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Bipolar Disorder

Find Balance Again. Accurate Bipolar Diagnosis and Proven Paths to Stability.

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Licensed in: California (PSY33145) & New York (025715)

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Common Problems and Emotional Cycles

Bipolar disorder involves shifts between phases of euthymic (“normal”), high (manic or hypomanic), and low (depressive) mood states that affect energy, sleep, judgment, communication, and daily functioning. During elevated mood periods, a person may feel unusually energetic, euphoric, and unstoppable. They may sleep less, talk faster, and engage in more impulsive, risky behaviors. During depressive episodes, motivation, focus, and joy can sharply decline. These fluctuations can cause confusion, significant distress, and exhaustion for the individual and their loved ones. It’s important to note that bipolar disorder exists on a spectrum. Many people experience mild or short-lived episodes that go unnoticed for years. Without proper diagnosis, it can easily be mistaken for depression, ADHD, or anxiety.

Cognitive Patterns in Adolescents and Adults

Younger people may show rapid mood changes, irritability, or bursts of creativity followed by fatigue or sadness. Adults often describe “crashes” after periods of intense productivity, or recurring patterns of self-criticism and impulsive behavior. Neuropsychological testing helps identify these cyclical patterns, distinguish bipolar from similar conditions, and provide a deeper understanding of how stress, sleep, and lifestyle impact mood regulation. A clear diagnosis and tailored recommendations for treatment provide hope. With proper support, most people with bipolar disorder can achieve stability and lead fulfilling, successful lives.

Relationship and Professional Impacts

Untreated mood shifts can strain families and friendships. Loved ones may feel confused or hurt by sudden changes in emotion or energy. Professionally, inconsistent performance, shifts in mood and motivation, and impulsive decisions can lead to workplace conflicts. Ultimately, challenges in relationships and work can culminate in financial stress and overall dissatisfaction with life.  However, with awareness of their condition and the right strategies, many individuals with bipolar disorder can harness their creativity and drive into meaningful relationships and work.

Why Testing Matters

Many clients come to Susan Chi Psychology feeling unsure whether their struggles reflect normal life stress or something deeper. Neuropsychological and psychological testing provides the clarity needed to begin targeted, effective care. When bipolar disorder is accurately identified, treatment can prevent crises, reduce relapse, and dramatically improve quality of life.

How Testing and Treatment Work

Our in-depth assessments are designed to provide thorough insights and support. We utilize a variety of methods, including clinical interviews, mood rating scales, personality inventories, and psychological as well as neurocognitive testing, tailored to each individual’s needs. By collaborating closely with psychiatrists and therapists, we ensure that our findings contribute to a cohesive treatment plan. Our recommendations may encompass psychiatric referrals and prioritize the most critical symptom clusters for effective treatment. We also highlight psychological interventions that are proven to assist in areas of difficulty, along with offering psychoeducation to family members. Our ultimate goal goes beyond merely managing symptoms; we are dedicated to empowering individuals. We strive to help each person gain a deeper understanding of their emotional landscape, enabling them to live confidently and authentically.
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Meet Your Therapist

