Bipolar Disorder Treatment in Tewksbury & South Portland

Learn how we treat bipolar disorder at our Tewksbury, Massachusetts, and South Portland, Maine facilities.
Pillars Clinical Team

Licensed clinicians & counselors

Shawn Kelly, LMHC
This page was clinically reviewed by Shawn Kelly, LMHC
Clinical Director | Clinical Review Policy

Living with bipolar disorder can feel unpredictable, especially when shifts in mood, energy, and thinking begin to affect your work, relationships, or overall well-being. At Pillars Health Group, we provide compassionate, evidence-based bipolar disorder treatment that helps adults stabilize their moods, build healthy coping strategies, and achieve lasting recovery. Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed or have been managing bipolar disorder for years, our experienced team is here to help you regain balance and improve your quality of life.

Treating Bipolar Disorder in Tewksbury & South Portland

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by significant changes in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to function. Individuals with bipolar disorder experience episodes of depression as well as periods of elevated mood, known as mania or hypomania. Without treatment, these mood episodes can interfere with work, school, relationships, and daily responsibilities.

At Pillars Health Group, we provide comprehensive outpatient treatment for adults living with bipolar disorder. Our clinical team develops individualized treatment plans that combine evidence-based therapy, psychiatric care, medication management, and practical coping skills to help individuals stabilize their moods and maintain long-term wellness.

Our bipolar disorder treatment program is designed for individuals who:

  • Experience recurring depressive, manic, or hypomanic episodes
  • Have difficulty managing mood swings that interfere with daily life
  • Need ongoing psychiatric support and medication management
  • Want to develop healthy coping strategies to reduce relapse
  • Need more support than traditional weekly therapy provides
  • Are transitioning from inpatient care or seeking structured outpatient treatment

Do You Need Bipolar Disorder Treatment?

Many people with bipolar disorder go years before receiving an accurate diagnosis. Mood changes may be mistaken for depression, anxiety, stress, or personality differences. Professional treatment can help stabilize symptoms, reduce the frequency and severity of mood episodes, and improve overall functioning.

You may benefit from bipolar disorder treatment if you experience:

  • Extreme mood swings between depression and elevated mood
  • Periods of unusually high energy or decreased need for sleep
  • Racing thoughts or rapid speech
  • Impulsive or risky decision-making
  • Feelings of hopelessness or persistent depression
  • Irritability or agitation
  • Difficulty maintaining relationships because of mood changes
  • Problems functioning at work or school during mood episodes
  • Trouble managing emotions between episodes
  • Previous hospitalization for mania or depression
  • Bipolar symptoms that interfere with daily life

If these symptoms continue to impact your relationships, career, or overall well-being, professional treatment may help you achieve greater stability.

Bipolar Disorder Symptoms We Treat

Bipolar disorder presents differently for every individual. Our clinicians work with adults experiencing a wide range of symptoms associated with bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, and other bipolar spectrum conditions.

Depressive Episodes

Depressive episodes may include persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, feelings of worthlessness, changes in appetite or sleep, and thoughts of hopelessness.

Manic Episodes

Mania is characterized by elevated or irritable mood, increased energy, reduced need for sleep, racing thoughts, rapid speech, impulsive behaviors, inflated self-confidence, and difficulty recognizing consequences.

Hypomanic Episodes

Hypomania involves many of the same symptoms as mania but is generally less severe. Even so, hypomanic episodes can significantly affect judgment, relationships, and daily functioning.

Mood Instability

Many individuals experience ongoing mood fluctuations, irritability, emotional reactivity, or difficulty maintaining stability between episodes.

Cognitive and Functional Challenges

Bipolar disorder can affect concentration, decision-making, memory, motivation, and the ability to manage responsibilities during or between mood episodes.

How Our Bipolar Disorder Program Works

Every person’s experience with bipolar disorder is unique, which is why treatment begins with a comprehensive clinical assessment.

During your assessment, our team will evaluate:

  • Your symptoms and mood patterns
  • Mental health history
  • Medical history
  • Current level of functioning
  • Treatment goals
  • Any co-occurring mental health conditions, such as anxiety, trauma, substance use disorders, or ADHD

Based on your assessment, we’ll recommend the outpatient program that best fits your needs.

Some individuals benefit from our Full-Day Outpatient Treatment Program, while others are appropriate for our Half-Day Outpatient Treatment Program. Throughout treatment, your care plan is regularly reviewed and adjusted as your symptoms improve and your needs change.

