Groups for bipolar kids

September 26, 2011
A reader asked:

Do you know of any structured groups for children with bipolar disorder in the Los Angeles area?

Dr. Dave:

There aren't many, I'm afraid. Look at the website for the Depressive and Bipolar Support Alliance (www.dbsalliance.org) or the National Alliance on Mental Illness (www.nami.org). You can also search the www.bpkids.org site for support group listings. Consider groups that focus on broader topics (for example, dialectical behavior therapy for teens with depression) rather than strictly bipolar disorder. Good luck!