Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. People with bipolar disorder experience episodes of mania or hypomania (elevated mood and energy) and episodes of depression (low mood and energy). These mood episodes can last for days, weeks, or months and can have a significant impact on a person’s ability to function in daily life.
Fortunately, there are treatments available to help manage bipolar disorder symptoms and improve quality of life. One of the most effective treatments for bipolar disorder is psychiatric care, which can include medication management, therapy, and lifestyle changes.
Finding the right psychiatrist for bipolar disorder can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it can be difficult to know where to start. In this article, we will explore some of the best psychiatrists for bipolar disorder and provide tips on how to choose the right one for you.
Psychiatrists for Bipolar Disorder
Following are some of the best psychiatrists that you can check out if you or a loved one is suffering from bipolar disorder.
1. Eilis Clark
Dr. Eilis Clark is a psychiatrist who specializes in the treatment of bipolar spectrum disorders and adult ADHD. At Nature Coast Psychiatry PLLC, she provides medication management visits in a private and serene setting to optimize the emotional health of her clients.
Dr. Clark’s integrative approach to treatment includes mind-body-spirit techniques, such as vitamins, supplements, herbs, relaxation, mindfulness, and somatic techniques. She also helps optimize vitamin insufficiencies and sub-optimal thyroid function to enhance her client’s overall health. Her therapeutic approach is Gestalt, Expressive, Jungian, Positive Psychology, and Motivational Interviewing. She also offers biofeedback and hypnosis sessions separately.
Dr. Clark recognizes that some clients may not be receiving the most out of their medication, and she ensures that they have the correct diagnosis through an extensive assessment. She offers a Mind-Body-Spirit approach to treatment and provides active listening to all of her clients. At only $100 per session, she accepts insurance and sees individuals and groups.
2. Monowara Begum
Monowara Begum is a board-certified psychiatrist with over forty years of experience providing comprehensive mental health evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment for the adult, geriatric, and adolescent populations. Her practice offers in-person and online therapy for bipolar disorder, as well as anxiety, depression, panic disorder, OCD, and other psychiatric conditions.
Dr. Begum has special expertise in psychopharmacology and the treatment of individuals who did not respond to various treatments in the past. She believes in providing compassionate care and helping patients achieve their maximum level of well-being.
She also serves as a medical advisor to the Rockland County Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) and has been awarded New York State Assembly and Congressional recognition for her community service.
Dr. Begum’s private practice offers in-person and online therapy, and she welcomes individuals, couples, and families from various ethnic backgrounds, including those who speak Bengali. She provides a free 15-minute consultation and is dedicated to providing hope and help to those who are struggling with their mental health.
3. Dr. Ivonne Torriente Crespo
Dr. Ivonne Torriente Crespo is an adult psychiatrist who offers both in-person and online services. She completed her psychiatric residency training at Saint Elizabeths Hospital in Washington DC and specializes in treating bipolar disorder as well as depression, anxiety, OCD, and PTSD. She offers a consistent, empathetic, and non-judgmental space to help her patients relieve their suffering and improve their mental well-being.
Dr. Crespo is a part of the team at Boca Raton Psychiatry and Delray Beach Psychiatry, where she works alongside other psychiatrists and therapists. Dr. Crespo can also offer genetic testing through Genesight for patients who have tried and failed multiple medications. This allows a patient’s DNA to be analyzed to find a suitable medication that aligns with their genetic makeup.
Dr. Crespo’s specialties include depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. She works with individuals, couples, families, and communities, including those in open relationships/ non-monogamy, single mothers, and veterans. Dr. Crespo is fluent in Spanish, and her services are available to individuals of all ethnicities, including Hispanic and Latino ethnicity.
4. Zorica Filipovic-Jewell
Zorica Filipovic-Jewell is a psychiatrist with 15 years of experience and a strong commitment to the well-being of her patients. Her goal is to help patients maintain optimum quality of life by providing cutting-edge, evidence-based care and support. She specializes in depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety, and enjoys working with patients of all ethnicities, religions, sexual orientations, and identities.
