Beachside Teen Treatment Center
Treatment in California
Teen Bipolar Disorder Treatment in California
Bipolar disorder is widely spoken about but is rarely fully understood. Teen bipolar disorder is not uncommon and is a type of mood disorder that affects the brain’s regulation of life’s ups and downs.
Contact us today to begin therapy and find your path to recovery.
Navigating the emotional ups and downs of adolescence is challenging, but for some teens, these shifts go beyond typical mood swings. Bipolar disorder is a serious mental health condition that affects mood, energy levels, and behavior. At Beachside Teen, we offer compassionate, professional, and effective adolescent bipolar disorder treatment designed to help your teen regain stability and thrive.
If your teen exhibits extreme mood changes or struggles with managing daily life, our specialized teen treatment programs can provide the support they need.
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by significant changes in mood, energy, and activity levels. These shifts range from manic episodes, marked by heightened energy and euphoria, to depressive episodes, characterized by sadness and withdrawal. Adolescents with bipolar disorder often find it challenging to balance their emotions, which can impact their academic performance, relationships, and self-esteem.
Early intervention is critical, as untreated bipolar disorder can worsen over time and lead to long-term difficulties. At Beachside Teen, we specialize in diagnosing and treating bipolar disorder in adolescents, using evidence-based methods tailored to the unique challenges of this age group.
Learn more about our teen mental health programs or call us now at 877-983-5144.
Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder in a Teenager
Manic Symptoms
- Increased energy or restlessness.
- Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity.
- Decreased need for sleep.
- Rapid speech or racing thoughts.
- Impulsive or risky behavior.
Depressive Symptoms
- Prolonged sadness or irritability.
- Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed.
- Fatigue or low energy levels.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt.
Types of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder manifests in various forms, each presenting unique challenges and requiring tailored approaches to treatment. Understanding the type of bipolar disorder your teen is experiencing is a critical first step in designing an effective and personalized treatment plan.
At Beachside Teen, our expert team carefully evaluates each case to identify the specific type of bipolar disorder and its impact on your teen’s emotional and mental well-being. Below are the main types of bipolar disorder that we address in our adolescent treatment programs.
Bipolar I Disorder
Bipolar I Disorder is characterized by intense manic episodes that can last a week or longer, often requiring immediate intervention. These manic episodes are marked by extreme energy, erratic behavior, a decreased need for sleep, and sometimes a detachment from reality. While the highs of mania are severe, they are often followed by equally intense depressive episodes that may last for weeks.
Teens with Bipolar I Disorder can struggle to maintain stability in their academics, relationships, and daily routines, making professional treatment essential. At Beachside Teen, we help adolescents with Bipolar I Disorder regain control by providing therapies and support systems that address both the manic and depressive cycles.
Bipolar II Disorder
Unlike Bipolar I, Bipolar II Disorder involves less severe manic episodes known as hypomania. Hypomania may present as heightened energy, confidence, and creativity, which can sometimes go unnoticed or even be mistaken for normal teenage behavior. However, these episodes are followed by prolonged depressive episodes that are often debilitating.
Teens with Bipolar II Disorder may feel overwhelmed by sadness, lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, or struggle with feelings of worthlessness. This alternating pattern can be confusing for teens and their families, making it crucial to seek professional help. Our evidence-based treatments focus on helping teens identify and manage these mood swings, allowing them to lead more balanced and fulfilling lives.
Cyclothymic Disorder
Cyclothymic Disorder is defined by chronic fluctuations between periods of hypomania and mild depression that last for at least a year. While the symptoms may not be as severe as those of Bipolar I or II, they can still significantly impact a teen’s life.
Teens with Cyclothymic Disorder often feel as though they are on an emotional rollercoaster, with frequent mood changes that can disrupt their schoolwork, friendships, and self-esteem. Because the symptoms may not meet the full criteria for manic or depressive episodes, Cyclothymic Disorder is sometimes underdiagnosed. At Beachside Teen, we understand the subtle complexities of this condition and provide treatments designed to help teens develop greater emotional stability and resilience.
Other Specified and Unspecified Bipolar Disorders
In some cases, a teen’s symptoms may not fit neatly into the categories of Bipolar I, Bipolar II, or Cyclothymic Disorder but still cause significant disruption to their daily life. These are often classified as Other Specified or Unspecified Bipolar Disorders. Teens with these conditions may experience unique combinations of manic, hypomanic, and depressive symptoms that require specialized attention.
