Understanding Bipolar Disorder: A Detailed Breakdown - Dallas, TX
Not sure? Take the free 3-minute bipolar testMedically reviewed by Dr. Akinwande Akintola, MD — July 2026 · Last updated July 2026
- 3,000+ Texans and New Mexicans treated
- 4.9★ average across 200+ Google reviews
- Most insured patients pay $0-$30 per visit
- Most new patients seen within 1-2 business days
- In-network with major insurers - BlueCross, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Aetna
Medically reviewed by Akinwande Akintola, MD, Supervisory Psychiatrist · Written by the Lyte Psychiatry clinical team · Last updated July 2026
Prefer therapy for bipolar disorder? Lyte’s in-house Texas therapists deliver evidence-based talk therapy — on its own or alongside medication, coordinated under one chart.
Explore therapy for bipolar disorder →What Is Bipolar Disorder?
Types of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar I Disorder
Bipolar II Disorder
Cyclothymic Disorder (Cyclothymia)
Recognizing the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
What Causes Bipolar Disorder?
Diagnosing Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar Disorder Treatment at Lyte Psychiatry
Medication Management
Psychotherapy for Bipolar Disorder
Telehealth and Remote Care
Living Well With Bipolar Disorder
When To Seek Help
Frequently Asked Questions: Bipolar Disorder
How is bipolar disorder diagnosed at Lyte Psychiatry?
Bipolar disorder is diagnosed through a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation covering mood episode history, duration, severity, and functional impact. NIMH is clear that accurate diagnosis is critical because treating bipolar depression with antidepressants alone, without a mood stabilizer, can trigger mania. Lyte Psychiatry providers distinguish bipolar disorder from unipolar depression, ADHD, and borderline personality disorder before prescribing.
How common is bipolar disorder?
NIMH estimates bipolar disorder affects approximately 2.8% of U.S. adults, with nearly 83% of cases classified as severe. In Texas that translates to roughly 840,000 residents. Despite being highly treatable, the APA notes the average delay from symptom onset to correct diagnosis is 6 to 10 years.
What medications are most effective for bipolar disorder?
First-line mood stabilizers include lithium (the most evidence-backed agent), valproate, and lamotrigine (particularly effective for bipolar depression). Atypical antipsychotics including quetiapine, aripiprazole, and lurasidone are FDA-approved for bipolar episodes. APA clinical guidelines recommend selecting medications based on episode type, severity, and patient-specific factors.
Can bipolar disorder be treated via telehealth in Texas?
Yes. Lyte Psychiatry provides HIPAA-compliant telehealth bipolar disorder evaluation and medication management to all Texas and New Mexico residents, with same-week appointments available. Telehealth is particularly valuable during depressive episodes when leaving home feels impossible, and supports the care consistency that mood stabilization requires.
Does insurance cover bipolar disorder treatment at Lyte Psychiatry?
Yes. Under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, bipolar disorder treatment must be covered at the same level as physical health care. Lyte Psychiatry accepts BlueCross BlueShield, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Humana, and Aetna. Most patients pay $0 to $30 per visit. See all insurance plans we accept →
What are the warning signs of a manic episode?
Warning signs include significantly decreased need for sleep without fatigue, rapid or pressured speech, grandiose beliefs, impulsive decisions (spending, sexual behavior, business ventures), racing thoughts, and elevated or irritable mood. NAMI emphasizes that recognizing early warning signs and having a written crisis plan is a cornerstone of long-term bipolar disorder management.
Can bipolar disorder co-occur with ADHD or anxiety?
Yes. NIMH data show that up to 60% of people with bipolar disorder have at least one co-occurring condition, commonly ADHD, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, or PTSD. Comorbidities worsen outcomes when left unaddressed. Lyte Psychiatry screens for all co-occurring conditions at the initial evaluation to build a complete treatment plan.
What should someone in a bipolar crisis do?
If you or someone you know is experiencing a severe manic or depressive episode, particularly with psychotic symptoms or suicidal ideation, call 988, go to the nearest emergency room, or call 911. The SAMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-4357) is available 24/7. For outpatient care, Lyte Psychiatry offers same-week telehealth appointments across Texas and New Mexico.
Trusted Resources & Sources
NIMH — Bipolar Disorder
Affects ~2.8% of U.S. adults — types, symptoms, and treatment
NAMI — Bipolar Disorder
Patient-focused overview from the National Alliance on Mental Illness
APA — Bipolar Disorder
Diagnostic criteria and evidence-based treatment guidance
SAMHSA — Mood Disorders
SAMHSA behavioral health resources for mood disorders
Lyte Psychiatry's content is reviewed by board-certified psychiatrists and references peer-reviewed research and federal health agency data.
Your treatment options
How Lyte treats bipolar disorder
Lyte provides therapy, psychiatric evaluation and medication management for bipolar disorder across Texas. You may begin with one type of care or receive both through the same practice. Your clinician will recommend a plan based on your symptoms, health history, goals and preferences.
Therapy
Work with a licensed therapist on coping skills, patterns, relationships and the circumstances affecting your symptoms.
Explore therapy at Lyte →Psychiatric care
A psychiatric provider can evaluate your symptoms, consider possible diagnoses and discuss whether medication or another medical treatment is appropriate.
Learn about medication management →Combined care
When both services are useful, your therapist and psychiatric provider can coordinate within one practice instead of asking you to manage two separate care teams.
Compare your care options →What happens at your first appointment?
Your first visit gives you and your provider time to discuss what has been happening, how it affects daily life, your medical and mental health history, current medications and what you want help with. You will discuss possible next steps together.
Therapy visits focus on understanding your concerns and building a practical treatment plan. A psychiatric evaluation also considers whether your symptoms may be connected to a condition that could benefit from medication. A prescription is never automatic.
Before the appointment, Lyte can check your insurance benefits and explain the expected cost. Coverage and out-of-pocket amounts depend on your plan and whether the service is medically necessary. Review accepted insurance plans.
Serving patients across Texas
Lyte Psychiatry provides bipolar disorder treatment to patients throughout Texas. Our physical clinic at 2900 W Park Row Dr in Pantego, TX serves the greater Dallas–Fort Worth area, with access from Arlington, Grand Prairie, Irving, Garland, Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Denton, Carrollton, Lewisville and Richardson.
HIPAA-compliant telehealth is available across Texas, including Houston, Austin, San Antonio, El Paso, Lubbock, Corpus Christi, Waco, Amarillo, Midland, Odessa, Abilene, Round Rock, College Station, Tyler, Beaumont, Laredo, Killeen, Edinburg and other Texas communities.
Lyte participates with several major insurance networks, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Humana and Aetna. Participation and benefits can vary by plan, provider and service, so the team verifies benefits before the first appointment. Self-pay rates are also available. Most new patients are seen within 1–2 business days. Call 469-733-0848 or review insurance information.
Find a provider
Find a provider for bipolar disorder treatment near you
Meet clinicians whose profiles include this concern
Dr. Akinwande Akintola, MD
Supervisory Psychiatrist & Medical Director
View credentials and approach →
Toyin Awe, PMHNP-BC
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
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Provider fit and availability are confirmed when you schedule. A profile match does not guarantee that a particular clinician is accepting new patients.
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Ready to take the next step?
Lyte Psychiatry serves patients across Texas, in-person in the DFW area and virtually statewide. Most patients are seen within the week.
Book an Appointment →Bipolar Disorder Treatment by City in Texas
Lyte Psychiatry provides telehealth bipolar disorder treatment across Texas and New Mexico. Select your city for local provider availability, insurance coverage, and same-week appointments.
View all Texas & New Mexico cities →