i am trying to find a therapist who deals primarily with bipolar

Hello Spike,

I want to tell you that I am proud of you for advocating for your mental and emotional wellness, by deciding to find a therapist that would be a good fit for you based on your specific needs!

Here are a few things you can do to find a therapist:

-You can search the BetterHelp directory to find therapists that specialize in Bipolar Disorder

-Google therapists near you that specify Bipolar Disorder as a specialty.

- Reach out to local mental health associations. Here are a few national organizations to consider:

        -Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance

        -National Alliance on Mental Health 

        -International Bipolar Foundation 

Once you find a therapist, consider having these questions available to ask them:

-What type of therapeutic treatment and interventions do you use when you work with clients that have Bipolar Disorder?

-What are your thoughts on the importance of medication?

-How do you typically structure your sessions when working with people who have Bipolar Disorder?

Two types of therapy that have proven to be effective when working with persons diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder are:

-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)- used to help you explore and change ineffective thoughts patterns and behaviors. This form of therapy also helps you acquire coping skills and tools to reduce the symptoms you are experiencing.

-Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)- a form of CBT that focuses on emotion. It can be practiced in individual and/or group therapy to help client's manage intense emotions, severe depressive episodes, and suicidal thoughts.

Additionally, when trying to find a therapist that meets your needs consider a therapist that:

-believes therapy is a partnership with the client and

-holds empathy and trust in high regard

I hope you're able to find a therapist that meets your needs soon!