Bipolar Disorder Treatment

Bipolar Disorder Treatment at Summit at Knoxville

Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition characterized by dramatic shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and concentration. These intense emotional states, ranging from periods of elevated mood (mania or hypomania) to severe depression, can profoundly disrupt an individual’s life, relationships, and overall functioning. Navigating these unpredictable mood swings requires specialized care and a structured environment.

At Summit at Knoxville, our Bipolar Disorder Treatment program offers comprehensive, evidence-based care designed to help individuals find stability, manage symptoms, and build a foundation for long-term well-being. Located at 1016 Ic King Rd, Seymour, TN 37865, we are a vital resource for those seeking healing in East Tennessee.

Understanding Bipolar Disorder: The Spectrum of Mood

Bipolar disorder is not simply about mood swings; it involves distinct episodes of mood disturbance that significantly impact daily life. While the experience is unique for everyone, common features include:

  • Manic Episodes: Periods of abnormally elevated, expansive, or irritable mood, increased energy, racing thoughts, decreased need for sleep, impulsivity, and sometimes delusions or hallucinations.
  • Depressive Episodes: Periods of intense sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, fatigue, changes in appetite or sleep, feelings of worthlessness, and suicidal thoughts.
  • Hypomanic Episodes: A milder form of mania, often involving increased energy and productivity, but without the severe impairment or psychotic features of full mania.

There are different types of bipolar disorder, including Bipolar I (characterized by full manic episodes) and Bipolar II (involving hypomanic and major depressive episodes). Without effective treatment, these mood fluctuations can lead to significant occupational, academic, financial, and relational instability.

Bipolar Disorder and Mental Health in Tennessee

Bipolar disorder is a serious mental illness (SMI) that contributes significantly to the overall mental health burden in Tennessee:

  • Serious Mental Illness (SMI): A notable 6.66% of adults (18+) in Tennessee live with SMI, a category that includes bipolar disorder, indicating an above-average burden of severe mental health conditions compared to the U.S. average.
  • Mood Disorders Prevalence: Nationally, “Mood Disorders” were a common diagnosis among adult patients receiving public mental health services, accounting for 35.5% of diagnoses (587 per 100k population), directly reflecting the widespread impact of conditions like bipolar disorder and depression.
  • Co-occurring Conditions: Bipolar disorder frequently co-occurs with other challenges, including anxiety disorders, and importantly, substance use disorders. Individuals may attempt to self-medicate uncomfortable mood swings, inadvertently creating a dual diagnosis that requires integrated treatment.

These statistics underscore the critical need for specialized, accessible, and comprehensive residential treatment for bipolar disorder in our community. A structured environment can be invaluable for individuals struggling to maintain stability amidst severe mood fluctuations.

Why Choose Summit at Knoxville for Bipolar Disorder Treatment?

At Summit at Knoxville, our Bipolar Disorder Treatment program is designed to provide the stability, intensive therapy, and medical management crucial for effective symptom control and long-term well-being:

  • Expert Psychiatric Oversight: Our team is led by Dr. Brian Fuller, MD, Medical Director, a board-certified psychiatrist with extensive experience in mood disorders. He provides expert psychiatric evaluation, diagnosis, and meticulous medication management—a cornerstone of bipolar treatment—ensuring optimal mood stabilization.
  • Integrated Treatment Model: We offer a holistic approach that treats the whole person. Our residential setting allows for the simultaneous treatment of bipolar disorder alongside any co-occurring mental health conditions or substance use disorders.
  • Personalized Treatment Plans: Every patient receives a highly individualized treatment plan, tailored to their specific type of bipolar disorder, symptom presentation, co-occurring conditions, and personal goals for stability.
  • Structured & Supportive Environment: Our facility provides a consistent daily routine, removing external stressors and allowing for full immersion in therapy, skill-building, and self-care. This structured environment is particularly beneficial for regulating sleep and daily rhythms, which are often disrupted by bipolar disorder.
  • Multidisciplinary Team: Our dedicated team comprises experienced medical doctors, licensed therapists, and certified addiction counselors, available 24/7. They collaborate to provide comprehensive and compassionate care.

