Outpatient Bipolar Disorder Treatment Near You in NJ, PA, & NY
If you experience frequent and extreme mood changes, such as feeling energized and happy one week and depressed and fatigued the next, bipolar disorder may be the cause. Fortunately, treatment is available to help you achieve balance and stability.
At Rubicon Mental Health Center, we provide outpatient bipolar treatment for individuals in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York. We take an evidence-based, whole-person approach to care to help individuals with mental health disorders achieve balance, improved mental health, and a higher quality of life. Learn more about bipolar disorder and our outpatient bipolar treatment programs near you in Watchung, NJ.
Key Takeaways
- Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme, cyclical mood swings, typically bouts of good moods and high energy (mania) and periods of low energy and sadness (depression).
- Bipolar disorder commonly occurs with substance use disorder (SUD), which makes dual diagnosis care essential for proper treatment.
- Diagnosing bipolar disorder involves a comprehensive clinical assessment that includes a physical exam, lab tests, an evaluation of symptoms, and mood tracking.
- Treatment for bipolar disorder often involves a combination of psychotherapy and medication. When SUD is co-occurring, dual diagnosis of both conditions is necessary.
- Rubicon Mental Health Center provides 3 levels of outpatient bipolar treatment programs for individuals in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York.
What Is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder, formerly called manic-depressive illness or manic depression, is a mental health disorder that causes extreme, cyclical swings in mood, energy, and activity levels. Individuals with bipolar disorder typically experience periods of extremely high moods and energy (mania) and periods of low energy, sadness, and hopelessness (depression). They may also have stable periods with normal mood (euthymia) between manic and depressive episodes.
Other symptoms of mania include a reduced need for sleep, racing thoughts, fast speech, an inflated sense of self, and impulsive or reckless behaviors. Other symptoms of depression include fatigue, trouble concentrating, changes in appetite or sleep, and suicidal thoughts.
There are 3 main types of bipolar disorder:
- Bipolar I Disorder: This type involves at least one severe manic episode, and many patients also experience major depressive episodes.
- Bipolar II Disorder: This type features at least one major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode (a less severe form of a manic episode), but never a full manic episode.
- Cyclothymia: This is a milder, chronic type that consists of at least 2 years of alternating hypomanic and depressive symptoms.
All 3 types of bipolar disorder can significantly affect quality of life and mental health. Specialized treatment is often required to prevent worsening symptoms.
The Bipolar Disorder-Substance Use Connection
People with bipolar disorder often have co-occurring substance use disorder (SUD). Many people use alcohol, cannabis, and other recreational drugs to self-medicate mood swings and other symptoms. Although this may seem to help with certain symptoms, it can substantially complicate diagnosis and treatment outcomes. In certain instances, substance use can trigger or worsen bipolar symptoms, which can increase the risk of serious complications.
What Are the Causes and Risk Factors of Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is not the result of a single factor, but rather a combination of biological, genetic, and environmental elements. However, there are certain risk factors that can increase a person’s chance of developing bipolar disorder. They include:
- Genetics: Genetics is the biggest predictor of bipolar disorder. People with a first-degree relative with bipolar disorder are at a significantly increased risk of developing it.
- Brain function and structure: People with bipolar disorder often have slight differences in the size or activity levels of brain areas that correlate with emotional regulation, impulse control, and memory. Certain neurotransmitters that regulate mood and energy, such as dopamine, noradrenaline, and serotonin, are also often imbalanced.
- Stressful life events and trauma: Stressful life changes are often triggers for initial manic or depressive episodes, while a history of childhood trauma can increase vulnerability to mood disorders like bipolar disorder.
- Substance use: In susceptible individuals, using substances like alcohol, cannabis, or stimulants can trigger symptoms or worsen existing bipolar disorder.
Having one or more of these factors does not automatically mean a person will develop bipolar disorder, but it can increase their risk.
How Is Bipolar Disorder Diagnosed?
