Finding the right psychiatrist is key to managing bipolar disorder.
All psychiatric providers have expertise in bipolar disorder, but not all of them are comfortable treating it.
You can also think about your treatment goals and preferences. Make sure your psychiatrist listens to and values your experiences.
If you live with bipolar disorder (or suspect you do), you deserve treatment that works. According to research, the most effective treatment is a combination of medication and therapy. A psychiatrist can help, but it can be confusing to figure out how to find a good psychiatrist for bipolar disorder.
Finding the right psychiatric provider is important, and it can make a big difference in how you feel about your treatment journey. With the right support, you can learn to manage your bipolar disorder symptoms and feel empowered to take control of your mental health.
Here are six things to consider when looking for a bipolar disorder psychiatrist.
1. Find someone with expertise in bipolar disorder
Psychiatric providers have areas of specialties and expertise, just like other providers. It’s important to find a psychiatrist who specializes in treating bipolar disorder.
Any medical professional — including all psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, and general physicians — can legally treat and prescribe medication for bipolar disorder. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that all professionals are fully informed of the current best treatment practices. Treatment guidelines for bipolar disorder have changed greatly in recent decades as new research emerges.
A psychiatrist or psychiatrist mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) who specializes in bipolar disorder is more likely to recommend the best treatment methods for your needs. It can be a good idea to look at reviews of potential psychiatric providers if you can find them. See if they mention the psychiatrist's experience treating bipolar disorder. You can also ask for recommendations from your general practitioner or therapist.
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2. Ask about their bipolar treatment philosophy
Ask potential psychiatric providers about their treatment philosophy. For example, some psychiatric providers may practice functional medicine. Others might specialize in holistic bipolar disorder treatment. Some focus solely on medication for bipolar disorder, while others may emphasize the importance of therapy.
Even within the area of medication management, some bipolar disorder psychiatrists may try to use the least amount of medications as possible at the lowest effective dosage when treating bipolar disorder symptoms. Others may rely more heavily on high dosages to help patients manage their symptoms.
One treatment philosophy isn’t necessarily better than another. It’s about finding a treatment provider who aligns with your needs.
3. Consider your personal treatment goals and preferences
When you’re looking for a psychiatrist to help you manage bipolar disorder, it’s important to consider your treatment goals. Think about what you're hoping for and what’s motivating you to see a psychiatrist for bipolar disorder. For example, are you primarily looking for an evaluation and diagnosis? Are you looking for medication or therapy? What kind of treatment methods are you looking for?
Identifying what "successful" psychiatric treatment would look like for you can help you narrow down potential psychiatric providers.
4. Find a good personality fit
A psychiatric provider’s personality can also make a big difference. A strong therapeutic relationship isn’t only important when you’re in therapy. It can also be important when you see a psychiatrist. Research shows that it can even influence your treatment outcomes. When you like and trust your psychiatric provider, you're more likely to be invested in your mental healthcare.
A good personality fit is very subjective. You might not click with a psychiatrist who seems like a perfect fit on paper — and that’s OK. It’s usually recommended to see mental health providers for two or three sessions before moving on. But if you feel like it’s just not the right fit, you’re free to look for another psychiatrist.
5. Find someone who listens
Bipolar disorder can be very misunderstood, even within the psychiatric community. Some medications used for bipolar disorder can have side effects, so it’s important to find a psychiatric provider who listens to you and values your expertise in your life and experiences.
A psychiatric provider should not only be knowledgeable about bipolar disorder but also empathetic and open to your thoughts and feelings. You’re the expert on your experience, and it’s essential that your psychiatrist respects that. If your psychiatric provider isn't taking your concerns seriously or you feel dismissed or invalidated, it may negatively affect your trust in them, which can affect your progress.
If you feel like a psychiatrist or PMHNP isn’t really hearing you when you speak about your experiences with bipolar disorder (or if you feel like they’re judging or shaming you in any way), it’s absolutely OK to switch providers. Your mental health journey is deeply personal, and you deserve a treatment provider who truly understands and respects your experience. Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it’s important to seek a provider who makes you feel heard and validated.
6. Confirm accessibility and availability
The U.S. is seeing a nationwide psychiatrist shortage. So, depending on where you live, local psychiatrists may not have available appointments for several weeks or even months. Some psychiatrists may not be accepting new patients. Getting on a waitlist may work if you’re not in crisis, but symptoms of bipolar disorder can become dangerous if left untreated.
In addition to checking to make sure that you can get an appointment within a reasonable time frame, ask about how potential psychiatric providers conduct sessions. For example, do they require you to come in for in-person sessions, or can you use telehealth for all of your appointments? Different people have different needs, so make sure the psychiatrist’s services align with what you're looking for.
If you have bipolar disorder, it’s important to find a psychiatric provider who’s comfortable treating that condition. All psychiatric providers are trained in treating bipolar disorder, but not all of us are comfortable doing so.
Halee Fullerton, PMHNP-BC
Clinical reviewer
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Starting your search for the right psychiatrist for bipolar disorder can be confusing and even overwhelming. But with the right support, you can find a treatment provider who understands your needs and can help you work toward healing. It’s important to feel heard and supported throughout your path toward learning how to manage bipolar disorder. The right provider for you is out there.
At Rula, we’re committed to delivering a comprehensive behavioral health experience that helps people feel seen and understood so they can get back to feeling their best.
Rula makes it easier to find a licensed therapist or psychiatric provider who accepts your insurance so you don’t have to choose between affordable care and excellent care. With a diverse network of more than 15,000 providers, 24/7 crisis support, and appointments available as soon as tomorrow, we're here to help you make progress — wherever you are on your mental health journey.
Saya Des Marais
Saya graduated with her Master in Social Work (MSW) with a concentration in mental health from the University of Southern California in 2010. She formerly worked as a therapist and motivational interviewing trainer in community clinics, public schools, mental health startups, and more.
Her writing has been featured in FORTUNE, GoodRX, PsychCentral, and dozens of mental health apps and therapy websites. Through both her clinical work and her personal OCD diagnosis, she’s learned the importance of making empathetic and accurate mental health content available online.
She lives in Portland, Oregon but you can find her almost just as often in Mexico or in her birthplace, Tokyo.
Halee Fullerton, PMHNP-BC
Halee is a psychiatric nurse practitioner with experience treating children, adolescents, and adults. She has worked in outpatient community health with children/adolescents as well as inpatient substance use disorder treatment. She currently sees patients via outpatient telehealth. Before becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner, she worked in emergency rooms, medical-surgical units, long-term care facilities (including Alzheimer/dementia units) and the intensive care unit.
She chose a career in mental health because she wanted to help people and to contribute to breaking down stigma around mental health. She is especially passionate about working with people who are navigating substance use disorders, depressive disorders, and anxiety/trauma-related disorders. She has three labradoodles that she adores.
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