Bipolar

Bipolar disorder, also known as bipolar affective disorder, manic-depressive disorder, or manic depression, is a serious illness that causes changes in mood, energy, and the ability to function. People with this disorder experience periods of a frenzied mood known as mania or manic episodes. The manic episodes can vary immensely in their level of seriousness and can range from feeling energetic, excitable, and highly productive to erratic and impulsive behavior with a distorted view of reality. Many people with bipolar disorder also experience periods of depression, but some do not. Manic and depressive episodes can last from a few days to months. Only about 4% of the population is bipolar and genetics contribute to an individual’s likelihood of developing the disorder. There is no simple test to confirm bipolar disorder and the diagnosis is often a difficult one, even for mental health professionals.

Local experts in Bipolar

Sam Wilson

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

LCSW, LCSW-C

Bipolar disorder is often a lifelong challenge, but it can be managed successfully, and it does not have to be a barrier to happiness or success. Outside of medication management there is a great deal that the individual can do to institute a healthy routine, monitor symptoms, and compensate for temporary impairments. I can help.

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Jeremy Jones (They/them)

Licensed Professional Counselor

LPC, CADC-II, BC-TMH

I have extensive work in treating individuals who have recently been diagnosed with this disorder in understanding what the symptoms are, and how to best manage them in tandem with medications and therapy.

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Jake Freeman (he/him)

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

PMHNP, MSN, RN

I use therapy alongside medication to help alleviate symptoms of bipolar and mood disorder

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Sasha Strong (they/them)

Licensed Professional Counselor

PhD, LPC

Do you struggle with mood swings? Have you experienced a manic episode? I believe that people can recover from bipolar disorder, and recovery can mean a lot of different things. For my doctoral dissertation, I studied how people recover from bipolar disorder using mindfulness and Buddhist frameworks. I also have personal experience recovering from a bipolar diagnosis. The good news is: recovery is possible! I'd be happy to share what I learned with you, and offer guidance on your journey.

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Ken Kemp (he/him)

Marriage and Family Therapist Associate

MA, LMHCA

I have Community Mental Health-Agency experience with helping many clients successfully manage their symptoms while working collaboratively with their medical provider.

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Miranda York

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

Bipolar disorder can show up in a myriad of ways. Bipolar can manifest in: depressed agitation, a feeling of being on edge, difficulty with focusing and challenges with executive functioning, or you might think you have a personality disorder. I work with Bipolar 2 disorder and other low and mid spectrum bipolarity.

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Felicia Turner

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

No one likes to be diagnosed with a severe-debilitating mental illness, but with appropriate treatment there can be limited to no symptoms at all. I do not necessarily treat disorders, I treat the symptoms with medications that are prescribed based on an individual's needs.

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Ryan Grassmann, M.A., LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

I have a particular interest Bipolar disorders due much in part to it's presence in so many people I have known in my personal life, from childhood to the present. This intrinsic motivation has drawn me to study and train in the most up to date treatments available. Due to my graduate level training's foundation in multidisciplinary studies, I am particularly skilled in working in conjunction with mental health prescribers. Achieving a state of remission is possible with courage and commitment.

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Colleen Burke-Sivers, LPC (She/her)

Licensed Professional Counselor

Bipolar disorder is such a difficult, confusing, and isolating illness. Those who suffer from it feel miserably depressed, alternating with boundless energy and ideas, irritability and impulsiveness. At times, you may feel ecstatic and other times, you have no idea why you ever felt that way. I help people make sense of their moods, swings, frantic thoughts, and unravel the mess of symptoms.

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Molz Wirtz-Wold (they/them)

Licensed Professional Counselor

MS, LMHC, LPC

I enjoy helping clients learn how to manage bipolar symptoms and live as peaceful as life as they choose. I believe the societal stigma around bipolar is incredibly damaging and I work to help people thrive despite potential negative perspectives out there. I enjoy supporting people find rhythm and balance in their lives through attention to sleep, regular nutrition, awareness of drugs and alcohol on stability, adherence to medication if prescribed, and stress management.

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Forrest Pandit-Kerr

Professional Counselor Associate

MS, CRC

I know that for some people mania or hypomania can be a high or sorts, while for others it just feels miserable. I can work with you to develop the skills and tools to track episodes and create a comprehensive plan for them. Whether that means coordinating with your prescriber and any natural supports, or using journals and mood tracking apps, I will support you with feeling safe that there is a plan in place and I can help you navigate taking time of work or school if you need to.

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Grace Silvia, LCSW (she/her)

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Deep lows and intense highs can wreck havoc on your life. But they can also be gifts of exquisite sensitivity, a response to trauma, or/and a spiritual awakening. I am learning from friends, clients and colleagues what can be helpful. I would be honored to share what I am learning and learn from you on this journey.

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THRIVE Clinic

Clinical Psychologist

Research indicates that bipolar disorder is best treated with a combination of medication and psychotherapy. At THRIVE, we offer both medication management and evidence-based therapies for teens and adults with bipolar disorder. Our clinic manager, Dr. Christopher Hawkey, was intensively trained in Family-Focused Therapy by the treatment developer, Dr. David Miklowitz.

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