Like many mental health conditions, bipolar disorder is not diagnosed with definitive blood tests or brain scans. Mental health professionals use a comprehensive clinical evaluation to get a full picture of the patient’s symptoms and history to confirm or rule out a bipolar diagnosis. It typically includes:
- A physical exam and lab tests to rule out underlying conditions, such as thyroid disease, that can cause mood changes
- A symptom assessment, often using the standards from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR), to recognize patterns of mania and depression
- Mood tracking, which is when the patient tracks their daily moods, sleep patterns, and behaviors, to see changes over time
Using the information from these processes helps the provider determine if bipolar disorder is the most likely cause of the patient’s symptoms.
Outpatient Bipolar Treatment at Rubicon Mental Health Center in NJ
At Rubicon Mental Health Center, we have 3 levels of outpatient bipolar treatment to address patients with varying degrees of needs. Each of our outpatient programs offers structured support that fosters accountability and connection and provides access to several therapies and modalities. They include:
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): Patients attend treatment 6 hours a day for 5 days per week. It typically lasts 30 to 45 days.
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): Patients attend treatment for a minimum of 3 days per week, but they can attend for up to 5 days. Sessions run for around 3 hours a day and typically last for 10 to 12 weeks.
- Outpatient Program: Patients attend treatment for 1 hour a day, 2 to 3 days a week. The length of the program varies, but it typically lasts for several months.
With an outpatient design, patients can get the treatment they need during the day and then integrate what they learn into their daily lives at night. They are also able to manage other responsibilities, such as work, school, or childcare.
What Therapy Modalities Are Used?
At Rubicon Mental Health Center, we develop personalized treatment plans for each patient, considering various factors, including clinical needs, financial situations, family dynamics, and more. Our team of master’s-level mental health professionals uses a variety of therapies and modalities to treat bipolar disorder, including:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This is considered the gold standard of talk therapy for bipolar disorder. It focuses on helping patients identify negative thought patterns and behaviors, handle stressful situations, and identify triggers for manic and depressive episodes.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): This is a therapy inspired by CBT principles, which is specifically designed for patients with intense emotions. It helps teach acceptance, mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotional control, which are ideal for patients with severe mood swings and impulsive behavior.
- Family counseling: This process involves family members in the treatment process to help with problem-solving and identifying warning signs of manic or depressive episodes.
- Individual therapy: This involves once-a-week one-on-one sessions with a licensed therapist, where patients can discuss their latest struggles, triggers, episodes, and more.
- Group therapy: This involves meeting with other members of the Rubicon community and a licensed provider to foster connection and peer support.
We may also use other modalities, such as motivational interviewing (MI), holistic therapy, and more. These therapies help to address the psychological and biological aspects of bipolar disorder.
Medication Management
Along with therapies and modalities, we also provide medication management services for bipolar disorder treatment when it’s clinically appropriate. Medications for bipolar disorder focus on long-term mood stabilization, and they can include:
- Mood stabilizers
- Anticonvulsants
- Atypical antipsychotics
- Anxiety medications
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
Our team provides close medical supervision to ensure appropriate dosages, manage side effects, and prevent triggering manic or depressive episodes. We believe medication works best when used in conjunction with talk therapy that promotes behavioral change and teaches emotional regulation skills.
When Is Outpatient Bipolar Treatment the Right Fit?
If you’re considering outpatient bipolar treatment, it’s smart to weigh a few different factors to determine if it’s the best treatment option for your needs. Outpatient treatment may be right for you if:
- You have mild-to-moderate symptoms
- You are medically stable
- You can safely live independently
- You need to work or care for children while receiving treatment
If you have severe manic or depressive episodes that affect your ability to function, and/or you have safety concerns that require ongoing supervision, outpatient care may not be the best treatment option. Inpatient care can provide a higher level of care and supervision.
