Bipolar disorder is a complex and often misunderstood mental health condition characterized by significant shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels.
These powerful emotional states go far beyond everyday “mood swings,” ranging from intense highs (mania/hypomania) to profound lows (depression). For individuals and families in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and across the greater East Tennessee region, navigating the unpredictable nature of bipolar disorder can be incredibly challenging and disruptive to daily life.
At Riverwalk Recovery Center, located in Chattanooga, we are dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based treatment that helps individuals find lasting mood stability. We understand that true recovery is a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
Our mission is to offer a safe, structured, and accredited environment where healing and sustained well-being are not just possibilities, but a reality for every person we serve.
A Local Approach: Why Specialized Bipolar Treatment is Crucial in Chattanooga
The need for accessible and effective mental health care in Tennessee is pressing, particularly for complex conditions like bipolar disorder. Understanding this local context highlights the critical role of treatment centers like Riverwalk Recovery.
The data for our region paints a clear picture of the challenges:
- High Unmet Needs: Approximately 937,000 adults in Tennessee have a mental health condition, with an estimated 252,000 suffering from serious mental illnesses.
- Provider Shortages: Tennessee ranks among the lowest states for mental health access. Over 3.2 million Tennesseans live in counties lacking adequate mental health services, leading to significant shortages of psychiatric providers and often resulting in misdiagnosis or delayed care.
- Local Risk Factors: In Chattanooga’s Hamilton County, suicide is a leading cause of death for individuals aged 15–44, underscoring the urgent need for robust, stabilizing treatment for mood disorders.
Riverwalk Recovery Center is dedicated to addressing these urgent needs, providing essential mental health support right here in your community. We understand that a lack of local, specialized care can be a barrier, and our convenient Chattanooga location ensures that high-quality treatment is accessible when it’s needed most.
Our Treatment Philosophy for Bipolar Disorder
At Riverwalk Recovery Center, our approach to bipolar disorder treatment is comprehensive, multidisciplinary, and deeply rooted in our philosophy of “dignity and connection over labels.”
Understanding Bipolar Disorder: Beyond the Diagnosis
We believe that no one should be reduced to a diagnosis. Instead, we approach each individual with dignity and curiosity, seeking to understand their unique story, strengths, and challenges. We use this person-centered approach to help clients reclaim their voice and identity, fostering a sense of self-worth that may have been diminished by mental health struggles.
Bipolar disorder can present as a variety of distinct mood episodes:
- Manic or Hypomanic Episodes: Periods of abnormally elevated mood, increased energy, and impulsivity.
- Depressive Episodes: Profound sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of energy or motivation.
A bipolar diagnosis also frequently co-occurs with other mental health conditions, including anxiety, trauma (such as PTSD), or substance use disorders. Our dual diagnosis expertise is a core component of our treatment, ensuring that all intertwined conditions are addressed simultaneously for truly lasting recovery.
Our Comprehensive Approach to Treatment
At Riverwalk Recovery Center, our treatment approach is designed to stabilize mood and foster long-term well-being through a combination of expert care and proven therapeutic modalities.
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Multidisciplinary Care Team
Our strength lies in our expert multidisciplinary care team, all specializing in mood disorders. This includes on-site psychiatric providers, licensed therapists, and case managers who coordinate care seamlessly. They work together to ensure a holistic and integrated approach, providing a cohesive treatment experience that is often lacking in fragmented healthcare systems.
Evidence-Based Therapies
Therapy is an essential component of bipolar disorder treatment, helping individuals develop coping skills and manage symptoms. Our programs utilize a diverse array of clinically proven, evidence-based therapies:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps clients identify and reframe negative thought patterns that contribute to depressive or manic episodes.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Teaches crucial skills in mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness, which are vital for managing the complex emotional states associated with bipolar disorder.
- Trauma-Informed Therapy: We integrate trauma therapy to address co-occurring PTSD or abuse histories, helping clients process past wounds that may trigger mood episodes.
On-Site Psychiatry and Medication Management
Access to psychiatric care can be a significant barrier in East Tennessee. Riverwalk Recovery Center addresses this by offering on-site psychiatry and medication management services. You have direct access to ongoing medication support without being unnecessarily pushed into hospitalization.
Our psychiatric providers offer individualized medication management, carefully prescribing mood stabilizers or other medications with close monitoring to ensure efficacy and support a positive response.
Integrated Services and Support
Our commitment to holistic healing extends beyond core therapies, integrating a range of services to support comprehensive well-being for individuals with bipolar disorder.
- Therapeutic Environment: We provide a structured daily routine that is crucial for stabilizing circadian rhythm and supporting long-term mood regulation. We also incorporate holistic practices such as yoga and meditation to aid in stress reduction and emotional balance.
