Understanding Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition that can have a significant impact on an individual’s daily life. It is characterized by extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). These shifts can affect sleep, energy, activity levels, judgment, and behavior, often disrupting relationships, work, school, and everyday functioning.
Common symptoms of bipolar disorder include:
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- Mania: high energy, excessive happiness, impulsiveness, reduced need for sleep, rapid speech, grandiose ideas
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- Depression: sadness, loss of interest, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, changes in appetite, thoughts of suicide
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- Mixed episodes: symptoms of both mania and depression at the same time
Understanding these patterns and recognizing that bipolar disorder affects everyone differently is crucial in getting the appropriate care and support.
Why Early Treatment Matters
Treatment for bipolar disorder is highly effective and helps individuals manage symptoms, reduce mood instability, and improve overall functioning. The most effective plans are often personalized and combine multiple evidence-based strategies.
Treatment for Bipolar Disorder
Treatment for bipolar disorder is most effective when it combines clinical interventions, ongoing management, and supportive lifestyle strategies tailored to the individual. Because bipolar disorder often involves a mix of episodes of mania and depression, successful long-term care typically blends medication with therapeutic support and structured psychosocial interventions.
This approach helps stabilize mood, reduce the frequency and intensity of episodes, and enhance daily functioning and quality of life.
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- Medication: Mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and antidepressants can help regulate mood swings and prevent future episodes of mania or depression.
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- Psychotherapy: Talking to a mental health professional can provide support, education, and tools for managing bipolar disorder.
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- Lifestyle changes: Making changes to sleep patterns, diet, and exercise can help regulate mood and improve overall health.
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- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT): ECT may be recommended for severe cases of bipolar disorder where medication and psychotherapy have been ineffective.
Why Choose Colorado Mental Health Services
Colorado Mental Health Services provides compassionate, evidence-based bipolar disorder treatment in Lakewood, Colorado, and surrounding communities. Our clinicians work collaboratively with you to create a treatment plan tailored to your goals and needs, helping you better manage symptoms and reach your full potential.
Where Expertise Meets Empathy
Every client interaction is guided by empathy, patience, and clinical insight.
Arshad William M.D.
Medical Director
Medical Director
Dr. William received his medical degree from University of Benin College of Medicine. He was Chief Resident at the University at Harlem Hospital Center, College of Physicians & Surgeons of Columbia.
Dr. William is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He is a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, board certified by the American Board of Addiction Medicine (ABAM), and Member of the Colorado Psychiatric Society.
Hannah Bingler, Clinical Director, LPC, LAC
Clinical Director
Clinical Director
Hannah Bingler is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Addiction Counselor with a deep passion for helping people rediscover hope and purpose in their lives. After earning her Master’s in Counseling from the University of Denver, Hannah began her career driven by a belief that healing is always possible.
Throughout her work, Hannah has walked alongside individuals facing anxiety, depression, trauma, and addiction, helping them uncover their inner strength and build lasting change. Her approach is grounded in authenticity and connection, creating a space where clients feel seen, supported, and empowered on their journey toward recovery and self-discovery.
Eric Elmore, LPCC, NCC
Primary Therapist
Primary Therapist
Eric earned his Bachelor of Science at Texas Tech University in 2009 and a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Colorado Denver in 2023. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate and Addiction Counselor Candidate in Colorado. He is trained in individual and group therapy for treating co-occurring substance use disorders, trauma, and mood disorders. Eric’s passion for counseling stems from his belief that every individual deserves to live as their happiest, most authentic self. He meets people where they are and helps them reintegrate into a life that is meaningful and worth living.
Molly Barth, LCSW, ADDC
Primary Therapist
Primary Therapist
Molly received her Bachelor of Science in Finance at Northern Arizona University in 2012 and her Master of Social Work at Metropolitan State University of Denver in 2023. Over the past five and a half years, she has worked across the full continuum of care, including inpatient psychiatric care, medical detox, outpatient community mental health, and now intensive outpatient treatment. She specializes in mental health with a focus on attachment trauma, mood and anxiety disorders, and co-occurring substance use. Her approach is grounded in compassion, curiosity, and collaboration, using modalities such as Motivational Interviewing, Internal Family Systems, and psychoeducation on the mind-body connection. Outside of work, Molly enjoys gardening, creative expression, learning new skills, and snuggling her two cats.
Get Help Today
If you or a loved one is navigating the challenges of bipolar disorder, reaching out for professional support is an important step toward stability and improved well-being. Bipolar disorder is a treatable condition, and early engagement with skilled mental health professionals can help you develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses mood regulation, day-to-day functioning, and long-term wellness.
Contact us today to learn more about bipolar disorder treatment in Lakewood, CO and schedule an appointment with one of our experienced mental health professionals. You don’t have to face this alone, together, we can work toward greater balance, resilience, and a brighter future.