Mood disorder treatment for teens and adults

Everyone experiences shifts in mood. Mood disorders are distinguished by their severity, duration, and functional impact. Symptoms persist for weeks or months, are present most of the day on most days, and significantly disrupt work, relationships, and daily functioning. A clinician can help determine whether what someone is experiencing warrants a diagnosis and treatment.

The DSM-5 recognizes several types of mood disorders. The most common are major depressive disorder (MDD), marked by persistent sadness or emptiness, and bipolar disorder, which involves episodes of depression alternating with mania or hypomania. Others include persistent depressive disorder (PDD), a chronic low-grade depression; cyclothymic disorder, a pattern of milder but chronic mood swings; and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), marked by severe mood symptoms before menstruation. If you're unsure which type you or a loved one may be experiencing, Charlie Health's Clinical Team can help.

Bipolar I disorder involves at least one full manic episode — a period of abnormally elevated or irritable mood and increased energy lasting at least seven days, or requiring hospitalization. Bipolar II disorder involves hypomanic episodes (less severe than full mania) along with major depressive episodes, but no full manic episodes. Both involve significant impairment and require treatment.

Yes. Mood disorders can develop at any age. Bipolar disorder affects approximately 2.9% of U.S. adolescents, and major depressive disorder is one of the most common mental health conditions among teens. In teens, mood disorder symptoms may present differently than in adults, with irritability often more prominent than sadness. This makes accurate clinical assessment especially important.

Yes. Mood disorders are among the most treatable mental health conditions. Treatment typically combines therapy with psychiatric medication when indicated. Most people with mood disorders can achieve significant symptom reduction and improved quality of life with appropriate care. At Charlie Health, treatment is tailored to each client's specific diagnosis and needs.

Any time mood symptoms are persistent, significantly affecting daily functioning, or accompanied by thoughts of self-harm or suicide, professional evaluation is warranted. For bipolar disorder in particular, early and accurate diagnosis matters — being misidentified as depression alone can lead to treatment that makes things worse. Charlie Health's Admissions Team is available 24/7.

Several evidence-based therapies are effective for treating mood disorders.

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps people identify and reframe distorted thought patterns and build practical coping skills to counter withdrawal and inactivity.
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is particularly effective when mood disorders involve emotional dysregulation, impulsive behavior, or self-harm, providing concrete tools for managing mood extremes.
• Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) helps people observe their mental states rather than react to them.

Charlie Health's Clinical Team works with each client to determine the right combination of treatment options for their specific needs.

An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is a level of behavioral healthcare for people who need more support than traditional weekly therapy but don't require inpatient care. The goal is to help people manage mental health and substance use challenges while maintaining their daily routines and responsibilities. Our IOP is delivered to clients directly at home through a virtual platform. Each program runs 9–12 weeks and includes 10+ hours of care per week. That time is split across individual therapy and group sessions, with family therapy and psychiatry available when clinically indicated. Scheduling is flexible, with morning, afternoon, and evening options to fit around school, work, and other commitments.

Charlie Health is in-network with more than 600 insurance plans nationwide, including most major commercial plans, TRICARE, and Medicaid in select states. Most clients (60%) pay $0 out-of-pocket. To verify coverage, contact the Admissions Team directly or fill out the online intake form.