Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings. These swings can go from feeling very high and excited (mania) to feeling very low and sad (depression). These mood swings can affect how a person feels, thinks and behaves in their daily life. 

Approximately 3% of U.S. adults are affected by bipolar disorder. It can affect people of all ages and backgrounds, with most people diagnosed in their teens or 20s. There are several types of bipolar disorder, each with its own unique characteristics:

• Bipolar 1 disorder
• Bipolar 2 disorder
• Cyclothymic disorder
• Unspecified bipolar disorder — This category of bipolar disorder is used when a person experiences symptoms of bipolar disorder, but they don’t fit neatly into any of the other categories, including:
• Bipolar disorder due to another medical condition
• Substance-induced bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder is a treatable and manageable condition. With the right help, which may include inpatient treatment at a Residential Treatment Center, people with bipolar disorder can live full and meaningful lives. 

What is an inpatient treatment center? 

Understanding the difference between an inpatient hospital setting and an inpatient Residential Treatment Center can help you understand which type of care may be best for your specific bipolar disorder needs. Both inpatient hospital settings and inpatient Residential Treatment Centers (RTCs) offer intensive support, but they serve different purposes and are suited for different needs:

• Inpatient hospital setting — An inpatient hospital setting is a part of a medical hospital where individuals stay to receive intensive treatment, such as for severe symptoms of bipolar disorder. It’s a short-term solution for immediate help that focuses on stabilizing acute symptoms, especially during a crisis. This setting can be used for individuals who are:
• Experiencing a severe manic or depressive episode that requires urgent intervention
• At an immediate risk of self-harm or harm to others
• In need of rapid stabilization before transitioning to longer-term care
• Inpatient Residential Treatment Center — An RTC is a specialized home-based environment designed to help support individuals who need more help than what can be provided on an outpatient basis. A stay in an RTC is for a longer period to receive comprehensive, ongoing mental health care. This setting can be used for individuals who:
• Need more time and support to manage their bipolar disorder so they can develop healthy coping skills and work on long-term stability
• Need a more immersive environment when outpatient care alone hasn’t been sufficient

The option that is best for you will depend on the severity of your symptoms and the level of support you need. Consulting with a mental health professional can help you decide which is the most appropriate type of care for managing bipolar disorder effectively. 

When is it time to consider an inpatient RTC for bipolar disorder?

Deciding to start inpatient treatment at an RTC for bipolar disorder is a big step, and it’s important to know when it may be the right choice. Here’s when it may be a good time to consider this option:

• Severe or frequent mood swings — If you’re experiencing frequent or intense manic or depressive episodes that are significantly disrupting your life, it may be time for inpatient care.
• Difficulty managing symptoms — If you’ve tried outpatient treatment and/or medication without success, inpatient treatment can provide you with a more intensive level of care. 
• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors — If you’re struggling with suicidality or engaging in self-harm, inpatient care at an RTC can offer you a safe and supportive environment.
• Danger to yourself or others — If your bipolar disorder is causing you to harm yourself or others, an RTC is crucial to ensure safety. 
• Lack of support at home — If you don’t have a strong support system at home, inpatient care at an RTC can provide you with the necessary support. 

Seeking inpatient care at an RTC is a step toward getting the support you need to help manage bipolar disorder and improve your quality of life. It’s OK to ask for help and take steps to take care of yourself.

How inpatient treatment at a Lightfully Residential Treatment Center can help someone with bipolar disorder

If you or someone you know has bipolar disorder, finding the right treatment can be challenging. It’s crucial to choose a treatment approach that provides whole-person-centered care to address your needs as a whole person, not just a diagnosis. At Lightfully Behavioral Health, our Residential Treatment Centers offer a personalized approach through our Precision Care Model (PCM), which can be especially beneficial. Inpatient care at one of our RTCs can help bipolar disorder through the following:

• 24/7 care and supervision — Care at our RTCs is provided to our clients around the clock. This means you have constant access to medical professionals, including doctors, nurses and therapists, who are always available to help support you. This level of supervision is essential for managing severe mood swings and ensuring safety. 
• Safe and supportive environment — The environment at Lightfully is designed to be both safe and supportive, allowing you to focus fully on your recovery without the usual stresses of daily life. The secure setting helps promote your emotional stability and well-being, which is crucial for managing bipolar disorder. 
• Structured routine — A structured routine is a key part of inpatient care at Lightfully. Our PCM ensures that each day is balanced with therapy sessions, wellness activities and personal time. This structure helps create stability, which is beneficial to help manage mood swings and develop healthy habits. Benefits of our PCM include:
• Personalized treatment 
• Direct interventions
• Crisis stabilization
• Individualized treatment plans — At Lightfully, each person at our RTCs receives:
• Three individual therapy sessions per week — These sessions are personalized with a primary therapist to work on specific challenges faced with bipolar disorder. 
• Weekly sessions with a staff psychiatrist — These weekly sessions can help manage medication and monitor overall mental health closely. 
• Therapy and support — Inpatient care at Lightfully includes a combination of different therapeutic approaches, including:
• Group therapy — Up to five group sessions each day are led by experienced clinicians. These group sessions offer peer support and shared experiences. 
• Family therapy — Each week, family therapy sessions can help improve relationships and involve loved ones in your treatment. 
• Skill building and wellness activities — At Lightfully, we offer activities that help build skills and boost overall wellness.

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.