Therapy for Bipolar Disorder

Clinically Reviewed By: Corey Pitts, MA, LCMHC

What is therapy for bipolar disorder?

Therapy for bipolar disorder gives people a space to understand the condition, recognize triggers, and build healthy coping strategies so individuals may regulate emotions and develop stronger connections with others. It's not a standalone cure, however, it can work well as a part of a border bipolar disorder treatment plan. 

A mental health professional may help spot the early warning signs of an episode before it takes over and work with individuals on the skills to respond rather than react.

Common therapy approaches used to treat bipolar disorder

Different treatment approaches target different parts of bipolar disorder. Treatment most commonly includes some combination of medication to manage symptoms and psychotherapy, such as therapy for bipolar disorder, to help provide coping mechanisms and support.  

A therapist will help determine what fits individual needs best out of these or other approaches:

• CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy): One of the most well-researched approaches for mood disorders, helps individuals recognize and change unhelpful thought patterns and is particularly effective at addressing the negative thinking cycles that deepen depressive episodes

• IPSRT (Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy): Focuses on stabilizing daily routines such as sleep, meals, and social interactions, as disruptions to these rhythms are a known trigger for mood episodes

• Psychoeducation: Strengthens the entire support system by helping both people with bipolar disorder and their families understand how episodes develop, what warning signs to watch for, and how to respond, all in a structured therapeutic setting

• DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy): Combines cognitive techniques with mindfulness and emotional regulation skills to help when mood swings feel sudden or hard to control

What types of bipolar disorder can therapy help with?

Therapy for bipolar disorder may shift focus depending on a specific diagnosis, but it may play a meaningful role in treating the three main types of this condition.

Bipolar I Disorder

Bipolar I Disorder is defined by at least one severe manic episode, sometimes requiring hospitalization. Therapy may help individuals process the aftermath of manic episodes, rebuild stability, and work through the depressive episodes that often follow. It typically works best in concert with medication and ongoing psychiatric care.

Bipolar II Disorder

Bipolar II involves hypomanic episodes, less intense and shorter than full mania, but still disruptive, alongside significant depressive episodes. Because the highs of a hypomanic episode are less extreme, it's frequently misdiagnosed, sometimes for years. Therapy may help identify hypomanic patterns that often go unrecognized and provide the consistent support needed to manage depressive symptoms.

Cyclothymia

Cyclothymia involves chronic, milder mood fluctuations that aren't as extreme as mania or major depression. But living with persistent highs and lows is still exhausting. Therapy helps build long-term coping routines to create stability and gradually reduce the impact on day-to-day life.

How can online therapy help people with bipolar disorder?

Consistency is one of the most important factors in bipolar disorder treatment, and one of the hardest things to maintain. Unpredictable mood episodes might make it hard to keep weekly in-person appointments. Online therapy may lower that barrier.

Through BetterHelp, individuals may connect with a licensed mental health professional via video, phone, live chat, or messaging, whatever works best on any given day. For people with bipolar disorder, this convenience and flexibility might be the difference between staying in therapy and dropping out of it.

Research supports internet-delivered therapy, including CBT, as effective for managing mood disorders. BetterHelp matches individuals with a therapist based on specific needs and goals, with 93% of user preferences met when matching with a therapist. Plus, messaging between sessions means individuals won't be left waiting when something comes up suddenly.

What should be expected when starting therapy?

Starting therapy may feel like a big step, especially without knowing what to expect. Generally, the first few therapy sessions focus on individual history, symptoms, and goals. Be open about both manic and depressive experiences at these appointments. The more complete the picture, the better a therapist may tailor an approach that works.

From there, the work focuses on creating a personalized plan, possibly including mapping triggers, developing early warning systems, and establishing coping strategies for real-time use. Therapy takes time, and progress tends to be gradual and ongoing. A therapist may provide support through both the harder weeks and the easier ones.

One important note: BetterHelp therapists provide talk therapy only. Medication management is handled separately by a psychiatrist, but a therapist may coordinate care and work alongside a prescribing provider.

 How do you get started with BetterHelp?

BetterHelp makes it possible to connect with experienced, licensed therapists who understand mood disorders, whenever and however works best. Begin the journey by taking three steps:

1. Complete a short questionnaire: A few questions about symptoms, history, and preferences are used to match individuals with a therapist experienced in bipolar disorder.

2. Get matched within 24 to 48 hours: No long waitlists, no calling around.

3. Choose how to connect: Video, phone, or live chat, on a schedule that fits.

Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, but it doesn't have to take over. Whether managing a manic or hypomanic episode, therapy for bipolar disorder may help build the stability and tools needed to manage symptoms and move forward. When ready, get started with BetterHelp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can therapy alone treat bipolar disorder?

Therapy may work best alongside bipolar disorder medication from a psychiatrist, and it’s possible that a combined approach might be more effective than therapy alone.

Is online therapy effective for bipolar disorder?

Yes. Research supports online therapy, including CBT, for managing manic, depressive symptoms, and mood symptoms in people with bipolar disorder.

Do I need a diagnosis to start therapy on BetterHelp?

No. A BetterHelp therapist may help individuals explore the symptoms and recommend next steps without a formal diagnosis.

Can BetterHelp therapists prescribe medication?

No. BetterHelp therapists provide talk therapy and cannot prescribe medication. However, they may work alongside the prescribing provider to support overall care.

Is BetterHelp therapy confidential?

Yes. All sessions are confidential and conducted on BetterHelp's secure, HIPAA-compliant platform.