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4,185 people sought bipolar disorder therapy help in Massachusetts in the last year

Discover how starting bipolar disorder therapy can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

Good news! We have 34 therapists in Massachusetts available for an online or in-person session.

Starting Bipolar disorder therapy

What is Bipolar disorder therapy?

Bipolar disorder therapy from our providers at Thriveworks in Boston, MA is an effective form of mental health treatment for those with bipolar disorder. It helps one to better navigate their unique experience, which might come with the hypomanic, manic, or depressive episodes.

How does Bipolar disorder therapy work?

Bipolar disorder therapy works to help you manage your specific symptoms as well as improve your relationships. It can also help you cope with stress, a major contributor to the disorder.

Is Bipolar disorder therapy conducted in person or online?

Our bipolar disorder therapy services are conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you when working with one of providers at Thriveworks in Boston, MA.

How long does Bipolar disorder therapy last?

The length of bipolar disorder therapy sessions will vary from one person to the next, dependent on their specific needs. However, short-term, problem-focused therapy for bipolar disorder typically lasts for 12-16 weeks. Therapy may last longer for those who have more severe or persistent symptoms.

Need more help deciding?

The past few weeks have been horrible for Harper. Her boyfriend cut things off, saying she was reckless and untrustworthy. Harper spend several weeks crying all day. She barely ate, but she slept all the time. A few days ago, she started feeling better—abnormally better, actually. She started working at a boutique downtown and after work, Harper goes to practice with a band she joined. Harper may be feeling great, but her friends are starting to worry. Some nights, Harper and the other band members go out, partying all night. A few times, she did not even go home before she showed up the boutique. Harper may feel fantastic, but her loved ones are rightly concerned. Both the depression and the high energy Harper has experienced may be a sign that something more serious may be happening to her—she may have bipolar disorder.

When Bipolar grips people lives, those who suffer and their loved ones can feel scared and confused about the behavior they see displayed. Many people are learning, however, that Bipolar Depression can be treated effectively, and mental health professionals are learning more and more about how the illness works. The bipolar disorder counselors and therapists at Thriveworks Boston have worked with many clients who have or think they may have Bipolar Depression. Our professionals understand how Bipolar functions, and we have helped many people find the emotional, social, and physical support they need to live the life they want.

The Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

People may call bipolar disorder manic depression because those are the two poles that people swing between: mania and depression. To be diagnosed with bipolar, people must experience both mania and depression. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) explains in further detail. According to the DSM-5, the depression phase of Bipolar Depression lasts for a minimum of two weeks wherein people feel weepy, sad, or empty mood throughout the majority of each day. They will also feel significant apathy toward daily activities. In addition, to be considered a depression phase, they must also experience at least three of these signs:

  1. Significant increases or decreases in their appetite or weight.
  2. Difficulty concentrating or deciding.
  3. Sleep disruptions—either sleeping too much or not enough.
  4. Depleted stamina and energy.
  5. Heightened or hindered psychomotor activity (for example, slowed or quickened body movements).
  6. Intense, negative emotions such as guilt or worthlessness.
  7. Obsessive thoughts of dying or suicide.

The opposite pole of depression is mania. The cliché manic episode is wild euphoria, but many people experience mania as irritability. The DSM-5 gives the following criteria for a manic episode:

  1. Abnormally heightened or irritable mood for a minimum of one week.
  2. Experience three of the following symptoms if the state of mind is euphoric and four symptoms if the state of mind is irritable:
    • Exaggerated self-esteem.
    • Functioning on little to no sleep.
    • Talking more than usual.
    • A racing mind.
    • Distracted attention.
    • Planning excessively for future events.
    • Engaging in potentially harmful behavior.
  3. These symptoms must reach of severity of disrupting daily life, causing psychosis, or necessitating hospitalization to be considered mania.
  4. A drug or medication’s physiological effects cannot be responsible for the symptoms.

Within these broad categories of mania and depression, many diagnoses could be made. Bipolar disorder has many different versions and particular subcategories of diagnosis. One common type of bipolar disorder is Bipolar II. This version means people experience less severe mania (hypomania) instead of full manic episodes. However, people with Bipolar II may experience more severe episodes of depression. It is vitally important that people work with a mental health professional to find the right diagnosis and treatment plan for them.

