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Bipolar Disorder Treatment in Los Angeles 

Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles (KCLA) offers adult outpatient psychiatric care for bipolar I, bipolar II, and bipolar depression. Treatment begins with evaluation, medication management, and a plan for mood stability, with therapy support and coordinated follow-up.

For selected adults whose bipolar depression has not improved enough with standard treatment, IV ketamine, TMS, or Spravato (esketamine) may also be considered off-label. These options require additional assessment and monitoring; they do not replace ongoing bipolar care.1,2

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Your free phone consultation is with a care coordinator about appointments, fit, and payment. Clinical evaluation and treatment are separate services.
Adults 18+
Los Angeles Appointments
California Telehealth Psychiatry

Is KCLA a good fit for your bipolar care?

We see adults seeking ongoing bipolar medication management, a review of side effects or persistent depression, or clarification of a history of changing mood and energy. Tell your clinician about reduced need for sleep, unusually high energy, impulsivity, or prior manic episodes, even when depression is the main concern.

Possible mania, psychosis, or rapidly worsening mixed symptoms need urgent psychiatric assessment. Do not wait for a routine consultation. If you cannot stay safe or there is immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. Call or text 988 for crisis support.

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Compare bipolar disorder treatment options

Medication and therapy are core parts of care. Treatment depends on the current episode and long-term prevention needs; this is not a required treatment sequence.

Option Where it may fit Main consideration
Medication Bipolar depression, mania, and prevention of recurrence. Medicines differ by purpose and need appropriate monitoring.
IV Ketamine Selected adults with persistent bipolar depression. Off-label; mood-stabilizing care and monitoring for mania or hypomania are important.
TMS An additional option for selected bipolar depression. KCLA's MagVenture use for bipolar depression is off-label.
Spravato Included to explain the limits of this depression treatment. Not FDA-approved for bipolar depression.
Therapy Coping, stable routines, early warning signs, and relationships. Usually used alongside medication; structured therapy may require an outside clinician.

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Bipolar treatment options at KCLA

Bipolar medication management

Medication choice depends on whether you are experiencing depression, mania, or need help preventing another episode. Options may include lithium, lamotrigine, or selected atypical antipsychotics; they are not interchangeable. Some require laboratory tests or monitoring of weight and metabolic health. Your clinician reviews benefits, side effects, interactions, and pregnancy plans when relevant.1,3 Antidepressants should not be used alone for bipolar I depression because of mood destabilization risk. Do not stop or change medication on your own. Ongoing care includes planning for early warning signs.

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IV ketamine for bipolar depression

IV ketamine may be considered for selected adults with bipolar depression after standard care has not helped enough. This use is off-label. Research and experience show strong potential for relief.2 Treatment requires psychiatric and medical screening, a mood-stabilizing plan, and monitoring for hypomania or mania. Ketamine is not a treatment for active mania. Infusions require a ride home and adherence to driving restrictions.

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TMS for bipolar depression

TMS uses magnetic pulses while you remain awake, without anesthesia. KCLA's MagVenture treatment for bipolar depression is off-label; its major-depression clearance should not be applied to bipolar disorder. Evidence is still developing, and your clinician will review the proposed protocol, alternatives, medication plan, and risk of mood switching.1,4 Repeated clinic visits are required.

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Spravato and bipolar depression

Spravato is not FDA-approved for bipolar depression. Its approved adult depression indications do not automatically apply to bipolar disorder, including when suicidal thoughts are present. It should not be assumed to be part of a bipolar treatment plan.5

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Therapy and coordinated care

Therapy can help you identify early warning signs, manage stress, maintain regular sleep and daily routines, and communicate with loved ones. Bipolar-focused approaches can include CBT, interpersonal and social rhythm therapy, and family-focused therapy, generally alongside medication.1,3

KCLA visits may include supportive psychotherapy. A structured bipolar-specific therapy program may require an outside clinician; ask about current availability and coordination options.

When bipolar depression persists

Persistent depression calls for a review of the diagnosis, prior treatment, side effects, sleep, substance use, and medical contributors. Your plan may need adjustment before adding another treatment. Severe or unstable symptoms may require hospital care or outpatient evaluation for ECT.1

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Insurance Accepted & Payment Options

KCLA accepts most major insurance plans, including Medicare, for TMS, Spravato, and Psychiatric Care. Some plans may also cover IV Ketamine. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and treatment. Our team can verify your benefits and explain estimated out-of-pocket costs before you begin.

Self-pay financing options include up to 24 months interest-free, subject to eligibility and financing terms.

aetna Anthem Blue-Shield Carelon Cigna Compsych Enthea Kaiser Magellan Medicare MHN Optum Tricare TRIWEST

Understanding bipolar disorder

 

Bipolar disorder involves episodes of altered mood, energy, sleep, and activity. Bipolar depression is a depressive episode within bipolar disorder, which is a different diagnosis from major depressive disorder.1

  • Bipolar I: at least one manic episode; depression often also occurs.
  • Bipolar II: hypomanic and major depressive episodes, without a history of mania.
  • Cyclothymia: ongoing mood fluctuations that do not meet full episode criteria.

