Bipolar Disorder Service

Compassionate care for bipolar disorder

We provide comprehensive services to adults 18 and older, such as:

• Dauten Family Center for Bipolar Treatment Innovation: Expert care alongside active research focused on improving bipolar treatment.

• Adult partial hospitalization for bipolar disorder: Short-term, intensive treatment designed for people who are in crisis but can remain at home safely. Care may include:

  • Case management and aftercare planning
  • Group therapy
  • Individual therapy, using techniques such as CBT, DBT, and acceptance and commitment therapy
  • Medication consultations

• Residential treatment through Appleton: A residential treatment program for people experiencing psychosis. Care may include:

  • Exercise, nutrition, and stress management
  • Group therapy
  • Individual therapy
  • Recreational activities
  • Self-help groups

• In-home and community care through the Program of Assertive Community Treatment (PACT): PACT clinicians meet with you in your home or community, addressing symptoms and helping with therapy or medication management.

• Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder Outpatient Clinic: Therapy and medication management for adults ages 18–65 with bipolar or psychotic disorders.

• McLean Outpatient Consultation Service: Diagnostic and treatment consultations for adults who already have a mental health provider.

The Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder Outpatient Clinic at McLean Hospital provides individual therapy, group therapy, and medication management for adults ages 18–65 with bipolar or psychotic disorders.

The clinic uses evidence-based approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and interpersonal psychodynamic therapy. Following an initial assessment, the team provides individualized treatment recommendations to help you manage symptoms, improve daily functioning, and work toward your personal goals.

Bipolar symptoms often begin during adolescence and can begin in early childhood. Our Child Bipolar Program provides specialized clinical care to help children and teens manage symptoms and build coping skills.

For some teens, care may include school-based support through programs such as the Arlington School, a college-preparatory high school affiliated with McLean Hospital that merges academics with on-site clinical care.

Many people with bipolar disorder benefit from one or a combination of treatments, including:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other psychotherapies
• Diagnostic assessment and treatment consultation
• Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
• Interpersonal therapy
• Medication management
• Neuromodulatory treatments such as TMS

Your care team also offers guidance on lifestyle strategies and self-care practices that play an important role in long-term symptom management.