As an Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Mount Sinai and dually certified in General Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, Dr. Filipovic-Jewell has expertise in treating patients with complicated medical issues, regimens, and medication side effects.
Her approach involves a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation and assessing an individual’s goals, followed by a discussion of findings and recommendations and the creation of a specific treatment plan. She utilizes psychotherapy, medication management, or both when necessary, with a non-judgmental and supportive style to help her patients achieve their goals. Dr. Filipovic-Jewell is available for both in-person and online appointments.
5. Anca-Maria Bejenaru
Dr. Anca-Maria Bejenaru is an adult psychiatrist who specializes in psychiatric disorders associated with neurological issues. With a focus on patient-centered care, Dr. Bejenaru believes that listening to her patients’ life stories is essential in understanding what they are going through and taking that journey with them.
Dr. Bejenaru has experience treating a variety of psychiatric disorders including not just Bipolar Disorder but also Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, OCD, and PTSD. She offers genetic testing through Genesight for those who have not found the right medicine.
Dr. Bejenaru is available for both in-person and online consultations. Her first in-person session can be scheduled within two weeks. Her treatment style is focused on helping patients achieve their goals through therapy, medication management, or a combination of both.
With her expertise in treating bipolar disorder, Dr. Bejenaru can provide a personalized treatment plan to help patients manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
How to find the right psychiatrist for bipolar disorder?
When searching for a psychiatrist for bipolar disorder, it is important to look for someone who is knowledgeable and experienced in treating this condition. Bipolar disorder requires specialized care, and not all psychiatrists may have the expertise needed to provide effective treatment.
One way to find a psychiatrist with experience in treating bipolar disorder is to look for someone who is board-certified in psychiatry. Board certification indicates that the psychiatrist has completed rigorous training in the field of psychiatry and has passed a standardized exam demonstrating their knowledge and skills.
Another important factor to consider when choosing a psychiatrist for bipolar disorder is their approach to treatment. Some psychiatrists may rely primarily on medication to manage bipolar symptoms, while others may use a combination of medication and therapy.
It is important to find a psychiatrist who takes a comprehensive approach to treatment and is willing to work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your unique needs.
In addition to medication and therapy, lifestyle changes can also be an important part of managing bipolar disorder. These can include getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and avoiding drugs and alcohol. Look for a psychiatrist who recognizes the importance of these lifestyle factors and can provide guidance on how to make positive changes in your life.
When considering a psychiatrist for bipolar disorder, it is also important to look for someone who is compassionate and understanding. Living with bipolar disorder can be challenging, and it is important to find a psychiatrist who will provide support and encouragement throughout the treatment process.
Finally, consider factors such as location, availability, and cost when choosing a psychiatrist for bipolar disorder. It is important to find someone who is conveniently located and has availability that fits with your schedule. In addition, you will want to consider the cost of treatment and whether your insurance will cover the services provided.
FAQ’s
Bipolar disorder is typically diagnosed by a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, through a comprehensive evaluation that includes a review of symptoms, medical history, and family history.
There is no specific test for bipolar disorder, so the diagnosis relies on the presence and severity of symptoms.
Bipolar disorder can be treated through a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes. Mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and antidepressants are commonly used medications for bipolar disorder.
Psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, can help individuals manage their symptoms and develop coping skills. Lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, healthy eating, and stress management techniques, can also be beneficial.
While therapists can be helpful in treating bipolar disorder through psychotherapy, medication management is typically the responsibility of a psychiatrist.
Bipolar disorder requires specialized medical attention and the ability to prescribe and adjust medications as needed, which is why a psychiatrist is often the best choice for treatment.
The length of treatment for bipolar disorder can vary depending on the individual’s symptoms and response to treatment. In general, bipolar disorder is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management, often for life. Treatment may include medication and psychotherapy for an extended period, and regular check-ins with a psychiatrist to monitor symptoms and adjust treatment as needed.
In conclusion, finding the right psychiatrist for bipolar disorder can make a significant difference in managing symptoms and improving quality of life. With the right psychiatrist, people with bipolar disorder can receive the care they need to live a fulfilling and productive life.
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