- Peer Support: Our program is designed to foster a sense of community through group therapy. This offers connection with others who have experienced bipolar episodes, providing invaluable shared insights and encouragement that can reduce feelings of isolation.
- Family Involvement: We offer family involvement through education and counseling sessions. This helps family members understand bipolar disorder, improve communication, and learn how to best support their loved one’s recovery journey.
Levels of Care for Bipolar Disorder at Riverwalk Recovery
Riverwalk Recovery Center offers a comprehensive continuum of care, ensuring that individuals receive the right level of support at every stage of their healing journey for bipolar disorder.
Mental Health Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
This serves as a step-down from residential care or as a primary intensive treatment option. It offers structured full-day treatment with continued psychiatric supervision and clinical engagement, while allowing clients to live off-site, often in comfortable partnered supportive housing.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
A flexible step-down option for those transitioning back into life, work, or school. Clients engage in therapeutic sessions 3–5 days per week, supporting their reintegration while maintaining robust clinical support.
Outpatient Support
The least intensive level of care, providing ongoing therapy and support as individuals maintain daily life.
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Most Insurance Accepted
We work with most major insurance carriers and offer a range of options to fit your lifestyle and financial means
Why Riverwalk Recovery Center is the Right Choice for Bipolar Disorder
Choosing the right treatment center for bipolar disorder is a critical decision. Riverwalk Recovery Center in Chattanooga stands out as a premier choice due to our specialized approach and unwavering commitment to individualized care.
- Primary Mental Health Specialization: We are a mental health facility purpose-built for deep therapeutic work, with programs specifically designed to address complex mood presentations like bipolar disorder.
- Experienced Team: Our multidisciplinary team has extensive experience in managing complex mood disorders, including precise medication regimens and addressing co-occurring psychiatric symptoms.
- Local and Accessible: We are conveniently located in Chattanooga, making us a trusted local resource for families in East Tennessee. We offer next-day assessments and accept most major insurance plans, including Medicaid, to make care accessible.
- Discreet and Calming Setting: Our facility is designed to reduce external stressors and provide a peaceful environment conducive to healing and stabilization.
Get Help for Bipolar Disorder Today
If you or a loved one is struggling with unpredictable mood cycles, emotional instability, or have faced past misdiagnoses related to bipolar disorder, Riverwalk Recovery Center can help. Our specialized programs in Chattanooga, TN, offer comprehensive, evidence-based care designed to stabilize mood and foster lasting emotional balance.
Call Riverwalk Recovery Center for a confidential, no-obligation mental health assessment. Our admissions team is available 24/7 to listen, answer your questions, and guide you toward the support you need.Take the courageous first step toward lasting stability and well-being today. Contact the team at Riverwalk Recovery Center today!
Frequently Asked Questions About Bipolar Disorder Treatment
What is the difference between Bipolar I and Bipolar II?
Bipolar I is characterized by at least one full manic episode, which is a period of highly elevated mood lasting at least 7 days and often requiring hospitalization. Bipolar II involves major depressive episodes and at least one hypomanic episode, a less severe form of mania that lasts at least 4 days and doesn’t typically require hospitalization. Both involve significant mood shifts.
Is medication necessary for bipolar disorder treatment?
For most individuals with bipolar disorder, medication, particularly mood stabilizers and sometimes atypical antipsychotics, is a cornerstone of effective treatment. It helps to stabilize mood swings and prevent episodes. However, medication is always integrated with psychotherapy (like CBT and DBT) for a comprehensive approach. Our psychiatric team will work with you to determine the most appropriate medication regimen.
Can bipolar disorder be treated if I also have a substance use disorder?
Yes, absolutely. Riverwalk Recovery Center specializes in dual diagnosis treatment. It is common for bipolar disorder to co-occur with substance use disorders, as individuals may use substances to self-medicate mood swings. Our integrated approach ensures that both conditions are addressed simultaneously and holistically for the most effective and lasting recovery.
How long does bipolar stabilization typically take?
The time it takes to achieve mood stabilization in bipolar disorder varies significantly for each individual. It can involve an initial period of medication adjustment and intensive therapy, often several weeks or months, followed by ongoing maintenance treatment. Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition that requires consistent management, but with effective treatment, individuals can achieve long periods of stability and lead fulfilling lives.
What kind of support is available for families of individuals with bipolar disorder?
Riverwalk Recovery Center offers family involvement through education and counseling sessions. This helps family members understand bipolar disorder, improve communication, and learn how to best support their loved one’s recovery journey. This can create a more supportive home environment and improve long-term outcomes for everyone involved.
Take the courageous first step toward lasting peace and balance today. Call Riverwalk Recovery Center confidentially
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We Have A Program To Fit Your Lifestyle
Whether you are struggling with depression, addiction, an eating disorder or some combination of these, we can help. All you need to do is make the first move and reach out to us. Let’s get you better, together.