Find a Therapist for Bipolar Disorder in Cleveland

Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on May 23, 2025
Written by the MiResource team

This guide for Cleveland, OH covers Bipolar Disorder—what it is, how treatment works, and how to find local therapists who treat it. We also note practical factors: public transit has uneven coverage, winter weather affects reliability, costs and availability vary across systems.

  • Robert Buzan, Counselor

    Robert Buzan

    Counselor, Psychotherapist, Psychologist

    Remote only

    Robert Buzan is a Counselor in undefined, undefined. They treat Bipolar Disorder, Peer Difficulties, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

    I am a clinical psychologist with extensive experience working with college students via telehealth. I welcome clients of all backgrounds.

    View profile
  • Benjamin Andrews, Psychologist

    Benjamin Andrews

    Psychologist

    1709 Legion Road, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27517

    Benjamin Andrews is a Psychologist in Chapel Hill, North Carolina and has been in practice for 11 years. They treat Bipolar Disorder, Substance Use, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

    Experienced therapist providing compassionate, evidence-based help for people to find their whole selves, reduce their suffering, and achieve their goals

    View profile
  • Zachary Jones, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

    Zachary Jones

    Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

    140 Wadsworth Road, Wadsworth, Ohio 44281

    Zachary Jones is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Wadsworth, Ohio. They treat Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

    Helping adults, children, couples, and families with their mental health needs.

    View profile
  • Hider Shaaban, Psychotherapist

    Hider Shaaban

    Psychotherapist, Psychologist

    255 South 17th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103

    Hider Shaaban is a Psychotherapist in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They treat Bipolar Disorder, Self-Harm, School Concerns.

    Your emotional wellbeing is our priority. We will work together to not just get you unstuck, but help you thrive and flourish.

    View profile
  • Alyssa Austern, Psychologist

    Alyssa Austern

    Psychologist

    Remote only

    Alyssa Austern is a Psychologist in Chatham, New Jersey and has been in practice for 16 years. They treat Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Anxiety.

    Helping teens, young adults, adults, couples, and families navigate anxiety, relationships, identity development, and life transitions via teletherapy.

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  • Auran Piatigorsky, PhD, LP, CMPC, Sport Psychologist

    Auran Piatigorsky, PhD, LP, CMPC

    Sport Psychologist

    Remote only

    Auran Piatigorsky, PhD, LP, CMPC is a Sport Psychologist in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 30 years. They treat Bipolar Disorder, Racial Identity, Sleep Concerns.

    Licensed Clinical Sport Psychologist — services for mental health care & performance enhancement

    View profile

Understanding Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes strong swings in mood, energy, and activity levels, shifting between depressive lows and manic highs. Common symptoms include periods of sadness, low motivation, and sleep changes, as well as times of very high energy, reduced need for sleep, racing thoughts, impulsive choices, and irritability. These shifts can disrupt work or school, strain relationships, affect finances, and make it hard to keep consistent daily habits. More information is available on the main therapy for bipolar disorder page in MiResource.

Common Signs and Symptoms

Bipolar Disorder often shows up as recurring shifts in mood, energy, and activity that last days to weeks, not just brief ups and downs. Notice whether these patterns disrupt routines, sleep, and decision-making over time and tend to repeat.

  • Needing far less sleep for several nights without feeling tired, then later sleeping much longer than usual
  • Talking faster than normal, jumping between ideas and tasks, then at other times moving and thinking slowly
  • Starting lots of projects or making big plans or purchases, then losing interest and leaving things unfinished
  • Feeling unusually irritable over small issues for days, then experiencing stretches of low mood and tearfulness
  • Being extra social and confident for a while, then withdrawing and avoiding calls, texts, or plans
  • Appetite swinging between little interest in food and periods of overeating
  • Routine slipping: overbooking your calendar during “up” periods and missing work, classes, or chores during “down” periods

Why This Happens

In Cleveland, some people with Bipolar Disorder notice that ongoing stress, major life changes, or reminders of difficult past experiences can intensify mood symptoms or make episodes more likely. Triggers can include disrupted sleep, conflict, financial or job strain, or seasonal changes, but they vary widely from person to person. Noticing personal patterns and planning supports—like steady routines, coping skills, and early check-ins with care—can help reduce impact even when stressors can’t be avoided. Having triggers is not anyone’s fault, and no single event explains Bipolar Disorder for everyone.

How Treatment Works

In Cleveland, evidence-based care for Bipolar Disorder typically includes structured psychotherapy, medication management when appropriate, and support through groups or peer programs. Many people improve with consistent, evidence-based treatment and collaborative follow-up. Access may be affected by public transit that has uneven coverage and winter weather impacts, so many residents drive to care. Costs and availability vary across systems, with insurance differences and waitlists that can differ by specialty.

Finding the right provider in Cleveland

Choosing a therapist licensed in Ohio helps ensure your care is legally compliant, especially for telehealth, since most states require the clinician to be licensed where you are during sessions. Insurance plans often only cover in-state, appropriately licensed providers, which can affect costs and network eligibility. MiResource can filter for Ohio licensure to help you find Bipolar Disorder therapists who meet these requirements.

