Bipolar disorder treatment at Villa Treatment Center offers residential, outpatient, and telehealth care. Board-certified psychiatrists and licensed therapists treat bipolar I, bipolar II, cyclothymia, and bipolar disorder alongside substance use. Most major insurance is accepted, and admissions answer 24/7.
If you or someone you love is experiencing a manic, depressive, or mixed episode that feels unsafe, call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Villa’s admissions team can also help you decide on next steps; call (818) 639-7160 any time.
Signs Bipolar Disorder Treatment May Be The Right Step
Bipolar disorder is a cyclic mood condition with episodes of elevated mood (mania or hypomania) and episodes of depression. Treatment is essential because untreated bipolar disorder tends to worsen over time, and the risk of suicide is high during depressive and mixed episodes.
Treatment is worth exploring when you or a loved one have experienced:
- Manic or hypomanic episodes lasting several days or longer, with symptoms like decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, rapid speech, increased energy, impulsivity, risky decisions, grandiosity, or feeling “on top of the world”
- Depressive episodes with persistent low mood, hopelessness, loss of interest, sleep and appetite changes, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, or thoughts of death
- Mixed episodes combining manic energy with depressive thoughts, often the highest-risk presentation
- Cycling between episodes every few weeks, months, or years, with stable periods in between
- Rapid cycling four or more mood episodes within a year
- Functional impacts including job loss, financial damage from manic spending, relationship breakdown, hospitalization, or substance use developed during episodes
- Diagnosis confusion many people are first diagnosed with depression or anxiety; bipolar disorder is often missed for years
If you have been hospitalized for a manic or depressive episode, are currently in one, or are experiencing thoughts of suicide, call (818) 639-7160 or 988 immediately.
Conditions We Treat
Villa treats the full range of bipolar spectrum diagnoses, including bipolar disorder alongside other mental health conditions or substance use:
- Bipolar I disorder the form involving full manic episodes, with or without depressive episodes; typically the most severe presentation
- Bipolar II disorder hypomanic episodes alternating with depressive episodes; often misdiagnosed as recurrent depression because patients seek treatment during depression and don’t recognize hypomania
- Cyclothymic disorder (cyclothymia) chronic mood instability with hypomanic and depressive symptoms that don’t fully meet criteria for episodes
- Rapid-cycling bipolar disorder four or more mood episodes per year, requiring specialized treatment approaches
- Mixed-features presentations episodes with both manic and depressive symptoms simultaneously
- Treatment-resistant bipolar disorder cases where two or more standard treatment approaches have not produced adequate response
- Bipolar disorder with co-occurring substance use dual diagnosis treatment that addresses both conditions together; substance use is common in bipolar disorder and complicates both diagnosis and treatment
- Bipolar disorder with co-occurring anxiety, PTSD, or other conditions integrated care plans treating both diagnoses simultaneously
How Bipolar Disorder Treatment Works At Villa
Bipolar disorder treatment combines medication management as the foundation, evidence-based therapy, lifestyle and mood-tracking support, and structured daily programming. Care runs in three formats based on episode severity and life circumstances.
Residential treatment
A structured live-in program for moderate to severe bipolar disorder, typically 30 to 90 days. Length varies case to case based on clinical need. Residential is the right fit during a current or recent manic or depressive episode, when home is not stable, when there is suicidal ideation requiring 24-hour monitoring, when there is co-occurring substance use needing medical detox, or when medication needs careful titration with daily clinical observation.
Outpatient treatment
Weekly or biweekly therapy sessions of 60 to 90 minutes plus regular psychiatric appointments for medication management. Most outpatient programs run 3 to 6 months in an active phase, with longer-term maintenance after, most people with bipolar disorder benefit from indefinite medication management even after acute treatment ends.
Telehealth
Secure video sessions for therapy and medication management, available across California. Same licensed clinicians, same session length, same insurance coverage. Some patients in stable maintenance use telehealth for medication appointments and in-person work for therapy.