Our Comprehensive Approach to Bipolar Disorder Treatment

Summit at Knoxville’s Bipolar Disorder Treatment program integrates a variety of evidence-based therapies and strategies designed to achieve mood stability and equip you with lasting coping skills:

  • Medication Management: This is often the primary and most critical component of bipolar disorder treatment. Under the careful oversight of Dr. Fuller, patients receive expert psychiatric evaluation and ongoing medication management to find the optimal balance of mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and sometimes antidepressants, to prevent episodes and reduce symptom severity.
  • Individual Therapy: One-on-one sessions provide a private, confidential space to explore personal triggers, develop coping strategies for mood swings, address trauma, and build insight into managing the condition.
  • Group Therapy: Daily group sessions provide a vital community where patients can share experiences, learn from peers facing similar challenges, practice new interpersonal skills, and receive structured feedback on strategies for managing bipolar symptoms.
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT is highly effective for individuals with bipolar disorder, particularly for improving emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. It equips patients with practical skills to manage intense emotions and reduce impulsive behaviors.
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps patients identify and change negative thought patterns and maladaptive behaviors associated with depressive or manic episodes. By reframing distorted thinking, patients learn to respond to mood shifts more constructively.
  • Psychoeducation: Understanding bipolar disorder is crucial for effective self-management. Our program provides comprehensive psychoeducation for patients and their families (through family programs) on the nature of the illness, early warning signs of episodes, relapse prevention strategies, and the importance of medication adherence.
  • Holistic Wellness: We integrate physical activities like guided morning hikes and outdoor basketball, along with nutritious meals prepared by an on-site chef. These elements support overall physical health, improve sleep hygiene, and contribute to better mood regulation.

What to Expect During Residential Bipolar Disorder Treatment

In our residential program, patients with bipolar disorder will experience a structured daily routine focused on symptom stabilization and skill acquisition:

  • Consistent Schedule: A regular daily routine helps to regulate sleep-wake cycles and overall rhythms, which are often disrupted in bipolar disorder, contributing significantly to mood stability.
  • Intensive Therapeutic Engagement: Days are filled with individual and group therapy, therapeutic check-ins, and skill-building workshops tailored to bipolar disorder management.
  • Medication Adherence Support: Our medical team provides continuous support and education around medication adherence, which is vital for sustained stability.
  • Supportive Environment: Our facility is designed to minimize external distractions, allowing you to focus on learning and applying new strategies.
  • Peer Support: You will live and learn alongside others committed to mental wellness, fostering a supportive community.

Our environment is optimized for healing; cell phones are generally not permitted unless clinically approved, and an initial 5-day blackout period applies to phone use upon admission to ensure full immersion in the therapeutic environment.

Beyond Treatment: Sustaining Long-Term Stability

Completing residential treatment is a significant milestone, providing a strong foundation for managing ADHD. At Summit at Knoxville, we emphasize robust aftercare planning to ensure continued success. Our team works with you to develop a comprehensive plan that may include:

  • Connecting with outpatient therapy or continued skill-building support.
  • Establishing ongoing psychiatric care for medication management.
  • Identifying support groups or community resources.
  • Strategies for maintaining healthy routines and organizational systems.

Our goal is to equip you with the tools and support network necessary to thrive with ADHD in your everyday life.

Accessible Bipolar Disorder Treatment in East Tennessee

Summit at Knoxville is deeply committed to making high-quality bipolar disorder treatment accessible to our community. We accept a wide range of insurance plans, including BCBS, Cigna, Ambetter, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Magellan, Humana, Optum, and VA CCN. Flexible self-pay options are also available. Our admissions team can assist you in verifying your insurance benefits and guiding you through the payment process.

Verify Insurance

Take the Step Towards Stability and Hope

If you or a loved one is struggling with bipolar disorder and seeking comprehensive, expert-led treatment in a supportive environment, Summit at Knoxville is here to help. Our dedicated team is ready to support you in finding stability, managing mood swings, and building a more fulfilling life.

Reach out to us today. Call our main line at (865) 345-3415 to speak confidentially with our admissions team, ask questions, or begin the admissions process. Your journey to lasting stability and a brighter future starts here.

Scroll to Top