COPE fees are set based on treatment specialties and standard rates for doctoral level clinicians. Although our rates vary depending on the clinician and the specific services you are requesting, generally speaking our individual therapy rates begin at $250. Lower fee slots do occasionally become available. We welcome you to contact us to discuss your specific treatment and financial needs. If we are unable to accommodate you, we are happy to provide you referrals to lower fee mental health centers. For specific group rates or rates on IMPROVE: Outpatient Substance Use Treatment Program, please contact us for more information.

Do you take insurance?

COPE is not affiliated with a particular insurance panel and is considered an out-of-network provider. However, Dr. Rubin is a Lyra provider and can see individuals with Lyra benefits. Please check with your insurance company to inquire into possible out-of-network benefits and rates for reimbursement. Upon request, COPE providers can provide a monthly statement documenting services received that can be used for possible reimbursement from your insurance company and/or healthcare spending accounts. Some questions that may be helpful to ask your insurance company: Do I have mental health benefits? Do I have out-of-network benefits? If so, what are the benefits? How would I obtain reimbursement for an out-of-network provider? How many sessions will be covered per calendar year? What is my deductible and has it been met?

How long does therapy last?

Treatment length varies greatly depending on your specific concerns. However, research has shown that significant improvements can be made within 12 weeks and sometimes less. Some concerns may require longer-term treatment and some individuals choose to continue coming to therapy even after initial treatment gains to maintain skills, prevent backsliding, and manage weekly stressors. Your therapist will work with you closely in the initial sessions to clarify your presenting concerns and an expected treatment duration.

How do I know if therapy will work?

Finding the right therapist mixed with the right treatment can sometimes feel like finding a unicorn for those looking to begin therapy. However, at COPE we try to make this process a reality with a number of talented, specialty trained clinicians who work with you to customize a course of treatment that suits your needs.

What can I expect from the first few therapy sessions?

The initial therapy sessions are a great time for your therapist to get to know you and for you to get to know your therapist. Both are equally important. Your therapist will use this time to ask you a variety of questions in many different domains to understand as much breadth and depth of your life as possible in order to develop a thorough treatment plan. It is important to develop a set of goals that will guide treatment during these initial sessions.

Bipolar Disorder and the Role of CBT as Supportive Therapy in Maintaining Stability

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by intense mood swings, from manic episodes to depressive states, often making daily functioning a challenge. For those living with bipolar disorder, maintaining stability is crucial not only for personal well-being but also for navigating the complexities of relationships and professional life. While medication is a cornerstone of treatment, supportive therapy plays a vital role in helping individuals cope with the emotional rollercoaster that often accompanies bipolar disorder. This therapeutic approach offers a safe and nurturing space for individuals to process emotions, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and strengthen interpersonal relationships. Explore the unique benefits of CBT as supportive therapy for bipolar disorder and how it helps patients achieve greater stability and emotional resilience.

What is Supportive Therapy?

Supportive therapy is a therapeutic approach designed to provide emotional support, validation, and practical advice. Unlike some forms of therapy that focus heavily on changing thought patterns or behaviors, supportive therapy’s primary aim is to help individuals feel understood, supported, and capable of managing their emotions. For individuals with bipolar disorder, this type of therapy can offer a stabilizing influence, providing a safe space for patients to process their feelings and experiences, especially during mood swings.

Supportive therapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It is flexible and adapted to each individual’s specific needs, often focusing on building a strong therapeutic relationship. The therapist’s role is to provide emotional support and encouragement while helping patients develop tools to manage their symptoms and navigate life’s challenges.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as a Supportive Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is widely recognized as one of the most effective treatments for various mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. While CBT is typically known for its focus on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors, it can also be used as a supportive therapy. In this context, CBT helps individuals not only address their emotional distress but also provides a nurturing and validating environment to foster emotional well-being.