A typical first appointment runs 90 minutes and covers a full clinical assessment, validated bipolar screening (Mood Disorder Questionnaire and similar tools), detailed mood history with episode mapping, medical history, medication review, and a recommended treatment plan. Most patients are scheduled within the same week for telehealth.
Therapies and Modalities Offered
Medication is the foundation of bipolar disorder treatment, but therapy substantially improves outcomes the combination of medication and therapy outperforms either alone in research. Our clinical team practices the evidence-based therapies with strongest research support for bipolar disorder.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for bipolar disorder adapted CBT protocols help with mood monitoring, depressive episode management, and recognizing early warning signs of mood shifts
- Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) the strongest evidence-based therapy specific to bipolar disorder, focused on stabilizing daily routines (sleep, meals, social interaction) which protect against mood episodes
- Family-Focused Therapy (FFT) sessions that include family members to improve communication, reduce relapse triggers, and build support for medication adherence
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills effective for emotion regulation, particularly during mixed episodes or for patients with co-occurring borderline personality disorder
- Psychoeducation structured education about bipolar disorder, medication, mood tracking, and relapse prevention; one of the most cost-effective interventions for long-term outcomes
- Trauma-focused therapy for patients whose bipolar disorder co-occurs with trauma history
- Group therapy daily process and skills groups led by licensed clinicians
- Mood charting and lifestyle support structured tools to track mood, sleep, and triggers,
Clinicians are licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT) and Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) trained in bipolar-specific protocols. The program is medically reviewed by Dr. Courtney Scott, MD, our medical director.
Medication Management for Bipolar Disorder
Medication is the foundation of bipolar disorder treatment, not an optional add-on. The right medication strategy depends on which type of bipolar disorder you have, the current episode (manic, depressive, mixed, or stable), past medication response, and other health factors.
Our medical team includes board-certified psychiatrists who manage:
- Mood stabilizers lithium (the gold-standard treatment for bipolar disorder, with strong evidence for reducing suicide risk), lamotrigine (particularly effective for the depressive phase of bipolar II), valproate, and carbamazepine
- A typical antipsychotics quetiapine, olanzapine, risperidone, aripiprazole, lurasidone, and others, used both for acute episodes and for maintenance
- Combination strategies most patients with bipolar I require combination treatment for stability
- Antidepressants used carefully antidepressants are typically used cautiously in bipolar disorder due to risk of triggering manic switches; when used, they are paired with a mood stabilizer
- Treatment-resistant strategies augmentation with thyroid hormone, additional mood stabilizers, or referrals to specialized treatments like ECT or TMS when standard approaches have failed
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for substance use, integrated carefully with bipolar medications for dual-diagnosis patients
Medication appointments run every 2 to 4 weeks during the active phase, with more frequent visits during titration of new medications. Long-term maintenance typically involves quarterly to twice-yearly psychiatric visits.
Insurance, Cost, And Admissions
Villa Treatment Center is in-network with Aetna, Cigna, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Cross of California, Health Net, and MHN, and works with most other major carriers on an out-of-network basis. Bipolar disorder treatment is typically covered under the behavioral health benefit. Residential treatment is often covered when documented as medically necessary, particularly when there has been a recent episode or hospitalization.
Verification takes 15 minutes by phone or 24 hours by online form. Self-pay rates and payment plans are available, and admissions can walk through what your specific plan covers and what your out-of-pocket costs would be on the same call.
To start: call (818) 639-7160 or use the insurance verification form. Same-week appointments are usually available for telehealth; residential intake depends on bed availability and is often expedited for patients in or recently discharged from a psychiatric hospitalization.
Serving Woodland Hills, the San Fernando Valley, and Greater Los Angeles
Villa’s facility sits on Hood Drive in Woodland Hills, about a mile north of the 101 and accessible from Calabasas, Tarzana, Encino, Sherman Oaks, Northridge, West Hills, Canoga Park, Reseda, Van Nuys, Agoura Hills, Thousand Oaks, Glendale, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Culver City, Bel Air, and the broader Los Angeles area. Telehealth extends bipolar disorder treatment services across Los Angeles County and the rest of California for patients who cannot travel.