Susan Chi, PhD

Susan Chi, PhD

Licensed Clinical Psychologist in California and New York

Client & Professional Testimonials

"I have struggled with depression my entire life, and no psychologist has been able to help me like Susan. With her kindness and professionalism, I was able to get through the most challenging time of my life. Sessions with Susan were life-changing and something I looked forward to every week. I wouldn’t be where I am now without her. I’ll be grateful forever.”
H.T.Former Individual Therapy Client
Dr. Chi is a dedicated, supportive, and empathetic provider who truly listens to her patients and provides empirically-based treatments tailored to her patients' needs. Her ability to give diagnostically accurate assessments, alongside thoughtful treatment recommendations, further adds to her already impressive skill set!
Alice Perez, PhDLicensed Clinical Neuropsychologist, Neurology Department, Yale University
Having worked with many therapists before, I never thought that it was possible to achieve results without spending many months to years in therapy; but, Susan was able to help me feel more centered and at peace in just a few sessions using somatic techniques.
S.C.Former Individual Therapy Client
"I struggled with gender dysphoria, and for years I fretted about whether or not to transition - or what transition could even look like for me. But after seeing Dr. Susan Chi I found the courage to make the choices that were best for me. To this day, I am satisfied with the decisions I made while seeing her."
P.A.Former Individual Therapy Client
Susan set the stage for compassionate listening and emotional connection in our marriage. She really understood us as a couple, as well as who we are individually in terms of our backgrounds and cultures. Susan helped us work through a lot of anger, coldness, and pain and helped us learn how to help each see how our dynamic wasn't working, as well as where it came from, and how to use new ways of relating to build security and trust. Thank you.
ST & VMFormer Couples Therapy Clients
Dr. Chi is a caring, warm, dedicated provider that constantly strives to provide effective treatment to the people that she works with. She is dedicated to understanding her clients, their context, and their intersectionalities. Dr. Chi is skilled at constructing healthy therapeutic environments that allow space for healing and growth. It is lovely to work with her and see her help her clients untangle past traumas as they move forward with their lives.
Jessica Carmona, PhDLicensed Clinical Psychologist, VA Medical Center
Dr. Chi is a talented and caring clinician. Her thoroughness, compassion, and diagnostic accuracy go a long way toward creating a comfortable and trusted environment for her clients/patients. Her evidence-based practices incorporate the latest research on both identification and intervention for individuals with varied presenting issues—earning her an outstanding reputation within the neuropsychological (and broader medical) community.
Laura Rabin, PhD, Licensed Psychologist and Clinical NeuropsychologistFaculty at Brooklyn College, CUNY and Associate Editor, The Clinical Neuropsychologist
"My time with Susan has been life-changing. Her sessions are something that I look forward to each week, and never fail to provide me with confidence, energy, and a new understanding of my own thoughts and emotions. She is an incredible listener who has provided me with a sense of control in my life. I truly couldn't imagine this past year without her."
G.S.Former Individual Therapy Client
Dr. Chi is kind, professional, and puts you at ease. She really cares and sees the best in your relationship. She helped gain our relationship back. Even though it was hard for me to learn to listen, heal, and eventually forgive my husband...and it was hard for him to put his anxiety and guilt aside to support me - we learned so much about each other in the process. I feel stronger and more secure and ready to move on.
C.B. & F.R.Former Couples Therapy Clients
Dr. Susan Chi is a thoughtful and compassionate clinician who is adept at understanding the complexity of trauma within a framework that is mindful of intersectionality and individuation. Her experience working with diverse military and civilian populations provides foundational knowledge from which Dr. Chi more fully assesses, consults, and treats all individuals. With this open mindset, Dr. Chi skillfully meets patients where they are in order to cultivate meaningful change. In addition to the delight of witnessing clinical progress with her patients, collaborating with Dr. Chi is intellectually invigorating and exciting.
Stephanie Nelson, PsyD, Licensed Clinical PsychologistNew York University Langone, Department of Psychiatry; VA NY Harbor Healthcare System, Manhattan Campus
Dr. Chi is a great referral resource for my patients. She is able to understand the needs of people with a whole host of complicated medical conditions and functional difficulties that can effect their mental health and day-to-day challenges. My patients praise her for being a thoughtful and effective therapist. I am grateful to have a colleague with such talent and skill.
Dr. Grace Tran, O.D., Board Certified Optometrist, Low Vision Rehabilitation Specialist Diamond Vision Center, Pasadena, CA

*In accordance with APA Ethical Standard 3.05, testimonials listed on this site are anonymized. Permission was obtained after the clients concluded services. Clients were not reimbursed for their recommendations.

Other Psychological Tests

ADHD (Assessment & Coaching)

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Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

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Personality Disorders

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Insurance

In-network with Aetna, Cigna, and Optum. We also accept self-pay and can provide a superbill for clients with PPO insurance.

Cancellation Policy

Scheduled appointments cancelled within 24 hours notice will be billed.

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