Coping with Bipolar Disorder

Often, the first step toward healing bipolar disorder is working with a mental health professional. Following a therapist’s treatment plan and advice should always take priority. Along with working closely with a professional, here are a few tips for coping if you or someone you love has bipolar disorder:

  • Be physically and socially active. Especially during a depression cycle, people will be tempted to withdrawal, but continuing contact with friends and family members is often a key to healing. Similarly, with physical activity. Moving one’s body can be healing for both the body and the soul.
  • Pursue information about your particular diagnosis. This article is a great place to start, but once you have a particular diagnosis, find out more about your particular category of Bipolar. Your therapist should be able to provide you with trusted resources.
  • Ask for help. Overcoming Bipolar is easier with support. There are in-person and online support groups where people with Bipolar can support one another. Also, recruit friends and family members to be on your support team. Ask them for specific forms of help you may need.

Care for Bipolar Disorder at Thriveworks Boston

Thriveworks Boston has therapists and counselors on staff who have the experience and the training to treat bipolar disorder. And more, they care about each of their clients. We have appointments for bipolar disorder counseling available.

When you call our office, it may be helpful to know that we accept most forms of insurance. New clients usually have an appointment within 24 hours of their call, and we offer evening and weekend sessions.Let’s work together. Contact Thriveworks Boston today.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our Boston therapists and counselors accept 26 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS Medicare Advantage (HMO | PPO)

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • Fallon Health

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

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Self-pay costs at Boston
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

4.7 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
For the past year my mental, emotional and physical health has been restored. By God's providence, I connected with a psychiatric nurse practitioner at your agency. She skillfully assessed my situation and quickly prescribed much needed medication. I was at an all time low. Because of her expertise, compassion, and support, my life was renewed. So incredibly grateful to have my life back again.
Read more For the past year my mental, emotional and physical health has been restored. By God's providence, I connected with a psychiatric nurse practitioner at your agency. She skillfully assessed my situation and quickly prescribed much needed medication. I was at an all time low. Because of her expertise, compassion, and support, my life was renewed. So incredibly grateful to have my life back again.
Lillian Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I have had a wonderful experience using Thriveworks. The website is easy to use and getting into the Zoom meeting is seamless
Read more I have had a wonderful experience using Thriveworks. The website is easy to use and getting into the Zoom meeting is seamless
Erynn Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★☆☆
It was very difficult getting my account up. I believe that happens because when we initially signed up i made the account but it’s under my spouse insurance. After fixing the problem my not his account reflects our current therapy sessions. We get emails and text but when we sign into the thrivework accounts we can’t see the billing cycle to pay or see out upcoming session. Neither one of our accounts display update and current account information. And we have called a few times to get it right and it’s not working . My therapist and agency is splendid
Read more It was very difficult getting my account up. I believe that happens because when we initially signed up i made the account but it’s under my spouse insurance. After fixing the problem my not his account reflects our current therapy sessions. We get emails and text but when we sign into the thrivework accounts we can’t see the billing cycle to pay or see out upcoming session. Neither one of our accounts display update and current account information. And we have called a few times to get it right and it’s not working . My therapist and agency is splendid
Isoke Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My limited time speaking with Marissa has been very help full. She has been very attentive to my needs.
Read more My limited time speaking with Marissa has been very help full. She has been very attentive to my needs.
Gary Dec 2023
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I had the pleasure of working with Francesca about a year ago. Francesca is a versatile, and imaginative clinician. She takes an individual approach to every client and their situation. Her commitment to your growth and healing is of paramount importance to her. You'll be in great hands with her!
Read more I had the pleasure of working with Francesca about a year ago. Francesca is a versatile, and imaginative clinician. She takes an individual approach to every client and their situation. Her commitment to your growth and healing is of paramount importance to her. You'll be in great hands with her!
Boston Jan 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
As a former colleague of Francesca Bjork's, when we worked together as educators of young children, I can highly recommend her as an insightful, caring, and knowledgeable counselor. She always seems able to pinpoint the crux of a matter, and help her clients (and coworkers) find the best path. In more than a few instances, when I was faced with a difficult situation, she was always willing to help in any way she could, whether as an ear to listen, an advocate, or a problem-solver. I am glad that she has found a base at Thriveworks, and is able to use her talent to help others.
Read more As a former colleague of Francesca Bjork's, when we worked together as educators of young children, I can highly recommend her as an insightful, caring, and knowledgeable counselor. She always seems able to pinpoint the crux of a matter, and help her clients (and coworkers) find the best path. In more than a few instances, when I was faced with a difficult situation, she was always willing to help in any way she could, whether as an ear to listen, an advocate, or a problem-solver. I am glad that she has found a base at Thriveworks, and is able to use her talent to help others.
Boston Nov 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Boston is located at the corner of Emerson Place and Blossom Street, inside the Emerson Place Apartments building. We are located on the opposite side of Route 3 from the Charles River and Lederman Park. Across the street, on the opposite side of Blossom Street, you will find the Mass General Hospital complex.

Phone number

(617) 397-3951

Languages spoken by MA providers

  • Urdu
  • English
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm

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Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm

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