Residential treatment serves patients from anywhere in California; the inpatient stay is on-site at the Woodland Hills facility, with family sessions available in person on visit days or by video for out-of-area family members.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does bipolar disorder treatment in Woodland Hills take?
Length varies case to case based on the type of bipolar disorder, current episode, and treatment response. Acute treatment for a manic or depressive episode typically takes 2 to 6 months to stabilize, with residential treatment running 30 to 90 days when needed. Most people with bipolar disorder benefit from long-term medication management indefinitely, with regular psychiatric visits to maintain stability and prevent relapse. Therapy phases run 3 to 6 months at a time, often with maintenance therapy continuing for years.
Does insurance cover bipolar disorder treatment?
Most major insurance plans cover bipolar disorder treatment under the behavioral health benefit. Aetna, Cigna, Anthem Blue Cross, Health Net, MHN, and others are commonly accepted. Bipolar disorder is recognized by all major carriers as a serious mental illness warranting treatment, and residential care is often covered when documented as medically necessary, especially after a hospitalization or during an acute episode. Verification takes 15 minutes; call (818) 639-7160 or use the form.
What is the difference between bipolar I and bipolar II?
Bipolar I involves full manic episodes lasting at least 7 days or requiring hospitalization, with or without depressive episodes. Bipolar II involves hypomanic episodes (less severe than full mania) alternating with depressive episodes; the depressions are typically more frequent and more debilitating than the hypomanias. Both are serious diagnoses that require ongoing medication management. Bipolar II is often misdiagnosed as recurrent depression for years before correct diagnosis.
Will I need to be on medication forever?
Most people with bipolar disorder benefit from long-term medication management. Stopping medication is the single largest predictor of relapse, and each untreated episode tends to make future episodes more frequent and severe (a phenomenon called “kindling”). Medication can be adjusted over time and many patients require lower doses during stable periods, but indefinite medication management is the standard of care for bipolar I and most cases of bipolar II.
Can I get treatment for bipolar disorder and addiction together?
Yes. Villa is licensed to treat co-occurring disorders (dual diagnosis). Bipolar disorder and substance use frequently occur together substance use rates in bipolar disorder are among the highest of any psychiatric condition and treating one without the other often leads to relapse in both. Our integrated care plans address both conditions simultaneously with the same clinical team, with careful attention to medication interactions.
Is residential treatment necessary for bipolar disorder?
Residential is recommended during or shortly after a manic, depressive, or mixed episode, when home is not stable, when there is suicidal ideation requiring 24-hour monitoring, when medication needs careful titration with daily clinical observation, or when there is co-occurring substance use needing medical detox. Many people with bipolar disorder do well in outpatient or intensive outpatient programs during stable periods. Admissions and the clinical team determine the right level during the initial assessment.
How do I know if I have bipolar disorder versus depression?
The clearest distinction is whether you have ever experienced a manic or hypomanic episode, a sustained period (days to weeks) of unusually elevated mood, decreased need for sleep, increased energy, racing thoughts, or impulsive decisions. Many people with bipolar II don’t recognize their hypomanias as a problem because they feel productive or pleasant; the depression is what brings them to treatment. A clinical assessment with a trained psychiatrist can differentiate the diagnoses, often with input from family members who may have noticed mood patterns the patient minimized.
Can I do bipolar disorder treatment by telehealth?
Yes. Outpatient therapy and medication management are both available by secure video across California. Telehealth works particularly well for stable patients in long-term maintenance. During acute episodes or when starting new medications, in-person care or residential treatment is often preferred for closer clinical observation. Residential treatment requires being on-site at the Woodland Hills facility.
Do I need a referral?
No. Most insurance plans do not require a referral for behavioral health services, though some HMO plans do. Call (818) 639-7160 or use the verification form and admissions will confirm during the insurance check.