At Beachside Teen, we are equipped to handle these complex cases with a thorough diagnostic process and individualized care plans. Our goal is to address your teen’s specific challenges and provide the tools they need to manage their condition effectively.
Adolescent Bipolar Statistics
Understanding the prevalence of bipolar disorder in teens can help highlight the importance of treatment:
- An estimated 2.9% of adolescents in the United States are diagnosed with bipolar disorder annually.
- While the average age of onset for bipolar disorder is around 25 years, symptoms can begin in adolescence, with a significant number of individuals experiencing their first episode between ages 15 and 19.
- Teens with untreated bipolar disorder are at a higher risk of substance abuse, academic challenges, and strained relationships.
At Beachside Teen, we are dedicated to providing effective adolescent bipolar disorder treatment to address these challenges and support long-term success.
Our Adolescent Bipolar Disorder Treatment Options
At Beachside Teen, we offer comprehensive, individualized treatment plans for bipolar disorder, including:
- Residential Treatment Programs: Also called inpatient treatment, this is a structured environment where teens can focus on healing away from daily stressors.
- Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP): Designed for teens who need support while remaining in their home environment.
- Partial Hospitalization (PHP): Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) offers teens intensive therapeutic care during the day while allowing them to return home in the evenings.
- Medication Management: Ensuring your teen receives the appropriate medications to stabilize mood and reduce symptoms.
- Therapeutic Modalities: Including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and family therapy.
Tour Our Bipolar Treatment Programs
How We Treat Bipolar Disorder
Our approach to treating adolescent bipolar disorder is evidence-based and holistic.
Key components of our treatment include:
- Comprehensive Assessment: Every teen undergoes a thorough evaluation to determine their specific needs and challenges.
- Individualized Treatment Plans: Treatment plans are tailored to address your teen’s unique symptoms, triggers, and goals.
- Therapeutic Interventions: Our skilled clinicians use therapies such as CBT, DBT, and mindfulness-based practices to help teens manage their emotions and behaviors.
- Family Involvement: Family therapy sessions help parents and guardians better understand bipolar disorder and create a supportive home environment.
Benefits of Teen Bipolar Disorder Treatment
Professional treatment for adolescent bipolar disorder offers numerous benefits:
- Improved Emotional Regulation: Teens learn coping mechanisms to manage mood swings effectively.
- Academic and Social Success: Treatment helps teens focus better in school and build healthier relationships.
- Reduced Risk of Complications: Early intervention lowers the likelihood of substance abuse and other co-occurring conditions.
When To Seek Help For My Teen
If your teen’s mood swings are severe, persistent, or impacting their daily life, it may be time to seek professional help.
Reach out if you notice:
- Increased episodes of risky behavior.
- Signs of self-harm or suicidal thoughts.
- Significant changes in sleep or appetite.
- Decline in academic performance or interest in activities.
At Beachside Teen, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
Our Clinical Model
At Beachside Teen, our clinical model is built on a foundation of compassion, evidence-based care, and collaboration. We understand that every adolescent’s journey with bipolar disorder is unique, which is why we prioritize personalized treatment plans tailored to meet the specific needs of each teen and their family. Our approach integrates cutting-edge therapeutic techniques with a supportive environment designed to foster healing and resilience.
Our team includes highly trained psychiatrists, therapists, and support staff who bring expertise and empathy to every interaction. From initial assessment to ongoing treatment, we work closely with both teens and their families to create a collaborative treatment process. This partnership ensures that progress is monitored, goals are adjusted as needed, and every individual feels heard and supported.
Our clinical model also incorporates a holistic approach, addressing not only the symptoms of bipolar disorder but also the underlying factors that may contribute to emotional instability. This includes exploring co-occurring conditions, developing healthy coping mechanisms, and fostering skills for long-term stability and success. By focusing on the mind, body, and emotional well-being of each teen, we strive to empower them with the tools they need to manage their disorder and thrive in their daily lives.
At Beachside Teen, your teen is never just a number. They are a valued individual deserving of care, respect, and a tailored plan for their brighter future.
Take the First Step Today
If your teen is struggling with bipolar disorder, you don’t have to face this journey alone. At Beachside Teen, we provide the expert care and support needed to help your teen thrive. Contact us today to learn more about our adolescent bipolar disorder treatment programs or to schedule a consultation. Together, we can pave the way toward a brighter future.
Mark Paladini
Director of Education
Last Updated on March 12, 2025
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At Beachside, our programming meets the highest standards for quality adolescent healthcare.
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