Our Treatment Approach for Bipolar Disorder

Our multidisciplinary team utilizes evidence-based treatment strategies that help individuals stabilize mood, reduce relapse risk, and improve overall functioning.

Treatment may include:

Evidence-Based Therapies

Our clinicians utilize therapies supported by research, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), mindfulness-based interventions, psychoeducation, and relapse prevention strategies to help individuals better manage bipolar disorder.

Psychiatry

Because medication is often an essential part of bipolar disorder treatment, our psychiatric providers perform comprehensive evaluations and work closely with therapists to provide coordinated, integrated care.

Medication Management

Mood stabilizers, atypical antipsychotics, and other psychiatric medications may play an important role in managing bipolar disorder. Our psychiatric providers carefully determine the most appropriate medication plan and monitor progress throughout treatment to maximize effectiveness while minimizing side effects.

Group Therapy

Group therapy provides opportunities to build coping skills, improve emotional regulation, strengthen communication, and connect with others who understand the challenges of living with bipolar disorder.

Family Support

When appropriate, family members may participate in education and support services that improve communication, increase understanding of bipolar disorder, and strengthen long-term recovery.

Other Clinical Services

Depending on individual needs, treatment may also include psychoeducation about bipolar disorder, stress management, sleep hygiene education, relapse prevention planning, crisis planning, coordination with outside healthcare providers, and treatment for co-occurring substance use or other mental health conditions.

Our Levels of Care for Bipolar Disorder Treatment

Pillars Health Group offers flexible outpatient programs that allow individuals to receive structured treatment while continuing to live at home. During your assessment, our admissions team will recommend the level of care that best fits your symptoms, level of functioning, and treatment goals.

Full-Day Outpatient Treatment (PHP)

Our Full-Day Outpatient Treatment Program (Partial Hospitalization Program) provides several hours of structured treatment each day, up to five days per week. This level of care is ideal for individuals experiencing significant mood instability who need intensive support without inpatient hospitalization.

Example of Full-Day Schedule for Bipolar Disorder Treatment

09:00 am Check-In and Goal Setting
09:45 am Group Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
10:45 am Group Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
12:30 pm Lunch Break
01:00 pm Journaling
01:30 pm Psychoeducation, Clinical Skills Development
02:45 pm Wrap-Up
03:30 pm

Check-Out

Half-Day Outpatient Treatment (IOP)

Our Half-Day Outpatient Treatment Program (Intensive Outpatient Program) provides several hours of treatment per day while allowing participants to maintain work, school, or family responsibilities. Half-Day Treatment takes place three to five days per week, depending on each client’s unique needs.

Example of Half-Day Schedule for Bipolar Disorder Treatment

09:00 am Check-In and Goal Setting
09:45 am Group Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
10:45 am Group Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
12:30 pm Check-Out

 

05:30 pm Check-In and Goal Setting
06:30 pm Group Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
07:30 pm Group Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
09:00 pm Check-Out

What to Expect During Outpatient Bipolar Disorder Treatment

Beginning treatment can feel overwhelming, but our goal is to make the process as comfortable and supportive as possible.

When you arrive:

  • You don’t need to bring anything special.
  • We’ll guide you through the intake process.
  • You’ll meet members of your treatment team.
  • Your individualized treatment plan and schedule will be reviewed.

Treatment length varies depending on your progress, treatment goals, symptom stability, and clinical needs. Some individuals complete treatment within several weeks, while others benefit from longer-term structured support before transitioning to traditional outpatient care.

We also offer free insurance verification before admission so you can better understand your coverage and any potential costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Choose Pillars Health Group for Bipolar Disorder Treatment?

Choosing the right treatment provider is an important step toward achieving long-term mood stability. At Pillars Health Group, we combine clinical expertise with compassionate, individualized care designed to help adults successfully manage bipolar disorder and improve their overall quality of life.

Patients choose us because of our:

  • Experienced multidisciplinary team of licensed mental health professionals
  • Specialized outpatient programs for adults with bipolar disorder and co-occurring mental health conditions
  • Individualized treatment plans developed through comprehensive assessments
  • Collaborative approach integrating therapy, psychiatry, and medication management
  • Strong focus on evidence-based treatment methods
  • Supportive group environment that encourages accountability and recovery
  • Practical coping skills that help individuals recognize triggers, manage symptoms, and prevent relapse
  • Accredited programs that meet high standards for quality and patient care

Our goal isn’t simply to reduce bipolar disorder symptoms—it’s to help individuals achieve greater emotional stability, strengthen coping skills, improve daily functioning, and build a foundation for long-term recovery.

