Psychiatrist for young adult who may have bipolar illness
Can anyone provide a recommendation for a knowledgeable and kind psychiatrist who could work with a young adult, early 20’s, who may have bipolar disorder. We saw the older recommendations but are looking for current knowledge. It’s a scary journey for all of us, everything is brand new and there are so many questions. Or, any help and recommendations, even beyond the psychiatrist (books? Support groups? Anything?). All responses welcome; we are in need of help. Thank you!
Feb 27, 2021
Parent Replies
So sorry to hear of your struggles! For support suggest Depression Bipolar Support Alliance, dpsalliance.org and the local chapter dbsasf.org. There have virtual support groups during COVID and a slew of resources, for family and friends as well. NAMI, National Alliance for Mental Illness also has excellent resources, NAMI.org and namisf.org. Our daughter was set up with a mentor through them and it was very helpful for her. The Family Sanity support group is another resource, familysanity.org. You can learn so much and feel less alone when you can talk with other parents who have had similar issues with their children. Support groups can also be a great source of psychiatrist referrals.
one very helpful book is “The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide” by David Miklowitz
My daughter (clinical depression, ADHD, social phobia) has had two excellent psychiatrists from Pacific Coast Psychiatric Associates, https://www.pcpasf.com/
It appears from checking the link above that the group name has changed to LifeStance Health. They have offices throughout the state and my daughter was served very well by the first doctor who has since left the practice to open her own office, Dr. Amber Lerma, https://www.amberlermamd.org/. At PCPASF she currently sees Dr. Fuller who she’s also been quite pleased with. PCPA has good information about their physicians. Good luck.