Supportive Elements of CBT

In a supportive CBT framework, the therapist’s primary role is to create a safe and empathetic space where the client feels heard and understood. The therapist validates the individual’s feelings and struggles while encouraging them to explore their thoughts and behaviors in a non-judgmental way. This approach ensures that the individual feels supported throughout their therapeutic journey, which is critical for emotional healing and growth.

Here are some ways in which CBT functions as a supportive therapy:

Building Trust and Collaboration: One of the cornerstones of supportive therapy is the therapeutic relationship. In CBT, the therapist works collaboratively with the client to identify and challenge negative thought patterns that contribute to distress. This partnership helps the individual feel empowered and validated. The therapist offers both practical strategies and emotional encouragement, reinforcing the idea that change is possible and within reach.
Fostering Self-Compassion: While CBT encourages clients to challenge irrational or negative thinking, a supportive CBT approach also promotes self-compassion. The therapist helps individuals recognize their worth, acknowledge their strengths, and be kinder to themselves. This focus on self-compassion can be especially helpful for individuals who struggle with low self-esteem or self-criticism, offering them the emotional support necessary to overcome these obstacles.
Encouraging Coping Skills: In CBT, individuals are taught coping strategies that help them manage distressing thoughts and emotions. A supportive CBT approach emphasizes the use of these tools not only as solutions but also as means of self-care. For example, when a client learns cognitive restructuring techniques or mindfulness practices, the therapist provides reassurance and encouragement, ensuring that the client feels confident in using these tools in everyday life.
Normalizing Struggles: Supportive CBT helps individuals understand that struggling with negative thoughts, emotions, or behaviors is part of being human. The therapist normalizes these experiences, reminding clients that they are not alone in their struggles. This aspect of CBT is especially important for clients dealing with conditions like depression or anxiety, as it reduces feelings of isolation and helps them feel understood.
Emotional Validation: A supportive CBT therapist acknowledges and validates the client’s feelings, providing reassurance that their emotions are valid and understandable. This emotional validation is crucial for individuals who may feel overwhelmed by their emotions or who struggle with expressing their feelings. By validating their emotional experiences, the therapist creates a space where the client can explore and process their emotions with confidence.
Enhancing Motivation: CBT as a supportive therapy also encourages individuals to stay motivated during the therapeutic process. The therapist provides positive reinforcement when clients make progress, no matter how small. This support boosts the individual’s confidence and helps them remain engaged in treatment. By focusing on progress rather than perfection, the therapist fosters a sense of hope and belief in the client’s ability to make positive changes in their life.

When used as a supportive therapy, CBT not only helps individuals challenge negative thought patterns but also provides a foundation of trust, empathy, and encouragement. By combining practical strategies with emotional support, supportive CBT enables individuals to better understand and manage their emotions, develop stronger coping skills, and ultimately improve their mental health and well-being.

The Benefits of CBT as Supportive Therapy for Bipolar Disorder

Emotional Processing and Validation

Bipolar disorder can be emotionally overwhelming, with rapid mood changes that affect how individuals feel and interact with others. One of the core benefits of CBT is its focus on helping patients process these emotions in a constructive way. When individuals with bipolar disorder experience intense emotions, they often feel isolated or misunderstood. Supportive therapy offers a non-judgmental space where they can express themselves without fear of invalidation.

Through this process, patients gain a sense of relief and validation, which can reduce the emotional burden of their experiences. This support can be especially important during depressive episodes, where individuals may struggle with feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness. By offering empathy and understanding, supportive therapy helps patients feel more grounded in their emotional experiences.

Managing Mood Swings

One of the defining features of bipolar disorder is the fluctuation between manic and depressive states. During manic episodes, individuals may feel invincible, energetic, or impulsive, while depressive states bring feelings of sadness, fatigue, and low self-worth. These swings can disrupt relationships, work life, and overall stability.

CBT helps individuals with bipolar disorder develop awareness of their mood patterns and triggers. By identifying early signs of mood shifts, patients can work with their therapist to take proactive steps in managing their symptoms. Therapists may also teach grounding techniques, mindfulness, and relaxation exercises that can help individuals regain emotional balance during extreme mood states. With consistent support, patients can feel more equipped to cope with mood fluctuations, reducing their impact on daily life.

