Bipolar Disorder Treatment in the DC Area
Bipolar disorder is one of the most misunderstood – and most frequently misdiagnosed – conditions in psychiatry. Many people spend years receiving the wrong treatment before getting an accurate evaluation. At Washington Behavioral Medicine Associates (WBMA), our Chevy Chase office offers specialized care for bipolar disorder led by Dr. Gonzalo Laje, a board-certified psychiatrist with over 25 years of experience and a published research record in bipolar disorder pharmacology.
We serve patients from Chevy Chase, Bethesda, and Washington, DC who are looking for a psychiatrist who can go beyond a standard evaluation – someone who can accurately diagnose, monitor, and adjust treatment over time.
- Serving Washington DC Since 2009
- Founded by Dr. Gonzalo Laje, MD, PhD
- Board-Certified Psychiatrists
Recognized Leaders in Mental Health Care
Bipolar Disorder Care at WBMA
WBMA offers integrated psychiatric care specifically suited for the complexity of bipolar disorder. Our approach brings together evaluation, medication management, and therapy coordination under one roof – which matters when managing a condition that requires close monitoring across different mood states.
Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluations
We go beyond a symptom checklist to review your full personal and family history before forming any clinical impression.
Medication Management
Ongoing monitoring and adjustments as symptoms evolve - not a one-time prescription and discharge.
Pharmacogenetic Testing
A tool that may help identify which medications are more likely to be effective based on your genetic profile.
Coordinated Therapy
WBMA therapists work alongside our psychiatrists so your treatment plan stays aligned across providers.
Telehealth Availability
Follow-up appointments are available via telehealth for patients throughout Maryland, DC, and Virginia.
Individual treatment goals and outcomes vary. A consultation with our team is the appropriate first step to determine what care may be right for you.
A Team Built Around Complex Mood Disorders
Bipolar disorder demands a level of clinical depth that not all practices are structured to provide. At WBMA, our psychiatric team includes board-certified psychiatrists with specialized training in psychopharmacology and mood disorder management. Patients come to us from across the DC metro area because our team brings both diagnostic specificity and treatment continuity to cases that have often been difficult to stabilize elsewhere.
- Board-certified psychiatrists with specialization in adult, child, and adolescent care
- Deep expertise in psychopharmacology, including complex and treatment-resistant presentations
- Experience across the lifespan – from adolescents through older adults
- Integrated practice structure – psychiatry, therapy, testing, and neuromodulation in one setting
- Research-informed clinical approach shaped by active work in psychiatric genetics and mood disorder treatment
When bipolar disorder has been difficult to stabilize, or when you are not confident in your current diagnosis, our team’s background in both clinical care and psychiatric research offers a different level of depth.
Signs and Symptoms That May Warrant an Evaluation
Bipolar disorder is characterized by distinct periods of elevated or irritable mood (mania or hypomania) and depressive episodes. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), an estimated 2.8% of U.S. adults have bipolar disorder.
Consider scheduling an evaluation if you or a family member experiences:
Unusual Periods of Elevated Mood or Energy
Reduced need for sleep, heightened activity, or a sense of euphoria that feels distinctly different from your baseline.
Alternating Depression and High-Energy States
Episodes of depression that cycle with periods of irritability, elevated mood, or unusually increased drive.
Racing Thoughts or Impulsive Decisions
Choices made during high-energy periods that you later regret – financial, relational, or professional.
Depression That Has Not Responded to Antidepressants
Antidepressants alone are often insufficient for bipolar depression and can sometimes worsen mood cycling.
Mood Swings Affecting Daily Life
Significant shifts in mood that impact your relationships, work performance, or ability to manage daily responsibilities.
Family History of Bipolar Disorder
A strong genetic component is well documented. A family history of bipolar disorder or related mood disorders increases relevance of a thorough evaluation.
These signs do not confirm a diagnosis. Only a thorough psychiatric evaluation can determine whether bipolar disorder or another condition is present.
Bipolar Disorder Diagnosis and Medication Management
Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective bipolar disorder treatment. The condition presents differently from person to person – and symptoms of bipolar disorder often overlap with depression, anxiety, ADHD, and personality disorders, which can delay the correct diagnosis by years.
At WBMA, our psychiatric evaluations are designed to untangle that complexity. Our psychiatrists take a careful, evidence-informed approach to distinguishing between mood episodes and co-occurring conditions before recommending any treatment.
Led by Dr. Gonzalo Laje: A Founder Whose Research Shapes Our Approach
Dr. Gonzalo Laje, MD founded WBMA in 2009 after nearly a decade as a researcher at the NIH. He is double board-certified in adult and child and adolescent psychiatry, with a published research record in bipolar disorder pharmacology that directly informs how our team approaches diagnosis and medication decisions.
Selected peer-reviewed publications in bipolar disorder:
- “Exploring the Genetics of Lithium Response in Bipolar Disorders” – Why some patients respond to lithium and others do not.
- “Trends in the Treatment of Bipolar Disorder by Outpatient Psychiatrists” (American Journal of Psychiatry, 2002) – Real-world prescribing patterns vs. clinical research recommendations.
