Do you have a safe and supportive place to live in when you’re not in treatment?
- Do you have access to reliable transportation to get to and from the treatment center?
- Will you need to work or attend classes while you’re in treatment?
- What are your short- and long-term goals? In other words, what do you hope to gain by receiving outpatient treatment for bipolar disorder?
Finding The Right Treatment Center
When you’ve identified treatment centers that seem to be a good fit for you, never be afraid to ask questions or request additional information.
Questions that can help you decide if an outpatient treatment center is right for you include:
- What types of therapy and support services does the center provide?
- How will they determine which therapies and support services are right for you?
- What are the qualifications of the professionals who will be providing your care?
- How many hours of daily and weekly treatment will you receive?
- How long will you need to remain in the program?
- How does the center define success for its patients?
- What happens if your symptoms return or worsen after you complete treatment?
- Does the center offer aftercare or alumni support services?
- Does the center accept your insurance?
Representatives from any reputable treatment center will be happy to answer these and any other questions you have. If a center refuses to provide you with the details you need, you may want to consider seeking help elsewhere.
FAQ
Is Outpatient Better Than Residential Treatment for Bipolar Disorder?
There is no “better” or “best” type of treatment for bipolar disorder. Different people will have different needs, and they will be better served by different types of treatment. Focus on finding the care that’s right for you.
What’s the Best Therapy for Bipolar Disorder?
There is no single best therapy for someone with bipolar disorder. The right therapies for you are the ones that address your unique symptoms and help you achieve your goals.
Do You Have to Take Medication for Bipolar Disorder?
Treatment for bipolar disorder often includes a combination of prescription medication and therapy, but not everyone benefits from medication. This is why it’s so important to find a treatment provider that will develop a truly personalized plan just for you.
Will Treatment Cure My Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a chronic condition, which means that it will never truly go away. Medication may ease some symptoms, while therapy, education, and lifestyle changes can help you learn to better manage your symptoms so you can enjoy an improved quality of life.
Find Outpatient Treatment for Bipolar Disorder in Atlanta
North Atlanta Behavioral Health is a premier provider of customized outpatient care for adults with bipolar disorder, other mental health concerns, and co-occurring addictions.
Therapy at our center in Atlanta, GA, is offered in two environments, a partial hospitalization program (PHP) and an intensive outpatient program (IOP). In both programs, you will work in active collaboration with a team of experienced and compassionate professionals.
Call 770-230-5699 today to learn more or verify your insurance now.
