Bipolar Disorder Treatment & Rehab Center in Fort Smith, Arkansas

Learn More About Bipolar Disorder Treatment at Valley Behavioral Health

Bipolar disorder is a serious mental illness that causes extreme shifts in mood, energy, thinking, and behavior. The mood swings associated with this disorder are more than a fleeting good or bad mood, instead these cycles can last days, weeks, or even months. People with bipolar disorder will experience moods so intense they affect his or her ability to function. The symptoms of bipolar disorder can be confusing and to make matters worse, many people with bipolar disorder are misdiagnosed, leading to unnecessary suffering. However, with proper rehab and support, you can get your mood swings under control and lead a successful life.

At Valley Behavioral Health in Fort Smith, Arkansas, we recognize how difficult it must be to constantly deal with the ups and downs of bipolar disorder. No matter which type of this disorder you have, our staff will be able to help you get your life back on track. We will be able to provide you with the treatment you need to manage your moods and become a happy, successful individual.

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

The extreme mood swings and behaviors associated with bipolar disorder not only affect the person him or herself, but also close friends and family. If you have a loved one with bipolar disorder, you are all too familiar with the presenting difficulties. When your loved one is in a manic episode you may face explosive outbursts, reckless behaviors, and the consequences of irresponsible decisions. On the other hand, during a depressive phase you may be left picking up the slack for a loved one who barely has the energy to get out of bed. The good news is that there are things you can do to help with their recovery. Here are some ways in which you can be helpful:

• Learn about the disorder- Take the time to learn everything you can about the symptoms of bipolar disorder and the available rehab options. The more you know about bipolar disorder the better prepared you will be to help you loved one.
• Encourage the person to get help: The sooner your loved one gets treatment the better the outcome, so talk to them about seeking professional help as soon as possible.
• Be understanding: Let your loved one know that you are there for them and will assist them in the treatment process anyway that you can.
• Be patient: Recognize that recovery takes time and that it isn’t going to happen overnight. Be patient with the pace of your loved ones treatment and prepare yourself for possible setbacks along the way.

Individuals who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder do better with their recovery when they have the support of family and friends. By staying involved in your loved ones treatment process you can help them to recover faster, experience fewer episodes, and have milder symptoms.

Why Consider Treatment for Bipolar Disorder at Valley Behavioral Health System in Fort Smith, Arkansas

There is no cure for bipolar disorder; managing the symptoms is a lifelong process. Ignoring the problem and not seeking proper rehab will only make the situation worse. Living with untreated bipolar disorder will begin to cause problems in your everyday life. You may have difficulties maintaining a job or be unable to keep close interpersonal relationships. Additionally, your overall physical health may begin to decline. Since bipolar disorder is a chronic, relapsing illness it is important to receive – and continue – treatment even if a manic episode makes you believe you are better.

An inpatient rehab program that specializes in treating all forms of bipolar disorder is one of the most effective ways an individual can get their disorder under control. In addition to providing medication needed to prevent future episodes, this type of program can provide people with therapy and social support. Most inpatient programs provide individual therapy, group therapy, medication management, and family counseling. All of these therapies can help individuals learn better coping strategies, helpful lifestyle changes, and habits that can impact your moods.

Our Treatment Program’s Philosophy and Benefits

At Valley Behavioral in Fort Smith, Arkansas, our patients come first. It is our mission to be an organization that is valuable, accountable, life-changing, leadership driven, excellent, and centered on you. We provide our clients with a confidential and caring environment that promotes crisis resolution, positive self-awareness, and personal growth. All treatment is provided under the direct supervision of a board certified psychiatrist and is administered by a multidisciplinary staff. Each one of our staff members is dedicated to providing the best possible patient care.

Types of Bipolar Disorder Treatment Offered at Valley Behavioral Health System

When you arrive at our behavioral health rehab center you will complete a comprehensive assessment, which will be reviewed by one of our top psychiatrists in order to recommend the most appropriate level of care. Once the admissions process has been completed a treatment plan will be developed based on individualizes needs. You will work closely with your primary physician and other members of your treatment team to make sure that all of your concerns are addressed.

Through years of experience treating those with bipolar disorder we know that the most effective rehab is a combination of medication and psychotherapy.

Medication management: Individuals with bipolar disorder require medication such as mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, or antidepressants in order to help control the severe symptoms. It is important to note that therapeutic methods are needed in addition to medication to help address any underlying emotional issues. Patients are seen on a daily basis for medication management and any changes are made if needed.

Individual therapy: Individual therapy sessions are held at least once a week, but can be held more often depending upon patient needs. Through individual counseling you will be able to address the issues that bipolar disorder has caused in your life. Additionally, through working with your therapist you will learn how to cope with difficult emotions, manage stress, and regulate your moods.

Group therapy: Group therapy sessions are held on a daily basis and cover a wide variety of topics. We offer rehab groups that are held twice daily, therapist facilitated groups three days a week, and at least three recreation group sessions each week. Some of the topics covered in groups include self-esteem, impulsivity, behavior choices, and self-control. Living with bipolar disorder can be difficult and having the support from others who are struggling with similar issues can help you with your outlook and motivation.

Family therapy: Family therapy sessions are held at least once a week and is a time for patients and their loved ones to begin to repair relationships that may have become strained as a result of this disorder. The goal of family therapy is to help restore a health and supportive home environment.

Experiential programs: The experiential programs we offer at our mental health rehab center are designed to improve our patients leisure, lifestyle, morale, promote re-socialization, enhance daily living, and increase knowledge of health maintenance to promote independent community living after being discharged. Some of these programs include:

• Sports
• Arts and crafts
• Games
• Relaxation

Continuing Care and Levels of Treatment for Bipolar Disorder

The discharge process at our mental health rehab center begins as soon as you are admitted to the inpatient program to ensure that a plan for continued care is ready to be put in place as soon as it is needed. Our care coordinators with making sure that all follow up appointments are scheduled and that each patient has a secure placement before leaving.

At Valley Behavioral Health in Fort Smith, Arkansas, we have a partial hospitalization program and an intensive outpatient program that is designed to help adults that need more extensive therapy on a daily basis but no longer require inpatient stabilization. Both of these programs use a group therapy approach, but also provide individual therapy and family counseling sessions as needed. These programs provide individuals with the rehab they need while being able to slowly integrate back into community life. Other individuals are ready to be discharged home, and find our traditional outpatient program helps them remain successful with their recovery. Our traditional therapy program provides various treatment options including individual, group, and family therapy in addition to psychological testing and medication management. Whatever your continued care needs may be we will do everything we can to help you meet and exceed your recovery goals.