What Is Teen Bipolar Disorder?
Teen bipolar disorder is a mental health condition marked by extreme shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. It’s more than moodiness, it includes serious episodes of depression and mania or hypomania.
These mood episodes can be intense and disruptive. Teens might feel euphoric and energetic one week, then sad and sluggish the next. Without treatment, bipolar disorder can affect relationships, school, and self-esteem.
There are different types of bipolar disorder. Our licensed clinicians help determine what your teen is experiencing and build a plan that brings stability and relief.
Bipolar I typically includes full manic episodes and depressive episodes. Bipolar II often includes hypomania and longer depression. Some teens may have rapid cycling or mixed features. A careful diagnosis is critical to ensure effective treatment.
We also evaluate whether a teen’s symptoms may be influenced by trauma, hormonal changes, substance use, or neurological differences. Every factor is explored to rule out misdiagnosis and tailor a treatment strategy that works.
How Bipolar Disorder Affects Teen Life
Bipolar disorder can turn a teen’s world upside down. These aren’t just emotional swings, these are dramatic changes that can impact every part of their life.
Signs Your Teen May Be Experiencing Bipolar Disorder:
- Periods of high energy or agitation (mania or hypomania)
- Racing thoughts, fast speech, or distractibility
- Risky behavior or impulsive decisions
- Long episodes of sadness or hopelessness
- Fatigue, low motivation, or withdrawal
- Changes in sleep patterns or appetite
- Difficulty keeping up with school or social life
- Sudden confidence or goal-setting followed by burnout
- Extreme reactions to stress or conflict
If your teen shows both depressive and manic symptoms, they may benefit from medication management and consistent therapy tailored to mood stabilization.
When left untreated, bipolar disorder increases the risk of academic decline, substance use, and self-harm. Early support makes a difference.
In some cases, teens may also experience co-occurring conditions like ADHD, anxiety, or trauma-related disorders. That’s why we offer comprehensive assessments to capture the full picture, not just isolated symptoms.
Teens may also face stigma and misunderstandings from peers or even adults. This can lead to shame and secrecy, making symptoms worse. We help teens break through this cycle with education, support, and connection.
How Southern Live Oak Wellness Can Help
Our teen bipolar disorder treatment is rooted in structure, support, and science. We don’t just treat symptoms, we teach teens how to recognize patterns, manage emotions, and build lifelong coping tools.
Your Teen’s Care May Include:
- CBT therapy for mood regulation
- DBT therapy for managing impulsivity and intense emotions
- Family therapy to strengthen relationships at home
- Medication management to reduce symptoms and support balance
- Yoga and mindfulness to calm the nervous system
- Educational support to help teens stay on track in school
- Experiential therapy using art, music, and nature
- Recreation for teens to channel energy positively
Teens also learn emotional literacy: how to describe what they’re feeling, how to name moods, and how to ask for help without shame. We guide teens in building real self-awareness and self-trust.
Our team includes psychiatrists, therapists, nurses, and case managers who collaborate on each treatment plan. Weekly team reviews ensure your teen’s care is up-to-date and evolving as they grow.
We also work closely with families. Whether you need coaching, crisis planning, or help understanding medications, our team is ready to guide and support.
What to Expect in Treatment
We begin with a thorough assessment, involving your teen, your family, and our clinical team. From there, we design a personalized treatment plan that fits your teen’s current needs and adjusts as they grow.
What a Treatment Day May Look Like:
- Morning check-in and goal setting
- One-on-one time with a licensed therapist
- Group sessions focused on emotional regulation
- Animal-assisted therapy or music-based expression
- Quiet time for rest, journaling, or grounding activities
- Family sessions and school coordination when needed
- Nutritional and wellness education
- Optional brain mapping to track neurological changes over time
We offer a peaceful, structured setting where teens can find stability without pressure or shame. Our trauma-informed staff supports them every step of the way.
For teens with severe symptoms, we may recommend TMS therapy or Spravato when appropriate, based on clinical evaluation.
We also prepare for life after treatment. Teens receive aftercare planning so they leave with tools, resources, and a support team that continues beyond our doors.
As part of that process, we help teens create emergency mood plans, track medication side effects, and build habits that reduce emotional volatility. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s stability and progress.
Why Choose Southern Live Oak Wellness?
We understand how serious and misunderstood teen bipolar disorder can be. That’s why we provide personalized care in a supportive setting that’s designed specifically for adolescents.
What Sets Us Apart:
- Licensed clinicians with experience in adolescent bipolar care
- Flexible programming that accommodates school schedules
- Individual, family, and group-based support
- Evidence-based treatments and complementary options like nutrition therapy and massage therapy
- Reiki, alpha-stim therapy, and mind-body therapies
- Life skills to help teens build independence
- Bilingual staff and inclusive care for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC youth
We also assist with FMLA support, short-term disability, and communication with schools to ensure your family receives the legal and academic support you need.
We don’t promise quick fixes, but we do offer hope, tools, and a team that’s committed to helping your teen stabilize and thrive.
Common Questions About Teen Bipolar Disorder Treatment
Is bipolar disorder curable?
Bipolar disorder isn’t “cured,” but it is very treatable. Many teens learn to manage symptoms and live full, balanced lives.
Will my teen be on medication forever?
Not always. We work with families and teens to assess needs regularly and adjust treatment plans, including medication, over time.
How can I support my teen at home?
We offer family therapy and education to help you understand your teen’s experience and build a healthy home environment.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes, we accept many plans and can verify your benefits during your first call.
Can my teen stay in school while in treatment?
Yes. We offer educational support to keep academic progress on track.
What if my teen has other conditions like ADHD or trauma?
We treat co-occurring disorders through integrated care, including trauma therapy, case management, and medical stabilization if needed.
Can you help us talk to our teen’s school or doctor?
Absolutely. With your permission, our care coordinators can help build a support team around your teen, including teachers, pediatricians, and school counselors.
How to Get Started
You don’t have to navigate this alone. Our care team is here to help—starting today.
Three Simple Steps:
- Call or complete our confidential contact form
- Verify insurance and complete a clinical consultation
- Begin your teen’s customized treatment plan
