Bipolar Disorder — Arizona & Telehealth
Bipolar disorder care in Arizona: medication review and ongoing monitoring
Better Place Now treats bipolar disorder for teens, adults and older adults anywhere in Arizona by secure video, or in the Phoenix area in person by arrangement. Care with Dr. Justin Schwarting, DNP, PMHNP-BC, starts with a full 60-minute evaluation and continues with thoughtful medication review, lab monitoring when a medication needs it, and regular follow-ups.
- First visit
- 60 minutesA full hour
- Provider
- Nurse practitionerBoard-certified psychiatric NP
- Setting
- Video statewidePhoenix in person by arrangement
- Openings
- Same weekReply within 1 business day
Long-term care, built around stability
Bipolar disorder usually needs lifelong treatment and does not go away on its own (NIMH (opens in a new tab)). The aim is fewer and milder mood episodes, steady sleep and a plan you can live with, adjusted as your life changes.
The National Institute of Mental Health lists mood stabilizers and atypical antipsychotics as the medications most often prescribed, and notes that antidepressants are generally not used alone because they can trigger mania or rapid cycling (NIMH (opens in a new tab)). Which option, if any, fits you is decided together after the evaluation, with the purpose and tradeoffs of each explained plainly.
Monitoring is part of the plan
Some bipolar medications need regular lab tests to check how your body responds (MedlinePlus (opens in a new tab)). Labs are ordered when they could change the plan, and changes are made carefully, one at a time.
What the first hour covers
Step 1: Your mood history
Highs, lows, sleep changes and how long episodes last, plus family history, because diagnosis rests on the pattern over time.
Step 2: Health and medications
A physical-health review and every current medication and supplement. Medical tests may be suggested to rule out other causes (NIMH (opens in a new tab)).
Step 3: What has and hasn't worked
Past treatments, side effects you could not live with, and what you want to be different.
Step 4: A plan you choose
Options, tradeoffs, the monitoring each needs, and a follow-up date. Follow-ups are 30 minutes.
New diagnosis, second look, or staying well
Psychotherapy can add support, education and skills for people with bipolar disorder and their families (NIMH (opens in a new tab)), and therapy is provided alongside medication management. Visits are by secure video anywhere in Arizona, or in person in the Phoenix area by arrangement. You must be physically located in Arizona at the time of a video visit.
- People who think they may have bipolar disorder and want a careful evaluation.
- People already diagnosed who want a medication review, a second opinion, or a provider for ongoing monitoring.
- Teens with a parent or guardian part of every visit, and older adults who prefer video from home.
- Family members who want to join a visit with the patient's permission.
Not an emergency service
If you are thinking about suicide or are in crisis, call or text 988, call 911, or call the Arizona crisis line at 1-844-534-4673.
How much does a visit cost?
Most patients use insurance and pay their normal copay or coinsurance. Benefits and expected patient responsibility are discussed before the first appointment.
- First evaluation (60 minutes)
- $220
- Follow-up visit (30 minutes)
- $120
Currently listed rates. Expected cost is confirmed before your first visit.
- Traditional Medicare
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona
- Aetna
- UnitedHealthcare
- UMR
- VA Community Care Network
- TriWest / TRICARE
- Cigna / Evernorth
- MultiPlan
- Banner Health Plans
- AHCCCS
- Banner-University Family Care (AHCCCS)
- American Indian Health Program (AHCCCS)
A plan name on this list is not a coverage guarantee. Participation and what you owe depend on your specific plan, so benefits are verified before scheduling is confirmed. Plan list last checked October 12, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Evaluation, medication management and follow-ups are available by secure video anywhere in Arizona, as long as you are physically located in Arizona at the time of the visit.
Yes. Bring your current medication list and any recent lab results. The first visit reviews what you take, why, and how it is working before anything changes.
Some bipolar medications need regular lab tests. Labs are ordered when they could change the plan, and the reason is explained.
No. Dr. Justin Schwarting is a board-certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (DNP, PMHNP-BC), not a physician. He provides psychiatric evaluation and medication management.
Follow-ups are 30 minutes, more often at the start or during changes, and spaced out once things are stable.
Related pages
- Psychiatric evaluationWhat the first hour covers
- Medication management vs. therapyHow the two fit together
- Insurance & self-payPlans, prices and how benefits are checked
Sources
- Bipolar Disorder (NIH Publication No. 25-MH-8088) (opens in a new tab), National Institute of Mental Health (2025)
- Lithium (opens in a new tab), MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine
Practice details on this page were last checked October 12, 2026. General information, not medical advice. See the editorial policy.
Ask about bipolar disorder care.
A full 60-minute first visit by secure video anywhere in Arizona, or in person in the Phoenix area by arrangement. Call, text or email to schedule; no health details are needed.
No health details are needed to schedule. Scheduling calls, texts, and email are not monitored for emergencies: call or text 988, or call 911.