- “Pathway-Specific Polygenic Scores for Predicting Clinical Lithium Treatment Response in Patients With Bipolar Disorder” (Biological Psychiatry Global Open Science, 2025) – Using genetic data to reduce trial-and-error in bipolar medication selection.
Publications are cited for informational purposes and do not constitute a claim of guaranteed outcomes for any individual patient.
Why Patients Choose WBMA for Bipolar Disorder Treatment
Research-Informed Psychiatry
Our practice was founded by a psychiatrist with published research in bipolar disorder pharmacology. That background shapes how our entire team evaluates and manages the condition.
Accurate Diagnosis From the Start
Bipolar disorder is frequently mistaken for depression or anxiety. Our evaluations are designed to identify mood cycling patterns that shorter clinical encounters often miss.
Everything in One Practice
Psychiatry, therapy, neuropsychological testing, pharmacogenetic testing, and neuromodulation - coordinated under one roof, without referrals to disconnected providers.
Experience With Complex Cases
We see patients who have not responded to standard treatment, carry multiple diagnoses, or are questioning a prior evaluation. Difficult presentations are a core part of what we do.
Convenient to Bethesda and Washington, DC
Our Chevy Chase office is minutes from Northwest DC and central Bethesda - accessible for patients across the metro area without a long commute.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between bipolar I and bipolar II disorder?
Bipolar I disorder involves at least one full manic episode, which may or may not include depressive episodes. Bipolar II disorder involves at least one hypomanic episode and at least one major depressive episode, but no full mania. The distinction matters clinically because treatment protocols and risk levels differ. According to NIMH, approximately 2.8% of U.S. adults meet criteria for bipolar disorder in any given year, with roughly equal rates in men and women. If you are uncertain which type may apply to you, a full evaluation is the appropriate starting point. Contact our intake team to schedule.
Can bipolar disorder be accurately diagnosed at WBMA?
Yes. WBMA offers comprehensive psychiatric evaluations led by board-certified psychiatrists. Bipolar disorder is frequently misdiagnosed – particularly as depression – because depressive episodes are often the presenting concern. Our evaluation process is specifically designed to identify mood cycling patterns that may not be obvious in a brief clinical encounter. Neuropsychological testing is also available at WBMA when a more detailed assessment is needed. Reach out to learn more about our evaluation process.
What medications are used for bipolar disorder treatment?
Mood stabilizers – including lithium and valproate – and atypical antipsychotics are among the most commonly prescribed medications for bipolar disorder. The right choice depends on the type of bipolar disorder, the current phase, co-occurring conditions, and individual factors including medication history and tolerability. WBMA also offers pharmacogenetic testing, which may help inform medication selection. Treatment decisions are always individualized, and individual results vary. A consultation with our team is the right way to explore what options may be appropriate for your situation. Schedule a consultation.
Does WBMA treat bipolar disorder in children and adolescents?
Yes. WBMA’s clinical team includes psychiatrists who are board-certified in child and adolescent psychiatry. We evaluate and treat mood disorders across the lifespan, including younger patients when clinical indicators suggest a mood disorder evaluation is warranted. Early and accurate diagnosis in younger patients may support better long-term outcomes, though individual results vary. Contact our team to discuss whether WBMA is the right fit for your child or adolescent.
Does WBMA accept insurance for bipolar disorder treatment?
WBMA’s insurance acceptance varies by provider and service type. Our intake team can clarify current insurance options, out-of-pocket costs, and superbill availability for reimbursement purposes. Contact us directly for the most accurate and current information about your specific plan.
Is telehealth available for bipolar disorder follow-up care?
Yes. WBMA offers telehealth for eligible follow-up appointments for patients in Maryland, DC, and Virginia. Initial evaluations may require an in-person visit depending on the complexity of the presentation. Our intake team can clarify what applies to your situation. Some treatment types, including neuromodulation, require in-person sessions. Reach out to confirm telehealth eligibility for your care needs.
What makes WBMA different from other psychiatry practices in the DC area?
WBMA is one of the few private practices in the DC metro area founded by a psychiatrist with published research specifically in bipolar disorder pharmacology. The practice integrates therapy, neuropsychological testing, pharmacogenetic testing, and neuromodulation – which means patients with complex bipolar disorder presentations can access multiple levels of care without being referred out to disconnected providers. Our team coordinates directly across all services. Individual care pathways vary. Schedule an intake call to learn whether WBMA is the right fit.
Schedule a Bipolar Disorder Evaluation at our Chevy Chase Location
If you are looking for a bipolar disorder psychiatrist in Chevy Chase, Bethesda, or Washington, DC – or if you are questioning a prior diagnosis and want a thorough second opinion – WBMA is accepting new patients.
Our clinical team offers evaluations grounded in both clinical experience and a genuine research foundation in bipolar disorder. We see patients across the lifespan, including adults, young adults, and adolescents.
Washington Behavioral Medicine Associates is located at 5480 Wisconsin Ave, Suite 223, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, serving patients from Chevy Chase, Bethesda, Potomac, Rockville, Kensington, McLean, and Washington, DC.
