Bipolar Disorder Treatment Center and Hospital in LaPlace, LA

Learn More About Bipolar Disorder Treatment at River Place Behavioral Health Hospital

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes a person to experience drastic, often sudden, changes in mood and demeanor. The symptoms that present when someone is suffering from bipolar disorder can be extremely distressing, both for the afflicted individual and for those around him or her. Fortunately, the symptoms of bipolar disorder can be successfully managed when one receives professional treatment and appropriate medications. It can be an intimidating process to begin, but by making the choice to receive care, those with bipolar disorder have the potential to thrive in their futures.

At River Place Behavioral Health, we recognize the strife that accompanies the presence of bipolar disorder. We know that this is a complex disease that requires a comprehensive approach to care in order for symptoms to be managed. For this reason, our experienced team of treatment professionals are dedicated to teaching patients not only how to accept and manage their challenges, but also how to turn their lives around for the better. Bipolar disorder does not have to define you. Let us help you make your struggles a thing of the past.

Helping a Loved One or Family Member Get Treatment for Bipolar Disorder

If you have a family member or loved one who is suffering from bipolar disorder, you are already aware of how devastating its effects can be. You may have started to feel timid around your loved one, fearful of how he or she is going act or emotionally respond to the environment around him or her. You may also feel defenseless as you struggle to figure out how best to handle your interactions with your loved one. Helping your loved one find professional treatment is the most beneficial thing you can do for him or her, but there are also other steps you can take. Consider the following:

• Learn about bipolar disorder. Educate yourself on the signs, symptoms, and effects of this mental health condition. Having this knowledge can better help you know how to prepare for mood changes and understand the best ways to respond.
• Talk to your loved one about his or her need for treatment. This can be a difficult conversation to have if he or she is not fully aware that there is a problem. But it is important to remain firm, yet nonjudgmental. Ensure him or her that you will support him or her throughout the recovery process.
• Search for a treatment center that will most optimally meet your loved one’s needs. Offer to accompany him or her when assessments or facility tours are scheduled so as to try and alleviate some of his or her apprehension.
• Be an active part of the treatment process. If your loved one is in inpatient care, be available to speak with him or her on the phone when possible. Also make every effort to engage in family therapy sessions if they are offered.
• Once treatment has come to an end, support and encourage your loved one as he or she continues to practice the skills he or she learned.

Why Consider Treatment for Bipolar Disorder at River Place Behavioral Health

When treatment is not received, the effects of bipolar disorder can be extremely detrimental. People who are suffering from this disease may struggle to remain employed or perform to expectation in school, may have difficulty taking care of responsibilities, and may begin to push their loved ones away. Suicidal ideation is a frequent symptom of bipolar disorder and the more isolated people become, the more likely they are to act on their thoughts. Self-harming behaviors can be another result of the presence of bipolar disorder as individuals struggle to alleviate their distress. Similarly, people with bipolar disorder are at risk for abusing drugs or alcohol as they continue to search for ways to make themselves feel better. Fortunately, by receiving treatment, these detriments can be successfully avoided.

Types of Treatment for Bipolar Disorder at River Place Behavioral Health

Located in LaPlace, Louisiana, and serving the New Orleans metropolitan area, River Place Behavioral Health is a new, state-of-the-art inpatient mental and behavioral health treatment center. With updated technology to provide the best care for our patients, electronic medical records for ensuring prompt retrieval of pertinent information, and a secluded area that offers privacy, River Place is an ideal setting for you to begin healing from the effects of bipolar disorder.

At River Place Behavioral Health, we recognize that people respond to various treatment interventions differently, and one’s age can be a major factor in how he or she processes the skills he or she is learning. For this reason, we offer specialized treatment tracks for adolescents and adults. Each program is designed to meet the specific needs of each population, ensuring that all participants achieve true and lasting healing.

Regardless of which program you take part in, we will provide you with an individualized treatment plan that outlines the specific therapeutic interventions and treatment modalities that will best help you begin to heal from the effects of bipolar disorder. Within this treatment plan, the following services may be offered:

Medical care: If you are in need of medical care during your time at River Place, our internal medicine clinicians, advanced registered nurse practitioners (ARNPs), and other nurses are available to provide daily services.

Medication management: When you are being treated for bipolar disorder, certain medications may be recommended to alleviate distressing symptoms. Your need for medication management services will be assessed upon admission and throughout your stay. You will have access to these services, which will include close monitoring of the effects of your medications, three times per week.

Individual therapy: Individual therapy is offered on an as-needed basis. It serves as a time for you to work one-on-one with a social worker or counselor to process the challenges you are facing, address any concerns you may be having, and celebrate successes as you achieve them.

Group therapy: Group therapy is an integral part of the treatment process when receiving care for the symptoms of bipolar disorder, and you will participate in group sessions on a daily basis. These sessions are led by social workers, counselors, nurses, and behavioral health technicians, and may include discussions on the following topics:

• Goals
• Coping skills
• Communities
• Self-esteem building
• Life management
• Daily living skills

Family therapy: Recognizing that mental health disorders can affect your entire family, we provide family therapy sessions so as to allow you and your loved ones the opportunity to process through the challenges you have faced and work towards coming together as a strong, healthy family unit. Family therapy sessions are led by counselors, social workers, and psychiatrists, depending on the specific needs of your family.

Experiential therapies: In order to provide you with a holistic approach to care as you learn to manage the symptoms of bipolar disorder, we offer a number of experiential therapies that complement the more traditional forms of therapy. By taking part in these activities at our hospital, you can achieve healing on all levels – mind, body, and spirit. Our experiential therapies include the following:

• Art therapy
• Music therapy
• Movement / exercise

Continuing Care After Inpatient Treatment for Mental Illness

Inpatient treatment is often only the first step in the process of learning to fully manage the symptoms of bipolar disorder. This level of care is designed to help you achieve stabilization and begin developing coping skills and additional tools that allow you to jumpstart your recovery. But once inpatient care has come to an end, you may benefit from receiving ongoing outpatient services. These services will help you solidify the skills you learned while in inpatient treatment, and truly thrive as you move forward.

Various levels of outpatient care are available. Our recommendations for the specific level that will be of most benefit to you will be based upon your unique needs and treatment goals. When you begin treatment at River Place, we will immediately start developing a discharge plan that will outline recommendations for follow-up care.

River Place is focused solely on providing inpatient care. However, once your time for discharge arrives, we will provide referrals for outside resources that deliver necessary continuing care.

At River Place Behavioral Health, we are dedicated to ensuring that all of your needs are met. Our support does not end when you leave our hospital. Instead, we will continue to provide ongoing encouragement and assistance as you step down to the next level of care and rejoin your community.

If you or a loved one is in need of comprehensive treatment to heal from the effects of bipolar disorder, look no further than River Place Behavioral Health. Our knowledgeable and compassionate staff members are available to answer any questions you may have, and to help you decide if our hospital is the right fit for you.