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Find a psychiatrist who specializes in bipolar disorder

What is a psychiatrist: the difference between psychiatrist, psychologist and therapist

As someone living with a bipolar disorder, I realized that I couldn't heal alone and that I needed a team of professionals ofthe sanity to support me in my reinstatement.

Scientific studies also confirm that the bipolarity is best managed with the help of a team composed of a psychologist And of a psychiatrist.

It's important to note that the term “shrink” is a general term that encompasses various types of mental health professionals.

Les psychiatrists are in a position to prescribe medicines, while the therapists and psychologists offer a talk therapy.

However, many people choose to consult both a psychologist And a psychiatrist who work collaboratively to offer a complete treatment.

There is a great variety of mental health professionals available, with different specialties and approaches.

Whether you need therapy, of medicines or a combination of both, there are qualified professionals who can help you manage your bipolarity And to live a fulfilling life.

If you need help solving problems with sanity, emotional or relational, a therapist can help you.

Contrary to psychiatrists, the therapists do not have medical skills and cannot prescribe medicines.

But don't worry, they are experts at listening and communication, and are trained to help you find practical and sustainable solutions to manage your problems.

Psychiatrists, for their part, followed a medical education comprehensive to diagnose, treat, and prevent mental disorders, including the bipolarity.

They are also authorized to prescribe medicines to treat the symptoms of bipolarity, in addition to offering therapies and to work with other professionals in sanity to develop a treatment plan effective.

Les psychologists, for their part, are experts In the study of human behavior, mental processes, and social relationships.

They use scientific methods to assess patients and develop personalized treatment plans.

The profession of psychologist is regulated in France, which means that they must obtain a Master 2 and are subject to codes of ethics and regulations to ensure the confidentiality of patients and respect for professional standards.

In the end, each mental health professional Has unique skills to help you Managing your bipolarity.

By working together, psychiatrists, therapists, and psychologists can provide integrated and effective care to help you live a fulfilling and satisfying life.

The different options for finding a psychologist who is an expert in bipolarity in France

In France, there are several options for finding a psychologist who is an expert in bipolarity. Some of the main options are:

  1. Les Medical-Psychological Centers (CMP): CMPs are public institutions who offer psychiatric care free or at low cost. Les CMP are often specialized in the treatment of mood disorders, including the bipolarity. To find a CMP near you, you can consult the website ofRegional Health Agency (ARS) in your region.
  2. Les liberal psychologists : Liberal psychologists are mental health professionals who work in private practice. The fees of private psychologists can vary considerably, and some mutual insurance companies may take care of some of the costs. To find a private psychologist who specializes in the treatment of bipolarity, you can consult the directory of the National Union of Psychologists.
  3. Chez HopeStage, The psychologists who are experts in bipolarity that we have selected, work as a team With a psychiatrist And a Peer helper to create a customized care pathways.
  4. Les psychiatric hospitals : Psychiatric hospitals offer specialized care for mental disorders, including the bipolarity. Mental hospitals can offer inpatient or outpatient care programs, according to the needs of patient. To find a psychiatric hospital near you, you can consult the ARS website in your region.
  5. Les patient associations : Patient associations, such as the French Association for Bipolar Disorders, can offer information and support to people with bipolarity. Here is our list of organizations for bipolar people.
  6. Les general practitioners : General practitioners can help refer patients with bipolarity to qualified mental health professionals. General practitioners may also prescribe medications to treat symptoms of bipolarity. They are also useful for renewing a prescription for psychiatrist.

Why find a psychologist online?

As you know, there are a variety of options for following a psychotherapy.

It is a work that is done through the word, which involves the exploration of different currents of psychology, such as Behavioral and Cognitive Therapy (CBT), to help the people with bipolar disorders to manage their symptoms.

It is important to To be accompanied By a health professional to get a personalized help outside of your circle of friends and family.

It is possible to be reimbursed by your mutual insurance for psychotherapy sessions.

This support is essential to ensure the stability Of your mental health status.

Sessions generally last 45 minutes to 1 hour, and it is recommended that you consult at least once a month.

It is also possible to consult a psychologist online in addition to a psychiatrist, because the psychiatrists do not always have time for psychotherapy.

By creating a support team, you give yourself the best Chance of success in the management of your bipolar disorder, just like a top athlete.

Consulting a psychologist online can be an interesting option for maintaining a long-term follow-up relationship, no matter where you move.

It also allows you to maintain contact even during depressive phases or periods when you have difficulty moving around.

Of course, it is also possible to consult in person if you prefer, this will also depend on your personality.

In any case, it is important to find the option of psychotherapy that suits you best and to work closely collaboration With mental health professionals to get a complete and personalized care of your bipolar disorder.

HopeStage accompanies you throughout your career thanks to professionals selected for their expertise.

Where do you start to find a shrink?

To start your search, ask for a recommendation to your primary physician or to your friends or family.

Collaborative work

You can also search online or ask in our bipolar discussion group.

Check these items when looking for a psychologist online:

  • Are they accepting new patients and taking out your insurance?
  • Do they specialize in bipolar disorders?
  • What is their therapy style?
  • What is their availability?

Questions to ask your shrink

Once you find a therapist, you need to understand if they are right for you.

Here are some questions to ask during your first appointment or in advance by phone.

When asking them, talk openly about your needs to make sure you have the same goals.

Experiment

  • Do you have a specialty?
  • Do you specialize in bipolar disorders?
  • Do you specialize in a certain age group, for example teenagers?
  • How long have you been practicing?
  • Are you keeping up to date with advancements in the area of bipolar disorder?

Style/Approach

  • What is the general philosophy of your practice?
  • Do you use methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Dialectical Behavioral and Cognitive Therapy (CBT)?
  • What is your approach to medication?
  • What are your goals for my situation?
  • Think about what you want from your sessions and whether that fits their goals.


Availability

  • What is your schedule? Make sure your schedules are compatible to schedule appointments.
  • Are you available outside of business hours?
  • Who should I contact in case of emergency?

What to do if something goes wrong with your therapist?

It's okay if you don't like your psychologist/therapist/psychiatrist and you want to change people.

Be truthful and outspoken when you tell your therapist that it's not working.

Try saying something like, “I don't think that's right for me...”

Don't leave your current therapist until you find a new one in order to limit the risks, as the treatment times can sometimes be long.

“Finding the right therapist depends mainly on your needs, so take the time to write your objectives.”

Finding a good therapist is only one step in your stabilizing.

It is thanks to the combination of factors that bipolar people succeed in managing their disorders.

It is also essential to collect factual data on your condition and for this, several applications exist in order to calculate your time of slumber and your physical activity.

With this information you can help your therapist understand you better.

Finding a shrink takes time for you to be able to establish a relationship of trust.

One last piece of advice: it is often recommended to give your therapist's contact details to a trusted friend in case of problems.

Here are some bonus tips to help you with your search:

  • A session with a psychologist should last approximately 45 minutes. This may vary depending on the professional, but it is a common session length.
  • You should feel better after a session with your therapist. If this is not the case, it is important to talk to him or her about it and to reassess your therapeutic relationship.
  • Get ready for your sessions with your psychiatrist or psychologist by writing your objectives and preparing the questions you want to ask.
  • Taking notes after a session can be helpful in remembering important points discussed with your therapist.
  • In some cases, the costs of consultations with a psychiatrist or psychologist can be reimbursed by your health insurance or social security, sometimes up to 100%, if you have a long-term illness. Check with your health insurance provider for more information.

If you are ready to take the next step, feel free to click here.