PlushCare / Online Doctor / Mental Health / Bipolar Disorder
Treatment of bipolar disorder will depend on symptoms, age and the severity of impact. While PlushCare does not have online psychiatrists to treat patients, our Collaborative Care Model includes Psychiatric Consultants and allows our primary care physicians to diagnose and treat some types of BD.
Medication services available 24/7 for adults and kids (3+)
Top quality, board-certified doctors
No insurance needed
Same-day prescriptions available*
*Prescriptions provided at doctor’s discretion.
Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less. Otherwise, new patient visits are $129 and follow-ups are only $69 for members.
Step 1
Book a same day appointment from anywhere.
Step 2
Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer. Complete any necessary evaluations.
Step 3
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.
Step 1
Book a same day appointment from anywhere.
Step 2
Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer. Complete any necessary evaluations.
Step 3
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.
How pricing works
To request bipolar disorder treatment or refill on your prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits
$14.99/month
First month free
Copay
For all visits
Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
$14.99/month
First month free
$129
Repeats only $69
Initial visits are $129 and follow-ups are only $69 for active members.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.
Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that causes extreme shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and behaviors. People with bipolar disorder typically experience mood episodes that can be categorized as manic/hypomanic (emotionally high) and depressive (emotionally low) moods. These manic episodes (or depressive episodes) can last from hours to months and affect sleep, energy, activity, behavior and mental acuity.
If left untreated, bipolar disorder can be detrimental to your health and the wellbeing of those around you. Treating this condition early and effectively is the key to living a normal life. According to the American Psychiatric Association, when properly diagnosed and treated, bipolar disorder is completely manageable, and many treated individuals with bipolar disorder live healthy and productive lives.
According to the National Institute of Health, there are various types of bipolar disorder present with differing severity of symptoms:
The exact cause of bipolar disorder is still an area of active scientific research, but scientists think several factors can contribute to bipolar disorder:
People with bipolar disorder appear to have some subtle but detectable changes in their brain structures.
High stress and traumatic events (e.g. death in family) can trigger a manic or depressive episode.
People with bipolar disorder seem to have at least one close biological relative with a similar condition. However, it should be noted that if you have a relative with bipolar disorder, it does not necessarily mean that you will develop bipolar disorder. Scientists are still trying to identify the genes that may be involved in triggering bipolar disorder.
Common bipolar disorder medications can include the following:
Taken to control manic or hypomanic episodes.
Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
Lithium (Eskalith)
Some bipolar patients may be able to manage symptoms with certain antidepressants if prescribed and monitored by a psychiatrist. Doctors have to prescribe antidepressant medication together with mood stabilizing medication to prevent triggering a manic episode.
Antipsychotics are available to prescription in order to treat psychosis. They are licensed to treat mental health problems that include psychotic experiences.
Quetiapine (Seroquel)
Risperidone (Risperdal)
Bipolar disorder is a long term mental health condition that requires continuous treatment to help manage the symptoms. In addition to medication, a patient can work with a mental health professional to receive psychotherapy (talk therapy) to help with the stresses of mood swings. There are a few psychotherapy options as well as a electroconvulsive therapy:
If you develop any symptoms of depression or mania as described above, see your doctor or mental health professional for help, as bipolar disorder requires a formal diagnosis. With a professionally formulated treatment plan, you can minimize disruptions to your lifestyle.
Note that thoughts of death and suicides are common among people with bipolar disorder. If you are thinking of hurting yourself, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
Treatment of bipolar disorder will depend on the individual’s symptoms, age, and the severity of impact. Prescription medication is a common form of treatment for bipolar disorder. Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is another form of treatment for bipolar that is highly effective when paired together with medication.
Please note that while we do not have online psychiatrists at this time and therefore cannot diagnose bipolar disorder, our primary care physicians may be able to refill prescriptions to treat bipolar disorder. Our board-certified physicians can refer you to one of our therapists for further treatment, as well as a psychiatrist for in-person medication management of bipolar disorder.
Below we describe the manic symptoms and the depressive symptoms:
The best treatment for bipolar disorder is a combination of medication and psychotherapy.
Depending on the type of bipolar disorder and also the severity of your symptoms, your doctor will prescribe the appropriate medicine. Doctors have to prescribe antidepressant medication together with mood stabilizing medication to prevent triggering a manic episode.
No. Bipolar disorder doesn’t go away and requires a formal diagnosis. If you develop any symptoms of depression or mania, see your doctor or mental health professional for help. With a professionally formulated treatment plan, you can minimize disruptions to your lifestyle.
Many times, people with bipolar disorder fail to recognize how much their mood swings disrupt their lives and those close to them. If you develop any symptoms of depression or mania, see your doctor or mental health professional to get a formal diagnosis.
Unfortunately, bipolar disorder cannot be cured permanently. Bipolar disorder is a long term mental health condition that requires continuous treatment to help manage the symptoms. With the right combination of medication and therapy, many patients can continue to have normal lives.