Local Care Logistics in Cleveland

Access to bipolar disorder care in Cleveland varies by area. In Downtown, Ohio City, Tremont, and Old Brooklyn, options exist across a broad range of price points, but insurance-based availability can differ by system and waitlists can vary by specialty. Public transit is available but coverage is uneven, and winter weather can affect reliability; many residents drive to appointments, so factor in parking and travel time.

Appointment availability can tighten around the academic schedules at Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland State University, as well as during summer tourism peaks, winter holiday shifts, and event-driven spikes tied to sports and cultural festivals.

To reduce friction: use telehealth for routine follow-ups or medication checks, especially during bad weather; ask about early-morning, lunchtime, or evening slots; request to be notified for cancellations and consider joining more than one in-network waitlist to improve timing.

Taking Care of Your Mental Health in Cleveland

  • Keep a steady daily rhythm: consistent sleep/wake, meals, and medications. Use simple alarms or calendar reminders, and keep evenings calm to protect sleep, especially during winter.
  • Track mood, energy, and sleep on a 0–10 scale once daily. Note stressors (work shifts, travel time, big events) and weather changes; bring highlights to your next session.
  • Move gently most days: a 15–20 minute walk at Edgewater Park, Rocky River Reservation, Wendy Park, Lakewood Park, or Euclid Creek Reservation. In bad weather, do a short indoor routine at home.
  • Plan for logistics: check transit conditions, leave buffer time, or arrange a ride if driving is easier. Keep a simple support list (trusted contacts, NAMI Greater Cleveland, Magnolia Clubhouse).

When to Seek Immediate Help

If you or someone with bipolar disorder has severe mood swings, thoughts of self-harm, is a danger to self or others, or cannot care for basic needs, seek immediate help. Call 988 or 911, or contact the FrontLine Service Crisis Hotline (216-623-6888). You can also reach the FrontLine Service Mobile Crisis Team (24/7 mobile crisis response via ADAMHS Cuyahoga County). Go to the nearest emergency department: University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, The MetroHealth System (Main Campus Medical Center), Cleveland Clinic Main Campus, Cleveland Clinic Fairview Hospital, or Cleveland Clinic Euclid Hospital. Public transit is available but uneven; winter weather impacts reliability, and many residents drive to care.

Common Questions About Bipolar Disorder

Q: What is Bipolar Disorder and how is it typically identified in Cleveland? A: Bipolar Disorder is a mental health condition marked by mood episodes that range from periods of elevated or irritable mood (mania or hypomania) to periods of depression. It is typically identified through a clinical evaluation that looks at current symptoms, patterns over time, and personal and family history. Clinicians also rule out other medical or substance-related causes. There is no single lab test; diagnosis relies on a careful, collaborative assessment.

Q: Who commonly experiences Bipolar Disorder in Cleveland? A: People of all ages, backgrounds, and identities can experience Bipolar Disorder. Many first notice symptoms in late adolescence or early adulthood, though it can appear earlier or later. A family history can increase likelihood, and sleep disruption or major life stressors can contribute to episodes. It affects people across all neighborhoods and communities.

Q: How common is Bipolar Disorder in general terms in Cleveland? A: Bipolar Disorder is experienced by many people, though it is not among the most common mental health conditions. In a city like Cleveland, it is present across communities but not experienced by everyone. Some individuals live with it without recognizing it at first, and others may seek care after symptoms become more noticeable. Many people find effective ways to manage it.

Q: Can Bipolar Disorder be prevented in Cleveland? A: It cannot always be prevented, because biology and life experiences both play roles. However, maintaining regular sleep, managing stress, avoiding substance misuse, and seeking early help when mood changes appear can reduce the likelihood of episodes. Ongoing treatment and a wellness plan can help prevent relapses. Recognizing early warning signs and acting promptly makes a meaningful difference.

Q: What should someone in Cleveland do if they think they have Bipolar Disorder? A: Schedule an appointment with a licensed mental health professional or talk with a primary care clinician about a referral. Keep notes about mood changes, sleep patterns, energy, and any triggers to share during the visit. If transportation or timing is difficult, consider telehealth or bringing a trusted person to help communicate concerns. If there is immediate risk of harm, go to the nearest emergency department or call local emergency services.

Q: How can someone in Cleveland talk to others about Bipolar Disorder? A: Use simple, nonjudgmental language, such as “I’m experiencing a mood disorder that affects my energy and sleep, and I’m getting care.” Share only what feels comfortable, set boundaries, and ask for specific support like help with routines or check-ins. Offer reliable educational resources if others have questions, and remind them that effective treatments exist. Emphasize that recovery and stability are possible and that support makes a difference.

Local Resources in Cleveland

MiResource can help you search for clinicians in Cleveland, OH who treat Bipolar Disorder. You can filter by insurance, specialty, and availability to find someone who fits your needs.

Find care for you

Recovery is possible. With early intervention, a supportive community, and the right professional care, you can overcome challenges and build a fulfilling life. We’re here to help you find the support you need.

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