Living with bipolar disorder can feel overwhelming and isolating at times. When your mood shifts severely, you may wonder when your emotions will stabilize again. While everyone’s experience with bipolar disorder is different, common symptoms include distinct changes in mood, energy and sleep. If it feels like you’re the only one navigating these challenges, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. 

About 2.8% of adults in the U.S. have bipolar disorder. These symptoms can be hard to predict, disrupt your life and even strain relationships. Fortunately, there are effective treatment options, and the right support can help you manage symptoms and enhance your quality of life.

At Lightfully, we have several treatment centers in California and offer virtual treatment to help people living with bipolar disorder.

Let’s explore treatment options you can find at Lightfully, so you can find the best way to improve your health and well-being.

4 options for bipolar disorder treatment in California

Bipolar disorder affects everyone differently, but the right support can help you manage mood swings and work toward stability. The good news is that there are many options available. This means your treatment can be tailored to fit your needs. For many people, a combination of treatments is the best way to improve well-being.

In California, you can find several evidence-based treatment options to ease symptoms and support your mental health. 

Here are four options you can explore with your provider: 

• Medication

Mood stabilizers can regulate sudden shifts between manic highs and depressive lows. Lithium is commonly used to help maintain an emotional balance and has been shown to be effective. Your provider can recommend a safe and effective dose based on your condition, and also monitor your blood levels. If you’re prescribed a mood stabilizer, it’s important to take it as directed, report any side effects to your provider and use it consistently, so it can help you feel your best.

• Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy can help you understand your thoughts and feelings. During this treatment, your clinical therapist can identify behaviors or patterns associated with bipolar disorder that may be challenging. Then, they can work with you to develop coping skills that can reduce your symptoms and support your mental health. Over time, you can learn to spot and respond to the early signs of mood swings effectively.

• Family-focused therapy

Family-focused therapy includes family and caregivers. This treatment can help those around you better understand bipolar disorder, improve communication and learn how to provide support. When family is involved in treatment, it often leads to reduced feelings of isolation and better mental health outcomes, such as reduced relapse rates and improved medication adherence. 

• Virtual programs

Virtual treatment programs provide support from a licensed clinical therapist through a secure online platform. They are ideal for people who prefer a flexible option that allows them to get expert support from the comfort of their own home. If you’re interested in exploring this option, Lightfully’s Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (vIOP) provides evidence-based personalized treatment while accommodating your schedule.

Find a Lightfully treatment center near you in California

Lightfully offers several treatment centers across California. You can find us in the Bay Area, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Thousand Oaks and San Diego. Depending on your needs, we offer Residential Treatment (RTC), a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), also called our Day Treatment Program, and an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). If you need a more flexible option or would rather get support from home, our Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (vIOP) or Virtual Partial Hospitalization Program (vPHP) may be a great fit for you. 

You can explore all our locations here to find the one that’s closest to you.

Lightfully provides expert support for bipolar disorder

Living with bipolar disorder can be challenging, but you don’t have to manage this condition alone. You can find evidence-based treatment and expert support at Lightfully. Whether you choose to seek treatment at one of our physical locations in California or consider our Virtual Services, we are here for you. 

At Lightfully, we provide whole-person-centered care and deeply compassionate experts ready to help you. Our licensed clinical therapists can develop a personalized treatment plan for you to help you manage emotional highs and lows, build effective coping skills, and improve your well-being. No matter how frequently you experience bipolar disorder symptoms, we can help you explore ways to alleviate them and improve your quality of life.

Change is possible. When you’re ready to take the first step, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.