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Christian Based Treatment Centers for Bipolar Disorder

People diagnosed with bipolar disorder can benefit from psychotherapy. The types of therapy most successful in treating bipolar disorder include individual counseling, family counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy and interpersonal and social rhythm psychotherapy. These therapies can be obtained through many different treatment centers. Depending on personal beliefs and needs, one option is a Christian or Bible-based counselor.

  1. Definition

    • Christian-based treatment integrates sound psycho-social principles with faith, spirituality and Biblical teaching. Christian counselors have the same goals as secular counselors but they take the additional step of offering care from a Christian perspective. Christian-based treatment comes in a variety of styles and beliefs, too.

    Locating a Christian Center

    • The first step is to seek referrals from trusted friends, church staff or a family physician. The local hospital's social services department can provide a list of resources. A nearby college or university that has a medical, psychology or social work program is a good resource, especially if it's a seminary or Christian/church-based school. Look in the Yellow Pages under mental health, social work, counselors or hospitals for leads. Finally, search Google, Yahoo!, Bing or any other Internet search engine using keywords such as "Christian counseling" or "Christian mental health treatment centers."

    Locating a Christian Therapist

    • Finding a Christian counselor who treats bipolar disorder might be easier than finding a nearby treatment center. The first stop should be to see what services are available at local churches. Most churches have a pastoral counselor, specially trained lay counselors or support groups available to the community. Beyond the church, you'll likely find counselors who are Christians.

    Directories

    • Several Web sites can be searched to find a therapist or treatment center. The American Association of Christian Counselors includes therapists who are professionally trained clinicians, pastors and trained members of the church. The AACC's website has a directory of members and a list of recommended treatment centers. The National Christian Counselors Association trains, certifies and licenses Christian therapists. Their website has a directory of 478 members. The American Association of Pastoral Counselors has a "Find a Counselor" page and the International Association of Biblical Counselors has a list of groups they endorse.

    Factors

    • Having found a Christian therapist or treatment center, the first question to ask is, "Does this person or center have experience treating bipolar disorder." This specialization is a critical factor that can make the difference between treatment that fails or succeeds. Don't hesitate to ask how many years of experience the counselor has with treating bipolar disorder and what treatments or therapies he offers. Also check into what license or certification he has. From the Christian perspective, some of the following questions will help determine whether the specific person or center is a good match for the individual's beliefs: What is their approach to counseling? How do they integrate the Bible into counseling? Do they pray with clients? What is their view of key moral issues?

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