Bipolar disorder treatment in Bellevue, WASteadier days, with a team that knows you.
Careful diagnosis and ongoing care for bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder can feel unpredictable, for you and the people around you. With an accurate diagnosis and consistent care, many people find long stretches of stability and get back to the life they want.
- Care for adolescents and adults
- In person in Bellevue or by telehealth
- In-network with most major insurance plans
- No diagnosis needed to reach out
In-Person & Telehealth
Understanding Bipolar Disorder
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mood condition that causes episodes of depression and episodes of unusually elevated, energized or irritable mood, called mania or hypomania. Between episodes, many people feel well.
There are two main types. Bipolar I involves at least one manic episode. Bipolar II involves depression and milder hypomanic episodes. Because the depressive side is often what brings people in, bipolar disorder can be mistaken for depression alone, which is why a careful evaluation matters before choosing treatment.
When to seek help
If you’ve had periods of depression and also times of unusually high energy or little need for sleep, or antidepressants have made you feel agitated or wired, talk with a psychiatric provider. Family members often notice the pattern first, and it’s worth raising.
Common signs of bipolar disorder
Symptoms come in episodes that last days to weeks and are a clear change from your usual self.
- Periods of unusually high energy, confidence or irritability
- Needing much less sleep without feeling tired
- Racing thoughts, rapid speech or jumping between ideas
- Impulsive spending, risk-taking or decisions you later regret
- Episodes of deep sadness, low energy and loss of interest
- Mood shifts that affect work, relationships or finances
Our approach
How we treat bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder is a long-term condition, and good care is steady and collaborative. Our goal is fewer episodes, faster recovery when they happen, and a plan you feel part of.
A thorough psychiatric evaluation
We take a detailed history of your moods over time, your sleep, family history and past treatments, to make an accurate diagnosis and rule out other causes.
Medication management
Mood stabilizers and related medications are the foundation of treatment for most people. We choose carefully, monitor safety and side effects, and adjust over time.
Early warning plan
We help you recognize your early signs, protect your sleep and routines, and know exactly when to reach out through the patient portal, so small changes are caught before they grow.
Care that connects
With your permission, we coordinate with your therapist, primary care provider and other clinicians, so everyone supporting you is working from the same plan.
Questions
Bipolar Disorder FAQs
How is bipolar disorder different from depression?
Depression involves low mood without episodes of mania or hypomania. Bipolar disorder includes those elevated episodes as well. The difference matters because some treatments for depression alone can be less effective, or even trigger mood changes, in bipolar disorder.
Can bipolar disorder be treated?
Yes. Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, but with consistent treatment many people live stable, full lives. Medication, healthy sleep and routines, therapy and a good relationship with your care team all help.
Will I have to take medication long-term?
Most people with bipolar disorder benefit from ongoing medication to prevent new episodes. We work with you to find a plan with the fewest side effects and review it regularly.
What is the difference between bipolar I and bipolar II?
Bipolar I involves at least one full manic episode, which can be severe. Bipolar II involves depressive episodes and hypomania, a milder form of elevated mood. Both are serious and both respond to treatment.
Do you treat bipolar disorder in adolescents?
Yes. We provide psychiatric care for adolescents as well as adults, with parents or caregivers involved in the plan.
How long is the first appointment for bipolar disorder?
The first psychiatric evaluation takes about 60 minutes. Follow-up visits take about 30 minutes, in person in Bellevue or by telehealth.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Please bring a photo ID, your insurance card and a list of current medications. If you’ve had earlier evaluations or treatment for your mood, those records help too.
Will I need blood tests?
Some medications used for bipolar disorder, such as lithium and certain mood stabilizers, need regular blood tests to check levels and safety. When your treatment calls for them, we order the tests and review the results with you.
Do you offer bipolar disorder treatment by telehealth?
Yes. We offer secure telehealth appointments anywhere in Washington State, as well as in-person visits at our Bellevue office.
Is bipolar disorder treatment covered by insurance?
We’re in-network with most major insurance plans, including Medicare, and self-pay is available. Before your first visit, our team verifies your coverage.
Related conditions we treat
Getting started is easier than you think
Taking the first step toward mental health care can feel like a lot. We keep the process simple and clear, so you always know what’s happening next, from your first call to ongoing care.
Reach out
Call, text or get started online. Our team is happy to answer any questions and help you get scheduled.
Your first visit
An evaluation, in person in Bellevue or by telehealth anywhere in Washington State, to understand your history and goals.
Your personal plan
Together we’ll talk through what may be going on and start building a plan around your needs, explained in plain language.
Ongoing support
We follow your progress closely and adjust as you go, with regular check-ins and the same team beside you at every step.
Get started
Feeling better starts with one appointment
Reaching out is often the hardest part, and you’ve already started by being here. Schedule an evaluation and we’ll help you understand what’s going on and what can help, whether that’s medication, NeuroStar® TMS or SPRAVATO®. Care for children, adolescents and adults, in person in Bellevue or by telehealth throughout Washington State.
- Aetna
- Anthem Blue Cross
- Blue Cross/Blue Shield Plans
- Bridgespan
- Cigna
- First Choice Health
- Kaiser Permanente
- LifeWise
- Lucent Health
- Medicare
- Moda Health
- Premera
- Regence
- Regence Group Administrators
- TRICARE
- TriWest
- United Healthcare
We verify your benefits before your first visit.Self-pay options available.