The UCSF bipolar psychoeducational group starts on September 14, 2015. This group is lead by bay area bipolar expert Descartes Li, MD.
It runs for 8 sessions, Mondays 12pm to 115pm. Most commercial insurance is accepted.
Dr. Li describes this group as “an advanced class about bipolar disorder for people who have bipolar disorder.”
For regular readers of this blog it might be more of an intermediate level group.
People who have attended it in the past have said it was helpful, especially the opportunity to meet with other people who were wrestling with bipolar.
LOCATION: UCSF Parnassus Campus – 401 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA
Some topics covered in Bipolar Disorder Group Sessions
- Self Awareness and Mood Charting
- Medications: How to Get the Most (and Least) out of Your Meds
- Sleep Management
- Communication Skills and Stigma
- Psychotherapy of Bipolar Disorder
The group focuses on common challenges faced by individuals with bipolar disorder with an emphasis on learning specific information about bipolar disorder. The style is supportive, while maintaining an atmosphere of mutual respect. The group runs twice a year so if you miss this one will let you know about the next.
Unless you already have a psychiatrist at UCSF, potential members must be referred by their treating psychiatrist. (Your psychiatrist would need to contact Doctor Li).
There is a monthly support group for alumni of this group which many people find very helpful.
If you are not already registered at Langley Porter Psychiatric Institute, you will have to come in for an initial intake and registration before the start date of the group.