How to Find a Good Counselor for Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a psychological disorder, also known as manic depression or manic-depressive illness, that is generally categorized as a depressive illness that is accompanied by manic highs and severe lows. Bipolar disorder is a long-term illness that often develops in a patient's late teens or early twenties. Part of managing bipolar disorder is finding a talk therapy counselor you trust to discuss your emotions with at least once a week.

Instructions

• 1

  Ask your general practitioner to recommend counselors in your area.

• 2

  Call prospective counselors to set up a phone interview. The counselor should be more than happy to set up a phone interview and listen to what you are looking for in a counselor. Your counselor may also be known as a psychologist, talk therapist or clinical social worker. As long as the counselor can provide you with one talk session at least once a week, the importance of title and credentials is up to you to decide with your doctor.

• 3

  Interview several counselors. You will get different first impressions and feelings from different counselors. Interview several over the phone before you make your decision. Ask if they have treated bipolar patients and what their therapy style is.

• 4

  Trust your gut feeling. If you are feeling more positive about one counselor than another, choose the counselor you have the best feeling towards. For instance, some bipolar patients feel they want a female counselor, but after conducting interviews, decide to choose a male counselor. Your comfort with the counselor is the most important thing.

• 5

  Don't be afraid to stop seeing your counselor. Some people feel that once they have started seeing a counselor, they should just stay with that counselor rather than seeking a new one, even if they do not feel they are being helped. It is always better to dismiss your counselor and find another counselor you trust. Thank your counselor and tell them that you will no longer be needing their services. Give your counselor several weeks notice before leaving, if possible.