Depression can involve low mood, loss of interest, exhaustion, guilt, and difficulty concentrating. Mania or hypomania may involve unusually elevated or irritable mood, reduced need for sleep, rapid speech, and impulsive decisions. Depressive and manic symptoms can occur together.1

Genetics and other biological factors contribute; stress, sleep disruption, or substance use can trigger episodes in susceptible people. Diagnosis examines your history over time, family history, medications, and possible medical causes. Anxiety, ADHD, and substance use disorders can coexist and affect treatment. A screening questionnaire alone cannot establish the diagnosis.1,3

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What to expect at KCLA

1.

Discuss appointments and fit

A coordinator helps identify the appropriate evaluation and payment options.

2.

Review your clinical history

A psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner assesses past episodes, current symptoms, safety, and prior care.

3.

Build a plan

Discuss medication, therapy support, any appropriate additional treatment, monitoring, and estimated costs.

4.

Follow your progress

Track mood, sleep, functioning, and side effects, with a plan for early warning signs.

Why choose KCLA for bipolar care

KCLA has served Los Angeles since 2014. We can consider psychiatric and selected interventional treatments in one practice, coordinating with your existing prescriber or therapist when appropriate. We base decisions on the full pattern of your mood episodes and your goals.

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Your KCLA Providers
kathleen

Kathleen Lopez, MD

Psychiatrist, Double Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Kathleen Lopez, MD

Kathleen Lopez, MD, is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in adult psychiatry as well as child and adolescent psychiatry at Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a pre-medical focus from Pacific Union College and her medical degree from Loma Linda University School of Medicine. She completed her adult psychiatry residency at the University of California, Riverside, and a child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at UCLA, where she also served as Administrative Chief.


Dr. Lopez is deeply passionate about expanding access to high-quality mental health care, with a special focus on neurodiverse youth and adults. Fluent in both English and Spanish, she is committed to providing inclusive, compassionate care that supports individuals and families in meaningful and culturally responsive ways.


She was drawn to Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles for its collaborative culture and shared commitment to patient-centered care. Outside the clinic, Dr. Lopez enjoys crocheting, weight lifting, camping, and growing her home library. She also has a background in vocal music and continues to hold a lifelong love for music.

Pascal Stirnimann, DNP, PMHNP-BC

Pascal Stirnimann, DNP, PMHNP-BC

Doctor of Nursing Practice, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Board Certified

Pascal Stirnimann, DNP, PMHNP-BC

Pascal Strinimann is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Miami and both a Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice from Columbia University. He specializes in treating mood disorders, trauma-related disorders, and impulse control disorders across the lifespan.


Pascal has experience in both inpatient and outpatient mental health settings, including training at a women’s shelter in New York City. His clinical background supports a comprehensive and compassionate approach to psychiatric evaluation and treatment.


He takes a holistic, family-informed approach and works closely with clients through shared decision-making to develop personalized treatment plans that support emotional health, functional improvement, and long-term wellness.  Outside the clinic, Pascal enjoys spending time outdoors biking, running, or hiking, or indoors cooking and catching up on movies and TV.

Appointments and payment

Visit KCLA at 6801 Park Terrace, Suite 525, Los Angeles, CA 90045, in Playa District. Patient care hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Pacific. Psychiatry may be available by telehealth while you are physically in California; IV ketamine, TMS, and Spravato require clinic visits.

KCLA accepts most health insurance, which usually covers psychiatry, depending on the plan, clinician, and service. TMS or Spravato generally requires a separate qualifying diagnosis and authorization. IV ketamine for anxiety is commonly self-pay. Benefits checks and estimates do not guarantee payment.

Self-pay psychiatry is $400 for a 60-minute evaluation and $200 for a 30-minute follow-up.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I see a psychiatrist for bipolar disorder at KCLA?

Yes, subject to availability. Appointments may be with a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner.

Is bipolar depression treated like major depression?

Not necessarily. A history of mania or hypomania changes medication and treatment decisions. Tell your clinician about the full pattern of mood changes.1

Can ketamine, TMS, or Spravato (esketamine) replace bipolar medication?

Do not assume they can replace ongoing mood-stabilizing care. Both require individual assessment, and monitoring for mood changes remains important.1,2

Is Spravato approved for bipolar depression?

No. Its FDA-approved depression indications do not include bipolar depression.5

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Discuss your bipolar treatment plan

Whether you need ongoing care, a medication review, or another option for persistent depression, start with an evaluation of your diagnosis and current needs.

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Urgent help: KCLA is not an emergency service. Call 911 for immediate danger or a medical emergency. For suicidal or emotional crisis support in the United States, call or text 988. This page is educational; diagnosis, eligibility, and treatment require individual clinical evaluation. Results vary.

 

Medical sources

1NIMH guidance on bipolar disorder
2Fancy and colleagues, review of ketamine for bipolar depression
3 NICE guideline on bipolar assessment and management
4MagVenture FDA clearances
5Spravato prescribing information
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