Treating Bipolar Disorder: Treatment Planning, Family-Focused Therapy, and Cognitive-Behavioral Strategies
Description
Treating Bipolar Disorder: Treatment Planning, Family-Focused Therapy, and Cognitive-Behavioral Strategies focuses on psychotherapeutic and behavioral treatment of bipolar disorder, highlighting several different evidence-based strategies adopted from proven therapies in bipolar disorder. Lessons include an overview of psychotherapy for bipolar disorder, setting treatment goals and initial planning, the role of the family environment and principles of family-focused therapy, and the application of behavioral and cognitive strategies for treating bipolar disorder. Across lessons, the course highlights practical, evidence-informed techniques that clinicians can incorporate into treatment to improve outcomes and support long-term management of bipolar disorder.
Learning Objectives
- Determine psychotherapeutic modalities and their core components used in the treatment of bipolar disorder.
- Recognize key Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) principles and strategies used to support mood and behavior change in bipolar disorder.
- Identify the three modules of Family Focused Therapy (FFT) that are used in treating bipolar symptoms.
Overview of Lessons
The course is organized into five lessons. Each lesson includes an introduction, video instruction, checks for understanding, and additional resources.
Lesson 1: Overview of Psychotherapy for Bipolar Disorder—We review general clinical considerations for providers offering psychotherapy for bipolar disorder. (13 minutes)
Lesson 2: Setting Effective Goals and Initial Treatment Planning—We discuss guidelines for initial patient meetings, emphasizing collaborative treatment planning, realistic goal setting, clear therapeutic targets, and communicating hope. (9 minutes)
Lesson 3: The Family Environment and an Overview of Family-Focused Therapy—We explore the relationship between the family environment and the course of bipolar disorder, with emphasis on expressed emotion and the role of Family-Focused Therapy in treatment. (16 minutes)
Lesson 4: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – Behavioral Strategies for Treating Bipolar Disorder—We review behavioral strategies used to reduce symptom intensity, focusing on behavioral activation, behavior shaping, and relaxation techniques for both depressive and elevated episodes. (19 minutes)
Lesson 5: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – Cognitive Strategies for Treating Bipolar Disorder—We explore cognitive strategies for bipolar disorder, highlighting cognitive restructuring, journaling, and mindfulness as tools for managing depressive and elevated episodes. (15 minutes)
Presenters
Christopher Schneck, MD, DFAPA
Professor of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine; Marsico Endowed Chair for Excellence; Executive Director/Medical Director, Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Depression Center; Medical Director, CU Medicine Bipolar Clinic
Aimee Sullivan, PhD
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine; Clinical Director, CU STEADY Program; FAMILY Team, Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Depression Center
Continuing Education Credit Option
(APA APPROVAL Language to be added) Completion of the course = 1 CE credit
To earn 1 CE credit for this course, you must complete all of the video lessons, interactions, and the final assessment in this course. A score of 75% or higher on the final assessment is required to receive CE credit. The assessment may be taken up to four times.