Bipolar Disorder and Co-Occurring Conditions
A co-occurring condition is when a person experiences a mental health condition, like bipolar disorder, and a substance use disorder (SUD) simultaneously. At Rubicon Mental Health Center, we partner with our sister center, Rubicon Recovery Center, to provide dual diagnosis treatment for individuals with co-occurring mental health and SUDs.
Since substance use can mask or imitate symptoms of bipolar disorder, trained specialists in dual diagnosis are essential to properly treating both the bipolar disorder and SUD. Our experienced team, which includes clinicians, case managers, therapists, and psychiatric advanced practice nurses (APNs), collaborates to provide informed dual diagnosis care.
Insurance and Admissions
Mental health treatment is often expensive, and the cost can hinder people from seeking treatment. Many people wonder if their insurance will cover all or part of the treatment. Whether outpatient bipolar treatment is covered by your insurance will depend on your specific provider, plan, and benefits.
However, federal mental health parity laws mandate that health insurance plans must treat mental health conditions at the same level as physical health conditions. Therefore, most insurance plans will cover at least part of the cost of treatment. At Rubicon Mental Health Center, we accept most major private insurance plans, including Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare. We also offer an easy insurance verification process to help you understand your coverage and possible out-of-pocket costs. Contact our Admissions Department at admissions@rubiconbhc.com to learn more.
Find Outpatient Bipolar Treatment Near You in NJ, PA, & NY
If you’re dealing with bipolar disorder, treatment at Rubicon Mental Health Center can help you achieve stability and balance. With us, wellness is just a phone call away. We serve individuals from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York, and we’re here for them 24/7. To learn more about our outpatient bipolar treatment near you in Watchung, NJ, contact us online or call (908)-678-1870 today.
FAQ About Outpatient Bipolar Disorder Treatment
What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?
The 2 main symptoms of bipolar disorder are cycles of manic episodes and depressive episodes. Manic episodes often cause an extremely good mood, feelings of euphoria, a lack of sleep, racing thoughts, agitation, and risky behaviors. Depressive episodes often cause feelings of sadness or emptiness, extreme fatigue, brain fog, irritability, excessive sleeping, and thoughts of suicide.
Is bipolar disorder genetic?
Yes, bipolar disorder is strongly genetic, with genetics accounting for 60% to 85% of the risk. However, bipolar disorder isn’t caused by a single gene but rather by a complex mix of multiple genes that all increase risk slightly.
How is bipolar disorder diagnosed?
Bipolar disorder is diagnosed through an in-depth clinical assessment that generally includes a physical exam, lab tests, an evaluation of symptoms, and mood tracking. Using the information gathered from the assessment, the provider can confirm or rule out a bipolar disorder diagnosis.
What treatments work best for bipolar disorder?
The best treatment for bipolar disorder is often a combination of psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and mood-stabilizing medication.
Can bipolar disorder be treated on an outpatient basis?
Yes, bipolar disorder can be treated on an outpatient basis. At Rubicon Mental Health Center, we offer 3 levels of outpatient care that range from intensive, with daily support, to structured, with a few days of treatment per week.
Are there lifestyle changes that can help with bipolar disorder?
Yes, there are lifestyle changes that can help manage bipolar disorder, including prioritizing a strict sleep schedule, exercising routinely, and avoiding alcohol and drugs.
Does Rubicon Mental Health Center offer dual diagnosis?
Yes, we provide dual diagnosis care for patients with bipolar disorder and a substance use disorder (SUD) who require integrated treatment.
Does insurance cover outpatient bipolar treatment in NJ?
It depends on the exact insurance plan, but outpatient bipolar treatment is often covered by insurance in NJ under federal mental health parity laws.
Where is Rubicon Mental Health Center located?
We are located at:
40 Stirling Rd, Ste 212
Watchung, NJ 07069-5954
Our location is easily accessible via many major highways, including Interstate 78, Route 22, Interstate 287, Garden State Parkway, and Route 206.