How to Find a Therapist for Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder characterized by a cyclical pattern of extraordinary highs and lows. Many people, if not everyone, can experience varied levels of highs and lows in their mood from time to time. Experiencing this does not mean that you have bipolar disorder. For bipolar disorder to be clinically diagnosed, a specific list of criteria needs to be met as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR).

Finding a Therapist for Bipolar Disorder

Living well with bipolar disorder is certainly possible. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, it is estimated that 2.8% of the adult population in the United States is diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

Finding the right care providers and treatment team can be an integral aspect of your care. A licensed therapist or other mental health provider is a key component of treatment, and it is important to find a provider that will be a good fit for you and your needs.

What to Look for in a Therapist

For some, finding the right therapist to help with bipolar disorder might feel a bit daunting. There can be several mental health clinicians to choose from, particularly now that most provide telehealth services and can eliminate the need for travel.

Some may look like a great fit as you browse their website or read their profile on a list of providers. However, there are some helpful things to consider in your search as you find the clinician right for you.

Specialization in Bipolar Disorder

One important thing to consider as you look for a therapist is whether they specialize in working with bipolar disorder. Some clinicians operate as generalists, meaning they feel comfortable and confident working with a variety of clients and presenting issues. Of course, a generalist may be a great fit and offer what you need, but it can be helpful to know how well-versed they are in working with bipolar disorder, specifically.

You may also come across providers who state that they have a special interest or training in the area of bipolar disorder. This can offer another level of comfort as they might be more familiar with the client’s day-to-day challenges and be trained in appropriate, effective treatment interventions for working with bipolar disorder.

Types of Therapy Used

Most providers offer information in their marketing as to their training background or specific models of counseling or therapy they are trained in. There are many, many excellent models of therapy, but not all would be a good fit for working effectively with bipolar disorder. Some of the key therapy styles or models you may want to look for include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Dialectical behavior therapy
• Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy
• Family-focused therapy
• Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy
• Emotionally focused therapy
• Internal family systems therapy

As you research your potential providers online, look for a bio page or an “about me” page. Therapists often share their background, experience, and training in certain counseling models on a bio page.

Availability

With the need for mental health services on the rise, you might find that many therapists are currently full and not taking new clients or have an existing waiting list. Be mindful of this as you search, and don’t become discouraged.

Give yourself time to research people you feel might be a good fit for you and ask about their availability. If they are unable to take new clients, you can always ask them for a trusted referral of someone who might work well with bipolar disorder.

Cost

Another consideration is the cost of therapy services. Some like to use health insurance to help cover the expense of their treatment, while others prefer to pay out of pocket, or some are looking for services for minimal cost or free.

Most providers will list their therapy fees on their online listing or website. If you are going through your insurance company, you can often access a list of providers through the insurance website or call and ask them for a list of providers to be mailed to you.

Location

Your therapist's location used to be a key part of narrowing the search. With most mental health providers offering telehealth services, this has become less of a barrier to finding quality care. As you search for a therapist who treats bipolar disorder, keep in mind that most therapists are only licensed to practice in the state in which they live.

Where to Look for a Therapist

Fortunately, there are various convenient places to look for a therapist. Many clients research and connect with mental health providers online, whether through a marketing listing, a private practice website, or social media channels. In addition to the more modern methods, it can still be helpful to ask family, friends, or your doctor for their recommendations.

Online Search

Many mental health providers market their practices and services online. You can browse the internet using key phrases such as “Therapist for bipolar disorder in (your city)” or something similar, and many options will come up. Take time to look through various listings to gather a sense of each clinician’s therapy style, training, and overall online presence.

You may find that certain therapists stand out to you as a potential good fit. Don’t feel rushed to have to put a list together right away. You may even want to revisit the profile or website of a therapist you like a few times before feeling comfortable to reach out.

Ask Family or Friends

One of the best ways to learn about trusted providers in the area can be through family and friends. It might surprise you that several people you know have someone in mind who they or a loved one has seen and could recommend.

You can share your reason for seeking a therapist or not, as the goal is to gather some trusted leads of therapists that others have already had a good experience with. You can use that information to do your own research online and go from there if you feel like they would be a good fit for you.

Psychiatrist or Primary Care Physician

Your primary care doctor, or a psychiatrist if you are already under the care of one, can be a wonderful resource for asking about local therapy resources. Many professionals in or related to the mental health field often network with each other and build trusted professional relationships. Additionally, many psychiatrists offer both medication management and psychotherapy and often treat people who do not require both.

Since your doctor would already be aware of your diagnosis, they would understand your desire to seek therapy and the providers in the area that could be helpful.

Give Yourself Options

As you search for a therapist for bipolar disorder, make sure to give yourself some options. It can be helpful to make a list of three to five therapists you believe might be a good fit for you. Focusing on only one provider can lead to disappointment quickly if that person cannot take a new client, doesn’t take your insurance, or doesn’t provide telehealth if that is what you are looking for, for example.

Connecting With a Therapist

Once you have researched local providers, the next step is to contact them to learn more about their services or schedule a meeting. Reaching out to a provider might seem easy, but it can be a vulnerable moment to call a therapist or submit an online inquiry.

Celebrate that you took this big step to connect with someone who can help. If you do have an opportunity to communicate with a provider, there are a few helpful tips to keep in mind.

Ask for an Initial Consult

Many providers offer a free 15-minute consultation over the phone or in person to determine whether their services are a good fit. This can also be a great opportunity for potential clients to get a sense of the therapist's energy and style.

Don't Be Afraid to Ask Questions

If you have the chance to meet with a potential therapist, don’t be afraid to ask them questions about their clinical experience, training, and areas of study or interest. In doing so, you can gather important information about how well the therapist understands bipolar disorder and effective treatments and counseling techniques.

Notice Their Presence

Allow yourself to get a sense of the therapist’s style and presence. Of course, therapists are human, so you may find a wide range of styles and personalities in your chosen list of options. What can be helpful when determining a good fit is how well the therapist listens to your needs and balances a sense of warmth with their knowledge of the subject.

You can get a sense of this whether you are sitting together in person, over telehealth, or even over the phone. If you feel that the therapist is not a good fit, keep an open mind and continue meeting with others until you connect with someone who is right for you.