A List of Resources for People with Bipolar Disorder

Many resources are available for people with bipolar disorder. Some are located on-line and others can be found in the "real world." If you have a Doctor, s/he can point you in the right direction for various services and support. If you have not found a Doctor to treat your bipolar disorder, that should be the first task you accomplish.

Doctors who treat bipolar disorder can be found a number of different ways. If you have insurance, your company can help you in your search. HMOs and PPOs have lists of acceptable psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and mental health counselors. You can also ask friends and family if there is a doctor they would recommend.

If you are uninsured, or if you are insured, but the above sources haven't been helpful, contacting the community mental health agency is an option. If you live near a hospital that has a psychiatry department, they can help you find a psychiatrist. Psychiatric outpatient clinics are another resource.

A university that has a mental health training program usually offers assistance, either in providing services or in locating a provider. Medical schools also have information about where to seek services. A training hospital, affiliated with a psychiatric or psychological training program can be a resource, as well. State hospitals often have a network of outpatient clinics in communities around the state.

A social services agency or one that offers family services is another source of information about mental health care providers. Many employers have employee assistance programs that can direct you to a doctor or counselor. Private psychiatric clinics and hospitals can be contacted, either for an appointment or for a referral to a low cost or sliding-scale fee mental health program.

There are many peer support groups for people with bipolar disorder. Some are easily found through a computer search using the term "bipolar disorder." Others may be listed in the phone book or yellow pages under such categories as Mental Health Support, Social Services or Crisis Counseling. Check the listings for "hotlines," too. If you are undergoing a crisis, seek help at an emergency room. The doctors, nurses and social workers at the hospital can not only help you while you are in "crisis mode," they can help you find a doctor or agency to assist you for the long-term.

The National Institutes of Mental Health, a government funded organization has information on their web site about finding mental health care providers. They also have references about finding low cost or sliding scale fee services. In some extreme situations, there may be government funding for treatment. Their website address is listed in the link section below.

I discovered the Depression Bipolar Support Alliance when my psychiatrist recommend it as a source for information about my disorder, medications, and support. A link to their website is listed below. They offer a broad range of resources for people with bipolar disorder including information, help in locating a doctor, finding a DBSA affiliated peer support group near you, and an on-line peer support community.

Healthy Place is another on-line organization offering information, support and assistance in locating even more resources. Their web address is listed below.