Get Bipolar Disorder Treatment in Tewksbury & South Portland

If bipolar disorder is affecting your relationships, work, or overall well-being, you don’t have to face it alone. The experienced team at Pillars Health Group is here to help you understand your treatment options and find the level of care that’s right for you.

Take the first step today by calling our team at 855-828-0575 to speak with a caring admissions specialist. We offer free insurance verification to help you understand your coverage before beginning treatment.

Get treatment at either of our outpatient locations:

With the right treatment, individuals living with bipolar disorder can achieve greater mood stability, strengthen healthy coping skills, improve relationships, and build fulfilling, meaningful lives. At Pillars Health Group, we’re committed to supporting you every step of your recovery journey with compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to your unique needs.

Still have questions?

We're here to help. Reach out to our admissions team today — no pressure, just answers.

Pillars Clinical Team

Licensed clinicians & counselors

Our clinical team includes licensed therapists, counselors, and prescribers with decades of combined experience in outpatient mental health and addiction care.

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Definitely very comfortable and welcoming place. has snacks and food at lunch to give. Even if you’re having a rough day like I am always having. They lift you up in a second of laughter.
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lexi robidoux
2 days ago
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Great experience. Clean comfortable place and maybe I was just a little lucky but I met all good people. The councilors were all excellent, friendly and supportive.
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Justin Hogan
2 days ago
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I am truly so grateful for this program and all the amazing people I have met on this journey. I am learning so much about myself in ways I never imagined. Is it hard? Absolutely. Is it painful? Absolutely. Is it worth it? Also, absolutely. You’re worth it. And they’ll be so glad you’re there.
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Rachael Kravarik
3 days ago
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No superlatives can do Pioneer justice. I can offer my personal reflection letter and hope that you can feel the effect. You are looking at Pioneer because overwhelm, grief, trauma, pain or substance have taken up too much space in your life. Maybe you feel you can’t breathe, harness emotion or see a path forward. Pioneer will welcome you unconditionally. You will be held, included, appreciated, applauded. You will be accepted without judgment no matter your situation or circumstance. You will be valued. Shown that you are worthy at a time in your life when it might feel foreign or impossible. This supportive and loving environment will help you learn, discover, unlock, unblock a reality that YOU are capable of immeasurable transformation. The ability already exists inside of you. I walked into Pioneer wobbly, trembling, desperate and exhausted. Without an identity. They caught me. They will catch you. They propped me up. They will prop you up. You are already aware that help is needed. Take the step to reach out to Pioneer staff. You possess the courage. They are ready for you.
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Alexander Lonczak
3 days ago
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I have been involved with evening programs for the past few weeks. The staff are very knowledgeable and attentive. I have learned a few coping skills and ways to manage my anxiety. It has been helpful through this process.
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Thomas Butler
4 days ago
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Pioneer Behavioral Health is 5+ stars as it pertains to your recovery journey. Would rate a 10 if I could! I was at a breaking point in my life. Having never pursued a program such as pioneer and needing much healing and help, Pioneer scooped me up from my first outreach and has held me ever since in an amazing, non-judgmental, supportive, seamless fashion. The staff are professional, personable, experienced, committed, reliable and understanding. The staff truly CARE about you and fostering a safe positive process that sets you up for individual progress and success in your recovery. Their facility space is warm, inviting and comfortable. I honestly have Pioneer to thank for saving my life and for providing the platform for me to reclaim my life. If you’re ready in your bones for your recovery journey to begin, look no further and pursue Pioneer Behavioral Health!
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Stephanie
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Tyler Belisle
9 days ago
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Liz was fantastic at helping our family member get into treatment and made our experience the best it could be!
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Pat Dupuis
11 days ago
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Liz made us feel so supported during the phone intake. She was kind, understanding, and easy to talk to. We’re grateful for the compassion she showed us.
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Jeremy Forcier
11 days ago
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While I haven't officially begun my treatment journey, I want to recognize Erlene for being so helpful, caring, and most importantly available. I was on the verge of a mental breakdown, and she helped me set up my intake with ease. She's incredibly easy to speak with, and turned around a very difficult phone call to make. I also want to recognize Keith for being kind and welcoming, and Dante for being so friendly and understanding. I was terrified when I entered the building, and they not only saw my trepidation but helped me find calm. I can tell the whole staff truly cares, and wants to find the best in everyone who walks through those doors. Finally, to my man Dustin, whom I met today and whose review I see - thank you for saying hello and welcoming me. You got this!
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Jack Gill
12 days ago
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