How to Decide if Outpatient or Partial Hospitalization Program Is Right for Your Bipolar Disorder

Individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder (BD) benefit from attending intensive outpatient (IOP) or partial hospitalization (PHP) programs. The structured environment removes stressors and reduces symptoms, allowing clients to address underlying issues contributing to disruptive symptoms. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), “Bipolar disorder (formerly called manic-depressive illness or manic depression) is a mental illness that causes unusual shifts in a person’s mood, energy, activity levels, and concentration.” Alter Wellness Care offers comprehensive IOP and PHP treatment to help you overcome your bipolar disorder.  

How to Determine the Best Treatment for Your Bipolar Disorder

Symptoms of BD vary significantly from person to person, and there are three distinct types of bipolar disorder. The kinds of BD have different severities of symptoms. You might only experience mild symptoms occasionally over several years or live with severe symptoms that interfere with your daily functioning. Accurate diagnosis is difficult, especially for individuals with co-occurring substance misuse or mental health disorders.

Below are brief descriptions of each type of bipolar disorder: 

• Bipolar I: Alternating manic and depressive symptoms severe enough to interfere with a person’s ability to function
• Bipolar II: Vycles of depressive symptoms followed by hypomanic symptoms not severe enough to meet the criteria for bipolar I
• Cyclothymic disorder or cyclothymia: Recurring mild hypomanic and depressive symptoms that don’t meet the criteria for bipolar I or bipolar II

IOP and PHP programs provide clients with the resources and tools they need to manage bipolar disorder long-term. Treatment programs at Alter Wellness Care give you the space to grow and heal while providing essential services. The freedom and flexibility of outpatient care allow you to recover from bipolar disorder while meeting personal responsibilities. 

Partial Hospitalization Programs for Your Bipolar Disorder

PHP is an outpatient program designed to provide high-quality support. According to the International Journal of General Medicine, “Partial hospitalization programs should be considered for moderately ill patients.” PHPs allow you to attend comprehensive treatment sessions most days of the week. You have the freedom to return home at night and on the weekends. PHPs are ideal for individuals with moderate symptoms who have families, pets, or other responsibilities at home they cannot leave for long periods. 

Some of the services offered by PHPs include: 

• Psychotherapy and psychiatry
• Psychoeducational groups
• Personalized holistic therapies 
• Peer support 
• Community engagement 
• Life skills development 
• Case management 

Alter Wellness Care offers a welcoming community environment and structured treatment programs. You can practice managing your symptoms while interacting with peers and the care team. PHP is ideal for individuals who need intensive care without constant supervision.

Intensive Outpatient Treatment for Your Bipolar Disorder

IOPs provide additional freedoms. You spend less time during the week attending treatment programs and instead rely on the coping skills you learn in treatment and your support system. Individuals with mild symptoms benefit most from IOP or outpatient treatment programs. You can continue to receive comprehensive care while prioritizing your family, career, or education. The care team will ensure you have access to the resources you need to thrive during treatment. 

Some of the primary benefits of IOPs include: 

• Greater freedom and independence in your day-to-day life
• The ability to work full-time while attending treatment 
• Increased responsibility and self-accountability

IOPs allow you to make ends meet while receiving the treatment and support you need to heal. You can work a part-time or full-time job while attending regular treatment sessions. However, IOPs are not for everyone. Some people require additional accountability and support services to establish and maintain healthy routines and behaviors. 

Admissions Assessments at Alter Wellness Care

Comprehensive admissions assessments at Alter Wellness Care provide clients with an accurate diagnosis to ensure they get treated for the correct type of bipolar disorder. The care team collaborates with clients to determine the best level of care, taking into account any personal, cultural, or religious preferences. 

You will need to share specific details about your medical history and mental health during the admissions assessment. The clinical team offers better treatment options if they have the following information:

• Type and severity of symptoms you have experienced within the last six months
• List of any current prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, or illicit drugs 
• Family medical history 
• Details about any past treatments you may have tried

The care team uses these details to ensure you get the right level of care during every stage of treatment. Most clients with bipolar disorder gradually transition through several levels of treatment before they complete the program. Alter Wellness Care ensures that every client receives the care and support they need to fully recover from BD. The care team provides aftercare planning and alumni services to those who complete an initial treatment program.

Bipolar disorder manifests in many different ways. The symptoms exist along a spectrum ranging from mild to severe. Cycling from one emotional extreme to another is one of the characteristics of bipolar disorder, and it can have a devastating effect on your mental and physical health. Personalized mental health treatment provides the best outcomes for individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Alter Wellness Care offers intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization programs for individuals struggling with persistent mental health issues, including bipolar disorder. The care team uses comprehensive assessments to help clients determine which program to attend. You choose the programs and services we use to treat your bipolar disorder. To learn more about our services, call us today at (866) 311-3510.