Bipolar Disorder Counseling in South Carolina

Bipolar disorder involves episodes of mania or hypomania, periods of unusually elevated, expansive or irritable mood with increased energy, that alternate with periods of depression and, for many people, long stretches of stability. It's a medical condition with a strong genetic component, and medication is the foundation of treatment for most people.

Therapy is the other half. It helps you recognize your early warning signs, protect the sleep and routine that keep episodes at bay, stay on treatment, and repair relationships, finances and self-trust after an episode. People who get both tend to have fewer and shorter episodes.

Conditions we treat

The DSM-5-TR groups these as bipolar and related disorders. Diagnosis is made only by a licensed clinician; because treatment usually involves medication, we work in partnership with your physician or psychiatric prescriber.

Bipolar I disorder: At least one manic episode: a week or more (or any duration if hospitalized) of elevated or irritable mood with increased energy and symptoms such as decreased need for sleep, grandiosity, pressured speech, racing thoughts, distractibility, increased activity and risky behavior, severe enough to impair functioning or require hospitalization. Depressive episodes are common but not required for the diagnosis.
Bipolar II disorder: At least one hypomanic episode (four or more days of the same kinds of symptoms, noticeable to others but not severe enough to cause major impairment) and at least one major depressive episode. Bipolar II is often misdiagnosed as depression because people rarely seek help for the hypomania.
Cyclothymic disorder: Two years or more (one year in children and teens) of numerous periods of hypomanic and depressive symptoms that never meet full criteria for an episode, with no more than two months symptom-free at a time.
Bipolar disorder with anxious distress or mixed features: Many people experience anxiety alongside mood episodes, or episodes that mix depressive and manic symptoms. These specifiers matter for treatment planning.
Co-occurring conditions: Anxiety disorders, ADHD and trauma commonly occur with bipolar disorder and are addressed in the same treatment plan.

How we treat it

The psychotherapies with the best evidence for bipolar disorder are psychoeducation (understanding the illness and your own pattern), cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (stabilizing daily routines and sleep, which are powerful triggers), and family-focused therapy. Your therapist will build a relapse-prevention plan with you and, with your permission, can involve family members and communicate with your prescriber. We are a counseling practice and do not prescribe; if you don't have a prescriber, we'll help you find one.

When to reach out

You've been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and want more than medication management
You've had episodes of unusual energy or risk-taking followed by crashes
Depression treatment hasn't worked or made things stranger
You're recovering from an episode and dealing with the fallout
A family member has bipolar disorder and you need support and skills

Schedule an appointment Call (843) 894-0000

Common questions

Can therapy treat bipolar disorder without medication?

For bipolar I disorder, medication is the foundation of treatment and therapy is an addition, not a replacement. For milder presentations, decisions are made case by case with a prescriber. We won't take the place of medical care, and we'll be honest with you about that.

Do you have psychiatrists on staff?

No. We discontinued psychiatric services and now focus on counseling. We coordinate closely with outside prescribers and can help you find one.

I think I'm having a manic episode right now. What should I do?

Contact your prescriber today. If you're a danger to yourself or others, or can't stay safe, call or text 988 or go to the nearest emergency room. Therapy is most useful between and after episodes, and for catching the next one early.

Where to get help for bipolar disorder

Based on our clinicians' current specialties, this is treated at ten locations:

Closer to Anderson? Call (843) 894-0000; the right therapist may be available by video, or we'll suggest the nearest office with the right fit.

Diagnostic descriptions on this page are summarized in plain language from the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR, 2022). This page is educational. It is not a substitute for evaluation by a licensed clinician, and only a licensed clinician can make a diagnosis.

Ready when you are.

Call us or submit a short intake form. A Patient Account Representative will match you with a therapist, and most new clients have their first appointment within a few business days.

Schedule an appointment Call (843) 894-0000