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Special Announcement

The Family Center for Bipolar is proud to announce that starting July 1st 2013 we will be launching a new program called TREAT (Teen Risk-reduction Early-recognition Assessment and Treatment). This new initiative will focus on providing treatment services to children and adolescents who have or are at risk of develping bipolar disorder. Keeping in line with the mission of the Family Center, all treatment services will be family-inclusive.

Follow this link to learn more about TREAT.

About Us

The Family Center for Bipolar is dedicated to the compassionate support, treatment and understanding of bipolar illness within the context of the family. Bipolar disorder is a chronic illness and we believe that preserving family health and stability is an essential part of successful and lasting treatment.

The Bipolar Specialists™ at the Family Center encourage and facilitate open communication between our patients and their loved ones throughout the course of treatment. To achieve this, we use the Family-Inclusive Treatment (FIT) model, which is designed to include family members, partners, and other support-persons at every step on the road to wellness.

What is bipolar disorder?

What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?

How is bipolar disorder treated?

What is Family Inclusive Treatment (FIT)?

What services does the Family Center offer for individuals and loved ones dealing with bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is...

Bipolar illness is a mood disorder that characteristically involves cycles of "low" mood (depression) and "high" mood (mania). Changes in mood from high to low and back again can be dramatic and rapid. Symptoms of both depressive and manic episodes may be mild or severe, the latter oftentimes leading to impaired functioning.

Symptoms of bipolar disorder are...

Depression is the "low pole" in bipolar disorder and can be characterized by several of the following:
• Refusing to get out of bed for days
• Sleeping much more than usual
• Being tired all the time, but unable
to sleep
• Having bouts of uncontrollable crying
• Becoming entirely uninterested in
things you once enjoyed
• Paying no attention to daily responsibilities
• Feeling hopeless, helpless or worthless for a
sustained period of time
• Inability to make simple decisions
•Wanting to die

Mania is the "high pole" in bipolar disorder, and can manifest itself in several of the following ways:
• Feeling like you can do anything,
even if unsafe or illegal
• Needing very little sleep, yet never
feeling tired
• Feeling angry and irritable all the time
• Dressing flamboyantly, spending
money extravagantly, living recklessly
• Having increased sexual desire, perhaps
even engaging in risky sexual behaviors
• Experiencing hallucinations or delusions

Usually, depression and mania occur as isolated episodes and do not overlap. However, sometimes the symptoms of depression and mania occur simultaneously, and these are called mixed state episodes.

Mixed states may feel like:
• Depression with symptoms of mania
such as restlessness, insomnia, or irritability
• Mania with symptoms of depression
such as low mood, crying, feeling hopeless

Bipolar Disorder Treatment...

Bipolar disorder is a lifelong illness, and at present there is no single, uniform treatment. However most people can achieve stabilization of their mood swings and reduction of symptoms with the right combination of medication, therapy, determination, and of course the support of loved ones.

With a uniquely tailored and Family-Inclusive Treatment (FIT) at the Family Center, our patients can go on to reach their dreams, accomplish their goals, and live happy and productive lives.

Family Inclusive Treatment (FIT)

Led by the Family Center's Bipolar Specialists, FIT encourages and facilitates open family communication about the signs and symptoms of bipolar illness, as well as the treatment process and subsequent care.

Together with therapy and medication management, the Bipolar Specialist works to create a family environment that minimizes, as much as possible, the impact of bipolar disorder on the affected members. In addition to treatment for the patient we also offer treatment for family members, partners, group therapy, and follow-up support when needed.

Services

Our center offers a variety of services, both for patients with bipolar disorder and their loved ones. Please follow the links below for a more detailed description of each one.

Outpatient
Family-Inclusive Treatment delivered by a team of Family Center clinicians.

Consultations
A one-time consultation for individuals who have or think they may have bipolar disorder and their family member(s)/support person(s).

Consultations for Individual Patients
A one-time consultation for individuals who have or think they have or may have bipolar disorder, but do not wish to bring a family member(s)/support person(s).

Consultations for Family Members
A one-time consultation for family members/support persons with a loved one who has or may have bipolar disorder.

CUBSS

Cannabis Use and Bipolar Spectrum Services for individuals who have or may have bipolar disorder, and who use Cannabis.

Group Therapy

Weekly group therapy sessions for both Family Center patients.

Inpatient
Inpatient hospitalization at a Beth Israel Medical Center psychiatric unit and treatment by a Family Center for Bipolar specialist.