Strengthening Interpersonal Relationships

Bipolar disorder can strain relationships, as the intensity of mood swings may cause frustration or confusion among family members, friends, and partners. Individuals may struggle to maintain stable and healthy relationships during manic or depressive episodes, which can contribute to feelings of isolation or loneliness.

CBT and supportive therapy helps patients improve communication skills and emotional regulation, which can strengthen their relationships. Therapists may work with patients to explore how their mood swings affect their interactions with others and help them develop strategies for expressing their feelings in a more balanced way. By fostering better understanding and emotional control, supportive therapy can lead to more fulfilling relationships and improved social support.

Techniques Used in Supportive Therapy for Bipolar Disorder

Therapists utilize a variety of techniques in supportive therapy to help individuals with bipolar disorder maintain emotional stability and build resilience. Some of the most commonly used strategies include:

Active Listening
One of the cornerstones of supportive therapy is active listening. Therapists provide a listening ear, offering patients the opportunity to express their thoughts and feelings freely. By listening attentively and reflecting on the patient’s words, the therapist validates their experience and creates a safe space for self-expression.
Positive Reinforcement
Supportive therapy often includes positive reinforcement to encourage healthy coping behaviors. Therapists may praise progress, no matter how small, and celebrate the patient’s successes. This reinforcement can help individuals feel more confident in their ability to manage their symptoms and cope with life’s challenges.
Coping Strategies and Skills Training
Therapists may introduce practical coping strategies that help individuals manage the challenges of bipolar disorder. These can include relaxation techniques, stress management, and strategies for improving sleep hygiene. By building a toolkit of coping skills, patients can navigate difficult moments with more resilience.
Cognitive Restructuring
While supportive therapy is not as focused on cognitive restructuring as other therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), it may still involve helping patients identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns. Therapists may gently guide patients to reframe negative thoughts, especially those that arise during depressive episodes, to help them regain a more balanced perspective.
Establishing a Routine
Creating a stable daily routine can help individuals with bipolar disorder manage their symptoms more effectively. Supportive therapy often involves helping patients develop routines that prioritize self-care, such as regular sleep patterns, exercise, and meal planning. A consistent routine can help mitigate the unpredictability of mood swings and provide structure during difficult times.

Supportive Therapy and Medication: A Complementary Approach

While CBT and supportive therapy plays a crucial role in managing bipolar disorder, it is most effective when combined with medication. Medications such as mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and antidepressants are often prescribed to help regulate mood swings and reduce the severity of episodes. Supportive therapy can complement these medications by helping patients cope with side effects, process emotional experiences, and enhance overall treatment adherence.

The combination of medication and supportive therapy helps individuals with bipolar disorder achieve a more holistic approach to managing their condition, fostering greater stability and emotional well-being.

The Path to Greater Stability Through CBT and Supportive Therapy

Supportive therapy is a valuable and compassionate approach to managing bipolar disorder. By offering a safe space for emotional processing, helping individuals navigate mood swings, and strengthening interpersonal relationships, supportive therapy helps individuals lead more balanced and fulfilling lives. With the guidance of a skilled therapist, those with bipolar disorder can develop the tools and resilience needed to manage their condition effectively and maintain long-term stability.

At COPE Psychological Center, we understand the unique challenges of bipolar disorder and offer supportive therapy tailored to your individual needs. Our compassionate team of therapists is here to help you on your journey to emotional well-being.

Start Your Journey to Emotional Balance Today!

If you’re ready to experience the benefits of CBT and supportive therapy and take control of your mental health, reach out to COPE Psychological Center today. Our expert therapists are ready to provide the support and guidance you need to navigate bipolar disorder with confidence. Contact us now to schedule your consultation and begin your path to greater stability and emotional resilience.