Bipolar Disorder Support Group
Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.
www.DBSA.org website or do a search. Of course we know that just because another person has a good experience with a particular doc doesn't mean we will too so don't neglect to trust your instincts!
I had been in HMO's for along time where they pretty much assigned me a Pdoc for my bipolar but for teh last few years as my insurance coverage changed I had to call around for a Pdoc and therapist. One does your meds and the other works with the Pdoc amd meets with you for therapy.
I found not all therapists deal with bipolar but hey referred me to one that did and then I had to find one that was taking new patients. Start by calling therapist close to you and get their recomendations. they will tell you who to get for a Pdoc for the meds.
Not many psychiatrist (Pdoc) do therapy in my area. Costs too much and it takes too much time for them so therapists have picked up the slack.
goodluck. Write me if you have more questions.
10 Questions to Ask About Treating Bipolar Mania
http://www.webmd.com/solutions/bipolar-disorder/ask-your-doctor
1. call local support group or attend a meeting for some good referrals
2. (as computer mentioned) start with a therapist first for some good referrals (our first therapist was up front on who was good/bad docs in our area)
3. do you have a family physician that you trust? perhaps he/she has some good referrals
there are websites, but found they were just as much as a shot in the dark as picking a pdoc from your insurance's provider list.
if you try that way, try to do some of your own research on the person's name/education to get a better idea of his/her history. i know it's frustrating, but just gotta keep on truckin' till you find someone that is going to be right for you.