Bipolar Disorder Treatment Centers at Pathways Recovery
Bipolar disorder is a serious mental health condition that causes intense shifts in mood, energy, and behavior. People living with bipolar disorder often experience episodes of depression, mania, or both, which can significantly impact relationships, work, and quality of life. These cycles are more than mood swings. They are complex patterns that require thoughtful, professional care.
If you or someone you love is navigating bipolar disorder, you’re not alone. Approximately 2.6% of U.S. adults are affected by bipolar disorder each year, in many cases before the age of 25. Fortunately, with the right treatment, many people find stability and lead fulfilling lives. At Pathways Recovery, we provide dual diagnosis treatment that addresses both bipolar disorder and co-occurring substance use so that individuals can recover safely and effectively.
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is classified as a mood disorder that includes alternating episodes of mania (high mood, over-the-top activity or energy) and depression (low mood). Hypomania is a milder form of mania that doesn’t include psychotic episodes. Bipolar disorder was formerly known as “manic-depressive illness” or “manic depression.”
The episodes of mania can vary in intensity, frequency, and duration depending on the type of bipolar disorder, of which there are four:
- Bipolar I involves manic episodes lasting at least 7 days or requiring hospitalization, often followed by depressive episodes.
- Bipolar II includes patterns of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, which are less severe than full mania.
- Cyclothymic disorder involves periods of milder mood swings that persist for two years or more.
- Other specified and unspecified bipolar and related disorders, a classification for those who have experienced periods of clinically significant abnormal mood elevation but don’t fall into any of the previous three categories.
The symptoms of bipolar disorder can vary in their severity. Common symptoms of mania include:
- An abnormally high level of energy
- Feeling extremely happy or excited
- Not sleeping or only getting a few hours of sleep, but still feeling rested
- Inflated self-esteem or feeling invincible
- Racing thoughts
- Being easily distracted by unimportant or unrelated things
- Being obsessed with and completely absorbed in an activity
- Impulsive behavior that can lead to poor choices
Common symptoms of depression include:
- Overwhelming sadness
- Low energy and fatigue
- Lack of motivation
- Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
- Loss of enjoyment of things that were once pleasurable
- Uncontrollable crying
- Insomnia or excessive sleep
- A change in appetite, causing weight loss or gain
- Thoughts of death or suicide (suicidal ideation)
Brain imaging studies show that people with bipolar disorder may have structural and functional changes in brain regions tied to emotion regulation and decision-making, especially the prefrontal cortex and amygdala.
Bipolar Disorder Treatment Centers at Pathways Recovery
We work with adults who are managing bipolar disorder and substance use simultaneously. This is called dual diagnosis care. We have gender-specific treatment centers for women and men that focus on clients whose mental health symptoms, such as mood instability, anxiety, or depression, are closely connected with alcohol or drug use. Studies show that individuals with bipolar disorder are at significantly higher risk of substance use disorders, and treating both conditions together through an integrated care approach leads to better outcomes. Individual therapy, medication and psychiatric support, and holistic care are three ways we support our clients.
Individual Therapy for Bipolar Disorder
We offer personalized, evidence-based therapy to help clients understand and manage their condition. Our therapists draw from:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to challenge thinking patterns
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to improve emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness
- Motivational Interviewing (MI) to support lasting behavior change
These therapies help clients build insight into their mood patterns, recognize early warning signs, and develop a toolkit of healthy coping skills.
Medication and Psychiatric Support
Medication is often a core part of bipolar disorder treatment. Common medications include mood stabilizers, anti-anxiety medications, and antidepressants, depending on the type and severity of symptoms. Our psychiatric team conducts thorough evaluations and closely monitors medications to minimize side effects and prevent interactions with any prescribed addiction treatment medications, such as those used in Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). We support clients in making informed decisions about medications while ensuring they feel safe, stable, and supported.
Holistic and Lifestyle-Based Support
Living well with bipolar disorder means more than managing symptoms. It means building a life that supports emotional and physical health. Our holistic services include:
- Mindfulness and grounding techniques
- Nutritional counseling
- Art, music, or journaling therapy
These approaches help clients stabilize their daily rhythms, manage stress, and build resilience.
FAQs About Bipolar Disorder Treatment Centers
Treatment timelines vary depending on the severity of symptoms, the presence of co-occurring conditions, and how long a person has been living with unmanaged symptoms. Our residential (inpatient) care typically lasts 30 to 90 days, with flexible aftercare planning. Some individuals may require ongoing psychiatric support or therapy after discharge, and we help clients build a care plan that fits their long-term needs.
In many cases, medication plays an essential role in stabilizing mood and reducing the risk of relapse. However, therapy, lifestyle changes, and holistic practices can significantly enhance stability and quality of life. For some clients with milder symptoms or strong therapeutic engagement, it may be possible to manage bipolar disorder without medication, but this decision is always made with a licensed medical provider.
That’s not uncommon, and our team is trained to help clarify the root causes of what you’re experiencing. During your intake assessment, we’ll gather a full history of your symptoms, substance use, and emotional patterns. This allows us to provide a diagnosis (if appropriate) and create a tailored treatment plan that addresses the full scope of your needs.
Why Choose Pathways Recovery for Bipolar Disorder Treatment
Our bipolar disorder treatment centers offer a compassionate and structured environment where you can begin healing. Our dual diagnosis programs for men and women are trauma-informed and grounded in years of clinical experience, and clients will benefit from them in several ways:
- Personalized, evidence-based treatment plans created with your input and input from our team
- A safe space to stabilize during periods of emotional disruption
- Gender-specific residential treatment
- Integrated mental health and addiction care for lasting change
If you or a loved one is struggling with bipolar disorder and substance use, we hope you will contact us. Healing is possible, and you don’t have to go through it alone. We are here to support you through all stages of recovery.