What to Expect at Bipolar Disorder Evaluation
During your first appointment at Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI), you will meet with one of our mental health providers. There is currently no laboratory test for diagnosing bipolar disorder. However, we may order lab tests or ask your primary care provider for a physical examination to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms.
Your mental health provider will ask extensive questions about your medical history. Before your first appointment, write down your symptoms for depressive and/or manic episodes you may have experienced. If you’re not sure what qualifies as an episode, tell your provider what happened. Remember, mania doesn’t always look like you think it should.
If possible, bring someone who is close to you and knows you well. Their insight and observations can be helpful to your care provider.
Why Choose HMHI?
We strive to use the latest research and methods to care for our patients and continually expand our services and treatment options. As a part of the University of Utah Health academic medical center, HMHI is able to collect data from clinical studies and combine this with our patient care to provide you with the highest quality treatment.
Additionally, our Treatment Resistant Mood Disorder Services Clinic (TRMD) is an important resource for people who struggle with bipolar disorder and symptoms that don’t respond to traditional treatments. It is the only TRMD clinic in Utah and one of the biggest clinics of its kind in the country.
Treatment Programs & Clinics At Hmhi
At HMHI, we offer treatment for all types of bipolar disorder. Our outpatient clinics include:
- initial consultations,
- talk therapy, and
- medication management.
Our outpatient clinics and programs include:
- Downtown Behavioral Health Clinic,
- Farmington Behavioral Health Clinic,
- Park City Behavioral Health Clinic, and
- Geriatric Psychiatry Clinic (for adults age 60 and older).
Our Farmington and Downtown locations also offer perinatal/maternal mental health services for women experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs).
Hospital Inpatient Program
For patients who experience symptoms of severe bipolar disorder and need immediate help to remain safe, we offer inpatient treatment in a hospital setting. Here, you will:
- be monitored for safety,
- be evaluated to make sure your diagnosis is accurate, and
- receive the care you need to safely transition to an outpatient clinic.
Treatment Resistant Mood Disorders Clinic
Our Treatment Resistant Mood Disorders Clinic treats patients whose mood disorders, including bipolar disorder, don’t respond to previous treatments. You’ll need a referral from your doctor to receive care until you reach a place of safety and stability.
We also offer additional services through our crisis lines. Our crisis line staff can help you by offering:
- phone consultations,
- e-consultations,
- same-day psychiatry clinic appointments, and
- expedited appointment scheduling.
Therapy for Bipolar Disorder
We offer individualized treatment plans to best treat your needs. Types of therapy we offer include:
Bipolar Disorder Medications
If you’ve been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, you may be prescribed:
- mood stabilizers,
- atypical antipsychotics, and
- antidepressants.
Medications are used in addition to other types of therapy to form a complete treatment plan.
Bipolar Disorder Treatment for Children & Teens
Programs & Treatments
HMHI offers the following treatment programs for children and teens struggling with mood disorders:
How To Help Someone With Bipolar Disorder
People with bipolar disorder will deal with this for the rest of their life. You can help your loved one by being there for them in a supportive, compassionate way.
You can help someone with bipolar disorder by:
- educating yourself about the condition,
- accepting the highs with the lows,
- understanding and practicing patience when they are struggling,
- encouraging them to seek help and follow their treatment plan,
- offering to go to a doctor’s appointment with them,
- listening, and
- learning the signs of a mental health crisis.
How To Contact A Provider At Hmhi
If you or your loved one are experiencing bipolar disorder symptoms, there are multiple ways to get help. If immediate help is needed, you can call one of our crisis lines or 988.
If you’d like to schedule a regular appointment, call your primary care provider for a referral to HMHI. To schedule an appointment directly with us or for more information, call 801-583-2500.
Most insurance policies offer coverage for bipolar disorder treatment. Check with your health insurance company or call us and someone from our office will check for you.
Mental Health Crisis Resources
We are here for you when you need us the most. Our team of professionals are trained in:
- mental health crisis management,
- suicide prevention, and
- emotional wellness.
HMHI provides the following specialty programs and resources for you and your loved ones to prevent mental health crises and provide emotional support when needed.
Meet Our Patients
Chris struggled with mixed bipolar disorder episodes—a dangerous mix of severe depression and mania that keeps him hyper-focused on thoughts of suicide. He tried numerous medications and lifestyle changes, but wasn't responding well to either. After his sixth attempted suicide, he was referred to the Treatment Resistant Mood Disorders Clinic and tried electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) to stabilize his moods. ECT gave him the chance to be a dad and husband again.
