Living with bipolar disorder can feel like unpredictably swinging between euphoric excitement and sadness or irritability. When mood episodes become too intense to manage alone, inpatient bipolar disorder treatment can provide the support needed to find your balance.
Residential programs for bipolar disorder offer a safe, structured environment for people to regain consistency and stability. Whether you are currently experiencing mania, depression, or cycling between the two, inpatient treatment for bipolar disorder may provide the space and support you need to heal.
A mental health professional can advise on the most suitable form of treatment for your symptoms and needs. This page can also help you better understand the ins and outs of inpatient bipolar disorder treatment by covering:
Bipolar disorder, formerly known as “manic depression,” is a serious mental health condition characterized by intense energy shifts and mood swings between mania and depression.1 This means that someone with bipolar disorder may have times when they feel extremely elated, impulsive, and energized (manic episodes) and intensely sad, exhausted, and hopeless (depressive episodes).2
Approximately 2.8% of U.S. adults have bipolar disorder, with the majority experiencing moderate to severe impairments.3 Additionally, bipolar disorder often begins during adolescence, with symptoms often coming and going throughout life.4
However, the condition does not go away on its own and usually requires long-term treatment. In fact, without the correct treatment and support, bipolar disorder can affect work, education, relationships, the ability to function, and may even increase the risk of suicide.4
Symptoms of manic episodes:
Feeling very “up,” elated, irritable, or jumpy
Feeling very down, sad, or anxious
Additionally, it may be helpful to know there are three types of bipolar disorder. These are:4
Bipolar I: Characterized by depressive episodes lasting at least two weeks and manic episodes that either last at least one week or are so severe that a person needs to attend a hospital. Mixed moods are also possible.
Although outpatient treatments for bipolar disorder, such as medication and therapy, can help ease symptoms, there are times when a more intensive approach may be required. The next section explores when inpatient treatment for bipolar disorder may be necessary.
We accept most major insurance providers and can check your coverage levels for you.
If we are not an appropriate provider for care, we will assist in finding a care provider that can help.
As we know, bipolar disorder can bring intense moods and extreme symptoms. When these symptoms impact daily functioning, bipolar disorder crisis stabilization can help bring you back to a place of balance. For instance, inpatient care for manic episodes can help ensure the safety of both the person with bipolar disorder and others who may be affected by their behavior.
Is a danger to themselves. Unfortunately, people with bipolar disorder have a suicide risk 14 times greater than the general population6
If these symptoms sound familiar, then a residential treatment program may be an appropriate option to consider.
You may have certain images that spring to mind when you hear the words “inpatient treatment.” This is understandable considering the portrayals of such programs on popular media platforms. However, the actual experience may be quite different from what you imagine.
Residential centers are safe, stable environments for people to receive the support they need, such as therapy and medication management, while learning to manage their condition. The following sections are a more detailed breakdown of what these programs typically entail.
While at a residential treatment facility, you can expect staff to provide around-the-clock care to ensure your safety, especially if you are experiencing a crisis. A structured environment is created to minimize stress, provide consistency, reduce unpredictability, and help you heal.
To enhance a sense of calm, treatment centers often provide private or shared bedrooms, calming recreational areas, therapy rooms, dining areas, fitness facilities, and outdoor spaces.
Bipolar depression inpatient treatment lengths can vary depending on your personal needs, ranging from short-term stays (30 days or less) to longer treatment plans (six months or longer).
Short-term visits are often useful for people in crisis or who are experiencing short-term symptoms. However, long-term stays tend to be more appropriate for providing comprehensive support to people facing complex or persistent challenges.
Depending on your circumstances, medical professionals may also be involved in your care, providing medication management and monitoring to help control your symptoms.
Additionally, many centers offer recreational activities to support your recovery journey. For instance, at AMFM, some of the off-site and recreational activities offered include exercise, creative writing, yoga, mini-golf, bowling, and visits to museums or beaches.
A Mission For Michael (AMFM) provides treatment for adults experiencing various conditions. Bipolar Disorder support is a phone call away – call 866-478-4383 to learn about our current treatment options.
See our residences in Southern California’s Orange County & San Diego County.
Take a look at our homes on the east side of the Metro area in Washington County.
View our facilities in Fairfax County, VA within the DC metro area.
Receiving support as an inpatient at a bipolar disorder treatment center can bring many benefits over outpatient care, such as:
Bipolar disorder can be a challenging condition to manage, yet intensive support can make a significant difference in how you navigate your way through fluctuating mood episodes. Therefore, residential mental health support for bipolar disorder can play a key role in long-lasting, stabilizing recovery.
Residential bipolar disorder recovery programs can provide the stabilizing environment and support needed to recover and manage your condition. But you may be wondering about what happens afterwards. You leave the treatment center and then…what next? Who do you contact for support?
Rest assured that you aren’t expected to leave inpatient treatment without a support plan. Aftercare is designed to make the transition from residential treatment easier and provide you with the support you need.
One way to transition from inpatient care to outpatient care is through step-down programs, such as partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) or intensive outpatient programs (IOPs).
PHPs help people transition from inpatient treatment to outpatient services in a graduated way. They allow you to attend a comprehensive mental health treatment program during the day, whilst being able to return home for nights and weekends throughout. PHPs provide you with a high level of support, often including around five hours a day of therapy, groupwork, or treatment, for five days each week.7
IOPs are less of a time commitment than PHPs, making them an ideal option for people wanting an intensive, yet flexible level of support. For example, IOPs typically offer two to three hours of intensive support per day, three to five days a week, providing group and individual therapy on a flexible schedule. In other words, they allow you to continue receiving the support you need while returning to your daily routine, such as work or education.7
Due to the continued support an aftercare plan for leaving residential treatment provides, they’re often essential for preventing relapse and ensuring long-term recovery.
Next, we explore what to consider when searching for the right inpatient program for your needs.
With so many options for inpatient treatment for bipolar disorder, choosing the right one may feel confusing or daunting. But it doesn’t have to be. Taking a moment to think about your needs, wants, and preferences can make the decision clearer.
Some suggestions of factors to consider when researching residential treatment centers include:
Additionally, you may want to consider the healthcare provider, look at locations and facilities, and check out reviews to learn about other people’s experiences there.
If you have questions or preferences, it’s good to ask about them upfront so that you can make a decision based on all of the facts. Remember that your mental health matters, your voice matters, and you deserve to receive treatment that will support you to live a balanced life.
Inpatient care for bipolar disorder can be a life-changing step toward stability and recovery. Accessing the right support in the right environment can make all the difference to healing.
Here at AMFM, we offer a safe, supportive, and structured environment designed to help you manage your moods and focus on your long-term recovery and well-being. With personalized treatment plans, evidence-based approaches, and compassionate care, our residential programs in California, Virginia, and Minnesota are here to help you when you’re ready.
Contact us today if you are ready to take the next step toward a healthier, more stable future.
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