Living with bipolar disorder can mean managing big shifts in mood, energy, and sleep while you keep up with work and relationships. Counseling gives you a steady place to talk through those changes with someone who understands.
At Pathways Counseling Services, therapy works alongside your psychiatric care. Your psychiatrist or doctor manages medication, and your therapist helps with daily life between those appointments.
We see clients in person in Scottsdale. Select therapists also offer secure video when you’re in Arizona, New York, or Hawaii. You’re welcome to start during a calm stretch, not only after a hard one.
If you’re in crisis, call or text 988, or call 911 in an emergency.
Early visits are a chance for your therapist to get to know you. They may ask about your sleep, your energy, and what recent mood changes have been like. From there, you and your therapist may work on areas like these.
Routines and skills can support your care. They are one part of a larger plan that includes your psychiatrist or doctor.
Counseling for bipolar disorder often includes learning your own early warning signs. You and your therapist can write them down together, so they’re easier to spot.
For one person, a sign might be staying up late several nights in a row. For another, it might be racing thoughts or feeling unusually irritable. Your plan can include when to reach out to your psychiatrist and how loved ones can help.
Our therapists provide counseling and do not prescribe medication. Your psychiatrist or doctor stays in charge of diagnosis and medication.
Therapy can still support that part of your care. If a medication leaves you feeling tired or flat, your therapist can help you prepare questions for your next psychiatric appointment. With your written permission, your therapist can also coordinate with your psychiatrist.
Reaching out takes three steps.
Request your free 15-minute phone consultation online, or give us a call at (480) 639-5559.
Let us know what has felt hardest lately, such as sleep, work, or a recent mood episode.
Next, we'll suggest a therapist who works with bipolar disorder and schedule your first 75-minute visit.
Only part of our team sees clients for bipolar disorder. Our team page can help you learn more about each therapist.
Rates differ by therapist. Our fees page lists current fees.
Or call (480) 639-5559
Yes. Many people use counseling and medication together. Your therapist can help with routines, stress, and relationships while your psychiatrist manages medication.
Your psychiatrist or doctor is the right person to answer that question. Our therapists don’t prescribe. Counseling is meant to work alongside psychiatric care.
A psychiatrist or doctor makes that diagnosis. Some people are treated for depression for years before anyone asks about periods of high energy. If you’ve had stretches of little sleep and unusual energy, mention them to your doctor.
You might consider counseling if mood changes still affect your work or home life, even with medication. It may also help if you want a plan for noticing early warning signs.
Yes. During a depressive episode, visits may focus on getting through the next few days, such as eating regular meals or getting outside. If you’re having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 at any time.
Yes, if you’d like them to be. Tell us on your free call who you want involved. We can talk about a joint visit or family therapy.
Yes, with some of our therapists, as long as you’re in Arizona, New York, or Hawaii during the visit. Meeting by video may make it easier to keep visits going during a low stretch.
Pathways offers regular outpatient visits with one therapist. If you ever need a hospital stay or day program, your psychiatrist or doctor can help arrange it.
There’s no set timeline. Some people meet weekly at first and then space visits out. Others continue for a year or more, especially after a hard episode. You and your therapist can revisit how often to meet.
Your therapist will explain what stays private and when safety concerns or the law may require them to share information. This includes how information may be shared with your psychiatrist when you give permission.
A first visit with us lasts 75 minutes. Depending on the therapist, it costs $285 to $490. Shorter follow-up visits start at $185, and fees rise with visit length.
We do not accept insurance. You pay us directly for your care. We can give you a special receipt called a superbill. You can send it to your insurance plan to ask if it will pay back part of the cost. Check with your plan first. Not all plans cover counseling for bipolar disorder.
We offer scheduled therapy visits. We do not provide emergency care. If you’re in crisis, call or text 988. If you’re in immediate danger, call 911.
Prefer a callback?
