This page is for general education and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a qualified professional. If this is an emergency, call 911 or 988.
Talk to someone about treatment options
Reach the free, confidential SAMHSA National Helpline for treatment referrals and information.
This is the free, confidential SAMHSA National Helpline, operated by the U.S. government. Get Mental Help is not affiliated with it and is not compensated for these calls. How this site is funded.
Bipolar disorder is treatable, and you don’t have to manage it alone. It’s a condition marked by real shifts in mood and energy — between elevated states (mania or hypomania) and episodes of depression — that go beyond ordinary ups and downs. With the right care, most people can steady those swings and get daily life back. Below is what bipolar disorder involves, the options that help, and how to take the next step today.
Your treatment options
Bipolar disorder is usually managed with a combination of approaches that you and a professional tailor to your situation:
- Medication. Medication is a cornerstone of bipolar treatment, helping to stabilize mood and reduce the frequency and intensity of episodes. A prescriber helps you weigh the options and trade-offs.
- Therapy. Talk therapy supports day-to-day management and resilience. Approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) can help with mood, stress, and coping skills.
- Combination care. Most people do best with medication and therapy together, rather than either alone.
- Routine and support. Steady sleep, daily structure, and support from people you trust all help treatment work. Our treatment guides explain the options in more detail.
The right mix depends on the type of bipolar disorder and how it affects you. A short conversation can help you sort out where to start.
What happens when you call
If you use the helpline on this page, here’s exactly what to expect — no surprises:
- A treatment specialist answers and asks a few questions about what you’re going through and the kind of help you’re looking for.
- It’s a no-pressure conversation. There’s no obligation to enter treatment, and you can stop any time.
- They can help you understand options, including cost and insurance.
- This is an advertising-supported service: calls are answered by a paid advertiser, not by Get Mental Help. If you’d rather not use it, the free SAMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-4357) and 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline are always available.
You should always know who you’re talking to and why — that transparency is the point.
Check in on your symptoms
Not sure whether what you’re experiencing fits bipolar disorder? It helps to understand the patterns. See the types of bipolar disorder and the difference between bipolar 1 and bipolar 2, and read how the condition can affect thinking and concentration. Only a qualified professional can diagnose bipolar disorder.
Find help in your state
Options, costs, and coverage differ by state. Use Find Help by State for the mental-health agency, Medicaid coverage, crisis lines, and free or low-cost options where you live — part of our State of Mental Health Access data.
What treatment costs
Cost depends on the type of care, your insurance, and your state — so there’s no single number. A few things that help:
- Insurance and Medicaid generally cover mental health treatment; coverage varies by plan and state.
- Free and low-cost options exist everywhere — 988, the free SAMHSA National Helpline, community mental health centers, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), and sliding-scale clinics.
- A specialist (or your state’s resources) can help you find care that fits your budget.
From our clinical review. Bipolar disorder often gets diagnosed years after the first episodes, because the high periods can feel good and go unmentioned. The earlier the full pattern is recognized and treated, the more stable life tends to become. Reaching out is not a commitment — it’s information.
If you’re ready, talk to someone about your options now — it’s free to call and there’s no obligation.
Frequently asked questions
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition marked by significant shifts in mood, energy, and activity — between elevated states (mania or hypomania) and episodes of depression. These shifts go beyond ordinary ups and downs and can affect daily life, but the condition is treatable.
Is bipolar disorder treatable?
Yes. Bipolar disorder is a long-term condition, but with ongoing care — usually a combination of medication, therapy, and steady support — most people can manage their mood episodes and lead full lives. Only a qualified professional can diagnose it and recommend a plan.
What are the types of bipolar disorder?
The main types are bipolar I (defined by full manic episodes), bipolar II (hypomania plus major depression), and cyclothymic disorder (a milder, long-running pattern). Identifying the type helps guide the most effective treatment.
Sources
- Bipolar Disorder — National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
- Bipolar Disorder — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Bipolar Disorder — National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Reviewed against the sources above. This page is educational and is not medical advice.
Talk to someone about treatment options
Reach the free, confidential SAMHSA National Helpline for treatment referrals and information.
This is the free, confidential SAMHSA National Helpline, operated by the U.S. government. Get Mental Help is not affiliated with it and is not compensated for these calls. How this site is funded.